---

UW-LA CROSSE GENERAL EDUCATION PROGRAM

GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

BACCALAUREATE DEGREES

 

 

 

 

 

UW-LA CROSSE GENERAL EDUCATION PROGRAM
132 Graff Main Hall (608) 785-5400
Director - Emily Johnson

 

General Education is the common educational experience for all undergraduates at UW-L. It is uniquely concerned with the broad education of the whole person, and plays a vital role in preparing students for life beyond the university.

 

The primary purpose of General Education is to cultivate knowledge, skills, and dispositions essential for independent learning and thinking. As a result of General Education, students will be more knowledgeable in a wide variety of subject matter areas, and also better able and more willing to ask significant questions, seek appropriate solutions to complex problems, make sound judgments and formulate rational beliefs.

To these ends, the goals of General Education at UW-L are to develop:

 

—        Communication skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening

—        Skills in analytical, logical and critical thinking in various branches of knowledge accomplished in part by each student completing at least one mathematics course

—        Oral and written communications skills in a second language for students who elect to do so

—        Knowledge of the development and interaction of human cultures

—        Understanding of concepts, ideas and systems of thought that underlie human activities

—        Understanding of and sensitivity to cultural diversity in the United States

—        Understanding of the social, political, and economic frameworks of societies within the global context

—        Understanding and appreciation of the arts

—        Understanding of nature, including the role of science and technology in environmental and social change

—        Knowledge and skills essential to physical well-being and a healthy lifestyle

 

 

The General Education program places special emphasis on helping students to become more intellectually skilled through inquiry-based teaching and learning. Inquiry-based General Education engages students actively in learning and thinking about essential knowledge, issues and questions. Each General Education course enhances students’ intellectual growth in some way. As students gain knowledge they also learn to use knowledge more effectively, to ask and answer questions, solve problems, develop ideas and make sound judgments.

 

The UW-La Crosse General Education program consists of two major components: skills and liberal studies. Skills courses improve students’ abilities to learn, think, and communicate effectively. Liberal studies courses engage students in the study of important areas of knowledge and  experience and focus on central questions, issues, and problems we share as people and as members of the same society.

 

 

 

I. THE SKILLS COMPONENT

 

Fundamental skills are those central to learning, analyzing, evaluating, integrating and communicating information and knowledge. These skills are essential in all fields of study and their development should be enhanced and refined throughout the college years.

 

A.        Literacy: Tools for Skilled Communication

Reading, writing, speaking and listening are the tools by which a person becomes educated. General Education skills courses improve students’ abilities to read, write, speak and listen with clarity, precision and depth of understanding. Courses in this area include writing, composition and oral communication. In addition, the program includes writing emphasis courses which enhance students’ abilities to communicate and learn through writing.

 

B.        Mathematical/Logical Systems and Foreign Languages: Tools for Structured Analysis and Communication

General Education enhances students’ abilities to think, reason and solve problems with precision and clarity. Study in this area helps students to understand that words and symbols can have exact definitions and usage, analyses of some problems require strict use of structured rules, and that discoveries, results and ideas must be communicated clearly to others who may be unfamiliar with such rules or language. This area of study includes courses in mathematics, computer science, logic and foreign languages. Although these fields differ in many respects, each emphasizes the skilled use of symbols or language to analyze, evaluate or communicate more effectively.

 

 

II.        THE LIBERAL STUDIES COMPONENT

 

The liberal studies component of General Education engages students in the study of major areas of knowledge and experience. Liberal studies courses afford opportunities for students to evaluate critically their heritage and see beyond the boundaries of their culture, to think scientifically in both the natural and social spheres, to explore texts thoroughly and imaginatively, to respond sensitively to the expressive arts, and to plan a life which makes the best possible use of work and leisure time.

 

The thematic categories and inquiry-based teaching and learning in liberal studies courses help students to see connections among fields of knowledge, and to understand different perspectives and ways of thinking about important questions.

