General Education Designations <p>The General Education program at UW-Whitewater is multidisciplinary — more than 300 courses have a general education designation. To help students understand the breadth and structure of the program, the general education courses are divided into categories. Begin your exploration by using the links below to discover more about the types of courses in each category.</p> Arrow Communication & Literacy (Associates, CL-A) <p>Students earning Associate Degrees can meet the requirement through a course designated CL-A.</p> Arrow Creative Arts (GA/HA-A) <p>Courses in this area focus on artistic concepts, structures, and forms providing immersion in and exposure to visual, performing, and creative arts. Some classes emphasize the history and appreciation of the arts while others provide the opportunity to create or perform artistic works. Students will develop critical, creative, and interpretive skills as well as an understanding of the relationship between art, creativity, and the broader social and cultural context. </p> Arrow Engaging Difference (GE/SBS-E) <p>Courses in this area focus on individuals and communities within the United States whose identities and experiences are shaped by discrepancies in power, privilege and access. Drawing from a variety of disciplines, these classes address factors that many include gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic class, ability, immigration status, and others. Students will enhance their intercultural knowledge and skills, and in particular learn to articulate and respect the perspectives that arise from these differing experiences while critically examining their own values, perspectives and biases. Courses may also provide opportunities to put this learning into practice through experiences with diverse individuals or groups. </p> Arrow Global and International Perspectives (GG/HA-G) <p>Courses in this area provide the opportunity to explore world cultures or global systems through the study of a world language, history and culture of another country, or issues and concepts that are relevant across social and political boundaries. Drawing from different disciplinary perspectives, these courses emphasize awareness of commonalities of the human experience as well as the factors and experiences that differentiate cultures and countries. Students will develop skills and knowledge that will help them meet the challenges of a diverse and ever-changing world as an informed and responsible citizen.</p> Arrow Humanities (GH/HA-A) <p>Courses in this area examine the diversity of human experience and expression from historical, philosophical, religious, literary, and/or linguistic perspectives. These courses usually focus on the traditions, beliefs, texts, and artifacts that make up a culture, and place emphasis on critical analysis and interpretation of primary sources. Students will enhance their critical and creative thinking and communication skills, and grapple with complexity and diverse perspectives.</p> Arrow Natural Sciences – Non-laboratory (GN/NSW-N) <p>Courses in this area will explore the phenomena of the natural world in the context of everyday life and contemporary problems. Through a variety of disciplines, these courses will encourage curiosity and appreciation of scientific discovery and inquiry through the examination of scientific processes. Students will develop their ability to read and comprehend scientific information and use that information to make judgements and draw appropriate conclusions about its influence on the world around them.</p> Arrow Natural Sciences – Laboratory (GL/NSWL) <p>Courses in this area will explore the phenomena of the natural world in the context of everyday life and contemporary problems. Through a variety of disciplines, these courses will encourage curiosity and appreciation of scientific discovery and inquiry through the examination of scientific processes. Students will develop their ability to read and comprehend scientific information and use that information to make judgements and draw appropriate conclusions about its influence on the world around them.</p> <p>Additionally, GL courses will include hands-on scientific experimentation in which the students will perform scientific processes to collect and/or analyze data to answer scientific questions. Students will understand the process of obtaining and evaluating scientific knowledge and how it impacts society and technological growth.</p> Arrow Engaging Difference (GE/SBS-E) <p>Courses in this area will enhance students' quantitative reasoning skills, including their capacity to explain, interpret, evaluate, and communicate quantitative information. Students will learn to use models or algorithms to solve problems and will apply quantitative concepts to real-world situations. These skills may be drawn from mathematics and computational strategies, but may extend to logic, statistics, and inductive or deductive reasoning.