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Woods Online General Studies
The General Studies curriculum is the foundation of a Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College education, representing the College’s liberal arts vision and its commitment to the preparation of every student for a diverse and changing world.
The General Studies courses are arranged in ascending domains, with a blend of required courses and possibilities for choice in along the way to fit the needs of each student:
- Skills for Advanced Learning
- Foundations and Diversity
- Academic Perspectives
- Linking
- Interdisciplinary
The first of these domains, Skills for Advanced Learning, is designed to refine students' abilities in such crucial areas as writing, mathematics, speech, computer studies and personal fitness.
The Foundations and Diversity domain offers grounding in studies that are considered essential to a liberal education. It provides opportunities for students to learn about various cultures, languages and people they will encounter in their lives.
The Academic Perspectives domain is designed to give students a particular kind of breadth in their education. Courses from many areas are specially created to help students understand how the world may be analyzed from one of four different perspectives: the creative/expressive, the scientific, the social/cultural, and the theological.
The Linking domain lets students begin to compare different approaches and to use one academic perspective to supplement another.Courses are focused around a single, complex problem or issue and bring two different academic perspectives to bear upon it.
Finally, the Interdisciplinary domain provides courses that develop and test students' abilities to fully integrate different modes of analysis. Students choose one of several courses created for this most challenging level of the curriculum. Students emerge from this stage confident in their abilities to make meaning of and communicate in a rapidly changing, complex world.
General Studies courses may be taken at the same time as major/minor courses.
Some courses are also offered on a rotating basis; refer to your course rotation sheet for details.
In addition to the course requirements of a specific major, a baccalaureate degree in the Woods Online program requires the completion of 54 credit hours of general studies coursework.
Skills for Advanced Learning (20 credit hours)
Domain- Skills for Advanced Learning
20 credit hours required for this domain.
A skill development course that addresses perception checking, behavioral descriptions, language, paraphrasing, active listening, responses to criticism, sending clear messages, and win-win negotiating. Reading assignments gives a foundation for action. Activities stress practice and demonstrate acquisition skills. Fulfills general studies requirement. WED only.
A three-credit hour, "hands on" introductory course in application software. This is a machine-oriented performance-based course utilizing the current Microsoft Office software package: Word, Excel, Access, and Powerpoint. Fulfills general studies requirement.
Offers students strategies for critical reading and writing, guided practice through the steps of the writing process, and instruction in library and on-line research. Emphasis on effective academic writing and the scholarly use of sources in documented research papers. Fulfills general studies requirement.
Students apply adult development theory to their lives and develop the cognitive and personal skills necessary for success in distance learning and contemporary society. The course guides students to articulate academic and personal goals and to make informed life decisions. Fulfills general studies requirement. WED only.
Studies the use of functions, especially linear and exponential functions, to model realistic problems. Functions are presented using formulas, tables, graphs and words. The writing of clear and correct solutions is emphasized. A graphing calculator is required.Based on the result of a placement test or SAT/ACT scores, the student also may be required to take Fundamentals of Mathematics (MA 101) as a prerequisite for MA 112.
Organization of data; binomial, normal and t distributions; estimation; hypothesis testing; correlation and regression; chi-square; analysis of variance; application to business decisions and experiments in natural and social sciences. Use of appropriate computer software. Fulfills general studies requirement. Prerequisite: MA112 or placement.
A study in fitness, leisure and physical activities for adults. WED only. Fulfills general studies requirement.
Foundations and Diversity (12 credit hours)
Domain- Foundations and Diversity
12 credit hours needed for this domain.
Contact academic advisor for details.
Survey of major events and developments of twentieth-century history, worldwide. Topics will include the two World Wars; the Holocaust; independence movements in Europe‘s colonies; revolutions; communism, fascism, socialism, laissez-faire capitalism, economic globalization; women‘s liberation; cultural trends including cultural diversity; and the role of technology in shaping today‘s world.
Examines the philosophical roots of ideas and beliefs both of the western and non-western world by clarifying, questioning, and evaluating the most basic assumptions about life and meaning. Challenges students to think intentionally, seriously, rigorously, and thoroughly. Fulfills general studies requirement.
