Core Requirement 2.7.3
The institution offers a general education program at the collegiate
level that (1) is a substantial component of each undergraduate degree,
(2) ensures breadth of knowledge, and (3) is based on a coherent
rationale. For degree completion in associate programs, the component
constitutes a minimum of 15 semester hours or the equivalent; for
baccalaureate programs, a minimum of 30 semester hours or the
equivalent. These credit hours are to be drawn from and include at
least one course from each of the following areas: humanities/fine
arts; social/behavioral sciences; and natural science/mathematics. The
courses do not narrowly focus on those skills, techniques, and
procedures specific to a particular occupation or profession. The
institution provides a written justification and rationale for course
equivalency.
LSUA believes that students should acquire a substantial knowledge of
general education when completing any degree program. LSUA has
developed the following learning outcomes that graduates of all degree
programs are expected to demonstrate as a result of their general
education.
- The ability to read with comprehension at the college level.
- The ability to communicate effectively in writing.
- The ability to communicate effectively through speech.
- A basic competency in the use of computers.
- A basic understanding of mathematical and statistical concepts and the ability to apply these concepts to problem solving.
- A basic understanding of the scientific method and the ability to apply this method to natural phenomena.
- The ability to analyze and synthesize information logically.
- An appreciation and an awareness of the value of one's own and other cultures.
- An understanding that education and personal development are life-long pursuits.
In addition to the SACS requirements regarding general education,
LSUA must comply with the more stringent requirements of the Louisiana
Board of Regents [1]  , which requires 27
and 39 hours, respectively, for associate's and bachelor’s degrees.
Further, LSUA requires minimum hours in the following general education
categories: English Composition, Mathematics, Fine Arts, Humanities,
Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences. All courses must be selected
from the list of General Education Courses in the LSUA Catalog (p.
65-67) [2] .
Details of the general education requirements are published on pages 65-67 in the 2005-2006 LSUA Catalog [2] .
LSUA associate degrees require a minimum of 27 credit hours of general
education courses. All associate degrees require six hours of English
Composition, six hours of mathematics at the level of College Algebra
and above, three hours of fine arts, three hours of humanities, which
must be speech, and six hours of natural sciences. The Associate of
Arts and Associate in discipline students must take six hours of social
sciences while the Associate of Science students are required to take
only three hours of social science.
LSUA bachelor degrees require a minimum of 39 hours of general
education courses. Bachelor degrees require six hours of English
composition, six hours of mathematics, three hours of fine arts, nine
hours of humanities (three of which must be speech), nine hours of
natural sciences, and six hours of social sciences.
While judgment regarding breadth of focus is subjective, LSUA
believes that each course designated as satisfying general education
requirements is designed to ensure breadth of knowledge and is not
narrowly focused. Departments propose courses for the General Education
Course list through the Courses and Curriculum Committee and then the
Faculty Senate. Both must approve additions of courses to the list.
LSUA administrators must approve actions taken by the Faculty Senate
before they become final. The General Education Assessment Committee, a
part of LSUA's QEP, is undertaking a thorough review of the
competencies and course list for general education at LSUA.
Documentation
[1] Louisiana Board of Regents Statewide General Education Requirements (8kb)
[2] LSUA Catalog 2005, p. 65-67 (1335kb)
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