Goals of the General Education Curriculum

The Averett University curriculum seeks to develop students as lifelong learners with the appropriate skills and knowledge to become creative and critical thinkers, effective communicators, and positive contributors to society. Moreover, we encourage students to examine myriad cultural expressions and values so that they may develop an appreciation of the contributions of others and acquire knowledge that may serve as a foundation for continuing development.

I. Averett University seeks to enhance in students the following fundamental skills, which are requisite for entertaining important intellectual ideas:

A. Fluency in Oral and Written Communication

The ability to comprehend others and to express themselves clearly enables students to participate freely in the lively exchange of ideas that characterizes the search for truth.

Accordingly, Averett University encourages students to become fluent in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. The University considers passing two writing-intensive courses, two oral-intensive courses, and the writing proficiency exam to be a sufficient demonstration of competence for this goal.

B. Mathematical Understanding

In a world where quantitative information forms the basis for inquiry into many diverse areas, citizens must have the mathematical foundation necessary for understanding and critically evaluating this information.

Accordingly, Averett University seeks to develop students' facility with the language, techniques, theory, and applications of mathematics to build fluency in the communication of mathematical ideas. The University defines the skill set for MTH 103 to be the minimum level of competence for this goal. Students may demonstrate these skills by passing MTH 103 or its equivalent (at Averett or at another college) or a higher level math course.

C. Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is essential to the ability to analyze and solve problems, make intelligent decisions, and explain ideas to others.

Accordingly, Averett University seeks to develop the critical thinking of students by improving their analytic skills and by giving them the tools to evaluate information. The University considers the entire General Education core to address this competency, and considers completion of the core to be sufficient demonstration of competence in critical thinking.

D. Technological Literacy

The explosion of advances in information technology poses a challenge to citizens. Students must develop the ability to adjust to changes in technology that will continue to evolve rapidly after their formal education is completed.

Accordingly, Averett University seeks to provide a foundation for adapting to future technological advances by involving students in the use of current technology across the university curriculum to accomplish intellectual tasks. The University defines competence in this area by a series of skills, which may be demonstrated through passing a class (CSS 113 or 114) or by demonstrating the skills to the satisfaction of one or more faculty members. In the latter case, the faculty member(s) will fill out the "Technological Literacy Competency" tracking sheet for the student to submit to the Registrar's Office. Computer Science and Computer Information Systems majors automatically fulfill this requirement.

II. Averett University encourages enlightened participation in society through exploration of cultural expressions:

A. The Cultural Context

Historical Awareness

Citizens who are capable of confident and effective action in today's world require an awareness of the past that can inform them of historical forces that shape current events.

Accordingly, Averett University seeks to provide students with a broad historical context for understanding today's events by examining the intellectual and social roots of civilization. Students may demonstrate these competencies by passing HIS 101-102.

Knowledge of Other Cultures

Today's students must understand the differences among various cultures and the commonality of concerns shared by all cultures.

Accordingly, by providing students experiences with cultures other than their own, Averett University seeks to cultivate a more cosmopolitan view of the world, wherein students seek experiences outside their own culture. Students may demonstrate this competency in a variety of ways described on page 26 of this Catalog.

Appreciation and Understanding of Literature

An understanding and appreciation of literature is important to the development of students as thoughtful and perceptive individuals. A careful study of literature makes students aware of the relationship between literary works and the cultural/historical milieu out of which they come. Such a study also makes students more aware of the timelessness of literature, which reflects the unchanging predicament of all men and women.

Accordingly, Averett University seeks to develop students' abilities to comprehend, analyze, and discuss literature. Students may demonstrate this competency by passing an English literature course numbered 200 or higher (except ENG 316 and ENG470).

B. Personal Development

Awareness of Values

As citizens of an increasingly complex and diverse world, individuals are required to make informed ethical decisions and value judgments that affect the quality of life. It is essential for students to understand the bases for their own moral philosophies and those of others and to be able to assume responsibility for their decisions.

Accordingly, Averett University encourages students to examine their personal value systems, relating them to the religious, historical, and philosophical underpinnings of the larger society's moral traditions. Students may demonstrate this competency by fulfilling the General Education requirement for six hours in Religion/Philosophy as described on page22.

Understanding of Human Interaction and Social Institutions

The effectiveness of members of society is dependent upon their ability to interact with each other and within social institutions.

Accordingly, Averett University seeks to develop in students an intellectual framework for understanding human relationships and the societal context within which they occur. Students may demonstrate this competency by fulfilling the General Education requirement for 9 hours in the social sciences (in addition to HIS 101-102).

Scientific Discovery

In order to function in a world largely shaped by scientific activity, students must have the foundation necessary to understand, interpret, and evaluate scientific information.

Accordingly, Averett University seeks to develop students' understanding of the scientific method of examining and explaining natural phenomena. Students may demonstrate this competency by passing at least one laboratory course in the natural sciences.

The Human Aesthetic Response

The fine arts represent a significant means of creative expression through which societies define and reveal themselves. Knowledge of the forms and conventions of the arts enhances students' ability to respond to the creative process of the human intellect.

Accordingly, Averett University seeks to heighten students' aesthetic sensitivity and to encourage involvement with the artistic endeavors of their communities. Students may fulfill this requirement by passing the 6 hours of fine arts required in the General Education core.

-- Averett University Undergraduate Catalog, Fall 2007, p. 19-21.