TH 201 is the introductory course in theology. It addresses the basic teachings, practice, and spiritual themes of Christianity from a mainline perspective. The course introduces students to the notion of theology as faith seeking understanding, and invites students to see that religion can be approached critically even from within a committed perspective. Fulfills general studies requirement.
Academic Perspectives (15 credit hours)
Creative/Expressive Perspective (choose one)
Choose one from approved Perspectives courses in Art, Music, and Literature from the following:
Studies the development of formal and contextual criteria leading to an understanding of the visual language of art and its application to personal, societal, cultural and aesthetic concerns. Provides a knowledge base of information and visual literacy skills necessary for informed critical analysis, discussion, interpretation and appreciation of the visual arts. Fulfills general studies requirement. Fall and Winter, every year.
Students examine themes of love and justice in fiction, poetry, and drama, learn new methods of analysis, and look deeply into the importance of the arts in shaping and nourishing human life, especially women's experience. Fulfills general studies requirement. Satisfies English Education requirement.
Study of literature from a variety of cultures and in a variety of forms with an emphasis on myths. Students explore the value of creative expression in a society to develop an appreciation of the process of creation and to foster personal principles for judging creative expression. Fulfills general studies requirement. Satisfies English Education major/elective. As needed.
Explores the rich and diverse contributions of women writers to our American literary heritage. Students critically read and write about American women‘s creative expression in a variety of genres. Fulfills general studies requirement. Satisfies Women‘s Studies minor requirement and English Education major elective.
An introduction to the world of music, designed to develop skills and understandings leading to lifetime enjoyment of music. Attendance at a variety of performances will provide an experiential basis through which the benefits and value of music for living will be explored.
Course introduces the student to many facets of theatre: directing, acting, technical aspects, literature and history. Students also attend and critique a variety of plays.
Scientific Perspective (choose one)
Choose one course from the following approved scientific perspective courses:
A study of the normal integrated functioning of the human organism in the context of principles and concepts relating the human organism to its environment. The major unifying concept of biology – evolution – is used as a framework for this study. Emphasis is placed on the scientific method and other problem-solving techniques. Fulfills general studies requirement. Course fee applies. Prerequisite: Score of 38 or better on mathematics placement exam or completion of MA 101.
Offers a basic knowledge of the science of chemistry as a tool for understanding the physical world. With this knowledge, we examine the following: how scientists approach and solve problems and how chemistry-related concepts appear in our day-to-day lives. No prior chemistry background is assumed. Fulfills general studies requirement. Prerequisites: Score of 38 or better on mathematics placement test or completion of MA 101. Course fee applies.
Social/Cultural Perspective (choose one)
Choose one course from the following approved social/cultural perspective courses:
Focuses on the basic knowledge necessary to become a responsible consumer: contemporary economic issues as they relate to women, consumer protection and involvement, and women consumer behavior. In the contemporary economic issues section, focus is on discrimination, poverty, and social justice from a woman‘s perspective. This course includes an emphasis on budgeting and an ethical case model approach that helps a woman manage economic needs with a responsible lifestyle. It includes personal debt, determining net worth, and issues related to a drastic change in financial strength. Fulfills general studies requirement. WED only.
Surveys the fundamental principles of macroeconomics. Provides a working understand of the economy as a whole, noting interrelationships among concerns of contemporary society, world affairs and government fiscal and monetary policies. Fulfills general studies requirement.
The study of law and the legal system. Introduces case law, analysis and ethical consideration in our world. Provides an overview of the courts, civil and criminal procedure, torts, contracts, property law and the individual's rights. An excellent course for any student because of its practical, universal content and for students who are interested in attending law school. Fulfills general studies requirement.
An overview of contemporary psychology introducing students to: human development, cognition and language, learning, memory, sensation, perception, motivation, emotion, biological basis of behavior, social psychology, personality, psychopathology and psychotherapy. The focus of the course is on both the scientific method of acquiring psychological data, as well as the theories which interpret that data and help guide further research in the field. For majors and non-majors, this course also serves as the prerequisite for most psychology classes. Fulfills general studies requirement.
