General Education
The General Education Program
The General Education program at Idaho State University prepares students to be life-long, independent learners and active, culturally aware participants in diverse local, national, and global communities. As the foundation for all further studies, General Education promotes comprehensive literacy - including effective communication, mathematical, and technological skills; reasoning and creativity; and information literacy - and a broad knowledge base in the liberal arts.Â
General Skills and Abilities
Through completing the General Education program, students will be able to:
- Communicate effectively and clearly in standard written and spoken language;
- Use mathematical language and quantitative reasoning effectively;
- Think logically, critically, and creatively; and
- Locate relevant sources and use them critically and responsibly.
General Education Requirements: The Nine Objectives
All students must complete a minimum of 36 credits from the nine Objective areas as outlined below. All students must meet Objectives 1 through 6, Objective 9, and choose to meet either Objective 7 or 8.
Transfer Credits
A student with transfer credits that meet a specific Objective’s course requirement, but who falls no more than one credit short of meeting its credit requirement will be deemed to have satisfied the Objective (a student missing more than one credit in an Objective must complete additional coursework specific to that Objective).
If a student has satisfied all nine Objectives but does not meet the total minimum credit requirement for general education (36), the student must complete additional coursework from any of the outlined Objective areas to meet the 36 credit minimum.
Objective 1, Written Communication:
Minimum of two (2) courses. (6 credits)
Upon completion of the courses in this category, students are able to demonstrate the following competencies:
i.   Use flexible writing process strategies to generate, develop, revise, proofread, and edit texts.
ii.   Adopt strategies and genre appropriate to the rhetorical situation.
iii.   Use inquiry-based strategies to conduct research that explores multiple and diverse ideas and perspectives, appropriate to the rhetorical context.
iv.   Use rhetorically appropriate strategies to evaluate, represent, and respond to the ideas and research of others.
v.   Address readers' biases and assumptions with well-developed evidence-based reasoning.
vi.   Use appropriate conventions for integrating, citing, and documenting source material.Â
   vii.   Read, interpret, and communicate key concepts in writing and rhetoric.
Courses that satisfy Objective 1:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENGLÂ 1101 | Writing and Rhetoric I | 3 |
| ENGLÂ 1101P | Writing and Rhetoric I Plus | 4 |
| ENGLÂ 1102 | Writing and Rhetoric II 1 | 3 |
| HONSÂ 1101 | Honors Humanities I 1 | 3 |
- 1
Must obtain a minimum grade of C- or better.
Objective 2, Oral Communication:
Minimum of one (1) course. (3 credits minimum)
Upon completion of a course in this category, students are able to demonstrate the following competencies.
i.   Research, discover, and develop information resources and structure spoken messages to increase knowledge and understanding.
ii.   Research, discover, and develop evidence-based reasoning and persuasive appeals for ethically influencing attitudes, values, beliefs, or behaviors.
iii.   Adapt spoken messages to the diverse personal, ideological, and emotional needs of individuals, groups, or contexts.
iv.   Employ effective spoken and nonverbal behaviors that support communication goals and illustrate self-efficacy.
v.   Listen in order to effectively and critically evaluate the reasoning, evidence, and communication strategies of self and others.
   vi.  Demonstrate knowledge of key theories, perspectives, principles, and concepts in the Communication discipline, as applied to oral communication
One course satisfies the objective:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COMMÂ 1101 | Fundamentals of Oral Communication | 3 |
| BIOLÂ 1104 | Oral Communication in the Sciences | 3 |
Objective 3, Mathematical Ways of Knowing:
Minimum of one (1) course. (3 credits)
Upon completion of a course in this category, a student is able to demonstrate the following competencies.
i.   Interpret mathematical concepts.
ii.  Represent information/data.
iii. Use appropriate strategies/procedures when solving mathematical problems.
   iv. Draw reasonable conclusions based on quantitative information.
Courses that satisfy Objective 3:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDMTÂ 2270 | Teaching K-8 Mathematics I | 3 |
| EDMTÂ 2271 | Teaching K-8 Mathematics II | 3 |
| MATHÂ 1123 | Math in Modern Society | 3 |
| MATHÂ 1123P | Mathematics in Modern Society Plus | 4 |
| MATHÂ 1127 | The Language of Mathematics | 3 |
| MATHÂ 1130 | Finite Mathematics | 3 |
| MATHÂ 1143 | Precalculus I: Algebra | 3 |
| MATHÂ 1143P | Precalculus I: Algebra Plus | 5 |
| MATHÂ 1147 | Precalculus | 5 |
| MATHÂ 1153 | Statistical Reasoning | 3 |
| MATHÂ 1153P | Statistical Reasoning Plus | 4 |
| MATHÂ 1160 | Survey of Calculus | 3 |
| MATHÂ 1170 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MATHÂ 2256 | Structure of Arithmetic for Elementary School Teachers (Equivalent to EDMTÂ 2270) | 3 |
| MATHÂ 2257 | Structure of Geometry and Probability for Elementary School Teachers (Equivalent to EDMTÂ 2271) | 3 |
| MGTÂ 2216 | Business Statistics | 3 |
| RCETÂ 1372 | Calculus for Electronics | 4 |
| TGEÂ 1140 | Survey of Applied Mathematics | 3 |
For further information about mathematics prerequisites and placement, see Placement in Mathematics.
