Basic Studies Program

The revised structure included the establishment of a standing Basic Studies Committee, whose task was to make recommendations about implementation of the new basic studies program. The Basic Studies Committee was commissioned in January 1988 and has met regularly since that time. The Basic Studies Committee considered extensive input from the University community. Upon recommendation of the Basic Studies Committee, the provost approved the following program.

Implementation Schedule
Effective fall semester 1990, the new basic studies program applies to all entering first time freshmen students at EMU who begin their college work in fall 1990 or thereafter. It also applies to transfer students who begin their college work at another institution in fall 1990 or thereafter. Transfer students must consult the Academic Advising Center to determine the degree to which their transfer credits may be applied toward the EMU basic studies requirements.

Rationale
The basic studies program is designed to provide you with a core of knowledge about people, things, and processes. The program also seeks to teach you how to evaluate the work of others, to add to your store of ideas and ideals, and to communicate your discoveries and insights. The basic studies courses are intended as more than introductions to fields of study; they also should develop your capacity for independent thought. The basic studies program attempts to ensure that you will not be content with the world as it is but will seek to improve and perfect it.

Requirements: 16 courses
All students are required to complete courses in four areas:

I.: Symbolics and Communication: 5 courses

II.: Science and Technology: 3 courses

III.: Social Science: 4 courses

IV.: Arts and Humanities: 4 courses

Special Note 1: At least one of the 16 courses must be an approved course in cross cultural or international studies. Such courses appear in the following course lists preceded by an asterisk (*).

Special Note 2: A set of interdisciplinary courses may be elected by honors students and, as space is available, by students with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 to satisfy the requirements in fine arts, history, literature, music, philosophy, and theatre arts. For further information, consult the Honors Courses in Basic Studies on page 46.

Special Note 3: A number of majors and minors specify precisely which courses must be taken to satisfy the following basic studies requirements. Students in the elementary education and nursing programs have a special grouping of courses to satisfy some of these requirements. It is extremely important that you confer with the Academic Advising Center and/or your departmental adviser prior to making your basic studies choices.

1. A course in written composition.
2. A course in speech communication.
3. A course in one of the following areas:
   (a.) an upper-level course in written composition.
   (b.) an upper-level course in speech communication.
   (c.) a course in foreign language composition.
   
4. A course in mathematical reasoning.
5. A course in computer literacy.

Human beings need to know how to use symbols to communicate effectively. Writing requires a command of verbal symbols; speech uses both verbal and nonverbal symbols. Using written and spoken symbols, we construct, interpret, and influence human experiences and behavior. Mathematical symbols are used to communicate the extent, dimension, and structure of things and allow us to reason efficiently. The traditional competencies in speech, writing, and mathematics will be enhanced by your use of computer technology.

Courses marked with an asterisk (*) also satisfy the cross-cultural/ international studies requirement.

1. A course in written composition
   

   ENGL 120 Basic English Composition

   You must enroll in this course in your first semester if your ACT score is below 19 on the enhanced ACT (or below 17 on the old ACT ) or your SAT score is 400 or lower.

   When you have completed ENGL 120, you must then complete ENGL 121.

   ENGL 121 English Composition (3)

   All students must complete ENGL 121 in order to satisfy this requirement. Unusually competent students are eligible for a waiver from this requirement if they have a score of 550 or above on the SAT or 29 or above on the English section of the enhanced ACT (or 25 on the old ACT).

   International students may substitute ESLN 412 with permission of the Foreign Languages and Bilingual Studies department.

2. A course in speech communication
   Complete one of the following courses:

   CTAS 121 Fundamentals of Speech (2)
   CTAS 124 Fundamentals of Speech (3)
   

   Note: Students with strong previous preparation in speech may seek approval for a waiver of this requirement from the Communication and Theatre Arts department.

