General Education
General Education
General Education is a core part of the UW-Superior educational tradition that strengthens students' academic abilities across the humanities, the arts, mathematics, wellness, and the natural and social sciences, giving them the necessary tools to succeed beyond college. The skills and learning outcomes General Education Program helps students develop digital, cultural, organizational, scientific, and civic literacy; creative, critical, ethical, and entrepreneurial thinking; facility with communication, interaction, negotiation, and empathy; leadership skills; and the ability to be self-aware, adaptable, and accountable. After completing General Education courses, students are ready to meet the challenges of our contemporary world.
The structure of the 36-credit program requires students to complete courses within six categories: Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning, Communication and Literacy, Social and Behavioral Science, Humanities and Arts, Natural Science and Wellness, and Civics and Perspectives. Within each category, there are numerous course offerings to support students' academic careers.
Description of General Education Categories
Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning
Develops the skills necessary for analytical and quantitative problem-solving in all subjects, using central concepts and methods from mathematics and computer science, including number systems, symbolic representation, formal languages, mathematical modeling, and logical reasoning.
Learning Outcomes:
2A: Articulate important questions, theories, and creative processes
2B: Analyze information or data to produce thoughtful judgments and qualified conclusions
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required: 3 Credits, 1 Course | ||
| MATH 112 | Introduction to Contemporary Mathematics | 3.00 |
| MATH 113 | Algebra with Applications | 3.00 |
| MATH 115 | Precalculus | 4.00 |
| MATH 130 | Elementary Statistics | 4.00 |
| MATH 150 | Finite Mathematics | 3.00 |
| MATH 151 | Calculus for Business, Life, and Social Sciences | 3.00 |
| MATH 240 | Calculus and Analytic Geometry I | 4.00 |
| CSCI 101 | Introduction to Computer Science | 3.00 |
Communication and Literacy
Communication: Helps students develop essential interpersonal communication, group communication, and public speaking competencies through practice, analysis, and critical exploration of diverse human interactions.
Learning Outcomes:
1A: Demonstrate understanding of the context, purpose, and audience for communication
4B: Collaborate constructively by building upon or synthesizing contributions of others, treating others respectfully, and being accountable for their part
Literacy: Improves students' abilities to read critically and write analytically and clearly; develops their rhetorical skills; enables them to see research as a means of discovering ideas, information, and evidence and to conduct various types of research; helps them learn to properly acknowledge, cite, and document sources; helps them learn to recognize various persuasive appeals in the arguments of others and to incorporate appropriate, reasoned appeals into their own arguments.
Learning Outcomes:
1A: Demonstrate understanding of the context, purpose, and audience for communication (WRIT 207 Writing for the Workplace)
1B: Execute a range of conventions particular to a specific discipline and/or communication task (WRIT 102 Introduction to Academic Writing)
Required: 8 credits, 3 courses
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Communication | ||
| COMM 110 | Introduction to Communication | 3.00 |
| Literacy | ||
| WRIT 102 | Introduction to Academic Writing | 3.00 |
| WRIT 207 | Writing for the Workplace (*) | 2.00 |
| ||
Social and Behavioral Science
Enables students to examine human behavior, interactions, and history to understand human society and social relationships.
Learning Outcomes:
1C: Communication: Express themselves clearly to achieve a purpose
3B: Engage in an exchange of ideas integrating diverse perspectives civilly
Required: 6 credits, 2 courses, different prefixes for each course required
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ANTH 101 | The Human Experience | 3.00 |
| CJUS 106 | Survey of Criminal Justice | 3.00 |
| HHP 120 | Introduction to Mindfulness | 3.00 |
| ECON 235 | Economics in Society | 3.00 |
| ECON 250 | Principles of Microeconomics | 3.00 |
| ECON 251 | Principles of Macroeconomics | 3.00 |
| GEOG 102 | Cultural Geography | 3.00 |
| FIN 210 | Personal Finance | 3.00 |
| HIST 131 | Modern Europe 1789 to Present | 3.00 |
| HIST 151 | History of the United States Through 1877 | 3.00 |
| HIST 152 | The United States Since 1877 | 3.00 |
| IDS 104 | First-Year Seminar-Social Sciences | 3.00 |
| IDS 131 | Transitions: From Military to Campus Culture | 3.00 |
| PSYC 101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3.00 |
| PSYC 230 | Social Cognition | 3.00 |
| SOCI 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3.00 |
| SOCI 201 | Global Social Problems | 3.00 |
| SO W 121 | Introduction To Social Work | 3.00 |
Humanities and Arts
Humanities: Promotes analysis of various types of literacy and linguistic expression; explores different traditions and modes of telling stories; and encourages students to make connections across all areas of knowledge, different modes of communication, and diverse cultural, linguistic, adn conceptual traditions.