Objective 4, Humanistic and Artistic Ways of Knowing:
Minimum of two (2) courses. (6 credits.) Courses must be selected from two different categories: Humanities, Fine Arts, or Foreign Language.
Upon completion of a course in this category, students are able to demonstrate at least five (5) of the following competencies.
i.   Recognize and describe humanistic, historical, or artistic works within problems and patterns of the human experience.
ii.  Distinguish and apply methodologies, approaches, or traditions specific to the discipline.
iii. Differentiate formal, conceptual, and technical elements specific to the discipline.
iv.  Analyze, evaluate, and interpret texts, objects, events, or ideas in their cultural, intellectual, or historical contexts.
v.  Interpret artistic or humanistic works through the creation of art, language, or performance.
vi. Develop critical perspectives or arguments about the subject matter, grounded in evidence-based analysis.
   vii. Demonstrate self-reflection, widened perspective, and respect for diverse viewpoints.
Courses that satisfy Objective 4:
Humanities
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENGLÂ 1115 | Major Themes in Literature | 3 |
| ENGLÂ 1126 | Art of Film I | 3 |
| ENGLÂ 1175 | Literature and Ideas | 3 |
| ENGLÂ 2215 | Survey of World Mythology | 3 |
| ENGLÂ 2257 | Survey of World Literature I Beginnings through 16th Century | 3 |
| ENGLÂ 2258 | Survey of World Literature II 17th Century to Present | 3 |
| HONSÂ 1102 | Honors Humanities II | 3 |
| PHILÂ 1101 | Introduction to Philosophy | 3 |
| PHILÂ 1103 | Introduction to Ethics | 3 |
| TGEÂ 1257 | Applied Ethics in Technology | 3 |
 Fine Arts
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ARTÂ 1100 | Introduction to Art | 3 |
| ARTÂ 1101 | Survey of Art History I | 3 |
| ARTÂ 1102 | Survey of Art History II | 3 |
| ARTÂ 2210 | History and Appreciation of Photography (Equivalent to CMPÂ 2250) | 3 |
| CMPÂ 2250 | History and Appreciation of Photography (equivalent to ARTÂ 2210) | 3 |
| DANCÂ 1105 | Survey of Dance | 3 |
| MUSIÂ 1100 | Introduction to Music | 3 |
| MUSIÂ 1105 | Survey of Rock Music | 3 |
| MUSIÂ 1106 | American Music | 3 |
| MUSIÂ 1108 | The World of Music | 4 |
| MUSIÂ 1109 | Survey of Jazz | 3 |
| THEAÂ 1101 | Survey of Theatre | 3 |
 Foreign Languages
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ARBCÂ 1101 | Elementary Arabic I | 4 |
| ARBCÂ 1102 | Elementary Arabic II | 4 |
| CHNSÂ 1101 | Elementary Chinese I | 4 |
| CHNSÂ 1102 | Elementary Chinese II | 4 |
| CSDÂ 1151 | American Sign Language I | 4 |
| CSDÂ 1152 | American Sign Language II | 4 |
| FRENÂ 1101 | Elementary French I | 4 |
| FRENÂ 1102 | Elementary French II | 4 |
| GERMÂ 1101 | Elementary German I | 4 |
| GERMÂ 1102 | Elementary German II | 4 |
| JAPNÂ 1101 | Elementary Japanese I | 4 |
| JAPNÂ 1102 | Elementary Japanese II | 4 |
| LANGÂ 1101 | Elementary Foreign Language I | 4 |
| LANGÂ 1102 | Elementary Foreign Language II | 4 |
| RUSSÂ 1101 | Elementary Russian I | 4 |
| RUSSÂ 1102 | Elementary Russian II | 4 |
| SHOSÂ 1101 | Elementary Shoshoni I | 4 |
| SHOSÂ 1102 | Elementary Shoshoni II | 4 |
| SPANÂ 1101 | Elementary Spanish I | 4 |
| SPANÂ 1102 | Elementary Spanish II | 4 |
Objective 5, Scientific Ways of Knowing:
Minimum of two (2) lecture courses and one (1) laboratory or field experiences. (7 credits) Courses must be selected from two different course prefixes.