</p> Arrow Social and Behavior Sciences (GS/SBS-S) <p>Courses in this area focus on the scientific study of human behavior, culture, and society. They may examine individual behavior, interpersonal interactions, or interactions between people and the broader social, political, economic, or natural environment. Students will develop the ability to think critically about these issues and apply appropriate theories and quantitative and qualitative methods to analyze and evaluate social problems.</p> Arrow Requirements <p>Students who first enrolled at UW-Whitewater before the 2026 Catalog Year will continue to complete their General Education using the following gen ed requirements within the following categories. </p> <p><em>* For transfer students, Core courses requirements will be determined on the basis of the number of credits transferred and the distribution of the student course work.</em></p> <p>** Transfer students may substitute 1 credit of PEGNRL coursework.</p> Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning (3 credits) <p><strong>1 Course, minimum 3 credits from the following courses </strong></p> <ul> <li>MATH 139 QUANTITATIVE & ALGEBRAIC REASONING <ul> <li>or MAT 108 QUANTITATIVE REASONING</li> <li>or UWX MA108 QUANTITATIVE REASONING</li> </ul> </li> <li>MATH 140 MATHEMATICAL IDEAS</li> <li>MATH 142 COLLEGE ALGEBRA <ul> <li>or MAT 110 COLLEGE ALGEBRA</li> <li>or UWX MA116 COLLEGE ALGEBRA</li> </ul> </li> <li>MATH 152 PRECALCULUS</li> <li>STAT 101 ELEMENTARY STATISTICS - TRANSFER</li> </ul> Arrow Communication & Literacy (9 credits) <p><strong>1 Course, 3 credits</strong></p> <ul> <li>ENGLISH 102 INTRO TO COLLEGE WRITING, READING, AND RESEARCH <ul> <li>or ENG 102 CRITICAL WRITING READING & RESEARCH</li> <li>or ENGLISH 105 HONORS INTRO TO COLLEGE WRITING, READING & RESEARCH</li> <li>or UWX EN102 CRITICAL WRITING AND RESEARCH</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p><strong>1 Course, 3 credits</strong></p> <ul> <li>COMM 110 INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC SPEAKING <ul> <li>or CTA 103 INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC SPEAKING</li> <li>or UWX CM101 INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC SPEAKING</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p><strong>1 Course, 3 credits</strong></p> <ul> <li>CORE 390 WORLD OF IDEAS <ul> <li>Students earning Associate Degrees can meet the requirement through a course designated CL-A.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> Arrow Social & Behavior Sciences (6 credits) <p><strong>1 Course, 3 credits</strong></p> <ul> <li>CORE 130 INDIVIDUAL AND SOCIETY <ul> <li>or PSY 250 LIFE SPAN DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY</li> <li>or UWX PS250 LIFESPAN PSYCHOLOGY</li> <li>or EDFOUND 230 INTRODUCTION TO HUMAN DEVELOPMENT</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p><strong>1 Course, 3 credits</strong></p> <ul> <li>With designation of SBS-S or SBS-E</li> </ul> Arrow Humanities & Arts (6 credits) <p><strong>1 Course, 3 credits</strong></p> <ul> <li>CORE 110 WORLD OF THE ARTS</li> <li>CTA 150 INTRODUCTION TO FILM <ul> <li>or COMM 236 INTRODUCTION TO CINEMA</li> </ul> </li> <li>ART 175 WORLDS OF ART IMAGES/OBJECTS/IDEAS <ul> <li>or UWX AR175 WORLDS OF ART</li> </ul> </li> <li>MUS 173 MUSIC APPRECIATION <ul> <li>or MUSC 140 INTRODUCTION TO CLASSICAL MUSIC</li> <li>or MUS 174 MUSIC LITERATURE AND APPRECIATION</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p><strong>1 Course, 3 credits</strong></p> <ul> <li>With designation of HA-A, HA-H or HA-G</li> </ul> Arrow Natural Science & Wellness (8 credits) <p><strong>1 Course, minimum 4 credits </strong></p> <ul> <li>One laboratory course designated NSWL</li> </ul> <p><strong>1 Course, minimum 3 credits</strong></p> <ul> <li>One course designated NSW-N, NSWL, or NSW-Q</li> <li>Must be from a different subject area than the NSWL course above</li> </ul> <p><strong>1 Course, 1 credit</strong></p> <ul> <li>PEGNRL 192 PERSONAL HEALTH AND FITNESS FOR LIFE <ul> <li>or HES 127 FITNESS FOR LIFE</li> </ul> </li> </ul> Arrow Civics & Perspectives (3 credits) <p><strong>1 Course, 3 credits </strong></p> <ul> <li>CORE 120 HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVES <ul> <li>or HIS 127 THE WORLD IN THE TWENTIETH CENTURY</li> <li>or UWX HS127 THE WORLD IN THE 20TH CENTURY</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul> <li>CORE 140 GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES <ul> <li>or POL 275 INTERMEDIATE INTERNATIONAL POLITICS</li> <li>or POL 285 POLITICS OF WORLD INEQUALITY AND DEVELOPMENT</li> <li>or MUS 385 WORLD MUSIC</li> </ul> </li> </ul> Arrow CORE courses <p>The core of the General Education program is a series of five multi-disciplinary courses, each of which brings together material and perspectives from several disciplines so that students may understand both a common body of knowledge and its interconnections:</p> CORE 110 - The World of the Arts <p>This course introduces students to “The Arts” including music, theater, dance, and visual art. Students will gain insight into the basic components of the arts, the role of the arts in society, the interrelationship of the arts, and the historical contexts of the arts. Students will engage with performing arts events and art exhibits. Arts from all over the world will be considered.