Learning Outcomes:
1A: Demonstrate understanding of the context, purpose, and audience for communication
2A: Articulate important questions, theories, and creative processes
Arts: Helps students analyze, evaluate, and relate to artists, creative artifacts, and artistic productions of diverse culture from ancient times to the present or gives students practical experience in developing their own creativity in one or more genres of expression and develops creative communication skills.
Learning Outcomes:
2A: Articulate important questions, theories, and creative processes
Required: 6 credits, 3 credits from Humanities and 3 credits from Arts
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Humanities | ||
| ENGL 211 | British Literature I | 3.00 |
| ENGL 212 | British Literature II | 3.00 |
| ENGL 218 | Nonfiction Literature and Literacy | 3.00 |
| ENGL 221 | American Literature I | 3.00 |
| ENGL 222 | American Literature II | 3.00 |
| FYS 102 | First-Year Seminar-Humanities Literature | 3.00 |
| INDG 101 | Beginning Ojibwe Language | 4.00 |
| FREN 101 | Beginning French I | 3.00 |
| MUSI 107 | UWS Singers | 1.00 |
| MUSI 108 | Percussion Ensemble | 1.00 |
| MUSI 109 | Jazz Combo | 1.00 |
| MUSI 110 | Chorale | 1.00 |
| MUSI 111 | Jazz Band | 1.00 |
| MUSI 112 | Symphonic Band | 1.00 |
| MUSI 113 | Chamber Ensemble | 1.00 |
| MUSI 114 | University Orchestra | 1.00 |
| MUSI 115 | Chamber Winds | 1.00 |
| MUSI 161 | Music and World Culture | 3.00 |
| PHIL 151 | Introduction To Philosophy | 3.00 |
| PHIL 160 | Philosophy and Film | 3.00 |
| PHIL 211 | Contemporary Moral Problems | 3.00 |
| PHIL 213 | Ancient Greek Philosophy | 3.00 |
| SPAN 101 | Beginning Spanish I | 3.00 |
| SPAN 102 | Beginning Spanish II | 3.00 |
| SPAN 201 | Intermediate Spanish I | 3.00 |
| SPAN 202 | Intermediate Spanish II | 3.00 |
| WLLC 101 | Beginning American Sign Language & Culture I | 3.00 |
| WLLC 102 | Beginning American Sign Language & Culture II | 3.00 |
| WLLC 207 | An Exploration of the World of Spanish Speaking Cultures | 0.00 |
| Arts | ||
| ART 101 | Introduction to Art | 3.00 |
| ART 221 | Art History Survey:The Ancient World to the Renaissance | 4.00 |
| ART 222 | Art History Survey:Renaissance to Modern Art | 4.00 |
| COMM 104 | Film and Culture | 3.00 |
| COMM 122 | Theatre Appreciation | 3.00 |
| COMM 125 | Acting Fundamentals | 3.00 |
| COMM 180 | Introduction to Technical Theatre | 3.00 |
| COMM 273 | Oral Interpretation | 3.00 |
| HHP 133 | Social and Square Dance | 3.00 |
| MUSI 118/307 | Global Percussion Ensemble (Applied Minor (one semester at 1 credit must be taken on an instrument outside of the student's major instrument family)) | 1.00 |
| MUSI 160 | Music Appreciation | 3.00 |
| WRIT 250 | Introduction to Creative Writing | 3.00 |
Natural Science and Wellness
Natural Science: Enables students to understand the nature of science and scientific inquiry through hands-on experiences.
Learning Outcomes:
2A: Articulate important questions, theories, and creative processes
2B: Analyze information or data to produce thoughtful judgments and qualified conclusions
Wellness: Provides students with a knowledge base, creating a positive attitude and lifelong skills concerning the seven dimensions of wellness: physical, intellectual, emotional, spiritual, career, social, and environmental (personal health).