Upon completion of a non-lab course in this category, a student is able to demonstrate competencies i-iv. A student is able to demonstrate all five competencies, i-v, upon completion of a lab course
i.  Apply foundational knowledge and models of a discipline in the physical or natural sciences to analyze and/or predict phenomena.
ii. Apply scientific reasoning to critically evaluate assertions.
iii. Interpret and communicate scientific information via written, spoken, and/or visual representations.
iv. Describe the relevance of specific scientific principles to the human experience.
   v. Test a hypothesis in the laboratory or field using discipline-specific tools and techniques for observation, data collection and analysis to form a defensible conclusion.
Courses that satisfy Objective 5:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ANTHÂ 2230 &Â 2230L | Biological Anthropology and Biological Anthropology Lab | 4 |
| BIOLÂ 1100 | Concepts of Biology (designed for non-science, non-health related majors) | 3 |
| BIOLÂ 1101 &Â 1101L | Biology I and Biology I Lab (designed for students preparing for majors in science, pre-medical fields, and health related professions) L | 4 |
| BIOLÂ 2227 &Â 2227L | Human Anatomy and Physiology 1 and Human Anatomy and Physiology 1 Lab L | 4 |
| CEÂ 1140 | Environmental Sustainability and Climate | 3 |
| CHEMÂ 1100 | Concepts of Chemistry L | 4 |
| CHEMÂ 1101 | Introduction to Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEMÂ 1101P | Introduction to Chemistry Plus | 4 |
| CHEMÂ 1102 &Â CHEMÂ 1103 | Essentials of Organic and Biochemistry and Essentials of Organic and Biochemistry Laboratory L | 4 |
| CHEMÂ 1111 &Â 1111L | General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Lab L | 5 |
| CHEMÂ 1111P &Â CHEMÂ 1111L | General Chemistry I Plus and General Chemistry I Lab L | 6 |
| CHEMÂ 1112 &Â 1112L | General Chemistry II and General Chemistry II Lab L | 4 |
| GEOLÂ 1100 &Â 1100L | The Dynamic Earth and The Dynamic Earth Lab (this is the lab for students in Geoscience majors) L | 4 |
| GEOLÂ 1101 &Â 1101L | Physical Geology and Physical Geology Lab L | 4 |
| NTDÂ 2239 | Nutrition | 3 |
| PHYSÂ 1100 | Essentials of Physics L | 4 |
| PHYSÂ 1101 &Â 1101L | Elements of Physics and Elements of Physics Laboratory L | 4 |
| PHYSÂ 1111 | General Physics I | 3 |
| PHYSÂ 1112 | General Physics II | 3 |
| PHYSÂ 1113 | General Physics I Laboratory L | 1 |
| PHYSÂ 1114 | General Physics II Laboratory L | 1 |
| PHYSÂ 1152 | Descriptive Astronomy | 3 |
| PHYSÂ 1153 | Descriptive Astronomy Laboratory L | 1 |
| PHYSÂ 2211 | Engineering Physics I | 4 |
| PHYSÂ 2212 | Engineering Physics II | 4 |
| PHYSÂ 2213 | Engineering Physics I Laboratory L | 1 |
| PHYSÂ 2214 | Engineering Physics II Laboratory L | 1 |
| TGEÂ 1160 | Foundations of Physical Sciences in Applied Technology | 4 |
- L
Courses with an L notation will apply to Objective 5 as a Laboratory Experience
GEOL 1115 and 1115L taken prior to Fall 2013 may also be used toward Objective 5.
Objective 6, Social and Behavioral Ways of Knowing:
Minimum of two (2) courses. (6 credits) Courses must be selected from two different course prefixes.
Upon completion of a course in this category, students are able to demonstrate all five (5) of the following competencies.
i.  Demonstrate knowledge of the theoretical and conceptual frameworks of a particular Social Science discipline.
ii. Describe self and the world by examining the dynamic interaction of individuals, groups, and societies as they shape and are shaped by history, culture, institutions, and ideas.
iii. Utilize Social Science approaches, such as research methods, inquiry, or problem-solving, to examine the variety of perspectives about human experiences.
iv.  Evaluate how reasoning, history, or culture informs and guides individual, civic, or global decisions.
   v. Identify the impact of the similarities and differences among and between individuals, cultures, or societies across space and time.
