General Education
The collegiate experience nurtures a yearning for knowledge that lasts a lifetime, and is more than the sum of its parts.1 A liberal arts education teaches students how to reason and learn through studies that are intended to provide knowledge and foster intellectual abilities, rather than more specialized occupational or professional skills. This happens both inside and outside the classroom, as students meet and learn with a diverse array of peers and teachers. The liberal arts provide the foundation for future academic experiences, and help develop the skills, aptitudes and perspectives characteristic of an educated person.
Blue Ridge Community College’s general education offerings intentionally strive to develop this liberal arts perspective. The program exposes students to a broad body of knowledge of the major social, cultural, historical, and scientific forces that have shaped human identity and the world. General education enables students to integrate knowledge in order to address fundamental questions about the nature of the world and its inhabitants. Blue Ridge Community College believes general education is an important component for all students whether they are going immediately into the workforce or continuing their education.
The implementation of General Education differs depending upon the type of associate degree or diploma program that students are interested in pursuing. In diploma and applied associate degree programs (AAS degrees) faculty employ general education courses to introduce students to the concept of a liberal education while simultaneously striving to help students integrate knowledge and apply broad academic concepts in a practical manner in the world of work. In comprehensive transfer degree programs (AA&S degrees) faculty not only introduce the liberal arts perspective but also strive to provide a depth to general knowledge that prepares students for upper level educational experiences at the bachelor’s degree level and beyond. In transfer programs, faculty strive to help students integrate the interdisciplinary nature of theoretical concepts and reveal how historical, philosophical, cultural and other academic concepts influence human interactions.
1 Gaff, J.G. (2006). Strong foundations: Twelve principles for effective general education programs. Retrieved September 18, 2006 from: http://wise.fau.edu/~ecou1533/strongfoundations.htm
O’Connor, M. (2006). The Core Curriculum. Retrieved September 18, 2006 from http://www.temple.edu/bulletin/academic_programs/core/generalinfo/core_generalinfo.shtm
General Education Outcomes
Blue Ridge Community College provides students with a broad educational experience enabling them to acquire the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values associated with productive and fulfilling lives. Graduates of the associate degree programs should have developed the following skills:
Communication (Written and Oral)
Express ideas clearly, logically, and appropriately in standard written
English.
Orally express ideas clearly and logically in order to relate appropriately to
others in a variety of situations.
Use basic research processes to prepare an organized and appropriately
documented written paper.
Comprehend texts and technical reports.
Follow oral and written instructions.
Mathematics (Quantitative Reasoning)
- Represent mathematical information numerically, symbolically, and visually using graphs, tables, and schematics.
- Interpret and draw inferences from graphs, tables, schematics, and/or statistical data.
- Use basic mathematical operations to estimate and calculate values.
- Interpret and use mathematical formulas.
- Solve application problems by locating pertinent information, determining correct procedures, carrying out the calculations, and checking the reasonableness of answers.
- Use mathematical reasoning within the context of various disciplines.
Scientific Reasoning
- Demonstrate the ability to make an argument based on empirical evidence.
- Distinguish a scientific argument from a non-scientific argument.
- Distinguish between causal and correlational relationships.
- Apply the scientific method.
Human Community
- Evaluate implications of historical events.
- Demonstrate tolerance for different points of view.
- Demonstrate an understanding of various cultures.
- Recognize ethical and moral conflicts.
- Work effectively in groups.
Computer/Information Seeking Skills
- Use word processing software.
- Use presentation software.
- Use the Internet and e-mail to retrieve and communicate information.
Wellness
- Recognize factors of physical and emotional health.
Critical Thinking
- Examine information for alternative explanations.
- Reason by deduction, induction, and analogy.
- Use a logical approach to problem solving.
- Distinguish between cause and effect.
- Weigh evidence and decide if generalizations or conclusions based on the given data are warranted.