The College of Liberal Arts is excited to introduce a new program, “The Wright Questions,” as part of the Wright State Core. This innovative pathway offers four distinct thematic tracks, each centered on a “Wright Question” that serves as a unifying thread across a sequence of five Core courses. Students who complete one of these coordinated pathways, along with one additional Humanities course of their choice, will fulfill a substantial portion of their Core requirements and earn a valuable credential, the Certificate in Applied Humanities.
Beginning in Fall 2026, students may choose from four Wright Questions focused on health, violence, machines, and the environment. Each pathway satisfies Core requirements in English, History, Arts and Humanities, and one Social Science. These courses will also meet many—if not all—the Core requirements in Global Inquiry and Integrated Writing.
Choose Your Question: The Four Central Themes of the Wright Questions
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Wright Question #1: What Is a Healthy and Good Life?
The Latin phrase mens sana in corpore sano—“a healthy mind in a healthy body”—invites us to consider what it truly means to be well. Are mind and body separate, or fundamentally interconnected? Can we be healthy if the world around us is not? How do purpose and meaning shape happiness? What do we value more: stability and security, or excitement and change—and why do people sometimes pursue risk despite the dangers?
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Wright Question #2: Can Humans Live in Harmony with Nature?
Human beings share the planet with countless other species—and with one another. Our choices, even at a local level, have global consequences. Because we are deeply interconnected with both our environment and our communities, this pathway explores how we can live sustainably, avoid exploitation, and foster coexistence. Students will examine environmental challenges alongside questions of intercultural understanding and global cooperation.
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Wright Question #3: Are Humans Different from Machines?
In what ways are humans distinct from machines and animals—and in what ways are we not? Traditions across cultures have defined humanity through ideas such as reason, language, the soul, or divine creation. How do these ideas hold up in an era of artificial intelligence and evolving perspectives on animal rights? Can life exist without a physical body? How do definitions of “the human” intersect with race, gender, class, and sexuality?
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Wright Question #4: What Explains War, Violence, and Injustice—and What Can Stop It?
By examining historical and contemporary conflicts, this pathway asks whether war is an inevitable feature of human life or a problem to be solved. Is war ever justified? If it occurs, can it be conducted ethically? What is the relationship between violence and injustice, and how can nonviolent strategies create meaningful change? Ultimately, students will confront whether a more just—and less violent—world is possible.
While some Wright Questions may align more closely with particular majors, all offer compelling perspectives that resonate across disciplines. We believe that each pathway has the power to engage a broad and diverse student population at Wright State.
From their first semester, students will be able to select a general education pathway aligned with their interests and career goals. Along the way, they will develop skills highly valued by employers, including critical thinking, complex analysis, effective communication, persuasive argumentation, contextual reasoning, and a deep respect for diverse perspectives and experiences.
Interested? Seats are limited and enrollment is by permission only—so we encourage students to speak with their academic adviser to learn more and secure their place.