Apr 19, 2024  
2014-2015 Springfield College Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2014-2015 Springfield College Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

General Education Program


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Statement of Purpose: The General Education program at Springfield College is informed by its century-old Humanics tradition of educating the whole person in spirit, mind, and body, for leadership in service to humanity. These requirements have the goal of developing literate, thoughtful, socially responsible students, and instilling in them a spirit of inquiry into the nature of humankind and the universe. Towards those ends, the requirements emphasize and encourage: the acquisition of knowledge, understanding, and competency essential for the improvement of the human condition in a diverse society; a search for personal and spiritual values; and the development of an understanding and appreciation of physical well-being. 

Recognizing that our students will specialize in a variety of specific majors, the General Education requirements ensure that all students will achieve a common set of learning objectives as part of their Springfield College experience. These common objectives embody the college’s definition of an educated person and ensure that our graduates will be able to demonstrate the skills, knowledge, and understanding needed to achieve the mission of the college to educate students for leadership and lifelong service to humanity. The common learning outcomes for all baccalaureate graduates include:

 

  • The ability to provide leadership in service to humanity; The ability to communicate effectively in both written and oral form;
  • The ability to think critically within and across disciplines, to interpret information, and to develop well-reasoned conclusions;
  • The ability to read critically, interpretatively, and empathetically;
  • The ability to reason quantitatively and to use mathematical and technological tools for problem solving and analysis;
  • An understanding and appreciation of aesthetic, imaginative and creative expression;
  • An understanding and appreciation of the scientific process of discovery, critical thinking, and analysis;
  • An understanding and appreciation of the social sciences and historical perspective in comprehending the modern world;
  • The ability to reflect critically on personal, spiritual, and cultural values in order to live an effective and fulfilling life;
  • An understanding and appreciation of the importance of personal wellness and lifelong physical activity in the enrichment of human life;
  • An understanding and appreciation of the opportunities and challenges inherent in a world that is increasingly diverse, multicultural, and international.

The following curricular requirements have been established in support of these outcomes. However, none can be fully achieved solely by taking a given course. Therefore, these outcomes will be reinforced across the General Education curriculum and within program majors and minors.

Part I - Competencies


1. College Writing (both courses required) (6 credits)


2. Writing Across the Curriculum (6 credits)


4. Information Literacy


(embedded with major requirements)

Part II - Domains of Knowledge / Understanding


1. Arts and Humanities (9 credits)


A. Literary Studies


Choose one course from:

B. Visual and Performing Arts


Choose three credits from:

2. Analytical and Natural Sciences (6-7 credits)


3. Social Sciences (6 credits)


4. International / Multicultural Studies Options (3 - 6 credits)


Choose one option:

*Option 1: 3 credits of intermediate level language familiar to student (see Section A below)

*Option 2: 6 credits of the same language new to student (see section A below; both courses must be in the same language)

*Option 3:

  1. Participate in and successfully complete studying abroad one Springfield college’s semester long programs approved by the International Center.
  2. Register for and pass at least one course in cultural studies at the host university. The content of this course will focus on the aspects of the host culture and its people, e.g., literature, art, music, history, sports, etc.
  3. receive preapproval from the Academic Advising Center for the selected course as meeting the international component of this requirement.
  4. Participate in predeparture and reentry programming administered by the International Center.

Credit for this area will not be awarded until students complete all of the above requirements. All of the requirements for studying abroad that are part of the application process, but also be met.


Students who study abroad at a nonapproved foreign institutions may petition to receive credit for this option in category 4.

 

*Option 4: 6 credits - 3 credits of Multicultural Perspective within American Culture (see Section B below) AND 3 credits of International/Global Studies Perspective (see section C below)

B. Multicultural Perspective within American Culture


Choose from:

6. Physical Education (6 credits)


A. Health and Wellness


Choose one course from:

B. Physical Activity


Choose three credits from:

  • Any PEAC, PEAI, PEPC course Credits: .5

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