General Studies (B.A.)

Faculty

Mr. Thomas Mostowy, Assistant Professor and Dean of the School of Professional and Graduate Studies
Dr. Hani Aladmaai, Assistant Professor and Director of Information Technology
Dr. Kristina Clark, Assistant Professor and Chair, Human Relations and Psychology
Dr. Sonya Cole, Assistant Professor and Chair, Business Administration
Mr. Javier Lopez, Assistant Professor and Chair, Leadership and Administration
Mr. Chaz Muth, Assistant Professor and Director of the Newsroom
Dr. Jamal Watson, Assistant Professor and Associate Dean, School of Professional and Graduate Studies

Faculty representing diverse disciplines contribute to the General Studies program.

Description

The General Studies program provides an interdisciplinary, integrated, and experiential approach to academic learning. The General Studies approach to undergraduate education has grown in popularity and influence over the years, as the Academy has embraced the view that human knowledge is not separable into fundamentally different spheres (academic disciplines) but is best pursued holistically. Obtaining a B.A. in General Studies provides the opportunity to attain skills and knowledge at the intersection of different disciplinary fields in an integrated, coherent program of study. General Studies develops well-trained minds, hones critical thinking and writing skills, and offers the flexibility to choose focal areas according to student interest and experience. An undergraduate degree in General Studies prepares students for many post-degree paths, including employment in the helping professions, human resources, public relations, public policy, and government-related fields as well as continuing to a post-graduate degree program in field such as strategic communication, business, or administration.

An excellent degree completion program for students with transfer credits in a variety of different disciplines, Trinity’s Bachelor of Arts in General Studies allows students to specialize in a major area or to create an individualized degree program.

Major Requirements

The B.A. in General Studies requires the completion of the General Education Core and 42 credit hours in concentration courses, which include a required seminar. Students interested in concentrations take at least 15 credit hours from that concentration area, per detail below.  Prospective General Studies majors should contact their academic advisor to develop a curriculum plan.

Required Courses

Required of all General Studies majors:

• Senior Seminar: taken at the completion of major coursework
  GST 400 Senior Seminar in the HumanitiesThe Senior Seminar in the Humanities provides students with a capstone experience. Through analysis of texts and their own writing students focus on a project that demonstrates how work in the Humanities enlarges the meaning of human existence. Student is expected to retain a portfolio of their work in the Humanities concentration for use in this seminar. Formerly LST 400.
  3 credits

Humanities Concentration

The humanities concentration introduces students to philosophy, art, literature, history, and religious studies. Study of the humanities encourages deep reflection and helps students make sense of personal and work experiences as they are situated within the larger context of the meaning of human existence. The humanities concentration is recommended for students interested in graduate study in humanities-related fields and law, or employment in fields requiring analytical thinking, writing, and communication skills, such as business, government, and public service.

Fifteen (15) credits of humanities courses are required for the humanities concentration. Choose five (5) courses from:

