The General Education Curriculum

Introduction
Mission for the Program
Philosophy and Rationale

Introduction:

The General Education Curriculum at Bethune-Cookman University is a coordinated program of courses that provides opportunities for undergraduate students to acquire competencies that demonstrate mastery of the general education core curriculum requirements. As a substantial component of each baccalaureate degree program, the primary role of the general education curriculum is to provide a broad foundation for all undergraduate degrees and in the areas of the curriculum that support student learning outcomes.

Mission for the Program:

Supported by the University’s stated mission, “…to educate a diverse community of learners to become responsible, productive citizens and solution seekers through the promotion of faith, scholarship, creative endeavors, leadership and service…,” the mission of General Education Curriculum is to provide all undergraduate students, regardless of major, with a solid foundation of core competencies in the areas of the curriculum that support their baccalaureate degree level of learning outcomes.

Philosophy and Rationale:

The University’s required general education coursework is designed to ensure a breadth of knowledge and is based on a coherent rationale. The coursework does not narrowly focus on skills, techniques, and procedures specific to a particular occupation or profession; instead, coursework draws from the following areas: humanities/fine arts, social/behavioral sciences, and natural sciences/mathematics.

The following eight competencies constitute a strong foundation upon which degree programs build specific knowledge, skills, and dispositions to achieve the desired student learning outcomes in the general education curriculum through 33 credit hours of mission-aligned and outcome-driven courses. Some majors may limit selections in different categories. Please refer to your major for specific requirements.

Competencies:

Communication Skills:

Students will be able to communicate in both written and oral language, using conventions and forms appropriate to the audience and purpose. (9 credits)

EN 131 - College English I* (3 Credits)
EN 132 - College English II* (3 Credits)

Choose 1:

SC 230 - Introduction to Effective Oral Communication (3 Credits)* or
BA 260 - Introduction to Business Communication (3 Credits)*

Historical and Cultural Perspectives:

Historical Foundations: Students will be able to describe and analyze the history, contributions, and experiences of African Americans to the American Story.

Choose 1:

HI 130 - Introduction to African-American History (3 Credits)
RELI 205: Intro to African Traditional Religion & Culture (3 Credits)
RELI 241: Religions of the World (3 Credits)
TA 100: Intro to Theatre (3 Credits)

Cultural Foundations: Students will be able to identify and compare the values, arts, social structures and material practices of world cultures.

Choose 1:

EN 230: World Literature (3 Credits)
EN 235: Film and Popular Culture (3 Credits)
HI 130 - Introduction to African-American History (3 Credits)

RELI 205: Intro to African Traditional Religion & Culture (3 Credits)
RELI 241: Religions of the World (3 Credits)

HU 225: Interdisciplinary Humanities (3 Credits)
ML_ 131: Elementary French or Spanish I (3 Credits) [Modern Language I]
ML_ 132: Elementary French or Spanish II (3 Credits) Modern Language II]
ML_ 231: Intermediate French or Spanish I (3 Credits) [Intermediate Modern Language I]
MU 225: Music Appreciation (3 Credits)
SS 245: Interdisciplinary Social Science (3 Credits)
TA 100: Intro to Theatre (3 Credits)

**Only one course can satisfy each section of this competency.

Reasoning Skills:

Mathematical Reasoning: Students will be able to use mathematical concepts and ideas to analyze problems and identify solutions. (6 Credits)

Choose 2:

MAT 131: Liberal Arts Mathematics* (3 Credits)
MAT 132: College Mathematics* (3 Credits)
MAT 134: College Algebra* (3 Credits)

Scientific Reasoning: Students will be able to apply and analyze scientiﬁc principles/research methods to evaluate evidence and make informed decisions. (3/4 Credits)

Choose 1:

BI 131: General Biology (3 Credits)
BI 141: Principles of Biology I /BIL (4 Credits) [For Science Majors] 3 HR lecture 1 HR Lab
ES 130: Intro to Environmental Science (3 Credits)

Social Foundations and Civic Engagement:

Students will be able to demonstrate a basic competency of the social & political institutions and processes in the American system. Additionally, students will understand the importance of civic participation, engagement, and service. (6 Credits)

(A social institution is a group or organization that has specific roles, norms, and expectations, which function to meet the social needs of society. The family, government, religion, education, and media are all examples of social institutions.)

Choose 2:

CJ 131: Intro to Criminal Justice (3 Credits)
CJ 206: Ethics, Crime and Justice (3 Credits)
POL 130: Intro to Political Science (3 Credits)
POL 230: American Government (3 Credits)
PHIL 230: Ethics (3 Credits)
SO 131: Intro to Sociology (3 Credits)

Faith and Wellness Awareness:

Students will be able to apply principles of well-being, particularly those rooted in physical, emotional, and spiritual health and safety. (3 Credits)

DS 102: Contemporary Dance Technique I (2 Credits)
GR 230: Nutrition in Health & Disease (3 Credits)
NUTR 220: Principles & Fundamentals of Human Nutrition (3 Credits)
PE 113: Health and Wellness (1 Credit)
PE 136: Personal Community Health (3 Credits)
PS 231: General Psychology (3 Credits)
RELI 110: Understanding Faith (3 Credits)
RELI 150: Religion and Global Business (3 Credits)

Communication Skills	9 Credit Hours
Historical and Cultural Perspectives	6 Credit Hours
Reasoning Skills	9 Credit Hours
Social Foundations and Civic Engagement	6 Credit Hours
Faith and Wellness Awareness	3 Credit Hours

Students must successfully complete all General Education courses in which they receive an “F” grade.

*Students must repeat this General Education course if they receive a grade lower than a “C”. They must also continuously enroll in Mathematics, English, and Effective Oral Communication general education courses each semester until a minimum passing grade of C is earned.