subscribe to feed

General Education

Effective Fall 2005

To live and learn in a multicultural, multimedia, multidimensional world, students need certain skills. These are the competencies expected of an educated person, the skills needed for lifelong learning. In this General Education program, these skills are developed in meaningful contexts. They are introduced in the First-Year Experience courses, built upon and strengthened in all subsequent components of the program (some of which emphasize certain of them more than others) and in the major.

1. Critical Thinking: the abilities to compare, contrast, analyze, and synthesize; and to challenge underlying assumptions; to take imaginative leaps and intellectual risks; and to solve problems creatively and effectively.
2.  Reading: the achievement of advanced literacy; that is, the ability to comprehend written material within a variety of genres, and to articulate one’s response verbally and in writing.
3. Quantitative Reasoning: the ability to analyze quantitative material, and use quantitative techniques to solve problems.
4. Writing: development of a writing process that includes the ability to prewrite (brainstorm, outline, take notes, free-write) on a selected topic; to prepare, assess, and organize information; and to compose, revise, and edit a polished product.
5. Speaking and Listening: The ability to use both verbal and nonverbal skills to communicate effectively in one or more languages, to listen actively, and to take part respectfully in group discussions.
6. Conducting Research: the ability to locate, comprehend, and synthesize information; and to understand what constitutes reliable evidence for decision-making.
7. Working with Information Technology: the ability to perform searches; to use word processing and spread sheets; to work with database management systems and presentation software; to work with software to enhance the creative process; and to make effective use of software to organize information and to communicate with others.
8. Collaborating with Others: to know, understand, and respond to others’ feelings and perspectives; to work and learn in teams to enhance interpersonal relationship skills; and to develop an awareness of leadership approaches and the ability to influence others. 

* These Connections may be double counted with a major, minor, or any other general education requirement.
** These Connections are 3-credit experiences taken as part of the major and hence add no credits to those required for the major.