• ENGL 267 Multicultural United States LiteratureExamines largely contemporary writings by writers representing the diverse cultures in the US with a consideration of the ways in which difference or "the other" may be constructed. Formerly ENG 200 Multicultural US Literature.
  3 credits
  General Education Requirement: Knowledge and Inquiry
  Core Area II: Understanding the Self and Society
• ENGL 271 Literature of the African DiasporaIntroduces students to the study of literature written by authors of African descent in Europe and the Americas and explores the development of an international and multicultural consciousness with Africa and the Diaspora as its referents. Formerly ENG 204 Literature of the African Diaspora.
  3 credits
  Prerequisites: None
  General Education Requirement: Knowledge and Inquiry
• FNAR 101 Survey: History of Art IExamines the development of painting, sculpture, and architecture from prehistoric times to the end of the Middle Ages. It is recommended that the two survey courses (101 and 102) be taken before advanced courses and, if possible, in chronological order. Formerly ART 101 Survey: History of Art I.
  3 credits
  General Education: Knowledge and Inquiry Area
  FLC Area II
  Core Area II: Understanding Self and Society
• FNAR 102 Survey: History of Art IISurveys the development of painting, sculpture, and architecture from the Renaissance to the present. Formerly ART 102 Survey: History of Art II.
  3 credits
  General Education: Knowledge and Inquiry Area
  FLC Area II
  Core Area II: Understanding Self and Society
• FNAR 103 African American Art IAfrican American Art I is a survey course that will begin in pre-colonial slave trade West Africa, considering the visual culture and creativity of the peoples who would, through an unjust forced labor system, become the first African Americans. Topics and movements will include, but are not limited to: Slavery and the Antebellum South, Life after Emancipation, The Harlem Renaissance and The Jim Crow Era. This course will explore questions of representation and inclusion, and will investigate the many historical, cultural, social and political factors that have influenced African American creativity and art making from approximately 1492 to 1945.
• FNAR 104 African American Art IIAfrican American Art II is a survey course that will continue a chronological examination of the visual culture and creativity of African American artists, beginning with The Civil Rights Movement, The Black Power Movement, Modernism, Post-modernism, and Contemporary art movements. This course will explore questions of representation and inclusion, and will investigate the many historical, cultural, social and political factors that have influenced African American creativity and art making from approximately 1945 to 2015.
• HIS 130 Introduction to American CivilizationsExplores the major themes that have shaped the American experience from the Colonial period to 1890. Topics include the Age of Exploration and Discovery, the American Revolution, the causes of the Civil War, and industrialization and urbanization.
  3 credits
  General Education Curriculum: Knowledge and Inquiry
  FLC Area II, History Cluster
• HIS 132 Twentieth Century United StatesIntroduces the critical issues of 20th-century United States, including the transition to a post-industrial society, the challenge of the Civil Rights and feminist movements, the development of the modern welfare state, and the consequences of the United States' role as a global superpower.
  3 credits
  Core Area II: Understanding Self and Society
  General Education: Knowledge & Inquiry
• HIS 155 The 20th Century WorldReviews the global processes of transformation that characterize world history in the 20th century, integrating the experiences of Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Among the topics to be covered are: the two World Wars, the Global Depression, the Cold War, the collapse of the Western dominated imperial order and the rise of nationalism, the effects of modernization and globalization, contemporary global conflicts, and prospects for economic development, democratization, and peace building.
  3 credits
  Core Area II: Understanding the Self and Society
• PHIL 245 Ethics IIntroduces the student to social ethics and the concepts of person and community by examining the moral traditions that inform our understanding of the individual. The course traces the focus of ethics from a concern about what kind of person to be to the more modern and narrow concern in how to act in both the public and private domains, acknowledging the ways in which our cultural and historical practices help shape our vision. Formerly PHI 212 The Moral Dimension: Persons and Community.
  3 credits
  General Education Curriculum: Values and Beliefs Area
  Core Area III: Ethics and Moral Reasoning
• PHIL 280 Environment Ethics and BeliefsExplores the ethical foundations of the obligation to protect the natural environment sustaining human existence and the tensions between competing valuations of the natural world (anthropocentrism and intrinsic worth). Examines the global effects of unrestrained consumerism and the impact of waste creation upon impoverished and developing nations, as well as the relationship of humans to the natural world from the perspectives of spirituality and a commitment to the common good.
  3 Credits
  Prerequisites: None
  General Education: Values & Beliefs
• PHIL 281 Ethical and Legal Issues in Information TechnologyExplores the ethical and legal considerations arising from rapid advancements in information technology. Addresses the complex intersection of technology, ethics, and the law, examining the ethical implications of IT practices and legal frameworks governing technology use. Formerly PHIL 281: The Ethics of Data Analytics
• RST 102 Religions of the WorldA Survey of the great religious traditions of the world - Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Islam, Judaism, Christianity, and the religions of Primal peoples. S pecial emphases will be given to the history, belief systems, ceremonies, and structures of these traditions as they touch upon and reflect the human quest for ultimate meaning. Formerly RST 290 - Religions of the World.
  3 credits
  Prerequisites: None
  Gen Ed: Values and Beliefs

Students should take 21 additional elective credits to fulfill this concentration.

