Choosing and Using General Education Coursework
The general education program helps you explore many different areas of study. But how do you decide which classes you should take? There are many ways. For example, look for a class that:
- is in a subject you have studied before, and you know you will like.
- you know nothing about or is in a discipline with which you are unfamiliar.
- helps you develop one of your strengths.
- helps you work on one of your weaknesses.
- teaches you about American culture (history, political science, art, music, theater, dance, literature, geography).
- teaches you about other cultures (history, political science, art, anthropology, music, literature, geography, religious studies).
- teaches you about social issues (economics, interdisciplinary studies, gender studies, African American studies, sociology).
- is an introductory course for a major you are considering.
- helps you understand yourself (sociology, psychology, biology, gender studies, biomedical science, religious studies, philosophy).
- helps you understand the physical world around you (geology, biology, geography, chemistry, astronomy, physics).
- helps you lead a healthier life (biology, biomedical sciences, physical education, psychology).
- examines the major institutions of our society (economics, philosophy, religious studies, political science, sociology, agriculture).
- examines technology and how it works (industrial management, computer information systems, computer science, chemistry, physics).
- improves your communication skills (English, communication).
- teaches you to solve problems (mathematics, chemistry, philosophy).
- develops your skills in research, organization and critical thinking.
The above suggestions are examples. Your college education will encompass many different disciplines and help you to make connections between those disciplines. Use this list as a stimulus and consult your advisor for more information.