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
Arts
Art
- ART-1010 - History of Western Art - Prehistoric to Gothic Period (3)
- ART-1020 - History of Western Art - Renaissance To Modern (3)
- ART-1025 - History of Architecture (3)
- ART-1030 - Introduction to Art Appreciation (3)
- ART-1035 - History of Photography (3)
- ART-1045 - History of American Art (3)
- ART-1055 - The Art of Ancient Americas (3)
- ART-1065 - Art of the Italian Renaissance (3)
- ART-1200 - Basic Design (3)
- ART-1210 - Color Theory and Practice (3)
Music
- MUS-1020 - Music Appreciation (3)
- MUS-1120 ² - Music Business I (3)
- MUS-1130 ¹ ² - Music Business II (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)
Biological and Physical Sciences
Astronomy
Biology
- BIO-1010 ¹ - Botany (3)
- BIO-1010L ² - Botany Lab (1)
- BIO-1020 ¹ - Zoology (3)
- BIO-1020L ² - Zoology Lab (1)
- BIO-1040 ¹ - Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology (3)
- BIO-1040L ² - Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology Lab (1)
- BIO-1060 ¹ - Principles of Biology I (3)
- BIO-1060L ² - Principles of Biology I Laboratory (1)
- BIO-1070 ¹ - Principles of Biology II (3)
- BIO-1070L ² - Principles of Biology II Laboratory (1)
- BIO-1080 ¹ - Biology and Ecology of the Chesapeake Bay (3)
- BIO-1200 ¹ - Introduction to Oceanography (3)
- BIO-2010 ¹ - Microbiology - Lecture (3)
- BIO-2010L ² - Microbiology Lab (1)
- BIO-2017 ¹ - General Ecology (3)
- BIO-2017L ² - General Ecology Laboratory (1)
- BIO-2030 ¹ - Marine Biology (3)
- BIO-2030L ² - Marine Biology Laboratory (1)
- BIO-2040 ¹ - Principles of Genetics (3)
- BIO-2040L ² - Principles of Genetics Laboratory (1)
- BIO-2070 ¹ - Integrated Human Anatomy and Physiology I (3)
- BIO-2070L ² - Integrated Human Anatomy and Physiology I Lab (1)
- BIO-2080 ¹ - Integrated Human Anatomy and Physiology II (3)
- BIO-2080L ² - Integrated Human Anatomy and Physiology II Lab (1)
- BIO-2560 ¹ - Tropical Marine Ecology (4)
- BIO-2600 ¹ - Natural History of the Galapagos Islands (3)
- CHE-1200 ¹ - General Chemistry I (3)
- CHE-1200L ² - General Chemistry I Lab (1)
- CHE-1210 ¹ - General Chemistry II - Lecture (3)
- CHE-1210L ² - General Chemistry II - Lab (1)
- CHE-1230 ¹ - Principles of Organic and Biochemistry (3)
- CHE-1230L ² - Principles of Organic and Biochemistry Lab (1)
- CHE-2200 ¹ - Organic Chemistry I- Lecture (3)
- CHE-2200L ² - Organic Chemistry I- Lab (1)
- CHE-2210 ¹ - Organic Chemistry II- Lecture (3)
- CHE-2210L ² - Organic Chemistry II- Lab (1)
- ENV-1300 ¹ - Environmental Science (3)
- ENV-1300L ² - Environmental Science Laboratory (1)
- ENV-1500 ¹ ² - Environmental Management (3)
Physics
- PHY-1010 ¹ - Fundamentals of Physics I - Lecture (3)
- PHY-1010L ² - Fundamentals of Physics I - Lab (1)
- PHY-1020 ¹ - Fundamentals of Physics II (3)
- PHY-1020L ² - Fundamentals of Physics II - Lab (1)
- PHY-1210 ² - General Engineering Physics I (3)
- PHY-1210L ² - General Engineering Physics I - Lab (1)
English Composition
English
Humanities
Communications
- COM-1010 ¹ - Basic Principles of Speech Communication (3)
- COM-1250 ¹ - Introduction to Interpersonal Communication (3)
- COM-1350 ¹ - Intercultural Communication (3)
- COM-1450 ¹ - Groups, Teams, and Leadership (3)
- ENG-1020 ¹ - Composition and Literature (3)
- ENG-1030 ¹ - Composition and Nonfiction Prose (3)
- ENG-2010 ¹ - English Literature I (3)
- ENG-2020 ¹ - English Literature II (3)
- ENG-2030 ¹ - Introduction to Literature: Short Novel And Novel (3)
- ENG-2040 ¹ - Introduction to Drama (3)
- ENG-2070 ¹ - Introduction to Poetry (3)
- ENG-2140 ¹ - The Film As an Art Form (3)
- ENG-2145 ¹ - American Cinema/American Culture (3)
- ENG-2200 ¹ - American Literature I (3)
- ENG-2210 ¹ - American Literature II (3)
- ENG-2230 ¹ - Connections: Contemporary Writers and Issues (3)
- ENG-2235 ¹ - Contemporary American Poetry (3)
- ENG-2240 ¹ - African-American Literature (3)