Business Concentration

The business concentration introduces students to the fundamentals of business and the different facets of the business enterprise. The business concentration is recommended for students interested in potential entry level positions such as sales management, business analyst, and/or executive assistant.

These 15 credits are required for the business concentration:

• BADM 205 Legal Aspects of BusinessOffers a comprehensive overview of the principal legal aspects of business management. Topics include: the legal environment of business; contracts; domestic and international sales; negotiable instruments; creditors rights and bankruptcy; agency; business organization; labor and employment relations; government regulations; property; and, special topics (insurance, wills and trusts, liability of professionals, international and comparative law, and law for entrepreneurs). The overall objective of the course is to become familiar with the subject matter by covering the above topics in readings and class discussion sessions. Formerly BUA 302 Legal Aspects of Business.
  3 credits
• BADM 213 Quantitative Methods of BusinessProvides students with a sound conceptual understanding of the role quantitative methods play in the decision-making process. Quantitative and mathematical tools used in business for improving the problem-solving process by making it more rational and analytical are explained and examined. The course emphasizes the application of quantitative methods by using problem situations to introduce each of the methods, concepts, and techniques. Topics covered include probability concepts, decision analysis, utility and decision-making, forecasting, linear programming, and project scheduling (PERT/CPM). Formerly BUA 290 Quantitative Methods of Business.
  3 credits or MATH 110 Introduction to StatisticsThis course presents the basic principles of statistics with applications to the social sciences. Topics include descriptive statistics, graphical representations of data, normal probability distributions and the Central Limit Theorem, linear correlation and regression and probability theory. This course also offers an introduction to the use of statistical software. Formerly MAT 110 Introduction to Statistics.
  3 credits
  Prerequisites: MATH 102, MATH 108, MATH 109 or higher level mathematics course.
• BADM 325 Business Financial ManagementIntroduces the theory and practice of business financial management. Discusses the techniques of financial management such as discounted cash flow, financial statement analysis, cost of capital, capital budgeting and leverage. Capital market theory and functions of capital markets are also examined. Formerly BUA 324 Business Financial Management.
  3 credits
  Prerequisite: BADM 223; MATH 210 recommended
• BADM 373 Organizational BehaviorIntroduces students to organizational theory and practice. Research literature, theory, and opinion about organizational behavior are reviewed and discussed, with specific emphasis on the individual, groups in the organization, and the overall organizational system. Topics covered in the course include personality and emotion, motivation concepts, decision making, group behavior, work teams, leadership and trust, power and politics, and conflict management. Formerly MGT 356 Organizational Behavior.
  3 credits
• One 300 or 400 level business course
• Co-requisite Course:
  • SSC 207 Writing for the Social SciencesOffered in a seminar format, the course equips students with the skills necessary to write papers for social science courses. The course covers the process of writing for the social sciences and develops technical skills in researching and writing a variety of paper types. Specific topics include proposal writing, library research skills, internet research skills, critical thinking and writing, organization, outlines, drafts and documentation.
    3 credits
    General Education Requirements: Capstone Seminar

Substitutions may be approved by the program chair for Business Administration.

Social Science Concentration

The social science concentration of the General Studies degree embraces the shared intellectual heritage of our diverse culture and promotes the integration, synthesis, and application of knowledge and communication. The program is particularly focused in the area of human relations, psychology and criminal justice/sociology.

