a. U.S. Civilization — Courses in this category expand students’ “understanding of common institutions
in American society and how they have affected different groups” and their “understanding
of America’s evolving relationship with the rest of the world.” Students must also
demonstrate “knowledge of a basic narrative of American history” (SUNY Required Learning
Outcomes). Courses will include aboriginal concerns, immigration, inequality, growth,
colonialism, the environment, and issues of power and conflict, especially in a North
American context. Courses focus on developing in students an understanding and appreciation
of the complexity of our world, the nature of society, the moral responsibility of
the individual, and the continuity of history and the changes influenced by historical
processes (Plattsburgh General Education Objectives). Courses reinforce the students’
ability to read with comprehension, to communicate effectively in written and spoken
English, and to filter, analyze and critique information and experiences (Plattsburgh
General Education Objectives).
b. Western Civilization — Courses in this category impart “knowledge of the development of the distinctive
features of the history, institutions, economy, society, culture, etc. of Western
civilization” and “relate the development of Western civilization to that of other
regions of the world” (SUNY Required Learning Outcomes). Courses will include attention
to such matters as emigration and immigration, art, music, philosophy, literature,
religion and conflict. Courses focus on developing in students an understanding and
appreciation of the complexity of our world, the great ideas and cultures of the world,
the nature of society, the moral responsibility of the individual, and the continuity
of history and the changes influenced by historical processes (Plattsburgh General
Education Objectives). Courses reinforce the students’ ability to read with comprehension,
to communicate effectively in written and spoken English, and to filter, analyze and
critique information and experiences (Plattsburgh General Education Objectives).
c. World Systems — Courses in this category impart “knowledge of either a broad outline of world history,
or the distinctive features of the history, institutions, economy, society, culture,
etc. of one non-Western civilization” (SUNY Required Learning Outcomes). Courses focus
on developing in students an understanding and appreciation of the complexity of our
world, the great ideas and cultures of the world, the nature of society, the moral
responsibility of the individual, and the continuity of history and the changes influenced
by historical processes (Plattsburgh General Education Objectives). Courses reinforce
the students’ ability to read with comprehension, to communicate effectively in written
and spoken English, and to filter, analyze and critique information and experiences
(Plattsburgh General Education Objectives).