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General Education Requirement

Check Sheets: 2000-01, 2001-02, 2002-03, 2003-04, 2004-05, 2005-06, 2006-07

 

McKendree University requires all students to fulfill general education requirements through a liberal arts foundation. The general education program is designed to provide students with skills which are essential to effective learning and scholarship, and to stimulate them to examine their own values and the values of society through a variety of subjects outside their program of study. These requirements are consistent with the College’s mission—to assist students to develop critical and constructive thinking and intellectual sophistication through scholarly activity.
 

General Education Requirements:

 

The objectives of the general education program are for all students to be able to demonstrate the following:

1. Proficiency in oral, written and aesthetic expression.

2. Proficiency in mathematical and scientific expression and exploration.

3. Knowledge and understanding of both Western civilization and the global

community.

4. Awareness of ethics and citizenship.

Students must complete the general education requirements by taking the specified number of courses in each of the four areas listed below. Any course applied toward the completion of one general education requirement may not be used to fulfill another general education requirement, but may be used to fulfill major or minor requirements. In addition to these general education requirements, prior to graduation all students must successfully complete two “writing-intensive” courses (marked with a “W” in the course listings), the Integrated Studies Component and the McKendree Writing Proficiency Exam (see section b under General Education Areas of Study for specific WPE requirements).

All students must complete an integrated themes component through the general education curriculum involving at least one of the four broad themes: 1) Science and Technology, 2) The Western Tradition, 3) Global Diversity, and 4) Individuals and Society. During advisement, students and advisors are strongly encouraged to build a complete academic plan so as to maximize opportunity for participation in the integrated themes component. 

 Integrated Themes***

            1. Science and Technology

            2. The Western Tradition

            3. Global Diversity

            4. Individuals and Society

 ***Visit the McKendree University website and the current course schedule for a complete and current list of courses taught through the Integrated Themes Component

General Education Areas of Study

I. Oral, Written and Aesthetic Expression

a.         Requirements: Six credit hours of First Year English

All students must demonstrate achievement of general goals for ENG 111 and ENG 112 regardless of where First Year English is taken. General Goal information may be accessed at the Language, Literature and Communication (LLC) webpage available through the McKendree University website.

b.         McKendree Writing Proficiency Examination (WPE) and Continuing Writing Check (CWC) Continuing Writing Check

Writing Proficiency Examination (WPE)

 

Every student must pass a Writing Proficiency Examination (WPE) in order to graduate from McKendree University. Students taking the WPE are given up to three hours to write an essay. This allows sufficient time to write a rough draft and a final copy for grading.

 

Students who are enrolled in or have completed English II (ENG 112) are eligible to take the WPE. All students are required to take the WPE within one semester of completing ENG 112 (unless an extension has been granted by the WPE coordinator). Students who do not fulfill this requirement are subject to restrictions on registration for other courses.
 
Grades are assigned by the Writing Proficiency Committee as pass, fail, or recommend. A pass satisfies the writing proficiency requirement. A recommend satisfies the requirement but may include a referral for a continuing writing check (CWC). A student referred for a CWC is required to work further on his or her writing through the Learning Resource Center or Writing Resource Center until the Director, in consultation with the WPE coordinator, determines that the student has adequately overcome the designated problem(s) in writing.
 
A student who has completed both required semesters of English composition (ENG 111 and ENG 112) but fails the Writing Proficiency Examination must register for a two credit-hour course, ENG 114 (or an approved equivalent), in the next semester of enrollment, or else registration will be restricted. English 114 is designed to give the student further practice in the basic writing skills required to pass the WPE. Upon completing ENG 114 or equivalent, the student must retake the WPE. Should the student fail the examination a second time, he or she would not be required to enroll again in ENG 114 (unless the student fails ENG 114, in which case he or she would be required to take that course as a repeat-delete). Instead, the student would be required to get extensive tutoring (verified by the Learning Resource Center) before taking the examination for the third (and final) time. A student who fails the WPE a second time must take the exam a third time within one calendar year of the second failure. A third failure of the WPE will entail dismissal from McKendree University.
 
All students applying for transfer credit equivalent to ENG 111 and ENG 112 must take the WPE within the first semester of enrollment. Students failing to do so will be restricted in registering for courses until the requirement is met. Transfer students who fail the WPE must follow the procedure outlined above. Any student within 32 credit hours of graduation who has not passed the WPE would be classified as a non-degree student until the proficiency requirement is met.
 