Courses satisfying Objective 6:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ANTHÂ 1100 | Discover Anthropology | 3 |
| ANTHÂ 1102 | Cultural Anthropology | 3 |
| ECONÂ 1100 | Economic Issues | 3 |
| ECONÂ 2201 | Principles of Macroeconomics | 3 |
| ECONÂ 2202 | Principles of Microeconomics | 3 |
| EDUCÂ 1110 | Education and Schooling in the U.S. | 3 |
| HISTÂ 1101 | World History I | 3 |
| HISTÂ 1102 | World History II | 3 |
| HISTÂ 1105 | Foundations of Europe | 3 |
| HISTÂ 1106 | Modern Europe | 3 |
| HISTÂ 1111 | United States History I | 3 |
| HISTÂ 1112 | United States History II | 3 |
| GLBLÂ 2203 | International Organizations Today: Conflicts and Cooperation | 3 |
| POLSÂ 1101 | American National Government | 3 |
| PSYCÂ 1101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| SOWKÂ 1101 | Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare | 3 |
| SOCÂ 1101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| SOCÂ 1102 | Social Problems | 3 |
| TGEÂ 1150 | Applied Social Sciences in the Workplace | 3 |
Objective 7, Critical Thinking:
Minimum of one (1) course from either Objective 7 or Objective 8. (3 credits)
Critical Thinking is defined as the ability to think analytically, creatively, and reflectively to make informed and logical judgements, draw reasoned and meaningful conclusions, and apply ideas to new contexts. Courses satisfying this Objective must include active learning.
Upon completion of a course in this category, students are able to demonstrate the following competencies.
i.  Formulate/frame problems and analyze how others do so.
ii. Recognize and apply appropriate practices for analyzing ambiguous problems.
iii. Identify and apply relevant information for problem solving.
iv. Create, analyze, and evaluate and/or interpret diverse perspectives and solutions.
v.  Articulate a reasoned framework for drawing conclusions and/or recommending solutions.
vi. Effectively articulate the results of a thinking process.
Courses satisfying Objective 7:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ANTHÂ 1107 | Nature of Language (Equivalent to ENGLÂ 1107 and GLBLÂ 1107) | 3 |
| CSÂ 1181 | Computer Science and Programming I | 3 |
| CSÂ 1111 | Introduction to Programming | 3 |
| CMPÂ 2205 | Argumentation | 3 |
| ENGLÂ 1107 | Nature of Language (Equivalent to ANTHÂ 1107 and GLBLÂ 1107) | 3 |
| GEOLÂ 1107 | Real Monsters | 3 |
| HISTÂ 1100 | History in Film | 3 |
| HISTÂ 1118 | US History and Culture | 3 |
| HISTÂ 1120 | Themes in World History | 3 |
| INFOÂ 1181 | Informatics and Programming I | 3 |
| GLBLÂ 1107 | Nature of Language (Equivalent to ANTHÂ 1107 and ENGLÂ 1107) | 3 |
| PHILÂ 2201 | Introduction to Logic | 3 |
| PHILÂ 2250 | Contemporary Moral Problems | 3 |
| PHILÂ 2260 | Philosophy of Life and Death | 3 |
| POLSÂ 1102 | Introduction to Politics Critical Thinking and Analysis | 3 |
| SOCÂ 2248 | Critical Analysis of Social Diversity | 3 |
| THEAÂ 2251 | Fundamentals of Acting | 3 |
Objective 8, Information Literacy:
Minimum of one (1) course from either Objective 7 or Objective 8. (3 credits)
Information literacy is defined as the ability to recognize when information is needed and to locate, evaluate, and use information effectively. Courses satisfying this Objective must involve hands-on practice for students rather than merely the presentation of theoretical principles.
Upon completion of a course in this category, students are able to demonstrate the following competencies.
i. Determine the nature and extent of the information/data needed to accomplish a specific purpose.
ii.  Identify sources and gather information/data effectively and efficiently.
iii. Evaluate credibility of sources and information/data.
iv. Explain the economic, ethical, legal, and social issues surrounding the creation, collection, and use of information/data.
v. Use information/data effectively to accomplish a specific purpose.
Courses satisfying Objective 8:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ACADÂ 1111 | Info Literacy and Inquiry: Locating, Evaluating & Integrating Information for Research | 3 |
| CMPÂ 2203 | Media Literacy | 3 |
| FINÂ 1115 | Personal Finance | 3 |
| HISTÂ 2291 | Introduction to Research | 3 |
| INFOÂ 1101 | Digital Information Literacy | 3 |
| LLIBÂ 1115 | Introduction to Information Research | 3 |
Objective 9, Cultural Diversity:
Minimum of one (1) course. (3 credits)
Upon completion of a course in this category, students are able to demonstrate the following competencies.
i. Identify the defining characteristics of culturally diverse communities in regional, national, or global contexts.
ii. Describe the influence of cultural attributes such as ability, age, class, epistemology, ethnicity, gender, language, nationality, politics, or religion inherent in different cultures or communities.
   iii. Apply knowledge of diverse cultures to address contemporary or historical issues.
