Nov 21, 2024

2012-2013 Undergraduate Catalog

2012-2013 Undergraduate Catalog Archived Catalog

General Education Requirements

Philosophy and Goals

The UTC faculty believes that this curriculum can expand our students’ fundamental knowledge, abilities, and aesthetic sensibilities, leading to a social awareness essential for individual and societal development.

Proficiencies (Goals)

Graduates of The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga should have the knowledge and ability to:

Think analytically, logically, creatively, reflectively, and sensitively about the human condition;
Think analytically, logically, creatively, and reflectively about natural and abstract structures;
Collect, process, interpret, and use quantitative and qualitative information using up-to-date methods, to define and defend viewpoints, solve problems, and make decisions;
Communicate effectively, especially in speech and in writing; engage in civil debate; and collaborate on common tasks;
Incorporate into their world views a comparative, historical, and global perspective on the diversity of the human experience, including the complex factors that shape individuals, societies, civilizations and knowledge.

Categories of Study

The curriculum outlined in the following categories provides a reasoned plan to achieve the goals of general education.

The general education categories are described below, along with lists of courses that currently meet the criteria for these categories. Students should check the schedule of classes on the UTC Website for the most complete list of courses being offered for the coming semester. Also, students should check the specific requirements for their majors before choosing courses, since specific courses in each category are often required for a particular major.

UTC courses that have not been certified for the General Education curriculum may not be used to satisfy any General Education requirement. Consequently, student petitions seeking credit for non-certified UTC courses will not be accepted by the Records Office or the General Education Committee.

1. RC: Rhetoric and Composition I and II (6 credit hours)

All students must complete Rhetoric and Composition I and II, with minimum grades of C, within the first 42 attempted credit hours of college work.

Rhetoric and Composition I (3 credit hours)

An intensive writing course designed to develop skills essential for effective communication. Students will be sensitized to the structure, beauty, and complexities of Standard American English as they refine their abilities to write logically and clearly. This course must be completed with a grade of C or above. Prerequisite: appropriate placement level.

Rhetoric and Composition II (3 credit hours)

A more advanced writing and oral communication course, emphasizing the composition of extended and persuasive essays and research papers, and the use of computers to gather and prepare information. This course must be completed with a grade of C or above. Prerequisite: ENGL 1010 with a grade of C or above or appropriate placement level.

RC - Approved Rhetoric and Composition Courses:

Rhetoric and Composition I:

Rhetoric and Composition II:

2. Mathematics and Statistics (6 credit hours)

(one three-credit hour course in mathematics, one three-credit hour course in statistics)

The purpose of this category is to develop the ability to use abstract and deductive reasoning, to think logically and creatively about mathematical and statistical problems, and to be able to interpret, develop, and use some mathematical or statistical models of real world and abstract phenomena. Courses in this category emphasize the use of mathematics as a powerful language in many disciplines and its significant role in human development. All students must complete the mathematics requirement (but not the statistics requirement) within the first 60 attempted credit hours of college work.

MA - Approved Mathematics Courses:

ST - Approved Statistics Courses:

3. Natural Sciences (7 or 8 credit hours)

(two courses in the natural sciences, with at least one four-credit hour course that includes a laboratory component)

The purpose of studying the natural sciences is to participate in the systematic ways in which human beings analyze the physical universe, to appreciate the achievements of the human mind in comprehending the universe, and to understand the significant role of the natural sciences in human development. Courses in this category emphasize empirical studies of matter, energy, living systems, natural processes, and related phenomena, and examine science in the context of human culture.

SL - Approved Natural Sciences Lab Courses:

NS - Approved Natural Sciences Non-Lab Courses:

4. Humanities and Fine Arts (6 credit hours)

(with at least 3 credit hours in the fine arts; all 6 credit hours may be in the fine arts)

Humanities courses are designed to acquaint students with historical, literary, philosophical, religious, and political experience and traditions, with special attention to the methods and techniques of the humanities disciplines. Fine arts courses are designed to heighten perception, appreciation, and enjoyment of music, theatre, and the visual arts, and may include studio experience in addition to historical studies.

HU - Approved Courses in the Humanities:

FA - Approved Courses in the Fine Arts:

5. Cultures and Civilizations (9 credit hours)

(to be fulfilled by completing either Option A or Option B)

Your specific major MAY require specific courses and a specific option in this category. Check with your advisor.

Option A:

(Students will complete two courses in western humanities (6 credit hours) and one course (3 credit hours) in non-western cultures and civilizations for a total of 9 credit hours.)

Western Humanities I and II (6 credit hours)

An historical approach to the great ideas, events, modes of thinking, and creations of the western world. The first course in this sequence will focus on developments from Antiquity through c. 1600; the second, from c. 1600 to the present. Both courses are designed to deepen historical perspective and offer opportunities to experience the power of literature and wrestle with issues of the human spirit. A set of primary texts common to all sections will serve as the focus for each course.

WH - Approved Western Humanities (WH) Courses

Western Humanities I:

Western Humanities II:

Non-Western Cultures and Civilizations (3 credit hours)

The study of the development or characteristics of nonwestern cultures and civilizations, examining western cultures and civilizations only for the purpose of contrast and comparison, and thoroughly relating aspects of a culture to its context.

NW - Approved (NW) Non-Western Courses:

Option B:

(Take the courses listed below for a total of 9 credit hours.)

WC: World Civilizations I, II and III (9 credit hours)

An historical approach to significant or characteristic events, practices, and creations from world cultures and civilizations. The first course (I) focuses on the ancient world through c. 1000; the second (II) from c. 1000 to c. 1800; the third (III) from c. 1800 to the present. All three courses include important aspects of both Western and nonwestern history and civilization, and integrate the study of the humanities and fine arts. These courses are designed to deepen historical perspective and increase cross-cultural understanding.

WC - Approved World Civilizations Courses:

6. Behavioral and Social Sciences (6 credit hours)

(two courses to be taken in two different disciplines, unless requirements for the major stipulate otherwise. University Honors students may complete UHON 3150 and 3170 to satisfy this requirement unless specific courses are required in the major.)

The purpose of courses in the social and behavioral sciences is to explore the nature of human beings and how they function as individuals, as citizens, and as members of groups. These courses emphasize the theories, principles, methods, and empirical results of the social and behavioral sciences and assess the impact of scientific research on society.