3. Complete a course from one of the following options (3a, 3b, or 3c):

   (3a) An upper level course in written composition
   Complete one of the following courses:

   ANTH 200 Writing for Anthropology (3)
   ENGL 225 Intermediate English Composition (3)
   ENGL 227 Writing about Literature (3)
   ENGL 323 Writing in the Professional World (3)
   ENGL 324 Principles of Technical Communication (3)
   ENGL 326 Research Writing (3)
   

   (3b) An upper level course in speech communcation
   Complete one of the following courses:

   CTAC 224 Public Speaking (3)
   CTAC 225 Listening Behavior (3)
   CTAC 226 Nonverbal Communication (3)
   CTAC 227 Interpersonal Communication (3)
   *CTAC 374 Intercultural Communication (3)
   *CTAC 375 Interracial/Interethnic Communication (3)
   

   (3c) A course in foreign language composition
   Complete one of the following courses (initial placement in language courses depends upon previous student and/or placement examinations).

   FRNH 121/FRNH 122 Beginning French (5)
   FRNH 233/FRNH 234 Intermediate French Conversation, Composition, and Grammar (3)
   GERN 121/GERN 122 Beginning German (5)
   GERN 233/GERN 234 Intermediate German Conversation, Composition, and Grammar (3)
   GREK 121/GREK 122 Beginning Ancient Greek I/II (5)
   JPNE 121/JPNE 122 Beginning Japanese (5)
   JPNE 211/JPNE 212 Intermediate Japanese (3)
   LATN 121/LATN 122 Beginning Latin I/II (5)
   SPNH 121/SPNH 122 Beginning Spanish (5)
   SPNH 201/SPNH 202 Intermediate Spanish (5)
   

4. A course in mathematical reasoning
   Complete one of the following courses:

   MATH 109 Mathematics for Elementary Teachers II (3)
   MATH 110 Mathematical Reasoning (3)
   MATH 118 Mathematical Analysis for Social Sciences I (3)
   MATH 119 Mathematical Analysis for Social Sciences II (3)
   MATH 120 Calculus I (4)
   MATH 121 Calculus II (4)
   MATH 122 Elementary Linear Algebra (3)
   MATH 170 Elementary Statistics (3)
   MATH 341 College Geometry (3)
   SOCL 250 Social Statistics I (3)
   

   Note: Students are entitled to a waiver of this requirement if they have submitted a score of 22 or above on the mathematics portion of the enhanced ACT or a score of 500 or above on the SAT. A waiver form must be obtained from the Academic Advising Center. Curriculum or major requirements must still be satisfied.

5. A course in computer literacy
   Complete one of the following courses:

   BEDU 201 Microcomputers for Business Applications (3)
   COSC 136 Computers for the Nonspecialist (3)
   COSC 137 Introduction to FORTRAN Programming (3)
   COSC 138 Computer Science I (3)
   COSC 237 Computer Programming and Numeric Methods (3)
   IHHS 226 Computers for Health and Human Services (3)
   INDT 201 Microcomputer Applications in Technology (3)
   INTE 105 Computer Applications for Industry (3)
   IS 215 End-User Computing (3)
   

1. A course in physical science.
   (a) You must complete a course in chemistry or physics unless you have submitted appropriate evidence to the Academic Advising Center that you completed a one unit course in high school with a grade of ÒCÓ or above.

   (b) If you have submitted proof of having completed a one unit high school course in chemistry or physics, you may satisfy this requirement by choosing among chemistry, earth science/geology, or physics/astronomy.

2. A course in life science (biology or psychology).

3. A course in science or technology, chosen from a department other than the ones in which you have completed your physical and life science requirements.
   NOTE: Earth science and geology are in the same department. The same is true of physics and astronomy.

The sciences study the physical character of the universe and the nature of its living organisms, including the human species. Learning to use the scientific method will expand your knowledge and understanding of the universe.

Observation of the natural world leads to theories, from which hypotheses are generated. These hypotheses are then checked against the empirical data collected by systematic observation and experimentation. Science enables you to understand the world better and, where appropriate, to modify your thinking about nature.

The study of technology enables you to understand how scientific knowledge is employed to solve practical problems. Knowledge of scientific and technological methods will help you to be an active problem-solver rather than a mere spectator.