 

A.        Minority Cultures or Multiracial Women’s Studies

An essential goal of General Education is to improve students’ understanding of and sensitivity to cultural diversity in the United States. All students take at least one course that focuses on minority cultures in the United States or women in the United States from a multiracial perspective. All courses in this category fulfill the UW System ethnic studies requirements.

 

B.        International and Multicultural Studies: Becoming World Citizens

Knowledge about the variety of human experience is an integral part of liberal education. Moreover, the international dimensions of politics, commerce, economics, and culture touch our lives every day. We live in an interdependent world in which understanding of other cultures and societies is essential. These General Education courses include world history and global studies courses that focus on the peoples, cultures and societies of the world. Some courses in this category fulfill the UW System ethnic studies requirement.

 

C.        Science: Understanding the Natural World

As the health and prosperity of our society becomes more dependent on science and technology, our future becomes increasingly dependent upon a scientifically literate population. Individuals in our society must be sufficiently knowledgeable about scientific facts and applications to make skilled decisions concerning their use in addressing society’s problems. Courses in this area include the study of basic scientific knowledge, the role of applied science and technology as agents of change in society, and a laboratory component to develop an understanding of scientific inquiry.

 

D.        Self and Society: Understanding Oneself and the Social World

Each person, although unique, lives in a social world that exerts profound influence upon his or her attitudes, values and behavior. It is important to gain a sound understanding of oneself in relation to others and an under-standing of the social institutions that people create and which serve to influence our lives. Courses in this area focus on the study of human behavior and social institutions.

 

E.         Humanistic Studies: The Search for Values and Meaning

Academic study of the humanities involves the study of language as a medium for recording human experience and of the major forms of such records: philosophical, historical, literary. Students have the opportunity to test specialized knowledge and personal experience of humanity. These courses focus on what it means to be human, and what was, is, and should be valued by human beings.

 

F.         Arts: The Aesthetic Experience

The arts represent a fusion of the emotional, spiritual and intellectual realities of the human condition. Study of the arts leads to heightened aesthetic experiences and deepens cultural understanding. These include courses that focus on understanding, appreciating and experiencing the fine and performing arts.

 

G.        Health and Physical Well-Being: Learning to Create Healthy Lives

The miracles of modern medicine exist side by side with many kinds of limiting physical conditions such as heart disease and obesity. Many health problems could be prevented or ameliorated by alterations in the ways that people live. The course in this area focuses on knowledge and skills necessary for the appreciation and enhancement of a healthful lifestyle. It emphasizes health and physical well-being throughout the life span and explores major health issues, physical fitness and effective use of leisure.

 

 

 

 

 

 

GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

 

—        Students must earn a minimum of 48 credits of General Education courses.

—        Students must earn the minimum credits within each category (totaling 39 credits.)

—        Students earn the remaining credits from any combination of categories.

 

I.          Skills

(Proficiency tests are available in skills courses. Contact appropriate department for information.)

 

A.        Literacy: Tools for Skilled Communication

(6 credits required)

 

ENG 110:        College Writing I

            CST 110:        Public Oral Communication

Note: Students receiving less than a grade of “C” in CST 110 must repeat the course.

 

Students receiving a grade lower than “BC” in their initial enrollment in ENG 110 must also take one of the following:

ENG 303:        College Writing II

ENG 304:        Writing in the Arts and Humanities

ENG 305:        Creative Writing

ENG 306:        Writing for Teachers

ENG 307:        Writing for Management, Public Relations and the Professions

ENG 308:        Technical Writing

ENG 309:        Writing in the Sciences

 

Note: Second writing course does not count toward General Education.

 

 

Writing Emphasis Courses

(2 courses required)

 

All students must also complete two writing emphasis courses at the 200 level or above, one of which must be at the 300 level or above. One course must be in the major, (not core.) See the Timetable for information on offerings each semester.

 

Several departments have writing-in-the-major programs. They incorporate writing requirements across their curriculum rather than identifying specific classes as writing emphasis classes. Students with majors in these departments will fulfill their writing emphasis requirement by completing that major. Transfer students who transfer courses from another institution that are applicable to the major should consult the department about fulfillment of the writing emphasis requirement.

