Page 56 - 166-15 Academic Catalog 2015-16

YAVAPAI COLLEGE CATALOG • 2015/16
DEGREE AND CERTIFICATE INFORMATION
General Education
courses at Yavapai College are grouped into three categories:
Foundation Studies, Core Studies, and Area Studies
IMPORTANT NOTE: Students may not use the same course to meet both a Core Studies and Area Studies requirement.
• Recognize the diversity of human experiences; the influences of history, culture, socio-eco- nomic status and the physical environment on worldview; and the individual’s role in local, national and global communities (Diversity Awareness and Civic Engagement)
• Use mathematical and scientific information, tools, theories and models to understand the physical world; and to identify, apply, and integrate concepts from science and mathematics to understand complex, real life problems and to develop informed conclusions and solu- tions (Quantitative and Scientific Literacy)
Several of these categories overlap with the AGEC requirements mandated by the state of Arizona for all community college General Education courses intended for transfer to a state university.
FOUNDATION studies in English and Mathematics are essential to independent thinking, to making a connection with the world of learning and to communicating those connections. In FOUNDATION courses, students are introduced to and practice thoughtful and precise writing and speaking skills, critical reading, quantitative literacy, and the process of analysis and synthesis that underlie logical reasoning. Foundation studies are comprised of the Communication and Quantitative Literacy categories.
CORE studies focus on the conceptual frameworks through which the student may approach an issue. CORE studies classes serve to introduce students to the profound influence that the past has upon the present, while also ensuring that those students have the skills and knowledge necessary to critically evaluate those influences. To complete their Core Studies AGEC requirement, students must take one course in Historical Perspective and one in Critical Thinking.
AREA studies link FOUNDATION skills in thinking and communicating and the CORE emphasis on conceptual frameworks to the content of academic disciplines. AREA courses demonstrate that the study of specialized subject matter can be drawn into the central dialogues of General Educa- tion. AREA studies courses include topics in Arts and Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences, and Physical and Biological Sciences.
I. General Education Courses
General Education courses generally require critical reading and thoughtful writing. Students with college-level reading and writing skills have the foundation necessary for success.
In some cases a specific degree program may require the student to select particular courses, rather than to select freely from the list of approved General Education courses. The student should fol- low requirements of their specific degree program to ensure graduation and transfer of credits. Students are encouraged to meet regularly with an academic advisor to build an educational plan. Approved General Education courses are listed below, in their respective categories.
AGEC - Special Requirements incorporate additional university requirements. These are not separate courses, but instead are topics that, upon completion of an AGEC certificate, students will have encountered in their required course of study.
Intensive Writing and Critical Inquiry (IWR) - At least one course beyond the First-Year Composition requirement shall involve the development of competence in written discourse and involve the gathering, interpretation, and evaluation of evidence.
Awareness Areas
1. Ethnic/Race/Gender (ERG) awareness - One course emphasizing ethnic/race/gender
awareness is required.
2. Global/International or Historical (GIH) awareness - One course emphasizing contem- porary global/international awareness or historical awareness is required.
Designated general education courses below have met these special requirements (ERG, GIH, IWR).
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