Sample General Education Syllabi Statements

Senior Instructors of designated general education courses are required to include  a statement in their syllabi with an explicit reference to intended general education outcomes.  Depending on the size, structure, or aims of the course, the following sample statements could be amended or combined to satisfy this requirement.

• Sample #1 - Critical Thinking Skills

• Sample #2 - Effective Communication Skills

• Sample #3 - Understand and Appreciate Cultural Diversity

Sample #1

This course fulfills a General Education requirement in (Written Communication, Natural Sciences, Social & Behavioral Sciences …).  One goal of the course will be to practice and develop our critical thinking skills.  In part, this will be (explicitly) modeled during class discussions and/or group problem-solving sessions. Key elements of critical thinking include: identifying the question or problem, analyzing evidence and developing arguments, integrating knowledge and demonstrating an awareness of multiple points of view, and drawing conclusions based upon reasons, arguments, and evidence. Your progress in this area will be assessed with the following graded assignment(s):  (writing/essay assignment, problem set, laboratory report, embedded in exam questions, etc).

Sample #2

This course fulfills a General Education requirement in (Written Communication, Natural Sciences, Social & Behavioral Sciences …).  One goal of the course will be to practice and develop effective communication skills.  Key elements of effective communication include: clear articulation the purpose in a tone suitable to the audience, evidence of coherent organization, demonstration of analysis and/or synthesis of the concepts and/or evidence, use of appropriate conventions and style.  Class discussions and analysis of sample work will be used to help you develop these skills. Your progress in this area will be assessed with a graded assignment  (writing/essay assignment, problem set, laboratory report,embedded in exam questions, etc).

Sample #3

This course fulfills a General Education requirement in (Written Communication, Natural Sciences, Social & Behavioral Sciences …).  One goal of the course will be to understand and appreciate cultural diversity. Key elements related to this goal include:  recognizing ways that culture shapes our behaviors and attitudes, demonstrating an understanding of the relationship between culture and environment, recognizing the diversity within cultural groups, and analyzing the  impact of cultural diversity on problems and societal issues. In part, this understanding will be (explicitly) modeled during presentations and/or group discussions. Your progress in this area will be assessed with a graded assignment  (writing/essay assignment, problem set, embedded in exam questions, etc).