2017-2018 Catalog 
    
    Mar 19, 2024  
2017-2018 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

The General Education Core


Area A: Communication


  • A.A., A.S., A.F.A., A.A.T.: 9 semester hours

To facilitate development of these essential abilities, students take courses in the following areas:

The purpose of courses in writing and speaking is to foster the ability to communicate effectively with others, whether in speech or writing. The complexities of the modern world require the ability to think independently and express ideas clearly. Because these courses provide such important foundation skills, students should complete them early in the degree program so what they learn can improve their performance in other courses. Satisfactory completion of the required writing course sequence, ENG 101 Composition I  and ENG 102 Composition II , will mean a grade of “C” or better in both courses.

The following 3 courses (9 credit hours), including a two-course sequence in writing and one course in oral communication, are required:

Writing Course Sequence


Note:


All students must write a passing English 101 Portfolio in order to pass ENG 101 

Oral Communication


Area B: Humanities and Fine Arts


  • A.A., A.A.T.: 9 credit hours
  • A.S.: 6 credit hours
  • A.F.A.: 6 credit hours from Humanities only

Study in the Humanities, Fine Arts, and Philosophy helps develop an understanding of what it means to be human. These courses expose students to great works of literature, art, music, and theater, enhancing their appreciation and understanding of the arts. They also examine the religious traditions and cultural expressions of people in a variety of cultures who have struggled to understand the basic questions that confront human beings - questions about good and evil, identity, courage, love, truth, justice, and morality.

Select 2 or 3 courses (6 or 9 credit hours), with at least one course selected from fine arts and at least one course from the humanities:

Fine Arts Courses


Art


Communication


Music


Theatre


Humanities Courses


Foreign Languages


Note:

*Foreign Language Requirements: Some universities have a foreign language requirement. Generally, four years of a single foreign language in high school or four semesters of language in college will fulfill this requirment. It is recommended that students complete the entire sequence at one institution.

History


Literature


Philosophy


Note:


Interdisciplinary Humanities and Fine Arts [IAI Code] may be used for either humanities or fine arts credit.

Area C: Mathematics


(3-6 credit hours)

Mathematics focuses on quantitative reasoning as a basis for understanding the relationships found in both work and everyday life.

Mathematics provides the tools and skills necessary to organize thinking, apply problem-solving strategies and recognize patterns and processes across many different fields.

Mathematics is also used to determine reasonableness, identify alternatives and select optimal results.

Select 1 to 2 courses (3 to 6 credit hours) from:

Note:


**Prerequisite: MATH 200 Mathematics for Elementary Teaching I  

**MATH 206  fulfills general education requirements only for students seeking state certification as elementary teachers. Students must complete both MATH 200  and MATH 206  prior to transfer.

MATH 112  and MATH 115  are recommended for A.A. and A.F.A. students who do not intend to take higher levels of mathematics.

MATH 153  is intended for students with advanced math skills; it may be taken in place of MATH 115 . Students can receive credit for only one of BUS 240 , MATH 115  and MATH 153 .

Area D: Physical and Life Sciences


  • A.A., A.S., A.F.A., A.A.T.: 7-8 semester hours

The study of science helps students learn how the scientific method is used to discover new truths and re-assess old ones. In science courses, students learn how scientists formulate and test hypotheses to investigate and understand phenomena in the natural world. By participating in laboratory sessions where they use the scientific method themselves, students get first hand experience in how scientists think. Students also become familiar with the physical and biological concepts developed through scientific study. Familiarity with these scientific principles promotes understanding of the natural world and enhances the ability to make informed decisions about environmental, health, and technological problems.

Select two courses (7-8 credit hours), with one course selected from the life sciences and one course from the physical sciences and including at least one laboratory course from:

Life Science Courses


(The “L” in the IAI code indicates a “lab science” course.)

Note:


*These courses are recommended for science majors to meet general education science requirements. Students cannot receive credit for both BIOL 100  and BIOL 112 . BIOL 111  may be used to fulfill the general education life science requirement per IAI guideline that “Students with appropriate preparation may substitute an initial course designed for science majors for a more general course,” per itransfer.org.

Physical Science Courses


(The “L” in the IAI code indicates a “lab science” course.)

Area E: Social and Behavioral Sciences


  • A.A., A.A.T.: 9 credit hours
  • A.S.: 6 credit hours
  • A.F.A.: 6 credit hours

The Social Sciences focus on an appreciation of human continuity and change on both the personal and societal level. Through analysis of historical, political, cultural and economic institutions, students become better able to understand themselves and their own society. They also develop insights into contemporary life including a broader understanding of how society works and what good citizenship means. They also become more self-aware and more attuned to issues relating to the environment, diversity, and social justice. In these courses, students are encouraged to become more reflective and use their new insights to think about how to address contemporary problems.

Select two or three courses (6 or 9 credit hours), with courses selected from at least two disciplines, from:

Economics


Geography


Psychology


Note:


Some universities require a U.S. diversity and a non-Western Cultures course within their general education requirements. It is recommended that you take one course with an IAI code ending in D and one with a code ending in N when choosing your Area B and E courses.