Courses satisfying Objective 9:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ANTHÂ 2201 | Intermediate Shoshoni I (Equivalent to SHOSÂ 2201) | 4 |
| ANTHÂ 2202 | Intermediate Shoshoni II (Equivalent to SHOSÂ 2202) | 4 |
| ANTHÂ 2212 | Introduction to Folklore and Oral Tradition | 3 |
| ANTHÂ 2237 | Peoples and Cultures of the Old World | 3 |
| ANTHÂ 2238 | Peoples and Cultures of the New World | 3 |
| ANTHÂ 2239 | Latino Peoples and Cultures | 3 |
| ANTHÂ 2258 | Native American History (Equivalent to HISTÂ 2258) | 3 |
| CHNSÂ 2201 | Intermediate Chinese I | 4 |
| CHNSÂ 2202 | Intermediate Chinese II | 4 |
| GLBLÂ 2207 | Contemporary European Culture | 3 |
| GLBLÂ 2208 | Cultures of the Spanish Speaking World | 3 |
| GLBLÂ 2209 | Cultures of East Asia | 3 |
| CEÂ 1150 | Engineering Marvels and Civilizations (Equivalent to MEÂ 1150) | 3 |
| CSDÂ 2210 | Human Communication, Differences, and Disorders through Literature and Media | 3 |
| CSDÂ 2256 | Deaf Culture and Community | 3 |
| EDUCÂ 2204 | Families Community Culture | 3 |
| ENGLÂ 2210 | American Cultural Studies | 3 |
| GLBLÂ 2202 | The World Today:Introduction to Global Issues | 3 |
| GLBLÂ 2270 | World Regional Geography and Cultures | 3 |
| HCAÂ 1115 | Global Health Systems | 3 |
| HISTÂ 2201 | Women In U.S. History | 3 |
| HISTÂ 2251 | Latin American History and Culture | 3 |
| HISTÂ 2252 | Asian History and Culture | 3 |
| HISTÂ 2254 | Middle East History and Culture | 3 |
| HISTÂ 2255 | African History and Culture | 3 |
| HISTÂ 2258 | Native American History (Equivalent to ANTHÂ 2258) | 3 |
| JAPNÂ 2201 | Intermediate Japanese I | 4 |
| JAPNÂ 2202 | Intermediate Japanese II | 4 |
| MEÂ 1150 | Engineering Marvels and Civilizations (Equivalent to CEÂ 1150) | 3 |
| PHILÂ 2210 | Introduction to Asian Philosophies | 3 |
| POLSÂ 2231 | Introduction to Comparative Politics | 3 |
| RUSSÂ 2201 | Intermediate Russian I | 4 |
| RUSSÂ 2202 | Intermediate Russian II | 4 |
| SCPYÂ 1001 | Psychology of Diversity and Learning in Schools | 3 |
| SHOSÂ 2201 | Intermediate Shoshoni I (Equivalent to ANTHÂ 2201) | 4 |
| SHOSÂ 2202 | Intermediate Shoshoni II (Equivalent to ANTHÂ 2202) | 4 |
| SOCÂ 2201 | Introduction to Gender and Sexuality Studies | 3 |
| SPANÂ 2201 | Intermediate Spanish I | 4 |
| SPANÂ 2202 | Intermediate Spanish II | 4 |
| SPANÂ 2221 | Spanish for Heritage Speakers | 4 |
General Education Requirements for Career Technical Programs
Students seeking an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree must complete a minimum of fifteen (15) credits of General Education coursework. The fifteen credits must include:
- Written Communication (ENGLÂ 1101 or ENGLÂ 1101P) 3-4 credits
- Oral Communication (COMMÂ 1101Â or BIOLÂ 1104) 3 credits
- Mathematical Ways of Knowing (any Objective 3 course) 3 credits
- Social and Behavioral Ways of Knowing (any Objective 6 course) 3 credits
- Three (3) credit hours towards any unfulfilled Objective.
TGE 1140 (Objective 3), TGE 1257 (Objective 4), and TGE 1150 (Objective 6) are recommended if other general education courses are not required by the program. See specific program requirements.
This language follows Idaho State Board of Education Statewide General Education policies and procedures. Please visit the link below for more information.