Bachelor's Degree in General Studies (BGS)

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1 Bachelor's Degree in General Studies (BGS) Executive Summary The Colleges of Letters, Arts and Science (CLAS) Bachelor's Degree in General Studies (BGS) is an alternative to the University of Arizona's BA and BS degrees. Notably, while it is one of the University's newest degrees, the BGS is in fact modeled after a centuries-old tradition of scholarship that aims to provide students with a liberal arts and sciences education, broad enough to make one both an outstanding citizen and a lifelong lover of learning. This document reflects the research work of the CLAS Associate Deans as well as the BGS/CLAS Faculty Committee. Members of the faculty committee are: Co-chairs -- Bobbi McKean (CFA), David Killick (SBS). Members -- Steven Martinson (COH), George Gehrels (CoS), Leticia Soto-Delgadillo (CES). Target Population The degree is designed as an alternative to traditional BA/BS degrees both in and beyond CLAS. The degree has in mind students who have wide-ranging academic interests and do not wish to focus their studies on one particular discipline. The population includes: All freshmen who enter without a major or pre-major. They would enter as a BGS student or as a no major selected within a specific College. Transfer students, entering without a major and particularly non-traditional students who have completed general education courses and/or associate degrees. s who began as pre-majors but were unable to gain admission. s who have not declared a major but are close to, or over the 60 units /time to declare a major policy. Faculty and Administration Faculty: The BGS Degree will be administered by a BGS Faculty Committee comprised of six - seven faculty members drawn from units within CLAS. The BGS Faculty Committee will serve as the curriculum committee for the degree. It will provide support for grade appeals, academic integrity cases. Periodically, it will assess the degree's general structure and measure its success. One of its members will assume the position of Director. The Director of the BGS Degree will provide oversight of the degree in tandem with the Associate Deans of the CLAS. Other members of the committee will serve as the faculty coordinator for each of the six concentrations to provide continuity within that concentration. Advising: advising for BGS Degree-seeking students will be overseen primarily by the Center for Exploratory s which will work in close collaboration with the BGS Faculty Committee. Each concentration will have an adviser who will provide help and oversight to the faculty coordinator and the students. Space: The BGS degree program will be housed largely in CES. November 8, 2010 Working DRAFT #5 1

2 Curriculum The BGS curriculum embraces a multidisciplinary (rather than interdisciplinary) approach to the curriculum. The program of study provides a structure of flexible pathways for obtaining a degree with a broad academic reach. The program is purposeful, procedurally well crafted, and pedagogically responsible. It establishes the necessary evaluative structures for a degree of this type. The curriculum embraces a three-tiered approach beginning with General Education as the first tier, the major requirements as the second, and the focus concentration as the third. Because of the multidisciplinary nature of the degree, the curriculum does not include a minor. The range of departments/courses within each concentration reflects the diversity in course work that would normally be achieved by a minor within a traditional one discipline-based degree. The core options requirement coupled with the focus option requirement would also make it very difficult for student to complete a minor with different courses outside of those within the selected concentrations. From start to finish, the BGS Degree requires 120 hours, including: Foundations English 6 units Math 3 units General Education* Tier I 18 units Tier II 12 units *units include the Gender, Race, Class, Ethnicity, Sexual Orientation, or Non-Western Studies requirement 4 th Semester Second Language Proficiency units 0-16 units Total Units in Foundations units General Studies (GS) Major * Major Requirements 27 units s must select at least three courses from three of the six concentrations. Focus Concentration Options 36 units s select courses from one concentration which could be additional units from one of the three concentrations selected in the major requirement or from a different concentration. BGS students have the option of completing a capstone experience (e.g. a capstone project or an internship) for 1 3 units within the 36 total units. Total Units in the GS Major * At least 30 units must be upper-division courses. 63 units General Electives 2-18 units *depending on number of language credits needed for 4 th semester proficiency Other Requirements A 2.0 GPA in the GS major is required. November 8, 2010 Working DRAFT #5 2

3 Procedures To complete the BGS degree, students will: 1. Meet with a CES advisor to discuss the BGS Degree and identify the core concentrations and possible focus concentration option. 2. All incoming freshman BGS students are strongly encouraged to complete a first year success course by their second semester at the University of Arizona 3. Meet regularly with a CES advisor regarding the student s progress with regard to the core and focus concentrations courses. 4. CES advisors and members of the BGS Faculty Committee meet regularly to update course selections within each concentration and to approve course substitutions. The faculty coordinator in the focus concentration and the CES Advisor sign off on the degree check. Assessment Description The Bachelor of General Studies degree is designed to provide students with a well-rounded multidisciplinary experience. The curriculum includes requirements that help students become confident citizens of the world who are prepared to discern and successfully carry out their vocations, take active roles in the leadership of community organizations and initiatives, and be responsible and effective members of global society. s also gain practical experience and theoretical acuity in their focus concentration of interest. Study within these concentrations will help students develop many of the necessary skills to pursue a career more effectively, to understand many of the complexities of contemporary society, and to put these skills to work in local, regional, national, and international settings. 1. Graduates of the BGS Degree must demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between multiple disciplines of study. 2. Graduates of the BGS Degree are expected to know and understand what it means to be an educated citizen and responsible member of global society. 3. Graduates of the BGS Degree must demonstrate the ability to communicate ideas through a variety of different media oral, written, visual. 4. Graduates of the BGS Degree must demonstrate the key knowledge and understandings as specified within the selected focus concentration. *Assessment Tools and Projected Findings yet to be developed. *Program evaluation measurements yet to be developed. November 8, 2010 Working DRAFT #5 3