 

Note: Writing emphasis courses do not count toward the 48 credit General Education requirement unless identified in one of the General Education categories.

 

 

B.        Mathematical/Logical Systems and Foreign Languages: Tools for Structured Analysis and Communication

(Minimum of 7 credits required; a minimum of 3 credits must be taken in mathematics from List 1. In List 1, only one course in each of the “or” pairs may be used to meet General Education.)

 

1.         MTH 150:        College Algebra or        

MTH 151:        Precalculus           

                        MTH 175:        Applied Calculus or  

MTH 207:        Calculus I

                        MTH 145:        Elementary Statistics or

MTH 250:        Statistics

                        MTH 208:        Calculus II

 

2.    C-S 101:          Introduction to Computing

                   C-S 120:          Software Design I

                   CHI 102:          Elementary Chinese II

CHI 201:          Intermediate Chinese I

CHI 202:          Intermediate Chinese II

FRE 102:          Elementary French II

FRE 201:          Intermediate French I

FRE 202:          Intermediate French II

GER 102:          Elementary German II

GER 201:          Intermediate German I

GER 202:          Intermediate German II

MLG 102:          Elementary  (world language) II

MLG 201:          Intermediate  (world language) I

MLG 202:          Intermediate  (world language) II

PHL 101:          Introduction to Logic

RUS 102:          Elementary Russian II

RUS 201:          Intermediate Russian I

RUS 202:          Intermediate Russian II

SPA 102:          Elementary Spanish II

SPA 201:          Intermediate Spanish I

SPA 202:          Intermediate Spanish II

 

 

Note: Non-native speakers of English may satisfy foreign language option by exhibiting proficiency (a score of 70 or above) on the La Crosse Battery of exams for non-native speakers of English. (Contact the English as a Second Language Institute for eligibility and regulations.)

 

 

II.        LIBERAL STUDIES

 

A.        Minority Cultures or Multiracial Women’s Studies

(Minimum of 3 credits required)

 

ECO 336:             Women in the U.S. Economy

EFN 205:               Understanding Human Differences

ENG/ERS 207:     Multicultural Literature of the U.S.

ENG/ERS 210:    Literature of Black America

ENG/ERS 215:     African American Authors

ERS 100:              Introduction to Minority Cultures in the U.S.

HIS 306:               History of Ethnic America

HIS 336:             Hispanics in the United States

HON 207:           Gender, Race, Power, Privilege

HON 220:           Global Roots of U.S. Literature

POL 205:            Women and Politics

PSY 285:            Culture and Mental Health: An Applied Perspective

PSY 318:            Psychology of Women

SOC 225:           Racial and Ethnic Minorities

W-S 100:             Introduction to Women’s Studies

W-S 210:            Women’s Voices/Women’s Culture

W-S 230:            Women’s Diversity: Race, Class and Culture

 

B.        International and Multicultural Studies: Becoming World Citizens

(Minimum of 6 credits required; must take HIS 151.)

 

1.         World History (One course required)

 

2.         Global and Multicultural Studies

(One course required)

ANT, ECO, GEO, HIS POL, or SOC 202: Contemporary Global Issues

 

ART 201:         Multicultural Survey of Art

ECO 120:        Global Macroeconomics

ENG 208:        International Studies in Literature

ENV 201:        Introduction to Environmental Studies

FRE 220:         France and the Francophone World

GEO 110:        World Cultural Regions

GEO 200:        Conservation of Global Environments

HIS 101 or HIS 102: whichever was not taken from list above

HIS 220:          The United States in the Global Community

MUS 201:        Musical Cultures
            MUS 204:         Latin American Music: Its Context and Impact

PHL 230:         Multicultural Philosophy

POL 234:         Comparative Political Systems

PSY 280:         Cross-Cultural Development
             THA 351:        World Theater

 

 

C.        Science: Understanding the Natural World

(Minimum of 4 credits required; one course must be a Natural Laboratory Science from List 1.)

