1 The General Education Program Mission Rooted in the tradition of liberal arts education, FGCU s General Education Program provides students with opportunities to cultivate the intellectual curiosity, knowledge, and skills necessary for academic success, engaged citizenship, and lifelong learning. Purpose FGCU s General Education Program (GEP) orients students to college-level expectations and experiences, and helps them to attain: Knowledge in multiple disciplines The GEP offers courses in communication, mathematics, the arts and humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences to acquaint students with an array of subject areas and disciplinary methods. Intellectual and practical skills The GEP emphasizes critical thinking, effective communication, and quantitative reasoning to develop students academic, career, and life skills. Civic Identity The GEP challenges students to engage with diverse and interconnected social and natural worlds in ethical, responsible, and creative ways. The General Education Program incorporates a variety of high-impact educational practices, such as: Writing-Intensive, Writing-Focused, and/or Writing-Enriched Courses Learning Communities Service Learning, Community-Based Learning Diversity and Global Learning Undergraduate Research Collaborative Assignments and Projects
2 Competencies Students in FGCU s General Education Program obtain foundational knowledge in several subject areas, gain experience in multiple disciplinary approaches, and become proficient in the following: Written Communication (DRAFT) Students will be able to: Employ the conventions of standard written English; Select a topic, and develop it for a specific audience and purpose, with respect for diverse perspectives; Organize and present relevant content with coherence, clarity, and unity; Develop information literacy and research skills including the ability to collect, analyze, synthesize, and accurately present and document information; Use appropriate language to convey meaning effectively; Apply critical reading skills. Comment [eotto1]: Competency Assessment Teams will review and update (if necessary) current outcomes for Written Communication, Critical Thinking, and Quantitative Reasoning. Critical Thinking (DRAFT) Students will be able to: Define an issue or problem using appropriate terminology; Select, organize, and evaluate information; Identify and analyze assumptions made by oneself and others; Synthesize information, and draw reasoned inferences; Develop and clearly state a position, taking into account all relevant points of view; Formulate an informed and logical conclusion, and test it for viability. Quantitative Reasoning (DRAFT) Students will be able to: Solve mathematical problems; Analyze and interpret quantitative data; Summarize data into graphic and tabular formats; Make valid inferences from data; Distinguish between valid and invalid quantitative analysis and reasoning. Civic Identity (DRAFT) Students will be able to: Demonstrate an understanding of cultural differences and worldviews including their own cultural self-awareness; Identify significant historical and current issues in the social and/or natural worlds; Evaluate the importance of global interdependence including the position of the U.S. in the current global environment, or explain the historical, political, scientific, cultural, and socioeconomic interconnections between the U.S. and the rest of the world; Explain basic principles of civic societies, historical and current, local and global; Assess their own roles and responsibilities in social and/or natural communities. Comment [eotto2]: Civic Identity Competency Assessment Team will develop final outcomes for Civic Identity.
3 The Policy Subject Areas and Competencies The FGCU General Education Program requires students to complete 36 credit hours of instruction in the following subject areas: Communication 6 hours Students complete a two-semester sequence in English composition. The sequence develops students communication skills in written formats; this includes reading critically as well as writing clearly in a variety of styles. Students may satisfy all or part of this requirement with approved IB, AICE, CLEP or AP English credit scores. Mathematics 6 hours Mathematics and statistics courses give students competence in quantitative methods and an understanding of how those methods are used to describe and analyze the natural world. These courses also give students exposure to the theories and practice of mathematics, and to the unique nature of mathematical knowledge. They will have a practical component, giving students the opportunity to apply mathematical and statistical methods to "real-world" problems. All students must successfully complete either STA 2023 (Statistical Methods) or STA 2037 (Statistics with Calculus), and an additional 3 credit hours of approved coursework at the level of college algebra or higher. Arts & Humanities 9 hours Students are required to complete HUM 2510 (Understanding Visual & Performing Arts), plus 6 additional semester hours of humanities coursework, which may include literature, philosophy, religion, and the fine arts. Humanities courses provide students the opportunity to study the aesthetic dimension of human experience and to learn how people have given creative interpretations to events