General Education Program

Develops writing skills through assigned readings and critical analysis of imaginative, expository and argumentative texts. Texts used are representative of the wide range of material in the disciplines that comprise the undergraduate curriculum. The works of professional writers from different social and cultural backgrounds will be used to feature a variety of writing skills and styles. Students practice composition, editing and rewriting of their own texts. Prerequisites: None Credits: 3

Guides students through the stages involved in researching and writing a research paper. Intensive and focused expository and argumentative writing requires that students provide evidence of their developed understanding of the writing process. Students practice researching and writing for diverse audiences and for different purposes. In the processes of drafting, revising, and editing their papers, students will describe, analyze, evaluate, synthesize, and present persuasive arguments. Prerequisites: GE105 Credits: 3

Focuses on the development of thinking and analytical skills that enable students to evaluate and meet the many professional and social demands made of them as learners and citizens in a global world. Students will acquire the ability to critically reason and assess situations by using methods of effective argumentation and analysis. Essential principles of
the critical thinking process will be introduced to aid in developing competencies of reasoned decision-making that are applicable across the disciplines. This course emphasizes multicultural perspectives, understanding conflicting value systems, and ethics in argumentation and decision-making. Prerequisites: GE105 Co-requisites: GE106 Credits: 3

Describes the process of effective speech communication by first defining the specific purpose of a
speech. This course provides instruction and guidance in the development of the oral communication skills which are essential to successful public speaking. Activities in class emphasize the development, organization, and presentation of informative and persuasive speeches, training in verbal and nonverbal communication methodologies, as well as the process of evaluating and constructively critiquing public speeches. Prerequisites: GE105 Co-requisites: GE106 Credits: 3

Enhances students’ personal productivity and problem solving skills by applying information technologies to problem situations and by designing and using small information systems for individuals or groups. The course enables students to improve their skills as knowledgeable workers in the field. Personal productivity concepts are explored through the use of the features of software applications such as spreadsheets, databases, presentation graphics, and Web authoring. Prerequisites: None. Credits: 3

The course aims to build basic mathematical literacy among students. The course helps students build essential problem solving and critical thinking skills and realize the importance these skills have in everyday transaction and reasoning. All modules include examples inspired by the University’s undergraduate degree programs. An important course goal is for students to view mathematical thinking as a useful tool for solving a diverse range of problems of everyday life. The course explores topics such as: (i) sets and Venn diagrams, (ii) properties of numbers and operations, (iii) modelling problems, expressing the model via equations, University solving equations and systems or equations, (iv) sampling, probability, correlation, error, (v) exponential growth and decay (with everyday examples e.g., COVID, crypto markets, etc.), (vi) data visualization, creating graphs and extracting info from graphs. Prerequisites: None Credits: 3

 This interdisciplinary introductory course equips undergraduate students with the essential skills to leverage generative AI tools—including Large Language Models (LLMs) and Large Multimodal Models (LMMs)—for academic success and future professional practice. Students will learn to work with tools like ChatGPT, Deep Seek and Microsoft Copilot to enhance reading, writing, speaking, research, and productivity workflows. The course blends technical instruction with discipline-based applications and ethical reflection, ensuring that students can responsibly and effectively collaborate with Generative AI throughout their academic and professional lives. Prerequisites: GE105, GE106, IT100 Credits: 3