Undergraduate Course Catalog 2024-2025
General Education Curriculum
|
|
|
|
General Education Curriculum
Dr. Arwin D. Smallwood, Director
Telephone: (919) 530-6794
Fax: (919) 530-6790
Main Office: 115 Farrison-Newton Communications Building
North Carolina Central University’s General Education Curriculum (GEC) prepares students academically and professionally for leadership in a culturally diverse world. Emphasis is placed upon oral and written communications, scientific inquiry, technological proficiency, cultural competency, and critical thinking. The GEC offers students instruction in interdisciplinary as well as single-discipline courses. It is designed to meet the needs of the university’s diverse student population, and is an integral part of each student’s experience.
In some areas of study, students may be enrolled in courses according to their demonstrated knowledge and skill level. However, if they choose, students have the opportunity to challenge course placement in order to receive advanced standing. The General Education Curriculum permits students to select courses depending upon their major or interests. In some instances, courses may satisfy both the general education and the degree major requirements.
GEC credits will readily transfer to any four-year institution and the Curriculum complies with all community college transfer agreements.
The General Education Curriculum has six academic components:
- Communications in English and Foreign Languages
- Mathematics and the Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Arts and Humanities
- Health and Wellness
- Social/Career Enhancement and Development
Cultural Competency and technology/computer proficiency are integrated throughout the Curriculum.
The Curriculum is characterized by four unifying themes:
- Communications
- Global Awareness
- Critical and Analytical Thinking
- Professional Development
The number of credit hours in the General Education Curriculum (35-40) makes it possible for students to double major, minor in one or more disciplines, or take a variety of electives that will enhance their professional aspirations.
General Education Curriculum Requirements
I. Communications in English and Foreign Languages (9 Credit Hours)
A. English: Two courses are required. (6 credit hours)
B. Foreign Language (3 credit hours)
**Effective Fall 2015, newly enrolled students will have as their GEC language requirement one of the following:
II. Mathematics and Science (9-13 Credit Hours)
A. Mathematics (3-5 credit hours)
One of these courses is required
B. Sciences (6-8 credit hours)
Two of these courses are required
III. Social Sciences (6 Credit Hours)
A. Social Sciences: This course is required
B. Social Sciences: One of these courses is required
IV. Arts and Humanities (5-6 Credit Hours)
A. Humanities: One of these courses is required.
B. Arts and Humanities: One of these courses is required.
V. Health and Wellness (4 Credit Hours)
VI. Social and Career Enhancement/Development (2 Credit Hours)
VII. General Education Curriculum/Intensive Courses
In addition to completing the above requirements, students must complete a designated “writing-intensive” course and a “speaking-intensive” course. In the writing-intensive course, students will demonstrate their knowledge of the course’s subject matter through constructive critical writing and the production of effective written assignments related to the field. These courses engage students in writing as a form of critical inquiry and scholarly research in disciplines across the curriculum.
It is strongly recommended that students complete MSCM 1250 MSCM 1250 - Elements of Speech and Communication (3) or MSCM 2200 MSCM 2200 - Introduction to Public Speaking (3) to satisfy the speaking requirement. Howevery, students may complete a course in another subject where they will receive instruction in oral communication and will have opportunities in further develop and practice oral communication skills.
|