2004-2006
General Education Requirements 
2004-2006 General Education Requirements
The basic core classes required by all degree programs.
General Education Requirements
The college defines general education in the following ways.
- By the required array of specified general education courses in all degree programs, and
- By the skills and categories of knowledge, specified by the faculty, which those courses incorporate.
Students who enroll in a degree program at the college will learn quickly that a portion of the required courses is referred to as general education. These courses will range from 20 credits to 34 credits, depending on the program selected. Whatever the number, they will be selected from the same list of courses, which are grouped below under the following headings: Arts; Humanities; English Composition; Social and Behavioral Sciences; Mathematics; Biological and Physical Sciences; Interdisciplinary and Emerging Issues.
This course distribution is intended to ensure that students have mastered fundamental skills and have demonstrated a familiarity with a core knowledge considered basic to all college-level work.
These general education course credits are transferable to all two- and four-year public institutions (and many private institutions as well) in Maryland and are guaranteed so in Maryland Student Transfer Policies (contained in Appendix III in the college's printed Catalog).
For students enrolling in an A.A. or A.S. program
For students enrolling in an A.A. or A.S. program, the general education portion of the program constitutes 31 to 34 credits in the following distribution:
|
Credits |
|
| English Composition | 3 |
| Arts and Humanities (from 2 different disciplines) | 6 |
| Communications * | 3 |
| Biological and Physical Sciences (including 1 lab) | 7 |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences (from 2 different disciplines) | 6 |
| Mathematics | 3 |
| Electives (from above categories and/or Interdisciplinary and Emerging Issues) | 3 - 6 |
*not required in Engineering
For students enrolling in an A.A.S program
For students enrolling in an A.A.S program, the general education portion of the program constitutes at least 20 credits in the following distribution:
| Credits | |
| English Composition | 3 |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences | 3 |
| Arts and Humanities | 3 |
| Biological and Physical Sciences | 3 |
| Mathematics | 3 |
| Electives (from above categories and/or Interdisciplinary and Emerging Issues) | 5 |
Prams of top
General Education Courses
Unless the program specifies a particular general education course, students may select from among the following courses in the distributions below:
Arts
Skills and Categories of Knowledge
The faculty has developed a list of skills and categories of knowledge which shape the development of these general education courses. The faculty believes that the knowledge gained from these courses should be common among all CSM degree holders. As students take these courses, they will see described on the course syllabi the particular skills and categories of knowledge to be learned. Students are graded on the extent to which they have mastered these.
Faculty Statement on General Education in Associate's Degree Programs
The faculty considers general education to be a common body of skills and knowledge to which all graduates with associate's degrees should be exposed and for which the college may determine certain levels of competency.
Academic Skills
Reading
Graduates should be able to:
1. read college-level material
2. define or interpret unfamiliar words
3. use features such as a table of contents, index, appendix, glossary, and subtitles
4. adjust reading style to type of material
5. identify the main components and the supporting evidence
6. recognize the purpose, method, and tone of a written work
7. interpret inferentially as well as literally
8. evaluate written material to reach conclusions
9. synthesize information and concepts gained from reading
Writing
Graduates should be able to:
10. write complete sentences, proofread and edit, punctuate, and spell in standard English
11 conceive ideas, select materials, and organize contents effectively for a purpose
12. choose style and contents appropriate to audience and purpose
13. write a unified, coherent academic essay, correct in structure and mechanics, which supports a clear, limited thesis
14. write a coherent research paper, including gathering information, taking notes, quoting, paraphrasing and summarizing accurately, and documenting sources properly
Mathematics
Graduates should be able to:
15. perform mathematical operations accurately
16. make mathematical estimates and approximations to judge the reasonableness of results
17. interpret graphs, tables, and charts
18, understand mathematical information and relationships stated in words
19. utilize appropriate mathematical models to solve problems while recognizing the assumptions and limitations of the models
Computer
Graduates should be able to:
20. describe the functions and applications of a computer system
21. identify the major hardware components of a computer system
22. use microcomputer software programs
Observation
Graduates should be able to:
