The general education requirement is the set of courses which
must be completed in order to give students a wide range of knowledge in
a specific area. In order for students to specialize in a given field
they must first gain basic awareness and understanding of the main
principles within the art or science they aim to pursue. General
education courses usually prepare students for further study by laying
down the foundations of the area of knowledge and exercising skills
which will prove necessary for continued learning.
Two such courses are those offered by the university of Kansas and
Catawba College. The courses are of a similar nature and offer a basis
for English language studies. Catawba College’s English 1103 course is a
part of the general education writing program meant to provide a
background in critical reading and writing. The course gives students
the opportunity to get acquainted with rhetorical thinking and to use it
in their analytical reading approach as well as when creating texts.
As part of a general education course in language studies the English
1103 also aims to enhance the understanding of students when reading
texts. The course gives students the necessary knowledge to handle
academic writing styles and gather and appropriately quote the required
information from both electronic and print sources. Other fundamental
knowledge covered includes organization and structure of writing,
punctuation, style, diction, and use of language. (The General Education
Writing Program, Catawba College)
A similar course offered by the University of Kansas is English 102. The
classes, like the ones provided by Catawba, are meant to give students
the necessary tools for academic writing and understanding of texts.
Kansas’s English 102 includes knowledge on quotation mechanisms as well
as a deep understanding and knowledge of at least one system of
documentation. The course is meant to teach students how to explore
various topics with the process of writing and how to use it as a tool
for deepened understanding. Students are expected to learn how to
collaborate on an academic level and conduct research as well as how to
use and understand language in a flexible way. The course includes a
research element, meant to encourage students to apply their knowledge
as well as gain experience. (Goals for English 102, Kansas University)
Both the English 1103 and the English 102 general education courses have
a similar content and offer the skills necessary for students to
adequately use language and writing. The structure of both courses
provides attendees with knowledge of basic academic writing principles
such as quotation and research practices, critical approaches toward
texts and written expression skills. In order to prepare students for
further studies, or simply give them a good foundation in language
knowledge, both courses develop skills for understanding written texts.
Both courses use summary or synthesis as a tool for enhanced
understanding, and build on that foundation in order to enable students
to develop their own argumentation and critical thinking. Once a student
is able to properly understand writing, select the appropriate language
tools, and conform to quotation requirements, they should be able to
create appropriate academic writing.