The purpose of the evaluation of the writing proficiency examination is to provide the college at large and the individual student the assurance that those students who have received credit for the English requirement at McKendree University have at least a basic command of written English. In other words, the committee, in evaluating examination papers, will not fail those that have an occasional flaw or a minor weakness but only those which, taken as a whole, show that the writers need additional study and practice in order to achieve the minimum proficiency in writing expected of college students and of college graduates. Each examination will be rated on a scale of one to four by each reader; thus, the total scores for each paper, ranging from two through eight, will fall into the following categories:

1. Papers with a score of 5 (3 + 2) or higher with a differential of only one: automatic pass.

2. Papers with a score of 4 (2 + 2): student is strongly recommended, but not required, to take ENG 114. The student has only marginally acceptable skills and should have additional training in writing.

3. Papers with a score of 3 or papers with a score of 5 or less, with a differential of 2 or more (e.g., 3 + 1): paper will be read by a third reader to determine the outcome.

4. Papers with a score of 2: failing paper; the student is required to take ENG 114 or its equivalent and to take the WPE again. The student has failed to demonstrate that he or she has acceptable command of standard written English and the principles of written composition.

To view the Descriptive Scale used in grading the WPE and samples of essays, visit: www.mckendree.edu/writing_center/default.htm.

Continuing Writing Check (CWC)

All McKendree students are subject to continuing writing checks by the faculty. A faculty member who judges a student’s writing to be below the standard acceptable for a McKendree graduate may refer the student to the Learning Resource Center for either assistance only or a Continuing Writing Check (CWC). This is accomplished by completing the referral form available in the faculty secretaries’ offices.

 

A student who is referred to the Learning Resource Center will be tutored to correct writing deficiencies. Referral for assistance only does not affect the student’s status for graduation. A referral for a CWC, however, will be noted by the faculty member on the midterm or final grade sheet. The student cannot graduate until the referral has been cleared. A referral may be cleared only by the Writing Proficiency Committee after evaluation of samples of the student’s writing. A student cleared of a previous referral remains subject to future referrals.

 

c.         Completion of two “writing-intensive” courses (courses designated with a W). 

 

These courses are to be completed after successful completion of six hours of first year english (students must successfully pass the WPE prior to enrollment in a 2nd writing-intensive course). The purpose of a writing-intensive requirement is to insure that students continue to practice and develop the writing, reading, and critical thinking skills they learned in the first-year composition courses, and to insure that they learn to use the conventions of discourse and research methodoligies of their major discipline. To meet this requirement, a course should include at least the following elements:

• A minimum of 5,000 words (around twenty typed pages) of assigned writing over the course of the semester.
• A mix of formal and informal writing exercises. Formal writing would include research papers, essays, position papers, and reports that have gone through more than one draft before being presented in the finished form. Informal writing would include study questions, in-class responses, journals, heuristic exercises, and essay examinations.
• A process-oriented approach to the teaching of writing. Simply defined, this means that the writing of a finished product is divided into stages, with oral or written feedback at each stage.
• Additional recommendations may be located at: .mckendree.edu/writing_center/default.htm.

d.         Speech: Three credit hours of Speech

Students will develop public speaking skills, applying critical thinking to the processes of researching, organizing and delivering speeches.

Approved Courses:

SPC 100 SPC 210 SPC 220 SPC 310 SPC 391

FUNDAMENTALS OF SPEECH COMMUNICATION ARGUMENTATIVE COMMUNICATION PUBLIC SPEAKING BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATIONS PERSUASION

e.         Aesthetic Expression: Three credit-hours of Art, Music, Theater, Fine Arts or Creative Writing

Students will develop an appreciation of the processes and be able to apply aesthetic principles of artistic creation either through the study of historic developments in an arts discipline or through acquiring the creative skills of an arts discipline. Students will understand and use the basic vocabulary of art, music, or theater. Students will exercise individual perception and judgment in evaluating creative works, either their own or those of recognized masters. Finally, students will demonstrate an awareness of the role of creative expression in the social development of individuals and cultural groups.

Approved Courses:

Any ART, MUS, THE, or FA except education methods courses, THE 215 (Theater Practicum), THE 250 (Dramatic Literature), and MUS 210 (Rhythms and Dance). In addition, the following creative writing courses may be taken for core credit: ENG 205 (Introduction to Writing Poetry), ENG 206 (Introduction to Writing Fiction and Drama), ENG 305 (Advanced Writing of Poetry), ENG 306 (Advanced Writing of Fiction and Drama).

 

II.         Mathematical and Scientific: Expression and Exploration

 

a.         Mathematical Reasoning: Three credit hours of Mathematics

 

Students will develop the basic analytical skills that relate to solving practical mathematical problems, and gain skills in the use of mathematics common to work in areas where mathematical methods are employed.

Approved Courses:

Any 3 credit-hour MTH course at the level of MTH 142

(Finite Mathematics) of higher.

 

b.         Computer Competency: Courses from CSI 101-125 (inclusive)

for a total of three credit hours

 

Students will gain familiarity with the basics of computer terminology and operation. Through learning the use of certain specialized software packages having wide applicability in the modern work place the student will develop the confidence to master other software tools necessary for his/her personal and professional growth.
  