23. conduct careful, thoughtful observations of objects and phenomena in nature, society, science, and art
24. select and use appropriate instruments to measure and observe objects and phenomena
25. describe their observations and measurements accurately using appropriate terms and units
26. interpret and draw appropriate conclusions based on their observations and measurements
27. evaluate the significance of the conclusions reached
Learning
Graduates should be able to:
28. set study goals and priorities to attain stated course objectives
29. plan for completion of both long-term and short-term assignments
30. prepare for different types of examinations or evaluations
31. adapt to a variety of methods of instruction
32. locate and use resources outside the classroom
33. ask pertinent questions
34. accept constructive criticism and learn from it
35. apply appropriate theories to solve problems
Speaking
Graduates should be able to:
36. express their needs and expectations clearly
37. ask and answer questions effectively
38. give clear directions
39. organize and present ideas and feelings in language appropriate to the situation and audience
40. use nonverbal skills appropriately
Listening
Graduates should be able to:
41. interpret, analyze, and evaluate spoken messages
42. identify the main and subordinate ideas in spoken messages
43. recognize the use and meaning of nonverbal messages
44. distinguish between informative and persuasive spoken messages
45. recognize when another does not receive or understand a spoken message
46. follow spoken instructions
Interpersonal Communication
Graduates should be able to:
47. recognize and seek to resolve interpersonal conflicts
48. recognize cultural diversity
49. accurately describe another's point of view, even if it is different from one's own
50. behave appropriately in a variety of social situations
51. engage in constructive discussion
Reasoning
Graduates should be able to:
52. recognize valid and invalid reasoning
53. understand and use inductive and deductive reasoning
54. draw reasonable conclusions from information found in various sources
55. distinguish between fact, opinion, and inference
56. develop, present, and defend valid arguments
57. identify, define, evaluate, and solve problems
58. compare, contrast, and classify information and concepts
59. recognize cause and effect
Categories of Knowledge
Political/Historical
Graduates should:
60. have a basic understanding of the organization and functions of the local, state, and federal governments in the United States
61. be aware of historical, philosophical, and ideological foundations of major systems of government and of social organization
Cultural/Social
Graduates should:
62. have a basic understanding of how individuals and groups behave, develop, and function
63. know about major cultures, religions, and ethnic groups
64. have an awareness of philosophies and religions and their influence on culture
65. understand that cultures are influenced by myths, rituals, and shared beliefs
66. be familiar with the visual, literary, and musical arts and other forms of artistic and cultural expression
Economic
Graduates should:
67. be familiar with basic economic principles (e.g., supply and demand) and economic systems (e.g., socialism and capitalism)
68. be aware of the role played by business, consumers, and government in influencing our economy
Natural/Technological
Graduates should:
69. understand methodologies of natural science
70. have a basic knowledge of local, national, and world geography
71. be familiar with how technology and human activities shape society and the environment
72. have a basic understanding of how the body functions and how to maintain health
¹ = Courses requiring a Prerequisite
² = Courses requiring a Corequisites
- Students enrolled in A.A. or A.S. program
- Students enrolled in A.A.S program
- General Education Courses
- Skills and Categories of Knowledge
- Faculty Statement on General Education in Associate's Degree Programs
The college defines general education in the following ways.
- By the required array of specified general education courses in all degree programs, and
- By the skills and categories of knowledge, specified by the faculty, which those courses incorporate.
Students who enroll in a degree program at the college will learn quickly that a portion of the required courses is referred to as general education. These courses will range from 20 credits to 34 credits, depending on the program selected. Whatever the number, they will be selected from the same list of courses, which are grouped below under the following headings: Arts; Humanities; English Composition; Social and Behavioral Sciences; Mathematics; Biological and Physical Sciences; Interdisciplinary and Emerging Issues.
This course distribution is intended to ensure that students have mastered fundamental skills and have demonstrated a familiarity with a core knowledge considered basic to all college-level work.
These general education course credits are transferable to all two- and four-year public institutions (and many private institutions as well) in Maryland and are guaranteed so in Maryland Student Transfer Policies (contained in Appendix III in the college's printed Catalog).