Learning Outcomes:
2C: Analyze own and others' assumptions and biases associated with information, processes, practices, and viewpoints
Required - 7 Credits, 2 courses, one Lab and one Wellness Course
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Science with Lab | ||
| BIOL 115 | Human Biology | 4.00 |
| BIOL 123 | Concepts In Biology | 4.00 |
| BIOL 130 | Principles of Biology I | 4.00 |
| BIOL 170 | Biological Inquiry for Teachers | 2.00 |
| BIOL 171 | Biology and Environ. Science for Educators | 4.00 |
| CHEM 102 | Chemistry of Everyday Phenomena | 4.00 |
| CHEM 105 | General Chemistry I | 5.00 |
| GEOL 110 | The Dynamic Earth | 4.00 |
| GEOL 120 | Our Water Resources | 4.00 |
| PHYS 100 | Astronomy | 4.00 |
| PHYS 105 | Light and Sound - Physics in the Arts | 4.00 |
| PHYS 107 | Algebra-Based Physics I | 4.00 |
| PHYS 160 | Physical Science | 4.00 |
| PHYS 201 | Calculus-Based Physics I | 5.00 |
| Wellness | ||
| HHP 102 | Foundations for Wellness and Success | 3.00 |
Civics and Perspectives
Civics: Provides students with an understanding the rights and responsibilities of citizens and the structure of governments.
Learning Outcome:
3B: Engage in an exchange of ideas integrating diverse perspectives civilly.
Perspectives: Broadens students' horizons through exposure to varied perspectives from different global regions, cultures, and/or disciplines.
Learning Outcome:
4A: Demonstrate understanding of more than one worldview and an ability to act in a supportive manner that recognizes the experiences of others
Total Required - 6 Credits, 2 courses, one in Civics and one in Perspectives with different prefixes
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Civics | ||
| INDG 151 | Tribal Sovereignty | 3.00 |
| LSTU 115 | Law and Human Behavior | 3.00 |
| LSTU 261 | Contemporary Issues in Law and Society | 3.00 |
| POLS 101 | Introduction to Comparative Politics | 3.00 |
| PLC 102 | Intro to Changemaking | 3.00 |
| POLS 100 | Introduction to Political Science: What is Democracy? | 3.00 |
| POLS 102 | Civic Literacy, Engagement and Education | 3.00 |
| POLS 180 | Public Education Politics and Policy | 3.00 |
| POLS 230 | U.S. National, State and Local Government | 3.00 |
| POLS 240 | Bioterrorism: A Case in Public Policy Making | 3.00 |
| POLS 260 | Contemporary Issues in American Politics | 3.00 |
| Perspectives | ||
| ANTH/HIST 104 | The History of Human Origins | 3.00 |
| ART 224 | Art in Non-West Societies | 3.00 |
| ENGL 228 | Multi-Ethnic American Literature | 3.00 |
| ENGL/GST 229 | Literature by Women | 3.00 |
| ENGL 241 | World Literature I | 3.00 |
| ENGL 242 | World Literature II | 3.00 |
| ENSC 150 | Environment & Society: Issues and Perspectives | 3.00 |
| FYS 124 | First-Year Seminar-Social Sciences, Diversity | 3.00 |
| GEOG 100 | World Regional Geography | 3.00 |
| GST/SOCI 210 | Sociology of Gender | 3.00 |
| GST/PSYC 258 | Gender, Psychology and Society | 3.00 |
| GST/PSYC 270 | Psychology of Men and Masculinity | 3.00 |
| HIST 111 | Modern World History | 3.00 |
| HIST 120 | Conquest and Resistance in Modern Asia | 3.00 |
| HIST 113 | Soccer and identity: A Global History | 3.00 |
| HIST 154 | African-American Voices | 3.00 |
| HIST 162 | History of Gender and Power | 3.00 |
| HIST/POLS 264 | War and Peace in Bosnia | 3.00 |
| HIST/POLS 266 | War and Peace in Northern Ireland | 3.00 |
| INDG 110 | American Indian Art and Culture | 3.00 |
| INDG/HIST 223 | American Indian History I | 3.00 |
| INDG/HIST 224 | American Indian History II | 3.00 |
| MUSI 266 | Jazz Appreciation | 3.00 |
| POLS 175 | The Making of the Modern Global System | 3.00 |
| SOCI 273 | Race and Ethnicity | 3.00 |
| T ED 270 | Multicultural Education | 3.00 |
General Education Requirements
All students entering UW-Superior as freshmen must complete all General Education Requirements prior to graduation. HHP 102 Foundations for Wellness and Success is designated as a first-year experience course, so it should be taken within the first 30 credits, as it introduces and integrates students into UW-Superior. Students with medical restrictions should contact the coordinator of HHP 102 Foundations for Wellness and Success before the first lab session. All Health and Human Performance department majors and minors must earn a grade of C or better in HHP 102 Foundations for Wellness and Success.