 

1.         Natural Laboratory Science

ANT 102:        Introduction to Physical Anthropology

BIO 103:          Introductory Biology or

BIO 105:          General Biology

CHM 100:       Contemporary Chemistry

CHM 103:       General Chemistry I

ESC 101:         Introduction to Earth Science

HON 290:        Science: Creative Search for Understanding

MIC 100:         Microbes and Society

PHY 103:         Fundamental Physics I

PHY 106:         Physical Science for Educators

PHY 125:         Physics for the Life Sciences

AST/PHY 155: Solar System Astronomy

PHY 203:         General Physics I

 

2.         Science, Technology and Society: Emphasizing the Role of Applied Science and Technology as Agents of Change in Society

BIO 102:          Contemporary Issues in Biological Sciences

BIO/PSY 107: Brain Basics: Linking Society and Neuroscience

HON 295:        Decisions in a World of Science and Technology

 

 

D.        Self and Society: Understanding Oneself and the Social World

            (Minimum of 3 credits required)

 

ANT 101:        Human Nature/ Human Culture

ARC 100:        Archaeology: Discovering our Past

ECO 110:        Microeconomics and Public Policy

ENG 220:        Women and Popular Culture

            ERS 110:         Myth and Reality: An Introduction to Ethnic and Racial Stereotyping

HIS  206:         Life in Twentieth Century America

HON 204:        Human Nature, Culture and Reality

HON 206:        Human Nature and Political Life

POL 101:         American National Government

POL 102:         State and Local Government

PSY 100:         General Psychology

SOC 110:        The Social World

SOC 120:        Social Problems

 

 

 

E.         Humanistic Studies: The Search For Values and Meaning

(Minimum of 3 credits required; one course must be a literature course from

 List 1.)

 

1.         ENG 200:        Literature and Human Experience

ENG 201:        American Literature I

ENG 202:        American Literature II

ENG 203:        English Literature I

ENG 204:        English Literature II

ENG 205:        Western Literature I

ENG 206:        Western Literature II

HON 203:        Literary Studies: The Battle of the Books

HON 205:        Classical Myths and Modern Literature
            MLG 299:        Foreign Literature in Translation

 

2.         HIS  205:         History of Ethical Values in World Religions

                        HON 100:        Search for Values: The Enduring Quest

                        PHL 100:         Introduction to Philosophy

POL 251:         The Individual and the State: Values and Power

 

 

F.         Arts: The Aesthetic Experience

(Minimum of 4 credits required)

 

APH 102:         Photography Appreciation

ART 102:         Art Appreciation

ESS 104:          Dance Appreciation

HON 201:        Dramatic Literature and Theater Arts

MUS 105:        Music Appreciation or

MUS 110:        The Listening Experience in Music

THA 110:         Theatre Appreciation

 

G.        Health and Physical Well-Being: Learning to Create Healthy Lives

(3 credits required.)

 

HON 202:        Body, Mind and Well-Being

HPR 105:         Creating a Healthy, Active Lifestyle

SAH 105:         Analysis of Health, Wellness and Disease for the Healthcare Consumer

 

 

 

 

 

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

 

 

 

 

           

BACCALAUREATE DEGREES

 

Candidates for the bachelor of arts or the bachelor of science degrees must accomplish the following:

1.         Fulfill the General Education requirements.

2.         Complete at least one ethnic studies (diversity) course.

3.         Complete the courses prescribed by the Undergraduate Curriculum Committee for the degree desired in the respective school or college. (Note: No substitutions for graduation may be made in course requirements for a major or minor after the fourth week of the last semester of the senior year.)

4.         Earn a minimum of 120 semester credits with at least a 2.00 cumulative GPA.* At least 40 credits must be earned in 300 and 400 (senior college) level courses.

5.         Complete major and minor requirements with at least a 2.00 GPA* in each major and minor (and concentration or emphasis, if selected.)

6.         Fulfill the minimum requirements for study in residence (see next page).

7.         File a completed “Intent to Graduate” form with the Records and Registration Office no later than two weeks after the beginning date of the final semester or summer session in residence.

 

            Note:

            No degree will be awarded unless all requirements are fulfilled within thirty

            (30) days after the official ending date of each term.