4 Concentrations The six concentrations reflect groupings of departments/majors from across CLAS and the other Colleges at the University. Requiring that students select three courses from three concentrations reflects the multidisciplinary approach to the degree. This requirement also establishes a sound and consistent foundation upon which students' more advanced course work on one concentration can be built. The six concentrations are: Social Behavior and Human Understanding Arts, Media and Entertainment Study of the American Experience Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Business and Industry Global and Intercultural Understanding The following outlines a working draft of description, student outcomes and selected departments/majors for each concentration. Specific courses will be determined by department faculty and are subject to change with the evolution of the BGS degree, the concentrations and student outcomes. Alternative courses within or from other departments may be substituted in a given concentration with approval by CES advisor and BGS faculty. November 8, 2010 Working DRAFT #5 4

5 Concentration Descriptions and Description Social Behavior and Human Understanding The Social Behavior and Human Understanding concentration is designed to provide students with a basis for understanding social systems and the interactions of individuals and societies. Major requirements stipulate students take three courses in at least two different disciplines that emphasize the development of an appreciation of and sensitivity to differences between and among individuals in different economic, political, religious, cultural, ethnic, and social groups. Focus in this concentration emphasizes an increased understanding and ability to evaluate multiple perspectives on social and cultural change, and to assess the strengths and weaknesses of conflicting points of view. Potential Demonstrate the development of interpersonal skills. Exhibit an awareness of the roles that disability, race, class, ethnicity, culture, religion, socioeconomic status, and gender play in micro-, meso-, and macro-level interactions and exchanges. Identify the contributions and needs of others in society utilizing social, behavioral, and humanist perspectives from a variety of disciplines. Demonstrate an understanding of human motivation, the role of power, and the effects of change in historical and contemporary societies. Agriculture Education Anthropology Communication Education (incl LRC, TTE, EDL, EDP) Family Studies & Human Development Gender & Women s Studies History Humanities (all departments) Linguistics Philosophy Sociology Philosophy, Politics, Economics, & Law (PPEL) Physics Political Science Psychology Public Health Speech and Hearing Sciences November 8, 2010 Working DRAFT #5 5

6 Description Arts, Media, & Entertainment The Arts, Media, & Entertainment concentration is designed to provide students with the opportunity to develop skills in criticism and evaluation of art forms, an understanding of the processes by which art and creativity are communicated, and an academic knowledge of promotion and marketing in the performing arts. Major requirements stipulate students take three courses in at least two different art forms or media in order to gain exposure to the impacts of arts and media in contemporary culture. Focus in this concentration emphasizes the ability to analyze the effects of the social, network, technical, and entertainment arts and media, and to develop the academic preparation necessary to pursue careers in arts, media, entertainment, and associated fields. Demonstrate an awareness of the roles that arts, entertainment, amusement, recreation, and media have played in contemporary and historical societies. Identify the contributions of different artists and art forms to the human condition. Exhibit an awareness of how art, media, and entertainment shape and are shaped by cultural priorities and norms, regionally, nationally, and internationally. Develop and identify their own strengths, interests, opportunities, and potential contributions in and to the arts and related fields. Potential Africana Studies American Indian Studies Art Art Education Art History Communication Classics Creative Writing Dance East Asian Studies English French Gender & Women Studies German Information Science, Technology & Arts Italian Journalism Latin American Studies Media Arts Architecture Mexican American Studies Music Psychology Theatre Arts Russian November 8, 2010 Working DRAFT #5 6

7 Description Study of the American Experience The Study of the American Experience concentration is designed to provide students with the opportunity to explore the diversity of experiences and perspectives in the United States. s will learn about the cultures, traditions, politics, domestic and international relations, and histories that have contributed to the shaping of the American experience. Major requirements stipulate students take three courses focusing on the cultures and histories of at least two different groups or counties. Focus in this concentration emphasizes developing skills in effective writing, critical analysis, research, and the ability to think about problems in multiple ways using multiple theories and methods as they apply to study of the American experience. Potential Demonstrate an understanding of how economic, political, and social changes have influenced race and ethnic relations, environmental use and protection, and arts and entertainment in the Americas. Exhibit an awareness of the roles that different immigration trends and policies, social changes, and civil rights movements have played in shaping historical and contemporary cultures in the US, Latin America, and South America. Africana Studies American Indian Studies Anthropology Art Art History Classics East Asian Studies English Geography & Regional Development Gender & Women Studies History International Studies Latin American Studies Media Arts Architecture Mexican American Studies Music Political Science Religious Studies Sociology Spanish/Portuguese Theatre Arts November 8, 2010 Working DRAFT #5 7

