General Studies
Description
The General Studies program provides an interdisciplinary approach to academic learning that has grown in popularity and influence over the last hundred years as the Academy has matured to embrace a view of human knowledge as integrated, related to experience and inseparable into fundamentally different spheres. Pursuit of the B.A. in General Studies provides students with the opportunity to attain skills and knowledge at the intersection of different academic disciplines in an integrated, coherent program of study. General studies students develop well trained minds while honing critical thinking and writing skills. General Studies students also enjoy the flexibility to choose focal areas according to their interests 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 post graduate degrees in these areas or in General Studies, Law and business.
An excellent degree completion program for students with transfer credits, Trinity’s Bachelor of Arts in General Studies allows students to specialize in one concentration area or to create an individualized degree program by choosing two areas of concentration ranging from Business Administration to the Humanities.
Major Requirements
The BA in General Studies requires 42 credit hours, which includes two required seminars and major coursework in up to two concentration areas (with at least 15 credit hours in each concentration area, and the remainder of the 42 hours in another concentration area or special concentration electives).
Required Courses: (6 credits)
- Integrating Seminar: taken at the start of major coursework
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.
3 credits
- Senior Seminar: taken at the completion of major coursework
GST 401 Transforming Education into ActionThe capstone seminar provides an intellectual experience that allows students to integrate their concentration coursework and to build a bridge from coursework to the next life goal, whether that is graduate or professional school or a new professional challenge. Part of the product of the capstone seminar will be a portfolio of writing and reflection on each student's academic and life journey that can be shared with employers or used as the basis for graduate school admissions essays. Formerly LST 401.
3 credits
Concentration Areas within the major
Majors can take up to two concentrations with at least 15 credit hours in one concentration.
- Business Administration (15 credit hours available)
- Human Resources (between 15 and 36 credit hours available)
- Communication
- Humanities
- Information Systems
Required Concentration Courses within the major (choose up to two concentrations):
Business Administration Concentration
The business administration concentration introduces the field of business and develops the conceptual, analytical, functional, interpersonal, and communication skills that are essential for success in an increasingly complex and global business environment. Students develop the ability to assess and analyze complex situations, determine the relative importance of internal and external variables affecting organizational objectives and think through problem solving strategies. The BADM concentration is useful to students seeking graduate study or advancement in business.
- GST 101 Fundamentals of Economics
- GST 212 Fundementals of Accounting
- BADM 101 Introduction to BusinessThis course provides students with an overview of the core functions and operations of business organizations. Topics discussed include forms of business ownership, research and development, marketing, finance, accounting, production, materials management, and human resource management. Formerly BUA 105 Introduction to Business.
3 credits
- BADM 231 Theory and Practice of MarketingAddresses the principles and processes in the marketing of consumer goods and services and the organizational and environmental variables that have to be managed in order to be successful. Course materials focus on the essential components of the marketing mix, including product development, distribution, pricing policies, and promotional strategies. Formerly MKT 221 Theory and Practice of Marketing.
3 credits
- BADM 251 Management and Leadership DevelopmentDiscusses the principles, concepts, and practice of management. Through participation in experiential exercises such as simulations, role-playing, and team activities, students learn how to be more effective managers and leaders, with a focus on personal awareness and growth and on building effective working relationships. Formerly MGT 200 Principles of Management and MGT 254 Management and Leadership Development.
3 credits
Human Resource Management Concentration
The Human Resources concentration introduces this growing field, a specialized blend of management and organizational behavior, psychology, and sociology. Grounded in the recognition that human capital is a key component of an organization’s competitive advantage, emphasis is placed on developing a broad Human Resource perspective, as well as familiarity with the technical aspects of the field. Human Resources study prepares individuals to assume positions in the HR profession within business, government, and nonprofit organizations.
- BADM 371 Human Resource ManagementIntroduces theories and principles of human resource management. Topics include human resource planning and job analysis; recruitment, selection and placement; performance appraisal; compensation systems; training and development; organizational improvement; and employee rights.Formerly MGT 335 Human Resource Management
3 credits
Prerequisites: BADM 251 or BADM 373
- 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
- BADM 375 Introduction to Organizational DevelopmentApplies behavioral science theories and techniques to assess the current health of an organization and its ability to adapt to environmental changes, improve internal relationships, and increase its problem-solving capabilities thereby increasing effectiveness. The course studies the essential steps for achieving change at the individual, group, and organizational level necessary to adapt to the dynamic external environment. The course also examines processes and outcomes of planned change efforts in organizations. Fomerly MGT 357 Introduction to Organizational Development.