At least one of the three courses in Area II must have a laboratory component

1. A course in physical science

   (1a) Physical science courses open to all students who meet course requirements
   Complete one of the following courses:

   CHEM 115 Chemistry and Society (no laboratory)(3)
   CHEM 115-CHEM 116 Chemistry and Society with lab (4)
   CHEM 117-CHEM 118 Fundamentals of Chemistry with lab (4)
   CHEM 120 Fundamentals of Organic and Biochemistry (4)
   CHEM 121-CHEM 122 General Chemistry I with lab (4)
   PHY 100 Science for Elementary Teachers (3)
   PHY 110 Physical Science (4)
   PHY 221 Mechanics, Sound, and Heat (4)
   PHY 223 Mechanics, Sound, and Heat (5)
   

   (1b) Additional options open to students who have submitted appropriate evidence of having completed a one unit high school chemistry or physics course with a grade of ÒCÓ or above
   Complete one of the courses listed in 1a, or one of the following courses:

   ASTR 203 Exploration of the Universe (no laboratory) (3)
   ASTR 203 Exploration of the Universe and ASTR 204 Astronomical Investigations (4)
   ASTR 204 Astronomical Investigations and ASTR 205 Principles of Astronomy (5)
   ASTR 205 Principles of Astronomy (no laboratory) (4)
   GESC 108 Earth Science (4)
   GEOL 120 The Fossil Record (no laboratory) (3)
   GEOL 160 Physical Geology (4)
   

2. A course in life science
   Complete one of the following courses.

   BIOL 105 Biology and the Human Species (4)
   BOTN 221 General Botany (4)
   ESCI 303 Science for the Elementary Teacher (3)
   ZOOL 222 General Zoology (4)
   PSY 101 General Psychology (no laboratory) (3)
   PSY 102 General Psychology (4)
   

3. A course in science or technology (3a or 3b):

   (3a) You may choose any one of the courses listed under physical or life science, so long as you have chosen your three courses in this area from three different departments.

   (3b) You also may choose your third course from the following list:
   

   CHEM 101 Science for Elementary Teachers (3)
   INDT 150 Understanding Technology (no laboratory) (3)
   INTE 240 Science, Technology, and People (no laboratory) (3)
   

1. A course in US government

2. A course in history

3. A course in anthropology, economics, geography, or sociology, whose content includes the structure and methodology of the discipline.

4. One of the following:

   (a) A second course in a two-course history sequence.

   (b) A second course in a two-course sequence in anthropology, economics, geography, or sociology, whose content includes the structure and methodology of the discipline.

   (c) An approved course in cross-cultural or international studies.
   

As an informed person you should understand the structure and dynamics of groups of human beings and be able to study group behavior.

Analysis of American government and comparisons with other governments will help you understand how to influence your government in positive ways.

Your study of the development of human institutions and practices through time will increase your understanding of how earlier societies met challenges and adjusted to changing circumstances. You will learn how those successes and failures led to the problems and opportunities which face us now.

Learning how a given social science gathers and interprets its data will help you understand that good public decisions depend on adequate information about issues.

A knowledge of the history, social settings, values, and perceptions of other sub-cultures, cultures, and nations will broaden your appreciation of different ways of organizing social life and looking at the world.

Courses marked with an asterisk (*) satisfy the cross-cultural/international studies requirement.

1. A course in US government
   Complete one of the following courses:

   PLSC 112 American Government (3)
   PLSC 113 American Government Honors (3)
   

2. A course in history
   Complete one of the following courses:

   HIST 101 Western Civilization to 1648 (3)
   HIST 102 Western Civilization, 1648 to World War I (3)
   HIST 103 Twentieth Century Civilization (3)
   HIST 106 Asian and African Civilizations (3)
   HIST 123 The United States to 1877 (3)
   HIST 124 The United States, 1877 to the Present (3)
   

   Note: Some students may be eligible to fulfill the requirements in history by pursuing options described in the Honors Courses in Basic Studies on page 46.