Studies the basic principles, perspectives and concepts of sociology. Broad overview with emphasis on social structure, social interaction, culture, socialization, groups, formal organization, stratification, social institutions and social change. Fulfills general studies requirement.
Elective
Choose one course from any of the above 3 Perspectives.
(Creative/Expressive, Scientific, Social/Cultural)
Theology Electives (choose one)
Choose one course from the following approved theology electives:
Studies the Hebrew Scriptures from a religious and literary viewpoint. Examines the major themes and contexts of these biblical writings in light of a current issue. Fulfills general studies requirement. Prerequisite: TH 201.
Investigates the Christian Scriptures in their historical, cultural, religious, and sociological context in the Mediterranean world at the beginning of the Common Era. Includes an introduction to the techniques and methods of biblical scholarship and to the theologies that comprise the Christian community's witness to Jesus of Nazareth. The topics of the course will be examined and discussed in light of a unifying issue or theme. Fulfills general studies requirement. Prerequisite: TH 201.
Considers the historical and contemporary sources and methodology of moral theology, as well as significant moral questions facing today's Christian. Fulfills general studies requirement. Prerequisite: TH 201.
Explores the theology of God from the perspectives of how women image God. The class engages with the works of historical and contemporary women as primary sources. Fulfills general studies requirement. Prerequisite: TH 201.
Linking (4 credit hours)
Domain- Linking
Choose two, 2-hour courses from approved list of Linking courses, designated ID and found in the 300 level.
The study of Muslim women in historical, cultural, and contemporary contexts. Original source readings and film are examined for their representations of Muslim women. Comparative analysis of the status and roles of women in Western Christian tradition is also addressed. The linked disciplines of study are the aesthetic and social/cultural. Fulfills general studies requirement and Women‘s Studies minor requirement. Prerequisite: Successful completion of 5 Skills courses, 3 Foundations/Diversity courses, and 3 Perspectives courses.
A systematic study of the central spiritual orientations of the world's religious traditions by examining the dominant spiritual archetypes and prototypes that influence all religious heritages. Fulfills General Studies Linking requirement. Prerequisite: Successful completion of 5 Skills courses, 3 Foundations/Diversity courses, and 3 Perspectives courses.
Studies the relationship of film to cultural values and creativity with an emphasis on films that raise ethical dilemmas and peace and justice issues. Fulfills general studies requirement. Prerequisite: Successful completion of 5 Skills courses, 3 Foundations/Diversity courses, and 3 Perspectives courses.
Study of the lives of saints and peacemakers whose ideas and actions make us consider the importance of values of faith, contemplation, and peace. Fulfills general studies requirement. Prerequisite: Successful completion of 5 Skills courses, 3 Foundations/Diversity courses, and 3 Perspectives courses.
An in-depth study of the history of education in the United States from colonial tomes to the present, with particular emphasis on the similarities and differences of educational developments for varied social and cultural groups. Fulfills general studies requirement. WED only. Prerequisite: Successful completion of 5 Skills courses, 3 Foundations/Diversity courses, and 3 Perspectives courses.
An introduction to a mountainous region of the United States which has been called "a national sacrifice area" because of the many ways in which it is exploited to benefit the rest of the U.S. Fulfills general studies requirement. Prerequisite: Successful completion of 5 Skills courses, 3 Foundations/Diversity courses, and 3 Perspectives courses.
Study of images of American women in art, entertainment, and advertisement and their effects on health and self-esteem. By examining the development of these images from an interdisciplinary perspective of aesthetics and philosophy, students will learn how to analyze images from the arts and develop their own personal aesthetic of beauty. Fulfills general studies requirement. Prerequisite: Successful completion of 5 Skills courses, 3 Foundations/Diversity courses, and 3 Perspectives courses.
