The General Education Curriculum
The general education curriculum at the University of Arizona prepares students to expand their learning, discover new interests and passions, and to demonstrate their learning and growth. The curriculum emphasizes perspective-taking, reflection, and application through a scaffolded and customizable experience. For more information about the curriculum, scroll through the slideshow and explore the card deck below!
Bookended Courses & Foundations
The bookended structure of the Refreshed general education curriculum is one of its most distinctive and important features: Students are introduced to the Wildcat Experience and to trandisciplinary skills like perspective-taking and portfolio development in UNIV 101; in UNIV 301, at the end of their general education experience, students complete their portfolio, making connections between their courses and experiences to demonstrate their growth as lifelong learners and future professionals. Foundations courses provide students with skills essential to succeeding in general education courses and Majors.
UNIV 101: Introduction to General Education
A 1-unit course introducing students to the Wildcat Experience, including general education, experiential learning, wellness, and their future options for Majors and Minors. Students will learn how to apply perspective-taking, interdisciplinary thinking, reflection on learning, and portfolio development to create their very own 4-year success plan.
Foundations
Foundations courses engage students in critical thinking and prepare them for future college work (typically 9 units). Students must take or accomplish the equivalency of Math, Writing, and Second Language.
UNIV 301: General Education Portfolio
A new 1-unit course designed to help students reflect upon and make meaning of the General Education experience through the refinement of their ePortfolio.
Perspectives, Connections, & Institutions
Perspectives, Connections, & Institutions (PCI) courses challenge students to practice their understanding of disciplinary perspectives, apply concepts and skills to develop innovative solutions to complex problems, and deepen their understanding of historical, national, and cultural contexts. Every PCI course carries one or two Attributes (see below).
Exploring Perspectives
In Exploring Perspectives courses, students will explore and practice the varied approaches and ways of reasoning of the Artist, Humanist, Natural Scientist, and Social Scientist.
Building Connections
In Building Connections courses, students will explore the unique contributions of knowledge, skills, methodologies, values and perspectives from varied disciplines and social positions.
Civic Institutions
In Civic Institution courses, students will cover the breadth of the study of Civics. Comprised of seven identified areas, students will complete one course at 3 units to meet the civics course required by the Arizona Board of Regents General Education policy 2-210.
Attributes
Attributes are course elements attached to Perspectives, Connections, & Institutions (PCI) courses. Attributes expand student learning by presenting and helping students engage, develop, and apply scholastic tools that support broadened horizons. Every PCI course must have at least one Attribute and no more than two Attributes.