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General Education Requirements (2005 - 2006 Catalog)
The General Education Requirements found on this page are from 2005-2006 Catalog.
See the main web page of the
General Education Requirements
for information from other WCC College Catalogs.
Philosophy Statement
General Education is highly valued at Washtenaw Community College because it develops and
nurtures certain habits of mind that reach beyond a student's area of academic emphasis and
enables the student to meet critically, objectively, and successfully the challenges of
education, work, and life. By requiring a strong core of common learning, the College
demonstrates its commitment to providing a broad-based education to all degree recipients,
which includes useful skills, knowledge, and experiences to support a variety of lifelong
endeavors. To this end, it shall be the policy of the College to maintain a substantial
program of general education to be included in all degree programs.
The College defines general education as a prescribed curriculum that assures a broad
acquaintance with the basic areas of academic study. The general education requirements
are designed to provide degree students certain skills and knowledge that include an
understanding of and appreciation for the important modes of human thought, communication,
and inquiry.
Students who have earned a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited U.S. college or
university may request a waiver of the general education requirements in the Office of Student
Records.
General Education Course Requirements
Students pursuing associate degrees are required to meet the general education requirements
in the eight areas listed below. The content areas are met through course distribution
requirements (successfully completing courses from restricted distribution lists). Critical
thinking is incorporated into the courses in the first six areas and does not require any
additional coursework. Computer and information literacy is met through competency testing.
Writing - Develop, organize, and express thoughts in writing using Standard English
Speech - Speak in an organized and effective manner and listen critically and with
comprehension
Mathematics - Understand the applications and perform computations using the concepts
of college-level mathematics
Natural Sciences - Understand principles and applications of modern science
Social and Behavioral Science - Understand principles and applications of social and
behavioral science in exploring the dynamics of human behavior
Arts and Humanities - Understand and apply information related to the nature and
variety of the human experience through personal and cultural enrichment
Critical Thinking - Demonstrate skill in analyzing, synthesizing and evaluating
Computer and Information Literacy - Demonstrate the skill to use computer information
systems including using software and the ability to locate, retrieve, and evaluate networked
information
Course Distribution Requirements
Associate degree students must complete courses from each of the six General Education
areas below. The requirements vary, depending on which degree is being earned. The chart
below lists the number of general education credit hours required for each degree.
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AA
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AS
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AAS
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Writing
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6-7 credits
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6-7 credits
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3-4 credits
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Speech
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3 credits
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3 credits
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3 credits
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Mathematics
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3-4 credits
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3-4 credits
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3-4 credits
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Natural Sciences
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3-4 credits
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3-4 credits
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3-4 credits
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Social & Behavioral Science
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6 credits
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6 credits
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3 credits
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Arts and Humanities
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6 credits
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6 credits
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3 credits
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27-30 credits
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27-30 credits
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18-21 credits
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Computer and Information Literacy Requirement
Associate degree students must demonstrate basic computer skills and knowledge. Courses taken at other
institutions, work experience, or transfer credit will not satisfy this requirement.
Students can fulfill this requirement through either of the following options:
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1.
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Pass the Computer and Information Literacy test with a score of 70% or higher. Students can take the
test two times. If a passing score is not attained, CIS 099 must be taken and passed with a "C" or
better.
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or
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2.
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Pass, with a "C" or higher, specified courses that incorporate the Computer and Information Literacy
objectives. These courses might be taken as part of the degree requirements for a particular program.
The courses include:
- CIS 099 Computer Literacy;
- CIS 100 Introduction to Software Applications;
- CIS 110 Introduction to Computer Information Systems.
Students who are seeking an associate degree should take the Computer and Information Literacy
test at their earliest opportunity, preferably upon admittance to the College. Some courses and
programs require students to have passed this test before enrolling. The test is administered in
the Testing Center. The schedule for testing can be found in the Academic Class Schedule.
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Approved Courses for General Education Distribution Areas
The following courses are approved for General Education in the Writing, Speech,
Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Social and Behavioral Science, and Arts and Humanities areas. Some courses are limited to a specific degree or program; check the footnotes when selecting courses. Students also should check the requirements for their programs to determine if specific courses are required or recommended.
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