This course explores some of the similarities, differences and intersections between science and religion. The focus will be on the biological and physical sciences and their implications to religious understandings of different faith traditions. Fulfills general studies requirement. Prerequisite: Successful completion of 5 Skills courses, 3 Foundations/Diversity courses, and 3 Perspective courses.
Interdisciplinary (3 credit hours)
Domain- Interdisciplinary
Choose one 3-hour course from the following list of approved Interdisciplinary courses.
An advanced seminar focused on significant classical and contemporary writings that give different perspectives on womanhood and women's experiences. The two main tasks of the course are to critique existing theories in order to understand the debates on women's oppression on the one hand, and women's powers on the other. Extensive group work or on-line networking. Fulfills general and successful completion of at least one ID3xx course.
Study of literature that raises moral issues, such as slavery and equality, justice and mercy, science and technology, the relationship of men and women, gender issues, moral dilemmas in war, and the role of faith and belief in moral questions. Fulfills general studies requirement. Prerequisite: Successful of at least on ID3xx course.
Provides a historical overview of how law and the legal system in the United States have defined women's status from the Revolutionary war period to the present in such areas as family law,criminal law,property and contract rights, earnings, and rights of citizenship. From this historical perspective, selected contemporary issues are examined, including statutory, regulatory, and constitutional remedies to gender bias or inequities; family violence, divorce,custody, and economic/employment issues. The effectiveness of the courts, legislatures, and other forums in resolving these issues is also examined. Fulfills general studies requirements and serves as an elective in Women's Studies minor. Prerequisite: Successful completion of at least one ID3xx course.
Explores the ethical challenge of increased competition for world resources. Examines how changing understandings of stewardship, fairness and rights shape moral choice in issues including distribution of goods, care of nature and care of human populations.Prerequisite: Successful completion of at least one ID 3xx course.
An integrative historical and cultural study of the relationship of values and power as they pertain to the development of women's leadership skills in a global, diverse and changing society. Fulfills general studies requirement. WED only. Prerequisite: Successful completion of at least one ID 3xx course.
Social, political, esthetic, scientific and religious perspectives will be used to investigate topics related to issues of health in a variety of countries. Mathematics skills will be reinforced utilizing statistical information and manipulations of data related to health issues. Emerging diseases will be discussed and students will be asked to create a model of a current emerging disease and its probable occurrence in the next ten years. Prerequisite: Successful completion of at least one ID 3xx course.
Substitutions for General Studies Mathematics Requirements
Based on the result of a placement test or SAT/ACT scores, the student also may be required to take Fundamentals of Mathematics (MA 101) as a prerequisite for MA 112.
- MA 120 Precalculus substitutes for MA 112
- MA 121 Calculus substitutes for MA 112
Placement and Options in General Studies
Because of the importance and development structure of the general studies curriculum, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College strongly encourages students to take the required general studies courses in order. In exceptional cases of previous college work, great proficiencey or relevant experience, options are available for substitution or exemption. No semester credits are given for exemptions.
Placement/Exemptions
CO 111/112 Communication Requirement
Students may apply to the chairperson of the English and Languages Department for an exemption if they have significant previous speech course work and experience. Students exempt from this course are not required to take additional course hours in communication unless required by the major. No semester hour credits are given for the exemption. Students also may apply for APL credit for the Co 111/112 requirement.
EN111 English Composition and Research Writing
Students who achieve high scores on the SAT or ACT are placed in EN 111 English Composition and Research Writing. Students who standardized test scores or high school English grades indicate a need for additional preparation are placed in EN 110 Introductory College Writing as a prerequisite for En 111.
Substitutions for General Studies Mathematics requirements
The ordinary requirement is the following two courses: MA 112 College Algebra and MA 253 Statistics. Based on the result of a placement test or their SAT/ACT scores, students may be required to take Fundamentals of Mathematics (MA 101) as a prerequisite for MA112.
Approved substitutions are the following:
MA120 Precalculus substitutes for MA 112.
MA121 calculus substitutes for MA 112.
BI253 Biometry substitutes for MA 253.
Foreign Language
Students in the Woods Online program take one culture course to fulfill the foreign language requirements.
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