represented in literature, philosophy, religion, and the arts, and is fundamental to general education. Minimum requirements include at least 12 semester hours in humanities with a minimum of 3 semester hours in literature*, 3 semester hours in the arts, and the remaining semester hours from the humanities and/or fine arts. In addition to literature, disciplines in the humanities include, but are not limited to, philosophy, religious studies, speech, foreign languages, art, music, theatre, and dance. *As a part of the General Studies curriculum, students must complete a 6 semester hour sequence either in literature (Area II) or history (Area IV), unless otherwise prescribed within one’s AL -Transfers Agreement. AREA III - Natural Sciences and Mathematics (11 SH) Study in the natural sciences and mathematics emphasizes the scientific method and applies quantitative or inductive reasoning. Minimum requirements include at least 11 semester hours with at least 3 semester hours in mathematics* at the pre-calculus algebra level or Finite Mathematics level unless otherwise specified and at least 8 semester hours in the natural sciences which must include laboratory experiences. Disciplines in the natural sciences include but are not limited to, astronomy, biology, chemistry, geology, and physics.
G ENERAL S TUDIES O VERVIEW
As addressed previously, General Studies offers a variety of Areas of Concentrations (not to be confused with Programs of Study) that students can follow in order to later transfer their credits to a four-year institution. Upon completion of the requirements for a General Studies
degree (depending on the Area of Concentration selected), students will be awarded either an Associate in Arts or an Associate in Science degree in General Studies . Although students can focus on specific areas of concentration within General Studies, General Studies Areas of Concentration should not be viewed nor treated as programs of study. Rather, they are designed specifically to allow students to transfer into senior level colleges and are aligned to match requirements as outlined within the AL- Transfers agreement. Because General Studies has Areas of Concentration opposed to actual Programs of Study, the college does not guarantee that all course requirements under specific Areas of Concentration (within General Studies) will be offered, particularly under Area V listings. In fact, based on availability of course offerings under Area V, General Studies students do have the option of transferring with less than 60 hours of credit or take additional courses (needed to graduate) at another accredited college to be applied towards your graduation requirements at Lawson State Community College. Always seek advisement, however, prior to any decision that may affect your graduation.
*Some mathematics courses are offered for 4 semester credit hours. Only minimum semester requirements are indicated.
AREA IV- History, Social, and Behavioral Sciences (12 SH)
Study in history and the social and behavioral sciences deals primarily with the study of human behavior, social and political structures, and economics. Minimum requirements include 12 semester hours with at least a 3 semester hours course in history* and at least 6 semester hours from among other disciplines in the social and behavioral sciences. Disciplines include, but are not limited to, anthropology, economics, geography, political science, psychology, and sociology.
U NDERSTANDING G ENERAL S TUDIES :
Under the General Studies degree program option, students wishing to tailor their education to a specific degree, can do just that!
H OW TO CRAFT A G ENERAL S TUDIES DEGREE ?
Simply complete a AL-Transfers application and follow the degree options under Area V. Areas I through IV are standard courses all General Studies need to take. For information on how to complete a AL-Transfers GUIDE , see the Step-by-Step directions listed on the next page of this catalog. U NDERSTANDING G ENERAL S TUDIES A REAS There are five areas under the General Studies program — Area I, Area II, Area III, Area IV and Area V. AREA I - Written Composition (6SH) Effective written communication skills are essential in a literate society. Minimum requirements include at least 6 semester hours in written composition.
*As a part of the General Studies Curriculum, students must complete a 6 semester hour sequence either in literature (Area II) or history (Area IV).
The Maximum Total for AREAS I-IV is 41 Semester Hours
AREA V - Pre-Professional, Major, and Elective Courses (19-23 SH)
Area V is designated for courses appropriate to the degree/major requirements of the individual student (it may also include electives*).*Some institutions may include courses in wellness or physical education. Students wishing to transfer under the General Studies program option, should follow the AL-Transfers agreement for the specific college the student is planning to transfer to in the future.
AREA II - Humanities and Fine Arts (12SH) Study in the humanities addresses the ability to deal with questions of values, ethics, or aesthetics as they are
GRAND TOTAL for AREAS I-V: 60-64 SH
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