Students Enrolled in an A.A. or A.S. Program
For students enrolling in an A.A. or A.S. program, the general education portion of the program constitutes 31 to 34 credits in the following distribution:
| Class Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| English Composition | 3 |
| Arts and Humanities (from 2 different disciplines) | 6 |
| Communications * | 3 |
| Biological and Physical Sciences (including 1 lab) | 7 |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences (from 2 different disciplines) | 6 |
| Mathematics | 3 |
| Electives (from above categories and/or Interdisciplinary and Emerging Issues) | 3 - 6 |
*not required in Engineering
Students Enrolled in an A.A.S program
For students enrolling in an A.A.S program, the general education portion of the program constitutes at least 20 credits in the following distribution:
| Course Titles | Credits |
|---|---|
| English Composition | 3 |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences | 3 |
| Arts and Humanities | 3 |
| Biological and Physical Sciences | 3 |
| Mathematics | 3 |
| Electives (from above categories and/or Interdisciplinary and Emerging Issues) | 5 |
General Education Courses
Unless the program specifies a particular general education course, students may select from among the following courses in the distributions below:
Arts
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ART 1010 | History of Western Art I | (3) |
| ART 1020 | History of Western Art II | (3) |
| ART 1030 | Introduction to Art Appreciation | (3) |
| ART 1200 | Basic Design | (3) |
| ART 1210 | Color Theory and Practice | (3) |
| ART 2611 | Introduction to the History of Photography | (3) |
| ART 2612 | Introduction to the History of Western Architecture | (3) |
| ART 2614 | History of American Art I | (3) |
| ART 2616 | History of American Art II | (3) |
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| DAN 1210 | History of Western Dance | (3) |
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUS 1020 | Music Appreciation | (3) |
| MUS 1201 | Music of the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries | (3) |
| MUS 1202 | A Survey of Twentieth Century American Music | (3) |
| MUS 1203 | History of Jazz | (3) |
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| THE 1010 | Introduction to Play Production | (3) |
| THE 2410 | Major Movements in Western Theatre | (3) |
Humanities
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COM 1010 | Basic Principles of Speech Communication | (3) |
| COM 1250 | Introduction to Interpersonal Communication | (3) |
| COM 1350 | Intercultural Communication | (3) |
| COM 1450 | Groups, Teams, and Leadership | (3) |
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 1020 | Composition and Literature | (3) |
| ENG 1030 | Composition and Nonfiction Prose | (3) |
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 2010 | English Literature I | (3) |
| ENG 2020 | English Literature II | (3) |
| ENG 2030 | Introduction to Literature: Short Novel and Novel | (3) |
| ENG 2040 | Introduction to Drama | (3) |
| ENG 2070 | Introduction to Poetry | (3) |
| ENG 2140 | The Film as an Art Form | (3) |
| ENG 2145 | American Cinema/American Culture | (3) |
| ENG 2200 | American Literature I | (3) |
| ENG 2210 | American Literature II | (3) |
| ENG 2230 | Connections: Contemporary Writers and Issues | (3) |
| ENG 2235 | Contemporary American Poetry | (3) |
| ENG 2240 | African-American Literature | (3) |
| ENG 2250 | Women Writers | (3) |
| ENG 2260 | Ethnic American Literature | (3) |
| ENG 2320 | World Literature I | (3) |
| ENG 2330 | World Literature II | (3) |
| ENG 2810 | The Vietnam War in Film and Literature | (3) |
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HST 1010 | History of Western Civilization I | (3) |
| HST 1020 | History of Western Civilization II | (3) |
| HST 1040 | History of Business Development in America | (3) |
| HST 1050 | The American Experience | (3) |
| HST 1060 | History of African Americans | (3) |
| HST 2010 | The United States to 1865 | (3) |
| HST 2020 | The United States from 1865 | (3) |
| HST 2030 | History of Women in America | (3) |
| HST 2040 | Conflict and Revolution: Impact of European Women | (3) |
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHL 1010 | Introduction to Philosophy | (3) |
| PHL 1020 | Introduction to Logic | (3) |
| PHL 1030 | Introduction to Religion | (3) |
| PHL 1400 | Social Ethics | (3) |
| PHL 1410 | Topics in Contemporary Ethics | (3) |
| PHL 1420 | Law and Society | (3) |
| PHL 1430 | Business Ethics | (3) |
English Composition
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 1010 | Composition and Rhetoric | (3) |
Social and Behavioral Sciences