3 credits
Prerequisites: BADM 251 or BADM 373
- COM 315 Management CommunicationIntroduces contemporary theories, approaches, and functions of communication in managing, including management of people, processes, technologies and structures, with emphasis in relationship maintenance, small group teams and oral presentation skills. The development of practical and critical thinking skills for decision making, organization design, motivation, leadership and cultural diversity in organizations. Particular attention is paid to how information technologies are changing the context and process of management.
3 credits
FLC Seminar II
- PSYC 315 Psychology of Group BehaviorAnalyzes the effects of the individual on the group and the group on the individual. Topics include unstructured collective behavior, group formation and development, member characteristics, conformity, cohesiveness, and leadership. Formerly PSY 210 Psychology of Group Behavior.
3 credits
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and three additional PSYC credits at the 200 level
Students may take up to 27 additional elective credits in this concentration
Communication Concentration
The Communication concentration introduces the scientific and artistic basis of communication with emphasis on interpersonal interaction and human relationships, organizational and institutional communication, public discourse and mass communication. The communication concentration is recommended for students pursuing employment and graduate study in areas that require demonstrated abilities in oral communication and written communication in different contexts.
Humanities Concentration
The Humanities concentration introduces students to Philosophy, Art, English, History, and Theology and Religious studies. Study of the Humanities encourages deep reflection on life, 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, law school, and employment in fields requiring analytical thinking, writing, and communication skills such as business, government and public service.
- 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
- 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
or
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
- PHIL 365 Readings in the Philosophy of ScienceAddresses the structure of scientific knowledge, the nature of explanation, the nature of the standards for acquiring knowledge of the physical world, and especially the problems raised by biology. Formerly PHI 303 Readings in the Philosophy of Science.
3 credits
- 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
FLC Area II - Literature Cluster
- 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
Students may take up to 27 additional elective credits in this concentration
Information Systems and Technology Concentration
The Information Systems and Technology concentration introduces students to this growing field. Students studying information systems and technology develop the skills and knowledge necessary to function in roles such as project managers, network engineers, and system administrators.
- ISYS 141 Introduction to ProgrammingProvides an exposure to algorithm development, programming, computer concepts and the design and application of data and file structures. It includes the use of logical and physical structures for both programs and data.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ISYS 101 or permission
- ISYS 201 Introduction to Computer Applications for BusinessThis course provides an overview of MS Office 2007 Suite Applications in the Microsoft VIsta operating system including a brief introduction to computer concepts through the application and use of the Microsoft Office 2007 Suite, Word 2007, Excel 2007, Access 2003, Power Point 2007, Outlook 2007, developing basic web pages from teh applications and their integration through the office suite.
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: INT 109 or basic computer familiarity withteh instructor's permission
- ISYS 211 Information Systems in OrganizationsProvides an introduction to systems and development concepts, information technology, and application software. The course explains how information is used in organizations and how information technology enables improvement in quality, timeliness, and competitive advantage.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ISYS 201 or permission
Cross-listed with BADM 243
- ISYS 221 Information Technology I: HardwareExamines the main hardware components that make computing possible (CPU, memory, motherboard, storage, peripherals, I/O); introduction to system administration tasks. Students learn the basic terms, concepts and functions of system components and gain familiarization in their installation, configuration and troubleshooting.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ISYS 201 or permission of instructor
- ISYS 222 Information Technology II: System SoftwareExamines software concepts - operating systems, window managers, file systems and their operations in computer / network architectures. Installation, configuration, basic networking and troubleshooting are covered.
3 credits
Prerequisite: ISYS 221
Students may take up to 27 additional elective credits in this concentration
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 Supporting Courses for the School of Professional Studies 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 101 Fundamentals of Economics
GST 212 Fundementals of Accounting
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.
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
GST 401 Transforming Education into ActionThe capstone seminar provides an intellectual experience that allows students to integrate their concentration coursework and to build a bridge from coursework to the next life goal, whether that is graduate or professional school or a new professional challenge. Part of the product of the capstone seminar will be a portfolio of writing and reflection on each student's academic and life journey that can be shared with employers or used as the basis for graduate school admissions essays. Formerly LST 401.
3 credits