Southwestern Oklahoma State University Undergraduate Catalog 2023-2024
SWOSU GENERAL EDUCATION OBJECTIVES
The General Education Curriculum at SWOSU will prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of life beyond the university experience. Graduates should leave SWOSU with a broad knowledge of the social and natural world, a keen sense of self, an awareness of their membership in a global society, and an understanding of what it means to be thoughtful and responsible citizens. SWOSU graduates will need to rely on their abilities to think critically, creatively, and independently. They will need to adapt, to recognize opportunities, and to engage with the world around them. Empowered citizens must challenge preconceptions, assess the validity of evidence, ask thoughtful questions, and propose defensible answers. The SWOSU General Education Curriculum is our commitment to nurturing these skills, capabilities, and habits. Goal One - Communication and Computer Literacy Rationale: Because effective communication is fundamental to academic and career success, students must develop exemplary oral, written, and electronic communication skills. a) Communicate effectively in written and electronic formats for a variety of audiences, using appropriate grammar and clear and cohesive thought. b) Communicate through presentation for a variety of audiences, demonstrating clear and cohesive thought. c) Demonstrate ability to use computers and information technologies for information inquiry and complex problem solving. Goal Two - Scientific and Quantitative Reasoning Rationale: Responsible citizens need to evaluate information in order to make decisions and describe relationships using logical reasoning based on observed, intuitive, scientific, theoretical, and other forms of data. a) Understand and describe the importance of logical and empirical methods to draw conclusions. b) Learn and apply basic laws, methods, and concepts of the sciences to solve issues encountered by society. c) Analyze scientific discoveries and the advancement of technology with respect to its impact on social change. d) Solve real-world problems by applying appropriate strategies and the use of logical reasoning. Goal Three – Aesthetic Experience, History, and Humanities Rationale: Students should be able to observe and reflect on cultural works, make connections between the present and the past, and sharpen their ability to make sense of the world around them. a) Explain and evaluate the social impact of important landmark contributions and creative works.
b) Analyze the relationship of important historical movements in the arts and humanities and compare the similarities in those movements across the various arts and humanities. c) Explore ways in which individuals, groups, institutions, governments and/or societies behave and influence one another. d) Understand how past events and actions have influenced or affected current events, scholarly knowledge, and societies. e) Analyze key historical events and their impact on social, cultural, and global change. Goal Four - Social Groups, Social Issues, Cultures, and Globalization Rationale: Educated citizens should be able to discern and reflect upon the broader impact of their individual actions. a) Think critically about issues such as globalization, sustainability, multiculturalism, political and governmental context, difference/similarity, prejudice and discrimination within a global context. b) Apply social/cultural theories and perspectives to past and present societies and their impact on real- life circumstances. c) Display knowledge and understanding of international interaction and strategies to enhance global integration. d) Exhibit knowledge of a variety of cultures, including both majority and non-majority groups, and their interconnectedness within U.S. and global society. Goal Five - Intellectual and Professional Aptitudes Rationale: Students should master professional skills, the single most important aspect of employability and productivity. a) Critical Thinking: Construct a systematic investigation of content, theories, and practices and evaluate the application and effects to real life settings. b) Creativity: Develop and design an authentic project or creative works related to academic content. c) Collaboration: Collectively engage in activities and contribute information and resources to accomplish group goals. d) Community Connection: Participate in community service, and through self-reflection and investigation identify solutions to problems experienced by the service site. e) Communication: Explain views in written or electronic formats or through presentations that clearly articulate the intended meaning. f) Relevance: Understand the importance of a liberal arts education in the modern world.
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