</p> <p><strong>Course Learning Objectives</strong>:<br />This course will enhance students' ability to do the following:</p> <ol> <li>Understand and articulate the role and value of the arts and how the arts relate to history and culture.</li> <li>Compare and contrast arts, histories, and cultures; analyze historical, conceptual, and cultural contexts to gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world.</li> <li>Interpret, analyze, and evaluate arts performances, including live performances, using appropriate arts-related terminology, ideas, and theories.</li> <li>Build a foundation for future participation in, and enjoyment of, theatre, dance, music, and the visual arts through attendance of live events, and through learning arts specific interpretive skills.</li> </ol> Arrow CORE 120 - Historical Perspectives <p>This course examines major events, conflicts, and figures in world history during the long 20th century. Students will address global issues from a variety of perspectives, to better understand the movements, ideas, and people that shape the present day.</p> <p><strong>Course Learning Objectives</strong>:<br />This course will enhance students' ability to do the following:</p> <ol> <li>Think critically and analytically, integrate and synthesize knowledge, and draw conclusions from complex material.</li> <li>Understand and appreciate American and other cultures, both contemporary and historical, appreciate diversity, and live responsibly in an interdependent world.</li> <li>Acquire a base of knowledge common to educated persons, and the capacity to expand that base over their lifetime.</li> <li>Understand the gatherings of peoples and cultures from many countries that have contributed to the American heritage and to contemporary American society.</li> <li>Understand the origins of international problems and the changing role of the U.S. in the world.</li> <li>Compare political and economic systems and their effects on international relations and U.S. foreign policy.</li> </ol> Arrow CORE 130 - Individual and Society <p>This course serves as an introduction to the social sciences and interdisciplinary fields including anthropology, psychology, race and ethnic studies, sociology, and women's and gender studies. Using these academic perspectives and scientific approaches, this course critically examines social problems in US society. The course focuses on how we experience life as individuals and members of cultural and societal systems that shape our identities, behaviors, and perceptions.</p> <p><strong>Course Learning Objectives</strong>:<br />This course will enhance students' ability to do the following:</p> <ol> <li>Demonstrate introductory knowledge of major concepts shared or overlapping in anthropology, psychology, race and ethnic studies, sociology, and women’s and gender studies</li> <li>Integrate multiple social science and interdisciplinary perspectives to analyze social problems</li> <li>Understand the process of scientific and systematic inquiry in the social sciences</li> <li>Critically evaluate sources of social science and interdisciplinary information and draw valid conclusions</li> <li>Understand the concept of the social construction of identity</li> <li>Apply an intersectional lens to describe how social structures contribute to differences in privilege, oppression, and access to opportunities</li> <li>Apply an intersectional lens to describe how social groups and individuals experience discrepancies in privilege, oppression, and access to opportunities</li> <li>Articulate the perspectives of people from various social groups</li> <li>Demonstrate effective strategies for collaborative learning</li> </ol> Arrow CORE 140 - Global Perspectives <p>This course introduces students to key terms, concepts, issues and relationships in economics, geography and political science. The course investigates how increasing globalization impacts issues such as the authority and competence of the nation-state, population growth and migration, economic development and trade and patterns of international cooperation and conflict.</p> <p><strong>Course Learning Objectives</strong>:<br />This course will enhance students' ability to do the following:</p> <ol> <li>Apply knowledge across various disciplinary approaches (Geography, Political Science, and Economics) in the exploration of global issues and challenges, both contemporary and historical, associated with an increasingly interconnected world.</li> <li>Explain and analyze relevant ideas, draw conclusions from complex information, and craft logical and persuasive arguments supported by relevant and compelling evidence.</li> <li>Develop analytical communication skills, with a focus on argumentation, reflection, and appropriate citation of sources. Students will incorporate core course ideas and content in their written and verbal communication, with consideration for audience, purpose, and context.