from differing perspectives. Students will learn the methods, suppositions, and theories of the chosen areas of study. Comment [eotto3]: Will FGCU keep this requirement? Comment [eotto4]: The implications of this requirement need to be examined closely in light of the State-mandated changes to General Education in Florida. Social Sciences 6-9 hours Students must successfully complete 6 to 9 semester hours of approved coursework in the social science disciplines. Social sciences courses include the disciplines of history, economics, anthropology, sociology, area studies, geography, political science, and psychology. Students will gain an understanding of historical and socio-cultural perspectives and a sense of the evolution of societies and the various modes of interaction among peoples of the world. Coursework completed in the Social Sciences and Natural Sciences areas must total 15 semester hours. Natural Sciences 6-9 hours Students must successfully complete a minimum of two courses, totaling 6 to 9 semester hours, of approved coursework in the natural sciences that include biology, chemistry, geology, environmental studies, marine science, and physics. At least one course must include a laboratory or field component; courses meeting this requirement contain "C" or "L" in their course numbers. A maximum of 1 credit hour may be applied for each laboratory section
accompanying a corresponding lecture. Courses will give students experience in the theories, principles, and practices of the natural sciences and will address the relationship of science with the modern world. Coursework completed in the Social Sciences and Natural Sciences areas must total 15 semester hours. 4 FGCU s General Education Program helps students to become proficient in several Competency areas. Students learn Critical Thinking skills in Arts & Humanities, Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences courses; Written Communication skills in Communication and select Arts & Humanities and Social Sciences courses; and Quantitative Reasoning skills in Mathematics courses. Students must also complete 6 credit hours of courses designated Civic Identity. These courses can be found in the Arts & Humanities, Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences subject areas. The Courses Communication (6 hours) Students complete a two-semester sequence in English composition. The sequence develops students communication skills in written formats; this includes reading critically as well as writing clearly in a variety of styles. Students may satisfy all or part of this requirement with approved IB, AICE, CLEP or AP English credit scores. Written Communication Competency Courses Students must complete ENC 1101 and ENC 1102. Comment [eotto5]: Most courses in Arts & Humanities, Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences will be Critical Thinking courses, so students will get sufficient breadth of Critical Thinking experience by completing the program. In other words, Critical Thinking is built in to the program; we don t need to specify a number of required Critical Thinking Hours. However, we might want to advertise that students will get at least x hours of Critical Thinking in the GEP. Comment [eotto6]: ENC 1101 and ENC 1102 will give students 6 hours of Written Communication experience. Since students might take an additional (W) course, again we might advertise that students will get at least 6 hours of Written Communication... Comment [eotto7]: Students get 6 hours of Quantitative Reasoning experience in their Mathematics courses. Comment [eotto8]: Natural Sciences Civic Identity options contingent upon courses being proposed into this Competency by Natural Sciences programs. ENC 1101 Composition I (W) ENC 1102 Composition II (W) Mathematics (6 hours) Mathematics and statistics courses give students competence in quantitative methods and an understanding of how those methods are used to describe and analyze the natural world. These courses also give students exposure to the theories and practice of mathematics, and to the unique nature of mathematical knowledge. They will have a practical component, giving students the opportunity to apply mathematical and statistical methods to "real-world" problems. All students must successfully complete either STA 2023 (Statistical Methods) or STA 2037 (Statistics with Calculus), and an additional 3 credit hours of approved coursework at the level of college algebra or higher. Comment [eotto9]: See note 3. Quantitative Reasoning Competency Courses STA 2023 Statistical Methods (3) STA 2037 Statistics with Calculus (3) MAC 1105 College Algebra (3) MAC 1147 Precalculus (4) MAC 2233 Elementary Calculus (3) MAC 2311 Calculus I (4)
5 MAC 2312 Calculus II (4) MGF 1106 Finite Mathematics (3) MGF 1107 General Mathematics (3) MHF 2310 Symbolic Logic (3) STA 2122 Social Science Statistics (3) Arts & Humanities (9 hours) Students are required to complete HUM 2510 (Understanding Visual & Performing Arts), plus 6 additional semester hours of humanities coursework, which may include literature, philosophy, religion, and the fine arts. Humanities courses provide students the opportunity to study the aesthetic dimension of human experience and to learn how people have given creative interpretations to events from differing perspectives. Students will learn the methods, suppositions, and theories of the chosen areas of study. Comment [eotto10]: This course does not fulfill the State requirement, but every other Mathematics course does. Fulfilling the State mandate for Mathematics is thus built into the Mathematics subject area requirement, because students will necessarily take a State-approved course in their 6-hour Math requirement. Comment [eotto11]: See note 4. Students must complete at least one course marked *. Critical Thinking Competency Courses AML 2010 Literature & Culture of the US I (3) AML 2020 Literature & Culture of the US II (3) ARH X000 Art Appreciation (3)* ARH 2050 History of the Visual Arts I (3) ARH 2051 History of the Visual Arts II (3) ARH 2500 Survey of Non-Western Art (3) CRW 2001 Intro to Creative Writing (W) (3) CRW 2732 Intro to Nature Writing (W) (3) ENL 2012 British Literature & Culture I (3) ENL 2022 British Literature & Culture II (3) FIL 2000 Introduction to Film (3) HUM 1931 Humanities and Social Issues (3) HUM X020 Introduction to Humanities (3)* HUM 2395 Environmental Humanities (3) HUM 2510: Understanding Visual and Performing Arts (3) HUM 2930 Intro to Humanities (3) IDH 2931 Honors Humanities Seminar (W) (3) IDH 2933 Honors Great Books: Humanities (W) (3) LIT 2000 Intro to Literature (W) (3)* LIT 2110 World Literature & Culture I (3) LIT 2120 World Literature & Culture II (3) MMC 2604 News Literacy (3) MMC 2604L News Literacy Recitation (0) MUH 2512 World Music Cultures (3) MUL X010 Music Literature/Music Appreciation (3)* MUL 2110 Intro to Music Literature (3) PHI 2000 Intro to Philosophy (W) (3)* PHI 2016 Philosophy through Film (3)
6 REL 2306 Contemporary World Religions (3) SPC 1017 Fundamentals of Communication (3) SPT 2721 Latino Culture & Society (3) THE X000 Theatre Appreciation (3)* THE 2020 Intro to Theatre (3) THE 2300 Survey of Dramatic Literature (3) Written Communication Competency Courses CRW 2001 Intro to Creative Writing (W) (3) CRW 2732 Intro to Nature Writing (W) (3) IDH 2931 Honors Humanities Seminar (W) (3) IDH 2933 Honors Great Books: Humanities (W) (3) LIT 2000 Intro to Literature (W) (3)* PHI 2000 Intro to Philosophy (W) (3)* Civic Identity Competency Courses HUM 1931 Humanities and Social Issues (3) HUM 2395 Environmental Humanities (3) Comment [eotto12]: Will these Statemandated course options remain writing intensive? Social Sciences (6-9 hours) Students must successfully complete 6 to 9 semester hours of approved coursework in the social science disciplines. Social sciences courses include the disciplines of history, economics, anthropology, sociology, area studies, geography, political science, and psychology. Students will gain an understanding of historical and socio-cultural perspectives and a sense of the evolution of societies and the various modes of interaction among peoples of the world. Coursework completed in the Social Sciences and Natural Sciences areas must total 15 semester hours. Students must complete at least one course marked *. Critical Thinking Competency Courses AFA 2000 Intro to African & Diaspora Studies (W) (3) AFS 2250 Culture & Society in Africa (3) AMH 2010 US History to 1877 (W) (3) AMH 2020 US History since 1877 (W) (3)* ANT 2000 Intro to Anthropology (3)* ANT 2100 Intro to Archaeology (3) ANT 2211 Peoples of the World (W) (3) ANT 2410 Cultural Anthropology (3) ASH 1301 History of East Asia (3) ASH 1320 History of South Asia (3) ASN 2005 Intro to Asian Studies (3)
7 CPO 2001 Intro to Comparative Politics (3) DEP 2004 Principles of Development (3) ECO 1000 Survey of Economics (3) ECO 2013 Principles of Macro Economics (3)* ECO 2023 Principles of Micro Economics (3) EUH 1000 The Western Tradition, Part I (3) EUH 1001 The Western Tradition, Part II (3) EUH 2011 Ancient European History (3) EUH 2012 Roman Republic and Empire (3) EUH 2015 Classical Greece (3) EUH 2021 Medieval European History (3) EUH 2031 Modern European History (3) GEA 2000 Intro to Geography (3) GEY 2000 Aging and the Life Course (3) HSC 2106 Choosing Wellness (3) HSC 2130 Holistic Health: Self Care (3) IDH 2932 Honors Great Books: Social Sciences (W) (3) IDS 1356 Applied Critical Thinking (3) INR 2005 Peace & Conflict in the Public Sphere (3) INR 2015 Global Studies (3) ISS 2011 Interdisciplinary Social Sciences (3) ISS 2200 Intro to International Studies (3) LAH 2020 Intro to Latin American History (3) LAS 2000 Intro to Latin American Studies (W) (3) MAN 2062 Ethical Issues (3) POS 2041 American National Government (3)* POS 2112 State & Local Government & Politics (3) PSY 2012 General Psychology (3)* SOP 2770 Introduction to Human Sexuality (3) SOW 2130 Diversity Consciousness (3) SYG 2000 Introduction to Sociology (3)* SYG 2010 Social Problems (3) SYG 2012 Comp Sociology-Global Issues (3) SYG 2220 Intro to Gender Studies (3) SYG 2231 Intro to African-American Studies (3) SYG 2250 Multicultural Issues (3) SYG 2442 Sociology of Sport (3) WOH 1023 World Civ 1500-1815 (W) (3) WOH 1030 World Civ since 1815 (W) (3) Written Communication Competency Courses AFA 2000 Intro to African & Diaspora Studies (W) (3) AMH 2010 US History to 1877 (W) (3) AMH 2020 US History since 1877 (W) (3)* ANT 2211 Peoples of the World (W) (3) IDH 2932 Honors Great Books: Social Sciences (W) (3) LAS 2000 Intro to Latin American Studies (W) (3) Comment [eotto13]: Will this State-mandated course remain writing intensive?
