ERIC Number: ED306844
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1989-Jan
Pages: 29
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Course Development for a New General Education Curriculum.
West Virginia State Coll., Institute.; American Association of State Colleges and Universities, Washington, DC.
West Virginia State College's course development for a new general education core curriculum is described in this report. The process of curricular change that led to the development of new courses entitled "Origins" (investigating the origins of the universe, earth, human life, the mind, and society) and "Race, Gender, and Human Identity" (reflecting the unique history and mission of the college as a historically black college) is explained. These interdisciplinary, team-taught courses are required of all students in baccalaureate degree programs. The new general education core curriculum at the college is an attempt to define a common learning experience for all students. The components of the core curriculum are structured into three groups (interdisciplinary matrix, intellectual and personal development, and modes of inquiry). This project has determined the following: curricular change in general education should begin with a thorough review of the strengths and weaknesses of the current curriculum; change must be based on the institution's mission, resources, student background and needs, and the sense of the need for change; the core curriculum should include distinctive components that reflect the educational values of the institution; and faculty support is essential for innovative approaches to teaching. Appended are an outline of the core curriculum and syllabi for the two courses. (SM)
Descriptors: Black Colleges, College Curriculum, Core Curriculum, Course Content, Course Descriptions, Cultural Awareness, Curriculum Development, General Education, Higher Education, Human Relations, Interdisciplinary Approach, Learning Experience, Models, Program Descriptions, Race, Required Courses, Sex, State Colleges
Publication Type: Reports - Descriptive; Guides - Classroom - Teacher
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (ED), Washington, DC.
Authoring Institution: West Virginia State Coll., Institute.; American Association of State Colleges and Universities, Washington, DC.
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A