</li> <li>Identify appropriate information sources; to evaluate, analyze, and integrate relevant information; and to use and cite sources correctly.</li> <li>Explain, interpret, summarize, and utilize numerical information presented in various forms, including maps, graphs, diagrams, and tables.</li> <li>Identify and understand multiple perspectives on the implications of global processes and events. Students will draw connections between an individual’s personal decision-making and global, national, and local issues that will help them to become more informed, engaged, and reflective citizens.</li> </ol> Arrow CORE 390 - The World of Ideas <p>This course examines themes and issues that have had a significant impact upon the world's civilizations. Readings will focus on primary texts representing major historical periods, world cultures, and diverse perspectives. This course will stress critical and analytical thought, drawing upon knowledge obtained in this and earlier core courses.</p> <p><strong>Course Learning Objectives</strong>:<br />This course will enhance students' ability to do the following:</p> <ol> <li>Understand the ways ideas shape their perception of the world.</li> <li>Recognize the ways ideas were formed historically and to understand the ways in which the world is still shaped by ideas advanced hundreds of years ago.</li> <li>Appreciate intellectual traditions of diverse cultures and perspectives.</li> <li>Recognize commonalities and differences among diverse intellectual traditions.</li> <li>Refine their critical and analytical thinking skills in oral and written forms.</li> <li>Deal intelligently with questions and issues concerning ethics and values.</li> <li>Recognize and understand issues, questions, and problems that have been subject to continued human reflection.</li> <li>Appreciate the role of the humanities in students' educational experiences.</li> <li>Interpret different literary works.</li> <li>Develop a meaningful philosophy of life.</li> </ol> Arrow General Education Learning Outcomes 1. Knowledge of Human Cultures and the Natural World <p>Students will demonstrate breadth and integration of knowledge through:</p> <ol> <li>Exploration of enduring issues, questions, and problems of human experience across the core areas of knowledge, including engagement with: <ul> <li>Fine and performing arts</li> <li>Natural sciences and mathematics</li> <li>Cultural, social, and humanistic studies</li> <li>Global Issues and challenges, both historical and contemporary</li> </ul> </li> <li>Ability to contextualize knowledge through various disciplinary approaches</li> <li>Capacity to apply learning and think in interdisciplinary and integrative ways about the complexity and interconnectedness of the world</li> </ol> <p><em>Rationale: A broad knowledge of human cultures and of the natural world provides students with a solid foundation to be successful in their major and as informed members of society.  In all fields of study, the exposure to multiple perspectives, historical context, and contemporary debates helps prepare students to engage with the “big questions” that face our world today.</em></p> Arrow 2. Critical and Creative Thinking <p>Students will demonstrate their critical and creative thinking by the ability to:</p> <ol> <li>Explain and analyze relevant ideas, arguments, and problems</li> <li>Evaluate the quality of ideas, evidence, materials, and arguments using appropriate criteria</li> <li>Recognize and engage multiple perspectives and alternatives</li> <li>Draw conclusions from complex information</li> <li>Synthesize existing information to produce new insights or approaches</li> <li>Craft logical and persuasive arguments supported by relevant and compelling evidence</li> <li>Design, evaluate, and implement strategies to solve problems or answer open-ended questions</li> </ol> <p><em>Rationale: Thinking critically and creatively means the ability to analyze and evaluate complex information and to come up with new ideas and solutions to pressing problems. In an information-rich world, students need to be able to make informed decisions and develop arguments, based on relevant evidence from a variety of different sources and perspectives. Critical and creative thinking helps students develop their own perspectives in both their personal and professional lives.</em></p> Arrow 3. Effective Communication Skills <p>Students will demonstrate their communication skills by the ability to:</p> <ol> <li>Read and listen closely and critically to interpret, analyze and evaluate written texts, images, speech, performances and multimedia communications</li> <li>Communicate in a focused, coherent, and organized manner with appropriate attention to audience, purpose and context</li> <li>Write effective analytical, reflective and expository essays and research papers</li> <li>Speak effectively in public, small group, and interpersonal settings</li> <li>Use clear and precise language as well as appropriate conventions, tools, and technology</li> <li>Implement the process of drafting, revising and editing</li> </ol> <p><em>Rationale: Strong communication skills, both speaking and writing to a variety of audiences and across a range of media and contexts, contribute to success in and out of the classroom.  