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COM 1020 | Introduction to Mass Communication | (3) |
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ECN 1015 | Business in a Market Economy | (3) |
| ECN 1500 | U.S. Economic History | (3) |
| ECN 2010 | Principles of Economics I | (3) |
| ECN 2020 | Principles of Economics II | (3) |
| ECN 2100 | International Economics | (3) |
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GRY 1050 | World Regional Geography | (3) |
| GRY 1100 | Introduction to Geography | (3) |
| GRY 2020 | Introductory Cultural Geography | (3) |
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| POL 1010 | American Government | (3) |
| POL 1050 | Introduction to Government and Politics | (3) |
| POL 2010 | State and Local Government | (3) |
| POL 2020 | International Relations | (3) |
| POL 2040 | Political Ideologies | (3) |
| POL 2110 | Social Policy | (3) |
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSY 1010 | General Psychology | (3) |
| PSY 2050 | Human Development Through the Life Span | (3) |
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SOC 1010 | Introduction to Sociology | (3) |
| SOC 2010 | Technology and Society | (3) |
| SOC 2100 | Social Problems | (3) |
Mathematics
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MTH 1100 | College Mathematics I | (3) |
| MTH 1110 | College Mathematics II | (3) |
| MTH 1120 | College Algebra | (3) |
| MTH 1130 | College Analytic Trigonometry | (3) |
| MTH 1150 | Precalculus Algebra and Trigonometry | (4) |
| MTH 1200 | Calculus I and Analytic Geometry | (4) |
| MTH 1560 | Elementary Calculus | (3) |
| MTH 2300 | Introduction to Statistics | (3) |
Biological and Physical Sciences
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AST 1010 | Introduction to Astronomy | (3) |
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIO1010/1010L | Botany | (4) |
| BIO1020/1020L | Zoology | (4) |
| BIO1040/1040L | Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology | (4) |
| BIO 1080 | Biology and Ecology of the Chesapeake Bay | (3) |
| BIO 1200 | Introduction to Oceanography | (3) |
| BIO 1700/1700L | Introduction to Ecology | (4) |
| BIO 2010/2010L | Microbiology | (4) |
| BIO 2030/2030L | Marine Biology | (4) |
| BIO 2070/2070L | Integrated Human Anatomy and Physiology I | (4) |
| BIO 2080/2080L | Integrated Human Anatomy and Physiology II | (4) |
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CHE 1200/1200L | General Chemistry I | (4) |
| CHE 1210/1210L | General Chemistry II | (4) |
| CHE 1230/1230L | Principles of Organic and Biochemistry | (4) |
| CHE 2200/2200L | Organic Chemistry I | (4) |
| CHE 2210/2210L | Organic Chemistry II | (4) |
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENV 1010 | Earth Science | (4) |
| ENV 1300/1300L | Environmental Science | (4) |
| ENV 1500 | Environmental Management | (3) |
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GEO 1010/1010L | Physical Geology | (4) |
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GRY 1110/1110L | Introduction to Physical Geography | (4) |
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHY 1010/1010L | Fundamentals of Physics I | (4) |
| PHY 1020/1020L | Fundamentals of Physics II | (4) |
| PHY 1210/1210L | General Engineering Physics I | (4) |
Interdisciplinary and Emerging Issues
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ART 2618 | Survey of Indigenous Art Cultures | (3) |
| FRE 1050 | The Culture of France | (3) |
| HST 1030 | Global Perspectives | (3) |
| INE 2003 | Honors Seminar-Dimensions and Directions of Health: Choices in the Maze | (3) |
| ITS 1015 | The Information Age: Emerging Technologies | (3) |
| LAN 1050 | Cultures of Africa | (3) |
| LAN 1080 | Popular Culture | (3) |
| SOC 2220 | Sex Roles and Gender | (3) |
| SOC 2310 | Race and Ethnic Relations | (3) |
| SPA 1050 | The Cultures of the Americas | (3) |
| WFS 1700/ 1700L |
Personalized Health and Fitness | (3) |
Skills and Categories of Knowledge
The faculty has developed a list of skills and categories of knowledge which shape the development of these general education courses. The faculty believes that the knowledge gained from these courses should be common among all CSM degree holders. As students take these courses, they will see described on the course syllabi the particular skills and categories of knowledge to be learned. Students are graded on the extent to which they have mastered these.
Faculty Statement on General Education in Associate's Degree Programs
The faculty considers general education to be a common body of skills and knowledge to which all graduates with associate's degrees should be exposed and for which the college may determine certain levels of competency.