Approved Courses:

 

CSI 101 CSI 102 CSI 103 CSI 104 CSI 105 CSI 106 CSI 107 CSI 108 CSI 109 CSI 120 CSI 121

INTRODUCTION TO WORD PROCESSING INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRONIC SPREADSHEETS INTRODUCTION TO DESKTOP PUBLISHING INTRODUCTION TO GRAPHICS INTRODUCTION TO DATABASE MANAGEMENT INTRODUCTION TO OPERATING SYSTEMS INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER NETWORKS INTRODUCTION TO STATISTICS SOFTWARE SPECIAL TOPICS IN COMPUTER USE INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

c.         Science and Nature: Seven credit hours of Science (preferably from two different departments), including at least one course with a laboratory requirement.

Students will gain familiarity with the language and terminology of science, the use of the scientific method, and be exposed to various techniques used in data collection. Their skills in problem solving and forming critical judgements will be enhanced by a variety of means including the examination of experimental data, identifying the path between cause and effect, and the manipulation of basic theoretical principles. In this way students will gain in understanding and appreciation of the living universe and the forces underlying it.
 

Approved Courses:

Any combination of BIO, CHE, ES, or PHY courses 

III.       Western Civilization and the Global Community

 

a.         Philosophy or Religion: Three credit hours of Philosophy or Religious Studies

 

Students who take a course in Philosophy or Religious Studies will learn more about the diverse beliefs and value systems held by individuals and societies. Students will come to understand why others hold beliefs or values different from their own, and will be encouraged to evaluate their own beliefs and values. Students will also become familiar with the methods used by modern scholars to investigate human beliefs and values. Finally, students will have numerous opportunities to improve their skills in reading, writing, and critical thinking.Approved Courses.

 

Any PHI or REL course except PHI and REL courses which satisfy the Ethics requirement and which are listed below, and REL 367 (Music of the Church).

b.         History: Three credit hours of History

Students will develop skills in using historical methodologies to understand historical developments. By studying History students will be able to think chronologically, and use historical categories (political, economic, social, cultural), in analyzing causes or outcomes of historical events. Students will develop skills in interpreting primary source documents, and in interpreting historical problems from multiple perspectives, while developing sensitivity to human values in their own and other cultures.

Approved Courses:

HIS 161 HIS 162 HIS 163 HIS 261 HIS 262 HIS 272/371 HIS 276/376 HIS 277/377 HIS 311

WORLD CIVILIZATION TO 1450 WORLD CIVILIZATION SINCE 1450 TWENTIETH CENTURY WORLD HISTORY UNITED STATES HISTORY TO 1865 UNITED STATES HISTORY SINCE 1865 UNITED STATES WOMEN’S HISTORY MINORITIES IN THE AMERICAN EXPERIENCE AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS

 

c.         Cross Cultural Studies: Three credit hours of Cross Cultural Studies

Cross Cultural studies provide students with an opportunity to investigate non-Western cultures and societies in a comparative manner with either other non-Western societies or with Western society. Students will examine either historical or contemporary cultural diversity in order to better understand our increasingly interdependent world.

 

Approved Courses:

 

ANT149 ANT 305 ANT 345 ENG 253 ENG 309 ENG 310 FRE 351 FRE 380-389 GER 351 GER 380-380 HIS 161 HIS 162 HIS 163 HIS 241 HIS 242 HIS 343 HIS 363 MGT 340 MKT 340 MUS 265 NSG 345 PSI 202 PSI 203 PSI 402 REL 320 SPA 351 SPA 380-389

INTRODUCTION TO CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY MENTAL ILLNESS-CROSS CULTURALLY MARRIAGE AND THE FAMILY-CROSS CULTURALLY LITERATURE OF POST – COLONIAL CULTURES WORLD LITERATURE I WORLD LITERATURE II LANGUAGE EXPERIENCE IN FRANCE TOPICS IN FRENCH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE LANGUAGE EXPERIENCE IN GERMANY TOPICS IN GERMAN LANGUAGE AND CULTURE WORLD CIVILIZATION TO 1450 WORLD CIVILIZATION SINCE 1450 TWENTIETH CENTURY WORLD HISTORY ASIAN CIVILIZATIONS AFRICAN CIVILIZATIONS HISTORY OF LATIN AMERICA HISTORY OF THE MIDDLE EAST INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MUSIC IN WORLD CULTURES TRANSCULTURAL ASPECTS OF HEALTHCARE POLITICAL THEORY: ANCIENT TO PRESENT INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS COMPARATIVE GOVERNMENT RELIGIONS OF THE WORLD LANGUAGE EXPERIENCE IN SPAIN TOPICS IN SPANISH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE

d.         Literature: Three credit hours of Literature

Students will develop the ability to read and interpret literature critically as well as the ability to appreciate literature and respond to it intellectually, aesthetically, and affectively. The study of literature will help students understand their own cultural heritage as well as the cultural heritage of others, foster their capacity to empathize with others, and enhance their understanding of the human condition. All literature courses are designed to improve students’ skills in oral and written communication.