These 15 credits are required for the social studies concentration:

• HUMR 201 Introduction to Human RelationsThis course is designed to provide students with a conceptual framework within which to examine some of the major human relations problems faced by society and to introduce students to the breadth and depth of the field of human relations. Emphasis is on the processes of communication, problem solving, decision making, conflict and change as they occur in individuals, interpersonal, group and intergroup relations. The course emphasizes key ideas of theorists who have contributed to the interdisciplinary field of human relations. Formerly HUMR 201 - Special Topics in Human Relations.
  3 credits
  Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and SOCY 100
• SSC 350 Interdisciplinary Research MethodsThis course introduces students to research methods used in a variety of social science and interdisciplinary studies. It is designed for undergraduate students in sociology, political science, international affairs, and other disciplines. Topics of emphasis include crafting research questions, hypothesis formation, quantitative and qualitative research techniques, data collection, and initial/basic data analysis. As part of the course, students will complete a number of mini-projects to practice these skills. (Formerly SSC 250)
• One 200 level or above Psychology course
• One 200 level or above Sociology course
• One 200 level or above Criminal Justice course
• Co-requisite Courses:
  • POLS 103 The American Political ProcessOffers an introduction to the American political and governmental system, with emphasis on the processes, institutions, and actors involved in the system. Case studies are used to focus on contemporary issues and their backgrounds. Formerly PSC 123 American Political Process
    3 credits
    Core Area II: Understanding the Self and Society
  • SSC 207 Writing for the Social SciencesOffered in a seminar format, the course equips students with the skills necessary to write papers for social science courses. The course covers the process of writing for the social sciences and develops technical skills in researching and writing a variety of paper types. Specific topics include proposal writing, library research skills, internet research skills, critical thinking and writing, organization, outlines, drafts and documentation.
    3 credits
    General Education Requirements: Capstone Seminar

Substitutions may be approved by the program chair for Human Relations and Psychology.

Program Policies

Advanced Placement:
Credits earned through AP examinations do not fulfill requirements of the general studies major.

CLEP Policy:
Credits earned through CLEP examinations do not fulfill requirements of the general studies major.

Grades in Major Courses:
Students are required to earn a grade of “C” or better in all courses counted to fulfill requirements for the major.

Pass/No Pass:
Courses fulfilling major requirements may not be taken pass/no pass.

TELL Policy: 
Students applying for credit in experiential learning should consult with the program faculty.

Transfer Credits:
Credits in courses equivalent to those required for the major from a similar institution may be accepted toward a major. Students majoring in general studies must take a minimum of four general studies courses at Trinity, including senior seminar.

Course Descriptions

As an interdisciplinary degree, General Studies includes coursework in many academic disciplines. Descriptions of courses designed for the program with GST designation follow; all other courses in the General Studies degree program can be found in the Catalog listed by their disciplinary prefix or on the Core Curriculum and Supporting Courses for the School of Professional and Graduate Studies (undergraduate) page of this Catalog.

GST 100 Humanity and CultureThe Introductory Seminar in the Humanities Concentration fosters an appreciation of the diversity among world cultures as well as the commonalities of human experience as reflected in cultural expression in art, language, and principles of conduct. Formerly LST 100.
3 credits
GST 301 TELL SeminarThe integrating seminar, which students should take at the start of major coursework, engages students in reflection on the academic value of their own life experiences through a close study of challenging interdisciplinary material. The course hones critical thinking and writing skills while preparing students to apply for experiential learning credits through the development of an experiential learning portfolio. The seminar also consolidates foundational preparation of the Core and prepares students for increasingly demanding major coursework. Students who complete the GST 301 seminar will be prepared and eligible to apply for Experiential Learning (TELL) credits. Formerly LST 301. This course is taken Pass/No Pass.
3 credits
GST 400 Senior Seminar in the HumanitiesThe Senior Seminar in the Humanities provides students with a capstone experience. Through analysis of texts and their own writing students focus on a project that demonstrates how work in the Humanities enlarges the meaning of human existence. Student is expected to retain a portfolio of their work in the Humanities concentration for use in this seminar. Formerly LST 400.
3 credits