- ENG-2250 ¹ - Women Writers (3)
- ENG-2260 ¹ - Ethnic American Literature (3)
- ENG-2270 ¹ - Latin American Literature & Film (3)
- ENG-2320 ¹ - World Literature I (3)
- ENG-2330 ¹ - World Literature II (3)
- ENG-2810 ¹ - The Vietnam War in Film and Literature (3)
- ENG-2825 ¹ - American War Literature & Film I (3)
- ENG-2826 ¹ - American War Literature and Film II (3)
- HST-1010 - History of Western Civilization to 1300 (3)
- HST-1012 - The History of Western Civilization II, 1300-1815 (3)
- HST-1016 - Women in Europe (3)
- HST-1017 - History of Race and Racism (3)
- HST-1018 - Ancient Greek and Roman History (3)
- HST-1031 - The United States to 1877 (3)
- HST-1032 - The United States Since 1877 (3)
- HST-1034 - History of Women in America (3)
- HST-1035 - History of American Warfare (3)
- HST-1036 - The US and 20th Century World Affairs (3)
- HST-1038 - History of Maryland (3)
- HST-1040 - History of Business in America (3)
- HST-1050 - The American Experience (3)
- HST-1060 - History of African Americans (3)
- PHL-1010 - Introduction to Philosophy (3)
- PHL-1020 - Introduction to Logic (3)
- PHL-1030 - Introduction to Religion (3)
- PHL-1050 - Science & Human Understanding (3)
- PHL-1400 - Social Ethics (3)
- PHL-1410 - Topics in Contemporary Ethics (3)
- PHL-1420 - Law and Society (3)
- PHL-1430 - Business Ethics (3)
Interdisciplinary and Emerging Issues
Art
French
- FRE-1010 - Introduction to French I (3)
- FRE-1020 ¹ - Introduction to French II (3)
- FRE-1050 ¹ - The Culture of France (3)
- FRE-2010 ¹ - Composition and Conversation I (3)
- FRE-2020 ¹ - Composition and Conversation II (3)
Interdisciplinary
- INE-2005 - Honors Seminar-Popular Culture: Shaping and Reflecting Who We Are (3)
- INE-2006 - Honors Seminar - Gold, Gods and Glory: The Global Dyanmics of Power (3)
Language and Culture
- LAN-1050 ¹ - Cultures of Africa (3)
- LAN-1054 ¹ - Cultures of Asia (3)
- LAN-1080 ¹ - Popular Culture (3)
- LAN-1100 ¹ - Introduction to Women's Studies (3)
- SOC-2220 ¹ - Sex Roles and Gender (3)
- SOC-2310 ¹ - Racial and Ethnic Relations (3)
- SOC-2400 ¹ - Third World Societies (3)
- SPA-1010 - Elementary Spanish I (3)
- SPA-1020 ¹ - Elementary Spanish II (3)
- SPA-1050 ¹ - The Culture of the Americas (3)
- SPA-1051 - The Cultures of Puerto Rico (3)
- SPA-1052 - The Culture of Belize (3)
- SPA-1053 - Cultures of Spain (3)
- SPA-2010 ¹ - Intermediate Spanish I (3)
- SPA-2020 ¹ - Intermediate Spanish II (3)
- SPA-2050 ¹ - Advanced Conversation and Composition (3)
Wellness, Fitness, and Sports
- WFS-1700 ² - Personalized Health and Fitness (2)
- WFS-1700L ² - Personalized Health and Fitness Lab (1)
- WFS-1790 - Wellness for a Diverse Society (3)
Mathematics
Mathematics
- MTH-1100 ¹ - College Mathematics I (3)
- MTH-1105 ¹ - College Math With Algebra (3)
- MTH-1115 ¹ - Applied College Algebra - Concepts and Models (3)
- MTH-1120 ¹ - College Algebra (3)
- MTH-1130 ² - College Analytic Trigonometry (3)
- MTH-1150 ¹ - Precalculus Algebra and Trigonometry (4)
- MTH-1200 ¹ - Calculus I and Analytic Geometry (4)
- MTH-1560 ¹ - Elementary Calculus (3)
- MTH-2300 ¹ - Introduction to Statistics (3)
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Communications
Economics
- ECN-1015 ¹ - Introduction to Business in a Market Economy (3)
- ECN-1500 ¹ - U.S. Economic History (3)
- ECN-2010 ¹ - Principles of Economics I (3)
- ECN-2020 ¹ - Principles of Economics II (3)
- ECN-2100 ¹ - International Economics (3)
Geography
- GRY-1050 - World Regional Geography (3)
- GRY-1100 - Introduction to Geography (3)
- GRY-2020 - Introductory Cultural Geography (3)
- GRY-2050 - Maps and Mapping (3)
- 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)
Sociology
- SOC-1010 - Introduction to Sociology (3)
- SOC-2010 - Technology and Society (3)
- SOC-2100 ¹ - Social Problems (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
¹ = Courses requiring a Prerequisite
² = Courses requiring a Corequisites