Approved Courses:

ENG 235 ENG 247 ENG 250 ENG 252 ENG 253 ENG 261 ENG 271 ENG 280-380 ENG 301 ENG 302 ENG 303 ENG 304 ENG 309 ENG 310 ENG 311 ENG 315 ENG 316 ENG 317 ENG 318 ENG 319 ENG 390

GENDER IN LITERATURE MODERN NOVEL DRAMATIC LITERATURE ETHNIC LITERATURE LITERATURE OF POST COLONIAL CULTURES POETRY SHORT FICTION TOPICS IN LITERATURE SHAKESPEARE’S COMEDIES AND HISTORIES SHAKESPEARE’S TRAGEDIES AND ROMANCES AMERICAN LITERATURE TO 1900 AMERICAN LITERATURE FROM 1900 TO PRESENT WORLD LITERATURE I WORLD LITERATURE II MEDIEVAL AND RENAISSANCE ENGLISH LITERATURE 17TH CENTURY ENGLISH LITERATURE 18TH CENTURY ENGLISH LITERATURE ROMANTIC ENGLISH LITERATURE VICTORIAN ENGLISH LITERATURE 20TH CENTURY ENGLISH LITERATURE MAJOR AUTHORS

Students who are not English majors, English minors, or Elementary Education majors (with English concentration) must obtain the permission of the instructor to take English 390 Major Authors.

IV.       Ethics and Citizenship

a.         Recreational Activities: Two different activity courses

(one to two credit hours)

The recreational activities requirement affords students the opportunity to recognize the importance of the role of physical activity in maintaining an optimal level of physical and emotional wellness. By engaging in a variety of recreational activities, students develop skills needed to participate in recreational activities over a lifetime and learn ways to incorporate physical activities into their lifestyle.

Recreational activity courses are required of on-campus students who have not yet reached their 23rd birthday as of their matriculation at McKendree and all students in the Teacher Education Program.

Approved Courses:

PED 105 PED 107 PED 109 PED 114 PED 115 PED 116 PED 117 PED 118 PED 119 PED 120 PED 121 PED 122 PED 123 PED 124 PED 130 PED 141

BEGINNING RIDING BEGINNING TUMBLING YOGA GOLF BOWLING BADMINTON TENNIS VOLLEYBALL SOFTBALL ARCHERY PHYSICAL FITNESS SOCCER BASKETBALL AEROBICS SELECTED RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES BASIC SCUBA SKILLS

Students who have been advised by a licensed health care provider that they should not participate in the available recreational activities courses may substitute HPE 158 (Health) for this requirement. Participation in varsity sports does not fulfill the recreational activities requirement. Recreational activities courses may not be completed by way of independent studies or directed studies courses or proficiency examination.

b.         Ethics: Three credit hours of Ethics

Students who take a course in Ethics can expect to become more sensitive to the ethical implications of human actions. Students will learn to recognize the diversity of approaches to moral decision-making, including the similarities and differences among these approaches, and to apply ethical theories to a variety of practical problems. Students will also be challenged to critically evaluate their own approaches to moral and ethical issues. Finally, students will have numerous opportunities to improve their skills in reading, writing, and critical thinking.

Approved Courses:

CSI 369 MGT 424 MKT 424 NSG 405 PHI 206 PHI 332 PHI 390 PHI 391 REL 205 REL 335

SOCIAL, LEGAL AND ETHICAL ISSUES OF COMPUTING BUSINESS ETHICS AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY BUSINESS ETHICS AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY ETHICAL/LEGAL ISSUES IN NURSING INTRODUCTION TO ETHICS ETHICAL THEORY ETHICS AND PUBLIC POLICY BIO-MEDICAL ETHICS ETHICS IN THE WORLD’S RELIGIONS CHRISTIAN ETHICS

c.         Economics/Psychology/Sociology/Political Science:

Nine credit hours divided among three of the four disciplines Economics, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology.  By completing this section, students will become more aware of how they influence and are influenced by other individuals and the larger society. Students will also develop the skills to critically analyze themselves and the society of which they are a part.

 

Approved Courses:

 

ECO 211 NSG 385 PSI 101 PSI 102 PSY 153 SOC 150

PRINCIPLES OF MICROECONOMICS HEALTH POLICIES AND ECONOMICS AMERICAN GOVERNMENT – NATIONAL STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY PRINCIPLES OF SOCIOLOGY

Only teacher education majors who leave the Education program may substitute EDU 210, Foundations of American Public Education, for one of the above.