PDF version of this chapterGeneral Education Program
College Academic Services Building, Room 200
(213) 740-2961
FAX: (213) 740-4839
www.usc.edu/ge
Director: Richard Fliegel, Ph.D.
The university's general education program is structured to provide a coherent, integrated introduction to the breadth of knowledge you will need to consider yourself (and to be considered by other people) a generally well-educated person.
In thinking over what is necessary, the faculty identified two principal goals: to help you (1) locate yourself in your own moment of cultural and intellectual history; and (2) think critically about the books you read, the arguments you confront and the evidence offered for and against theories in the humanities, the social sciences and the natural sciences.
To achieve these two goals, the program is divided into two parts: the first part, called "Foundations," presents courses that give you the "big picture" about (I) the development of western European and American culture, as well as (II) alternative cultural traditions and (III) the basic principles animating scientific inquiry. The second part, called "Case Studies," provides particular opportunities for you to sharpen your critical intelligence by considering specific (IV) applications of science and technology, (V) works of literature, philosophy and art, and (VI) contemporary social issues of urgency and importance. In addition, all students must satisfy writing and diversity requirements to complete the USC core.
The freshman year semester of the writing requirement is co-registered with classes in the Social Issues category and a speaker series, helping to build intellectual community among students and faculty in the general education program.
As you look through the courses in each category, try to reach beyond the disciplines with which you are most familiar and comfortable. Draw broadly from the range of academic expertise and choose a thoughtful, provocative selection of "g" courses as your personal general education program. This academic background will need to serve you well in the future, as a basis for lifelong learning.
General Education Requirements
Students in all programs are required to take one course that satisfies each of the following categories.| Foundations: | ||
| I. | Cultures and Civilizations I | one course |
| II. | Cultures and Civilizations II | one course |
| III. | Scientific Principles | one course |
Case Studies: | ||
| IV. | Investigations in Science and Technology | one course |
| V. | Arts and Letters | one course |
| VI. | Social Issues | one course |
See also: