2006-2007 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
General Education Unit
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General Education
Taught by faculty from across the college
Program Mission Statement
An undergraduate education can transform lives. Taught by faculty from multiple departments, General Education serves as the basic integrating component in that process by fostering the acquisition of cultural and scientific literacy and the exercise of critical thinking in personal and global problem solving. At Lyndon State, general education is provided through the General Education Unit (GEU). This cohesive program was created by the faculty to provide a core of knowledge, skills, and values for all students. It serves as a background for majors and careers, a framework from which to assimilate new experiences, and a springboard for lifelong learning.
Program Goals
In addition to two semesters of English composition and two semesters of mathematical reasoning, the GEU introduces the student to “the life of the mind”, provides breadth and some depth in each of the fundamental areas of human knowledge (the arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences), and includes elective credits to ensure that students have the opportunity to explore disciplines of interest to them. It provides the liberal arts and sciences foundation for Lyndon State’s degree programs. All matriculated students, and transfer students with fewer than 12 credits, must be enrolled in INT 1020 (Entering an Academic Community) in their first semester and until the course is successfully completed and will not be awarded sophomore standing until that time. Successful completion of the appropriate GEU is required of all matriculated undergraduate students.
Innovative parts of this program include “Entering an Academic Community” (INT 1020) and the four Divisional Core courses (ART 1010, HUM 1030, SCI 1030, and SSC 1030). INT 1020 introduces students to the culture and expectations of collegiate life. It provides students with an exciting, early, experiential component to their education. The four Divisional Core courses introduce students to the history, philosophy, and methodology of the arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. These interdisciplinary courses present students with an overview of the people, events, and “ways of knowing” which typify each division. They provide stimulating insights into the interconnectedness of human knowledge. Students not completing the GEU Core course requirement by the end of the sophomore year will not be granted junior standing until such time as they fulfill the requirement.
The Divisional Choice Courses provide greater detail and deeper understanding in each division of the arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Students choose five courses that best suit their interests and needs from over sixty-five possibilities.
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