Objectives

Upon completion of General Education program requirements, students should have the ability to:

• read, write and understand relatively complex and sophisticated English pose,
• construct non-fallacious verbal argument, recognize fallacious arguments and follow the verbal arguments of others,
• find and use common references in libraries, engage in specialized library research, use computers and seek out appropriate expert opinion and advice, and
• use mathematical ideas to accomplish a variety of tasks where their use is essential or helpful.

In addition to these basic skills, courses in the sciences, arts, humanities and social sciences have been carefully selected to help students understand:

• current theory and knowledge about the physical universe; a firsthand acquaintance with the methods of science, including a general understanding of the role of hypothesis formation and theory testing; and the enhancement of conceptual problem solving skills in the sciences.
• current theory and knowledge concerning the origins and varieties of life on this planet, the basic principles of life processes, the interdependence of living creatures in ecological systems, and the effects on life of changes in the environment,
• the historical and cultural influences that have played a role in the evolution of values, principles, beliefs and ideals commonly encountered in Western and non-Western cultures through a study of significant literary, philosophical and artistic works,
• the role of major social institutions which affect our lives and the role individuals and groups play in shaping those institutions, which includes the study of the theory and methods of the social sciences,
• the perspectives and contributions to human activities and experiences of people from diverse cultures and backgrounds, including the contribution and perspectives of non-Western cultures, and of women, ethnic and other underrepresented groups who have been the objects of prejudice and adverse discrimination within our society, and
• currently held views and methods for expanding our knowledge of the processes of mental and physical development through the human life cycle.

Courses selected and approved by the faculty for the General Education program are designed to meet these objectives. Students are encouraged to consult an academic advisor in their major department, Academic Advising or the Degree Evaluations Office in planning their G.E. program. General Education courses offered are listed each semester in the Student's Registration and Advising Handbook.