 

Second Baccalaureate Degree

A graduate who has earned one baccalaureate degree at UW-L and who subsequently becomes a candidate for a second baccalaureate degree must meet all core, professional and major requirements for the second degree and must earn at least 30 resident credits ** beyond the first degree. Students with a previously earned baccalaureate degree from another regionally accredited institution must meet all core, professional and major requirements for the second degree and must earn at least 30 resident credits beyond the first degree. Students wishing to use credits from their first degree to fulfill requirements of a second degree must obtain approval from the dean of the college in which they are enrolled. All General Education requirements are satisfied by students who have completed the first baccalaureate degree. UW System policy requires that every student complete a diversity course. If this was not done as part of the first degree, it must be fulfilled for the second degree.

 

 

 

 

Second Major

A graduate who has earned one baccalaureate degree at UW-L who wishes to complete the requirements for another major, must meet all professional and major requirements. A notation will be made on the student’s transcript that an additional major has been completed. Students with demonstrated evidence of a previously earned baccalaureate degree from another regionally accredited institution, who wish to complete the requirements for another major at UW-L must enroll as a Special Student and fulfill all professional and major requirements. If all required courses are earned in residence, a notation will be made on the student’s transcript indicating an additional major has been completed.

 

Undergraduate Residence Requirement

A minimum of 30 semester credits in residence at UW-L is required for graduation. The last 24 credits to be applied toward a degree must be earned as resident credits.** The university Records and Registration Office and the appropriate academic dean may give permission for seniors to earn not more than the last ten credits at another institution. A request to earn more than the last ten credits at another institution must be submitted to and approved by the faculty through an appeal by petition to CAPS (Committee on Academic Policies and Standards).

 

Four-Year Graduation Agreement

offers entering freshman students the opportunity to participate in an agreement that ensures graduation within four years of your initial enrollment. If you satisfy all of the conditions of the agreement, but degree completion is delayed because the University did not fulfill its requirements of the agreement, then UW-L will relieve you of tuition for the required course(s) remaining after the four-year time period. Not all UW-L academic programs are included as part of this formal agreement. More information about the conditions of the four-year agreement is available from the dean’s office in each college. The agreement must be signed within the first seven weeks of your initial enrollment when you meet with a four-year agreement adviser.

 

Graduation Fee

Upon completion of 95 semester credits toward the bachelors degree, each individual will be billed a $15.00 graduation fee. This is a one-time fee assessed regardless of whether or not a student chooses to attend the commencement ceremony. Students earning a second degree are also assessed the graduation fee.

 

Commencement Honors

Commencement honors determine which students may wear an honor cord (fourragere) during commencement exercises. Commencement honors are noted beside students’ names in commencement programs.

 

Calculations for commencement honors and highest honors are based on grade point averages earned at the end of the last term in residence prior to the term of graduation. To be eligible, students must have earned no fewer than 45 semester credits in residence at UW-L prior to the beginning date of the term in which they intend to graduate. They must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.50 to wear the honor cord or at least 3.75 to wear the highest honor cord.

 

Graduation Honors

Graduation honors are posted on permanent academic records if students have earned no fewer than 60 semester credits in residence at UW-L. Students must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.50 for graduation with honors or at least 3.75 for graduation with highest honors at the end of their last term in residence.

 

Mailing Diplomas

Diplomas earned by graduates will be sent approximately six weeks after the ending date of the semester a student graduates, to the current legal address on the university computer system unless the Records and Registration Office has been notified differently in writing. All indebtedness to the university must be cleared before a diploma will be released.

 

UW-L Homepage | Office of Records and Registration Homepage | How to Contact Us | How to Register   How to Request Transcript | Undergrad/Grad Catalogs | Timetables/Course Listings | Enrollment Verifications Veterans Certification | F.E.R.P.A. | Transfer Information System | Re-entry Applications | Enrollment Statistics   Faculty Services | Graduation Ceremonies | Current Students Homepage

Last Modified:August 03, 2004 comments To: records@uwlax.edu University of Wisconsin-La Crosse  1725 State Street  La Crosse, WI  54601  608.785.8000 All material Copyright© 2002 by the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System