3. A course in anthropology, economics, geography, or sociology
   Complete one of the following courses:

   ANTH 135 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (3)
   ECON 201 Principles of Economics I (3)
   GEOG 107 Introduction to Geography (3)
   GEOG 110 World Regions (3)
   SOCL 105 Introductory Sociology (3)
   

4. Complete a course from one of the following options (4a, 4b, or 4c):

   (4a) A second course in a two-course history sequence
   Complete one of the following courses:

   HIST 102 Western Civilization, 1648 to World War I (follows HIST 101) (3)
   HIST 103 Twentieth Century Civilization (follows HIST 102) (3)
   HIST 124 The United States, 1877 to the Present (follows HIST 123) (3)
   

   (4b) A second course in a two-course sequence in anthropology, economics, geography, or sociology
   Complete one of the following courses:

   ANTH 140 Introduction to Prehistoric Anthropology (follows ANTH 135) (3)
   ECON 202 Principles of Economics II (follows ECON 201) (3)
   GEOG 111 Regions and Resources (follows GEOG 110) (3)
   SOCL 202 Social Problems (follows SOCL 105) (3)
   

   (4c) A course in cross-cultural or international studies
   Complete one of the following courses:

   *AAS 101 Introduction to African American Studies (3)
   *ANTH 233 Peoples and Cultures of Mexico (3)
   *ANTH 236 Peoples and Cultures of Africa (3)
   *ANTH 237 Indians of North America (3)
   *ANTH 245 Culture of Japan (3)
   *ANTH 214 Racial and Cultural Minorities (3)
   *ANTH 355 Anthropology of Women (3)
   *ECON 321 Minority Workers in the Labor Market (3)
   *ECON 328 Economics of Women (3)
   *HIST 305 Indians of the United States (3)
   *HIST 315 History of Black Americans (3)
   *HIST 336/WMST 336 History of Women in the United States and Great Britain, 1800 to the Present (3)
   *HIST 341 The Middle East, 1798 to Present (3)
   *HIST 342 North Africa, 1798 to Present (3)
   *HIST 348 Twentieth Century Africa (3)
   *HIST 356 Latin America: National Period (3)
   *HIST 375 Modern India (3)
   *SOCL 205 Minority Women in the United States (3)
   *SOCL 214 Racial and Cultural Minorities (3)
   *SOCL 344 Sociology of Sex Roles (3)
   *WMST 200 Introduction to WomenÕs Studies (3)
   

1. One of the following:
   (a) a course in literature
   (b) an intermediate or advanced foreign language literature course

2. One of the following:
   (a) a second course in literature
   (b) an intermediate or advanced foreign language literature course
   (c) a course in oral interpretation
   (d) a course in cross-cultural or international studies

3. A course in philosophy or religion

4. A course in art, dance, music, or theatre arts
   

The arts and humanities help you to probe the meaning of human experience and imagine how that experience could be altered. Such probing and imagining lead to new insights and visions.

Exposure to the arts and humanities increases the repertoire of ideas, images, and sounds that you can enjoy. Training in criticism will help you analyze your own reactions to various art forms and develop educated tastes and values. The arts and humanities include literature, aural and visual media, philosophy, religion, and the plastic and performing arts.

Courses marked with an asterisk (*) satisfy the cross-cultural/international literature requirement.

1. Complete a course from one of the following options (1a or 1b):

   (1a) A course in literature
   Complete one of the following courses:

   LITR 100 The Reading of Literature (3)
   LITR 101 The Reading of Literature: Fiction (3)
   LITR 102 The Reading of Literature: Poetry (3)
   LITR 103 The Reading of Literature: Drama (3)
   

   (1b) A course in intermediate or advanced foreign language literature
   Complete one of the following courses:

   FRNH 221/FRNH 222 Intermediate French (Reading) (3)
   FRNH 341/FRNH 342 Survey of French Literature (3)
   GERN 221/GERN 222 Intermediate German Reading (3)
   GERN 341/GERN 342 Survey of German Literature (3)
   SPNH 221/SPNH 222 Intermediate Spanish Reading (3)
   SPNH 341/SPNH 342 Survey of Spanish Literature (3)
   SPNH 351/SPNH 352 Survey of Spanish American Literature (3)
   

2. Complete a course from one of the following options (2a, 2b, 2c, or 2d):

   (2a) A second course in literature
   Complete one of the following courses not previously chosen under 1a:

   LITR 100 The Reading of Literature (3)
   LITR 101 The Reading of Literature: Fiction (3)
   LITR 102 The Reading of Literature: Poetry (3)
   LITR 103 The Reading of Literature: Drama (3)
   

   (2b) A course in intermediate or advanced foreign language literature
   Take any course not already completed from the list under 1b above.

