Mar 29, 2024  
2009-2010 Catalog 
    
2009-2010 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Associate in Arts Degree General Education Program Guide


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General Education Philosophy

General Education is a program of study that establishes a foundation for lifelong learning and prepares students to be thoughtful, informed, global citizens. This program fosters academic excellence, interdisciplinary dialog, respect for self and others and social responsibility.

General Education Core Courses

General education core courses differ from traditional survey courses by integrating a breadth of knowledge and skills essential to a complete education and are the foundation of knowledge upon which all degrees are built.

General Education Competencies

General education courses must meet all of the following outcomes at a primary or secondary level. At the conclusion of the general education program of study, students should be able to demonstrate the following competencies:

  • Communication (COM): To communicate (read, write, speak, listen) effectively using standard English and apply effective techniques to create working relationships with others to achieve common goals.
  • Critical Thinking (CT): To demonstrate the skills necessary for analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.
  • Technology/Information Management (TIM): To demonstrate the skills and use the technology necessary to collect, verify, document, and organize information from a variety of sources.
  • Global Socio-cultural Responsibility (GSR): To identify, describe, and apply responsibilities, core civic beliefs, and values present in a diverse society.
  • Scientific and Quantitative Reasoning (QR): To identify and apply mathematical and scientific principles and methods.

Associate in Arts students must follow the general education guide below in planning required courses. This guide complies with Southern Association of Colleges and Schools’ (SACS) Core Requirement 2.7.3 which requires course distribution in humanities/fine arts, social/behavioral sciences, natural sciences/mathematics; Florida Statute 1007.25(3) which requires the core curriculum to include subject areas of communication, mathematics, social sciences, humanities and natural sciences; Rules of the Florida State Board of Education, which requires six credits of mathematics and twelve credits (four courses) in which writing is heavily emphasized. Additionally, the mathematics and writing courses must be passed with a ’“C” or better.

Humanities: 6 Credit Hours


(Select two courses - One from Part A and one from Part B, or two from Part A)

Note(s):


*AA degree-seeking students must demonstrate competence in written communication by passing any of these courses with a “C” or better.

Note(s):


For an AA degree, writing intensive courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or higher. World Civilization courses which are designated as writing intensive (designated as “W” in the Schedule of Classes) satisfy the writing requirement.

Social Sciences: 9 Credit Hours


Note(s):


† May not fulfill social science requirements at some state universities.

History


Mathematics: 6 Credit Hours


Mathematics courses used to satisfy the AA mathematics requirement must be passed with a grade of “C” or higher. Pursuant to Rule 6A-10.030 (Gordon Rule), the student must successfully complete six (6) semester hours of mathematics coursework.

Natural Sciences: 6 Credit Hours


A student must complete six hours of science, including associated laboratory, in order to fulfill the Natural Science requirement. A “C” designation after the course number indicates that the lab is “combined” with the class.

Note: A better foundation in science is provided by taking related science courses in sequential semesters.

Note(s):


These courses are sequential, or require another science or math course as a co-requisite or prerequisite:

Electives


Be sure electives selected have an AA designation as listed in the course description section of this Catalog. Electives should be chosen with a desired baccalaureate program in mind. Students are advised to see an advisor to determine university program prerequisites.

Note: AS courses do not qualify for elective credit.

Total Elective Hours: 24

CLAST


 All degree-seeking students need to satisfy the requirement of the CLAST.

Foreign Language


Students seeking admission to the Florida State University System should have completed two years of foreign language at the high school level or two courses (eight credit hours) at the college level. Foreign language is a State University System baccalaureate graduation requirement.

International Diversity Courses


Florida State Universities may require students to take courses that have an international or diversity focus. These are designated with an “I” after the course descriptions.

Total AA Credit Hours: 60


Additional Options for Pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree


The following tips for transfer students are found on the FACTS website:

  1. Students should meet with their academic advisor to discuss degree requirements and transfer options.
  2. When applying for admission to a state university, transfer students who have not yet completed the AA degree will be evaluated on their high school transcripts as well as their college coursework. Transfer students without an AA degree and less than 60 hours must compete with all entering freshman applicants to the college or university.
  3. It is strongly recommended that a student complete the AA degree prior to transferring. If this is not possible, students are encouraged to at least complete the 36 hour general education block at their initial institution.
  4. Students who have entered a community college with a “CPT-eligible” certificate of completion must complete the AA degree before transferring to a 4-year institution.
  5. Students should check with the transfer services office at the college or university to which they are transferring to obtain information relating to transfer policies, financial aid opportunities and  other available assistance.
  6. Students wishing to receive accommodations for a disability have a responsibility to inform the disability services center at the 4-year institution. A student with a disability may be eligible for a special admission review under § 1007.265, Florida Statutes. A special admission review may apply if documentation can be provided that failure to meet an admission requirement is related to the disability and failure does not constitute a fundamental alteration in the nature of the program. Contact the admissions director for more information.
  7. Please note: several AS degrees transfer to discipline related BS degrees within the State University system. Please see a program advisor for more information.

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