8 Description Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) The STEM concentration designed to develop critical awareness of the methods and limits of scientific inquiry, while fostering observational and analytical skills and skills in quantitative analysis and deductive reasoning. Major requirements stipulate students take three courses from at least two different STEM disciplines in order to examine and evaluate the world around them from a scientific perspective. Focus in this concentration emphasizes, either through a multidisciplinary approach or a more in-depth study within one of the STEM disciplines, academic preparation in both the technical and non-technical skills required for professional success, including the importance of both logic and creative problem-solving. Exhibit the development of specific skills related to STEM disciplines, particularly the use of math and science to solve problems in concentrations such as health, natural resource use and conservation, sustainability, information science, and engineering. Exhibit an awareness of the contributions the STEM fields have made to modern living. Demonstrate an understanding of the roles of teamwork and interpersonal communication in scientific advancement and discovery. Potential Agribusiness Economics & Management Animal Science Anthropology Astronomy Biochemistry Chemistry Communication Computer Science Crop Production Ecology & Evol Biology Engineering (all departments) Environmental Hydrology & Water Resource Economics Environmental Science Geography Geosciences Hydrology & Water Resources Information Science, Technology & Arts Integrated Science Mathematics Microbiology Molecular & Cellular Biology Natural Resources Neuroscience & Cognitive Science Nursing Nutritional Science Philosophy Physics Physiology Plant Sciences Psychology Speech, Language, & Hearing Veterinary Science November 8, 2010 Working DRAFT #5 8

9 Description Business and Industry The Business and Industry concentration is designed to develop an understanding of business and its role in society. Major requirements stipulate students take three courses from at least two different business disciplines in order to gain a working knowledge of basic business principles and structures. Focus in this concentration provide students with both practical and theoretical approaches to understanding various industries, labor relations, organizational culture, and human resources, either through a multidisciplinary approach or through concentration in one area such as the environment, the arts or marketing.. Demonstrate an understanding of basic business concepts such as business ethics, economics, finance, planning and evaluation, management, and promotion. Demonstrate competence in the use of digital communication and basic information technologies. Exhibit an awareness of the importance of interpersonal skills in workplace relations, including the legal and ethical impacts of workplace discrimination and the nature of bureaucracies. Accounting Race Track Industry Program Agribusiness Economics & Management Retailing & Consumer Science Agriculture Education Theatre Arts Animal Science Art Education Business Administration Environmental & Water Resource Economics Economics Eller College of Management (including Acct, Mgmt, Finance, Marketing, MIS,Entrepreneurship) Family Studies and Human Development Fine Arts Geography & Regional Development Information Science, Technology & Arts Language Departments & Related Programs Management Info Systems Media Arts Music Public Administration & Policy Philosophy, Politics, Economics & Law November 8, 2010 Working DRAFT #5 9

10 Description Global and Intercultural Understanding The Global and Intercultural Understanding concentration is designed to provide students with an understanding of the customs, cultures, mores, practices, contributions, and struggles of peoples around the globe. Through ethnographic accounts, students are exposed to various ways of life across the world, and gain the academic preparation needed to succeed in an increasingly global workforce. Major requirements stipulate students take at least one course out of the three required outside their own ethnic or cultural framework and that focuses on a culture, society, literature, or language of a nation or region that, as a general principle, is located outside the United States, Canada, or Europe. Courses that focus on Native American history or culture may also fulfill the requirement. Potential. Focus in this concentration emphasizes increased study and application of a cultural and global perspective to historical and contemporary issues and concerns and an understanding of how the nations of the world are economically, politically, socially, and culturally interdependent. Develop intercultural knowledge and sensitivity. Demonstrate an understanding of the roles that culture, politics, and economics play in exacerbating international problems or contributing to their solutions. Exhibit an understanding of the contributions made by different communities and societies in the arts, sciences, humanities, education, and technology. Apply a cultural and global perspective to historical and contemporary issues and concerns. Show evidence of an understanding of how the nations of the world are economically, politically, socially, and culturally interdependent. Africana Studies American Indian Studies Anthropology Art History Classics East Asian Studies Environmental & Water Resource Economics Resource Economics English French & Italian Geography Gender & Women s Studies German Studies History International Studies Judaic Studies Latin American Studies Linguistics Media Arts Mexican American Studies Music Near Eastern Studies Political Science Religious Studies Russian & Slavic Studies Sociology Spanish & Portuguese Theatre Arts November 8, 2010 Working DRAFT #5 10