WRIT 102 Introduction to Academic Writing, WRIT 207 Writing for the Workplace, COMM 110 Introduction to Communication, and the choice of MATH or CSCI course should be taken within the first 60 credits, as they strengthen core skills in reading, writing, public speaking, problem solving, analytical, and interpersonal skills.
Literacy Course Placement
Placement into WRIT 099 Fundamentals of Writing. This course prepares students for the challenge of reading and writing at the college level. This course must be taken within 30 credits.
Students must co-enroll in WRIT 102 Introduction to Academic Writing. Transfer students, see Transfer Student Policy below.
Placement into WRIT 102 Introduction to Academic Writing. Upon placement, this course should be taken in the freshman year, fall or spring. The course must be taken within 30 credits. Students must pass this course with a C- or better to continue on to WRIT 207 Writing for the Workplace or else be repeated until a C- is earned. Transfer students, see Transfer Student Policy below.
Credit for Prior Learning
Writing: Students who earn a sufficient score on the WEPT are exempt from WRIT 102 Introduction to Academic Writing.
Students with an AP Lang/Comp or AP Lit/Comp score of 3 or higher earn 3 credits for WRIT 102 Introduction to Academic Writing. Students with both AP Lang/Comp and AP Lit/Comp scores of 3 or higher receive 6 credits and fulfill both WRIT 102 Introduction to Academic Writing and WRIT 207 Writing for the Workplace. Upon request, a student's AP Lit/Comp score of 3 or higher can be considered appropriate for 100 or 200-level literature course credit instead of writing course credit (but not both), pending approval by the Writing, Language, and Literature Department.
Students who earn a 50 or higher on the CLEP College Composition exam earn 3 credits for WRIT 102 Introduction to Academic Writing
Placement into WRIT 207 Writing for the Workplace: With the completion of WRIT 102 Introduction to Academic Writing with a C- or better, this course should be taken in the sophomore year, fall or spring. The course should be taken within 60 credits. Students must pass this course with a C- or better to complete the literacy courses. Transfer students, see Transfer Student Policy below.
Transfer Student Policy for Core Writing Placement: Students who arrive at UW-Superior with 3 credits of 100-level college writing completed at a C- or higher have satisfied the requirements for WRIT 102 Introduction to Academic Writing
Students who arrive with 5 credits of 100- or 200-level college composition completed at a C- or higher have satisfied the requirements for both WRIT 102 Introduction to Academic Writing and WRIT 207 Writing for the Workplace.
Some majors may still require WRIT 207 Writing for the Workplace or WRIT 209 Introduction to Professional Writing if a Professional Writing course has not been completed.
Mathematics and Computer Science Placement
MATH 112 Introduction to Contemporary Mathematics, MATH 130 Elementary Statistics, CSCI 101 Introduction to Computer Science are recommended for all students. For students with appropriate preparation, MATH 113 Algebra with Applications, MATH 115 Precalculus, MATH 151 Calculus for Business, Life, and Social Sciences, and MATH 240 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I are also recommended. Students are encouraged to work with an advisor to select a course appropriate to their level of mathematical preparation, interests, and major field of study.
All students entering UW-Superior are required to take the Wisconsin Math Placement Test. Test results are used to determine which Mathematics and Computer Science courses students are eligible to take at that time. Students with insufficient preparation may become eligible to take more advanced Mathematics and Computer Science courses by completing one or more lower-level courses as indicated by the Math Placement Test results. Students placing into developmental level math (below 100-level) are expected to complete the developmental coursework before earning 30 credits.