8 WOH 1023 World Civ 1500-1815 (W) (3) WOH 1030 World Civ since 1815 (W) (3) Civic Identity Competency Courses Natural Sciences (6-9 hours) Students must successfully complete a minimum of two courses, totaling 6 to 9 semester hours, of approved coursework in the natural sciences that include biology, chemistry, geology, environmental studies, marine science, and physics. At least one course must include a laboratory or field component; courses meeting this requirement contain "C" or "L" in their course numbers. A maximum of 1 credit hour may be applied for each laboratory section accompanying a corresponding lecture. Courses will give students experience in the theories, principles, and practices of the natural sciences and will address the relationship of science with the modern world. Coursework completed in the Social Sciences and Natural Sciences areas must total 15 semester hours. Students must complete at least one course marked *. Critical Thinking Course Options ANT 2511C Intro to Physical Anthropology (3) AST 2002C Intro to Space Science (3)* AST 2004C Stellar Astronomy (4) AST 2005C Intro to Astrobiology (3) AST 2100C Solar System Astronomy (4) BOT 2800 Plants and Society (3) BSC 1005 Biological Science (3)* BSC 1005L Biological Science Lab (1) BSC 1010 General Biology I (3)* BSC 1010L General Biology I Lab (1) BSC 1010C General Biology w/lab I (4)* BSC 1011 General Biology II (3)* BSC 1011L General Biology II Lab (1) BSC 1011C General Biology w/lab II (4)* BSC 1020C Human Systems (3) BSC 1051C Environmental Biology-SW Florida (3) BSC 1085C Human Anatomy & Physiology w/lab I (4)* BSC 1086C Human Anatomy & Physiology w/lab II (4)* BSC 2024C Human Species (3) BSC 2026 Biology of Human Sexuality (3) BSC 2300C Biological Systems I (4) CHM X020 Chemistry for Liberal Studies (3)*
9 CHM 1045 General Chemistry I (3)* CHM 1045L General Chemistry I Laboratory (1) CHM 1045C General Chemistry I w/lab (4)* CHM 1046 General Chemistry II (3)* CHM 1046L General Chemistry II Lab (1) CHM 1046C General Chemistry w/lab II (4)* CHM 1084C Environmental Chemistry (4) CHM 2210 Organic Chemistry I (3) CHM 2210L Organic Chemistry I Lab (1) CHM 2210C Organic Chemistry w/lab I (4) CHM 2211 Organic Chemistry II (3) CHM 2211L Organic Chemistry II Lab (1) CHM 2211C Organic Chemistry w/lab II (4) EVR 1001C Intro to Environmental Science (3)* EVR 2264 Environmental Health (3) GLY 1000 Physical Geology (3) GLY 1000L Physical Geology Lab (1) GLY 1000C Physical Geology (4) GLY 2030C Environmental Geology (3) GLY 2100C Historical Geology (3) ISC 1002C Systems of Physical Science (3) ISC 2930 Selected Topics in Interdisciplinary Science (3) MCB 1000C Microbes and Society (3) MCB 2010C Microbiology w/lab (4)* OCE 1001C Marine Systems (3) PCB 2336 Human Genetics (3) PHY 2020 Conceptual Physics (3)* PHY 2048C General Physics w/lab I (4) PHY 2049C General Physics w/lab II (4) PHY 2053C College Physics w/lab I (4) PHY 2054C College Physics w/lab II (4) Civic Identity Course Options Comment [eotto14]: See note 8.