A.A. in General Studies: Curriculum

The content of a writing course is writing. For students to become proficient writers in all disciplines, they need to learn how to read and analyze a variety of texts and then practice reading and analyzing texts from various disciplines. Through research and writing, students learn what others are saying and how to integrate those ideas into their own writing. Constant practice will guide students into developing their own voice and style. They will make conscious choices related to audience and academic conventions.

This course will enable students to develop the necessary skills to lead themselves academically, personally and professionally. This course will teach students about the resources and technology available to assist in their academic success. Specific topics of time management and goal setting will lead students to develop and utilize appropriate study techniques. Topics in life skills will lead students to a better understanding of self and others, and encourage the development and utilization of strategies to promote positive relationships, self-management, and professionalism. This course is recommended for students new to CSP or online learning.

Communication offerings are designed to develop a student’s understanding and application of research and critical thinking skills necessary to evaluate information, identify and evaluate source material, integrate differing points of view, and establish a reasoned course of action for effectively solving problems and demonstrating effective verbal, nonverbal, and/or visual skills (i.e., reading, writing, speaking, listening, audience awareness, and/or conflict resolution).

Social Science is the study of human society and/or behaviors and cause and effect. Social Science offerings are designed to develop a student’s understanding of individual or social human behavior from the perspective of one or more disciplines of the social sciences, knowledge of empirical methods for studying human behavior, and to use theories and concepts of human behavior with appropriate empirical evidence to analyze contemporary social issues (historical events, cultural and societal differences), consumer behavior, and/or the inter-workings of an economy, how to analyze and interpret data from a social science context, and evaluate society as a whole.

The humanities/arts general education curriculum increases students’ awareness, understanding and critical appreciation of aesthetic and literary works of human imagination.

The mathematics general education curriculum is designed to develop students’ understanding of basic mathematical concepts, develop their abilities to analyze and solve mathematical problems, and promote mathematical awareness in the analysis of problem-solving strategies and the interpretation of results to help them make decisions in their lives and careers.

Natural Science offerings are designed to equip students with the tools to understand scientific issues in today’s world by increasing their knowledge of natural science principles and scientific inquiry, and appreciation of the importance of science in their lives.

An investigation of the sacred literature of the Christian tradition. The course emphasizes essential skills in reading the Bible. It explores the covenant dealings of God with His people and the fulfillment of the covenant in Jesus Christ. Students read selected portions from the Old and New Testaments and explore Christian theological themes.

Challenges students to explore their purpose and/or baptismal call through elements of Christian theology and exemplars from the history of Christianity. Students will explore the concept of Christian vocation from historical and theological perspectives with special emphasis given to Martin Luther’s doctrine of vocation in relation to service of one’s neighbor. Students are challenged to think in new and creative ways about pursuing their passions and dreams for the good of others. This course fulfills the intermediate general education requirement. (Prerequisites: THL 125 or THL 200 or THL 206).

Select 26 elective credits to reach 60 required credits.