In addition, critical reading and listening skills are also key components in developing effective communication skills.  </em></p> Arrow 4. Information Literacy <p>Students will demonstrate their information literacy by the ability to:</p> <ol> <li>Identify and articulate information needs by precisely defining a question, topic of inquiry or problem</li> <li>Select appropriate resources for finding information and formulate effective search strategies</li> <li>Critically evaluate, analyze and integrate relevant sources using appropriate criteria</li> <li>Use and cite information sources correctly and ethically</li> <li>Choose and effectively use appropriate tools and technologies for these tasks</li> </ol> <p><em>Rationale: Information literacy refers to the ability to determine what information is necessary for a particular purpose, and to the skills needed to gather, evaluate, understand, and use that information ethically and effectively.  Information may take a variety of forms and media, including textual, visual, and quantitative.  In an environment of proliferating and diverse information, information literacy skills help students make informed choices in their personal, professional, and academic lives.</em></p> Arrow 5. Quantitative Reasoning <p>Students will demonstrate their quantitative reasoning by the ability to:</p> <ol> <li>Explain information presented in mathematical forms (e.g., equations, graphs, diagrams, tables, words)</li> <li>Convert relevant information into various mathematical forms (e.g., equations, graphs, diagrams, tables, words)</li> <li>Efficiently and accurately carry out calculations to solve problems using appropriate tools and technology</li> <li>Make judgments and draw appropriate conclusions based on the quantitative analysis of data</li> <li>Support arguments with quantitative information in narrative and other appropriate forms</li> </ol> <p><em>Rationale: Quantitative reasoning refers to the use of numbers and measurable data to understand and interpret the world.  But quantitative reasoning encompasses much more than simply mathematics and calculation skills.  It reflects a habit of mind and a range of capacities that can explain, interpret, evaluate, and communicate quantitative information.  Students need to be able to use quantitative reasoning skills to solve problems from a variety of domains and in everyday life.</em></p> Arrow 6. Personal and Civic Responsibility <p>Students will demonstrate their personal and civic responsibility through:</p> <ol> <li>Self-awareness <ul> <li>Recognize and examine their own values, perspectives and biases</li> <li>Understand their own roles and responsibilities as members of multiple diverse communities</li> <li>Understand the impact of their own actions on the community, the environment, and the world</li> </ul> </li> <li>Understanding of others <ul> <li>Understand the cultures and diversity of the United States and other countries, both historical and contemporary</li> <li>Recognize the existence and impact of discrepancies in power, privilege and access between individuals, groups and societies</li> <li>Articulate and respect the multiple perspectives that arise from differing experiences</li> </ul> </li> <li>Responsible action <ul> <li>Interact effectively and conscientiously with diverse people in diverse contexts including in campus, professional, and community settings</li> <li>Make informed ethical decisions that respect the social and environmental contexts</li> </ul> </li> </ol> <p><em>Rationale: Personal and civic responsibility refers to skills and knowledge that help students take their place in a multi-cultural and always-changing world.  To become informed, engaged, reflective, and responsible citizens, students need to engage with a range of ethical questions, from social issues to environmental concerns.  </em></p> Arrow 7. Foundations for life-long learning including personal health and well-being <p>Students will demonstrate foundations for life-long learning by the ability to: </p> <ol> <li>Implement strategies and skills needed for collaborative and self-directed learning</li> <li>Monitor and reflect on their own learning</li> <li>Integrate, transfer and apply learning in new contexts</li> <li>Recognize and apply the factors and habits that are essential for personal health and well-being</li> </ol> <p><em>Rationale: Learning is a never-ending process that requires curiosity and openness to learning.  By cultivating a set of skills and dispositions associated with life-long learning, students will be able to adapt, monitor and direct their own growth and well-being throughout college and beyond.</em></p> Arrow