Core Curriculum and You

The Core Curriculum and You The last module asked you to reflect on the purpose of college. This module will focus on the purpose of the core curriculum. Well-Rounded? One often cited reason for the purpose of a Core Curriculum is to give students a wellrounded education. In 1909, Harvard University President A. Lawrence Lowell stated that the purpose of a college education should be to produce people who "know a little of everything and something well." In addition to a college major, students should have a broad education in the sciences, humanities, and social sciences. At Georgia Southern, this means that every student who graduates should have met course requirements in the following areas: Area Area Area Area Area The Thinker A: Essential Skills in Writing and Mathematics B: Global Perspectives C: Fine Arts and Humanities D: Science and Mathematics E: Social Sciences In addition to these core skills for all Georgia Southern undergraduates, each major specifies additional courses to be taken in Area F. General Education Redesign Recently, the University System of Georgia has proposed redesigning the General Education and Core Curriculum for all public universities in Georgia. The proposed changes have not currently been implemented but are the subject of ongoing conversations about the purpose of the Core Curriculum. The proposed redesign for General Education at the University System of Georgia emphasizes six foundational principles: Well-Rounded Foundational Connections/Coherence 21st Century Skills Success in All Settings Process What Do You Think Belongs in the Core? Consider your perspective on the Core Curriculum. First, you will review the existing Georgia Southern curriculum. You will then watch a 15 minute video that outlines the new proposed core redesign. As you watch the video, ask yourself the following questions: Do you agree with the proposed redesign of the General Education and Core Curriculum? Do you prefer the current system? What courses do you believe should be part of the Core? Task List Please complete the following tasks in this module: 1. Read "Live and Learn: Why We Have College" by Louis Menand 2. Review: Core Curriculum Student Learning Outcomes. 3. Watch: USG General Education Redesign (15 minutes) 4. Complete the Purpose of College & Core Curriculum Quiz.