Categories of Study
The curriculum outlined in the following categories provides a reasoned plan to achieve this purpose. It is comprised of courses both outside and within students' majors; includes the key disciplines developed by human beings to pursue knowledge of themselves and the universe; and maintains a balance between specific essential courses and sets of courses which provide flexibility for individual interests.
The general education categories are described below, along with lists of courses that currently meet the criteria for these categories. Students should check the schedule of classes on the UTC Website for the most complete list of courses being offered for the coming semester. Also, students should check major requirements before choosing courses, since specific courses in each category are often required for a particular major.
1. RC: Rhetoric and Composition I and II
(6 credit hours)
All students must complete Rhetoric and Composition I and II, with grades of C or better, within the first 42 attempted credit hours of college work.
Rhetoric and Composition I (3 credit hours)
An intensive writing course designed to develop skills essential for effective communication. Students will be sensitized to the structure, beauty, and complexities of Standard American English as they refine their abilities to write logically and clearly. This course must be completed with a grade of C or above. Prerequisite: appropriate placement level.
Rhetoric and Composition II (3 credit hours)
A more advanced writing and oral communication course, emphasizing the composition of extended and persuasive essays and research papers, and the use of computers to gather and prepare information. This course must be completed with a grade of C or above. Prerequisite: English 121 with a grade of C or above or appropriate placement level.
RC - Approved Rhetoric and Composition Courses:
- Rhetoric and Composition I: English 121, University Honors 101
- Rhetoric and Composition II: English 122, University Honors 102
2. Mathematics and Statistics
(6 credit hours; one three-credit hour course in mathematics, one three-credit hour course in statistics)
The purpose of this category is to develop the ability to use abstract and deductive reasoning, to think logically and creatively about mathematical and statistical problems, and to be able to interpret, develop, and use some mathematical or statistical models of real world and abstract phenomena. Courses in this category emphasize the use of mathematics as a powerful language in many disciplines and its significant role in human development. All students must complete the mathematics requirement within the first 60 attempted credit hours of college work.
MA - Approved Mathematics Courses:
- Mathematics: 123, 131, 136, 144, 145, 151/152, 216
ST - Approved Statistics Courses:
- Biology 216
- Business Management 211
- Engineering 222
- Health and Human Performance 401
- Public Administration and Nonprofit Management 205
- Mathematics 210, 307, 408
- Psychology 201/204
- Sociology 250
3. Natural Sciences
(7 or 8 credit hours; two courses in the natural sciences, with at least one four-credit hour course that includes a laboratory component)
The purpose of studying the natural sciences is to participate in the systematic ways in which human beings analyze the physical universe, to appreciate the achievements of the human mind in comprehending the universe, and to understand the significant role of the natural sciences in human development. Courses in this category emphasize empirical studies of matter, energy, living systems, natural processes, and related phenomena, and examine science in the context of human culture.
SL - Approved Natural Sciences Lab Courses:
- Astronomy 101/181, 102/182
- Biology 119, 121, 122, 210
- Chemistry 119, 121/123, 122/124; 125, 168/170
- Environmental Science 150, 151
- General Science 111/181
- Geology 111/181, 112/182
- Physics 103/183, 104/184, 119, 230/280, 231/281
NS - Approved Natural Sciences Non-Lab Courses:
- Astronomy 101
- Biology 110
- Chemistry 111
- Engineering 211
- Environmental Science 110
- General Science 115
- Geology 116, 225
- University Honors 120
4. Humanities and Fine Arts
(6 credit hours, with at least 3 credit hours in the fine arts)
Humanities courses are designed to acquaint students with historical, literary, philosophical, religious, and political experience and traditions, with special attention to the methods and techniques of the humanities disciplines. Fine arts courses are designed to heighten perception, appreciation, and enjoyment of music, theatre, and the visual arts, and may include studio experience in addition to historical studies.