   (2c) A course in oral interpretation
   Complete CTAO 210 Interpretative Reading (3)

   (2d) A course in cross-cultural or international studies
   Complete one of the following courses:

   *FLAN 215 The Culture of the Latino Groups in the United States (3)
   *LITR 204 Native American Literature (3)
   *LITR 260 African American Literature (3)
   

3. Complete a course from one of the following options (3a or 3b):

   (3a) A course in philosophy
   Complete one of the following courses:

   PHIL 100 Introduction to Philosophy (3)
   PHIL 110 Philosophies of Life (3)
   PHIL 120 Introduction to Critical Reasoning (3)
   PHIL 130 Introduction to Logic (3)
   PHIL 212 Philosophy of Art (3)
   PHIL 215 Philosophy of Religion (3)
   PHIL 220 Ethics (3)
   PHIL 221 Business Ethics (3)
   PHIL 225 Political Philosophy (3)
   *WMST 226/PHIL 226 Philosophy of Women (3)
   

   (3b) A course in the study of religion
   Complete one of the following courses:

   HIST 100 The Comparative Study of Religion (3)
   PSY 225 Psychology of Religion (3)

4. Complete a course from one of the following options (4a, 4b, 4c, or 4d):

   (4a) A course in art
   Complete one of the following courses:

   FA 100 Art Appreciation (3)
   FA 101 Introduction to Art (3)
   FA 107 Art History Survey I (3)
   FA 108 Art History Survey II (3)
   FA 122 Two-Dimensional Design (3)
   FA 123 Drawing I (3)
   FA 165 Graphic Design for Nonmajors (3)
   FA 166 Ceramics for Nonmajors (3)
   FA 167 Jewelry for Nonmajors (3)
   

   (4b) A course in dance
   Complete DANC 106 Introduction to the Performing Arts (3)

   (4c) A course in music
   Complete one of the following courses:

   MUSC 100 Introduction to Music Theory (3)
   MUSC 106 Introduction to the Performing Arts (3)
   MUSC 107 Music Appreciation (2)
   

   (4d) A course in theatre arts
   Complete one of the following courses:

   CTAD 222 Drama and Play in Human Experience (3)
   CTAR 106 Introduction to the Performing Arts (3)
   CTAR 150 Introduction to Theatre (3)
   *CTAR 151 African American Theatre: An Introduction (3)
   CTAR 158 Fundamentals of Acting (3)
   CTAT 145 Introduction to Film Appreciation (3)
   

A: Rationale

An understanding of significant US minority groups, related foreign cultures, and women is important to gain an appreciation of the cultural diversity in this country. Relating each group or culture to the larger cultural and political context within this country enhances understanding of contemporary events and conditions.

This requirement may be fulfilled while also meeting the requirements in Areas I-IV. Select an approved course from Areas I-IV. Approved courses are designated with an asterisk (*).

Honors Humanities Courses

These courses, whose subject matter often crosses disciplinary boundaries, may be taught by instructors from more than one discipline. Members of the University Honors Program are welcome to enroll. Other students with a grade point average of at least 3.0 may enroll by permission of the Honors Director.

Available honors humanities courses (see departmental listings for course description) and the areas satisfied are:

CLAS 104/HIST 104 Quest for Power: Famous Figures in History (3)
Area: LITR or HIST

CLAS 106/LITR 106 Rome and America (6)
Area: LITR

HIST 127 The Splendid Centuries of Austria (3)
Area: HIST

HIST 128/LITR 128 Russia in the Age of Tolstoy and Dostoevsky (3)
Area: LITR or HIST

FA 151/HIST 151 Reason and Revolution (3)
Area: FA or HIST

HIST 152/LITR 152 From the Gay Nineties to the Crash (3)
Area: LITR or HIST

PHIL 155/LITR 155 Narrative in Literature and Film (3)
Area: LITR or PHIL

179/279/379/479 Special Topics (3)
Area: Varies