Academic Skills
Reading
Graduates should be able to:
1. read college-level material
2. define or interpret unfamiliar words
3. use features such as a table of contents, index, appendix, glossary,
and subtitles
4. adjust reading style to type of material
5. identify the main components and the supporting evidence
6. recognize the purpose, method, and tone of a written work
7. interpret inferentially as well as literally
8. evaluate written material to reach conclusions
9. synthesize information and concepts gained from reading
Writing
Graduates should be able to:
10. write complete sentences, proofread and edit, punctuate, and spell
in standard English
11 conceive ideas, select materials, and organize contents effectively
for a purpose
12. choose style and contents appropriate to audience and purpose
13. write a unified, coherent academic essay, correct in structure
and mechanics, which supports a clear, limited thesis
14. write a coherent research paper, including gathering information,
taking notes, quoting, paraphrasing and summarizing accurately, and
documenting sources properly
Mathematics
Graduates should be able to:
15. perform mathematical operations accurately
16. make mathematical estimates and approximations to judge the reasonableness
of results
17. interpret graphs, tables, and charts
18, understand mathematical information and relationships stated in
words
19. utilize appropriate mathematical models to solve problems while
recognizing the assumptions and limitations of the models
Computer
Graduates should be able to:
20. describe the functions and applications of a computer system
21. identify the major hardware components of a computer system
22. use microcomputer software programs
Observation
Graduates should be able to:
23. conduct careful, thoughtful observations of objects and phenomena
in nature, society, science, and art
24. select and use appropriate instruments to measure and observe objects
and phenomena
25. describe their observations and measurements accurately using appropriate
terms and units
26. interpret and draw appropriate conclusions based on their observations
and measurements
27. evaluate the significance of the conclusions reached
Learning
>Graduates should be able to:
28. set study goals and priorities to attain stated course objectives
29. plan for completion of both long-term and short-term assignments
30. prepare for different types of examinations or evaluations
31. adapt to a variety of methods of instruction
32. locate and use resources outside the classroom
33. ask pertinent questions
34. accept constructive criticism and learn from it
35. apply appropriate theories to solve problems
Speaking
Graduates should be able to:
36. express their needs and expectations clearly
37. ask and answer questions effectively
38. give clear directions
39. organize and present ideas and feelings in language appropriate
to the situation and audience
40. use nonverbal skills appropriately
Listening
Graduates should be able to:
41. interpret, analyze, and evaluate spoken messages
42. identify the main and subordinate ideas in spoken messages
43. recognize the use and meaning of nonverbal messages
44. distinguish between informative and persuasive spoken messages
45. recognize when another does not receive or understand a spoken
message
46. follow spoken instructions
Interpersonal Communication
Graduates should be able to:
47. recognize and seek to resolve interpersonal conflicts
48. recognize cultural diversity
49. accurately describe another's point of view, even if it is different
from one's own
50. behave appropriately in a variety of social situations
51. engage in constructive discussion
Reasoning
Graduates should be able to:
52. recognize valid and invalid reasoning
53. understand and use inductive and deductive reasoning
54. draw reasonable conclusions from information found in various sources
55. distinguish between fact, opinion, and inference
56. develop, present, and defend valid arguments
57. identify, define, evaluate, and solve problems
58. compare, contrast, and classify information and concepts
59. recognize cause and effect
Categories of Knowledge
Political/Historical
Graduates should:
60. have a basic understanding of the organization and functions of
the local, state, and federal governments in the United
States
61. be aware of historical, philosophical, and ideological foundations
of major systems of government and of social organization
Cultural/Social
Graduates should:
62. have a basic understanding of how individuals and groups behave,
develop, and function
63. know about major cultures, religions, and ethnic groups
64. have an awareness of philosophies and religions and their influence
on culture
65. understand that cultures are influenced by myths, rituals, and
shared beliefs
66. be familiar with the visual, literary, and musical arts and other
forms of artistic and cultural expression
Economic
Graduates should:
67. be familiar with basic economic principles (e.g., supply and demand)
and economic systems (e.g., socialism and capitalism)
68. be aware of the role played by business, consumers, and government
in influencing our economy
Natural/Technological
Graduates should:
69. understand methodologies of natural science
70. have a basic knowledge of local, national, and world geography
71. be familiar with how technology and human activities shape society
and the environment
72. have a basic understanding of how the body functions and how to
maintain health