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Graduation from The University of North Carolina at Pembroke is based on successful completion of General Education, which is required for all baccalaureate degrees, and upon successful completion of a specialized program for a major.
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke seeks to graduate students with broad vision, who are sensitive to values, who recognize the complexity of social problems, and who will be contributing citizens with an international perspective and an appreciation for achievements of diverse civilizations. In addition to meeting all major program requirements, students awarded baccalaureate degrees by The University of North Carolina at Pembroke are required to complete a 44‑hour General Education program. The General Education program has been designed to provide students with an understanding of the fundamental principles and contributions of a variety of disciplines and to foster the ability to analyze and weigh evidence, exercise quantitative and scientific skills, make informed decisions, write and speak clearly, and think critically and creatively. To ensure that the goals and objectives are met, course substitutions are not allowed. The goals and objectives for the General Education Program are:
I. Skills
Communication-The UNCP graduate will communicate effectively in writing, speaking, and listening.
The student will
- use written and oral language appropriate to various audiences and purposes;
- develop logical arguments that are defended by supporting points, in part by locating material from appropriate sources and by correctly using and documenting those sources; and
- listen to, understand, and evaluate the communication and communicative contexts of diverse speakers and writers.
Critical Thinking-The UNCP graduate will read and think critically.
The student will
- distinguish between facts and opinions, judgments and inferences, inductive and deductive arguments, and reliable and invalid sources of information;
- successfully apply critical reading skills to a wide range of materials; and
- demonstrate the ability to apply critical thinking skills to the interpretation and analysis of information from a variety of sources.
Problem Solving-The UNCP graduate will be a creative problem solver.
The student will
- identify and define a problem,
- collect and organize information necessary to solve a problem,
- select and conduct appropriate analysis to solve a problem, and
- make decisions based on evidence and reasoning.
Mathematics-The UNCP graduate will use quantitative methods and mathematical principles to recognize and solve problems, interpret data, and perform basic computation.
The student will
- express and manipulate mathematical information, concepts, and thoughts in verbal, numeric, graphical, and symbolic form while solving a variety of problems;
- apply basic math principles to practical situations; and
- be able to demonstrate mathematical literacy.
Technology-The UNCP graduate will understand the role of technology, have the skills necessary to use it, and be able to recognize and adapt to new technologies.
The student will
- demonstrate knowledge of current/modern technologies,
- use appropriate technology in the evaluation, analysis, and synthesis of information, and
- collaborate with others using technology tools.
II. Knowledge
Arts, Literature, History, and Ideas-The UNCP graduate will demonstrate knowledge of, appreciation for, and understanding of contributions to society of the fine and performing arts, literary works, world civilizations and their histories, and philosophic and religious belief systems.
The student will
- recognize the contribution of the fine, performing, and literary arts to the human experience; identify the contributions of diverse artists; and evaluate the significance of their works;
- identify how historical forces influence current events; demonstrate an understanding of the historical context of contemporary issues; and identify one major historical trend in a major world region; and
- demonstrate knowledge of the religious traditions and philosophical ideas that have shaped individuals and societies.
Individual and Society-The UNCP graduate will demonstrate knowledge of human behavior, cultures, and societies, as well as social, political, and economic institutions and relationships.
The student will
- describe the methods used by social scientists to gather, analyze, and draw conclusions from data as they seek to understand individual and group behaviors;
- identify how the results of social science research is critical to an informed understanding of contemporary social issues; and
- apply social science principles and theories to understand significant American and world economic, cultural, political, and social phenomena and trends.
Science and Nature-The UNCP graduate will understand the fundamental principles of the natural sciences as well as the purpose, methods, and principles of scientific inquiry.
The student will
- describe the methods used by natural scientists to gather and critically evaluate data using the scientific method;
- identify and explain the basic concepts, terminology, and theories of the natural sciences;
- apply selected natural science concepts and theories to contemporary issues and acknowledge the developing nature of science; and
- demonstrate an understanding of how human activity affects the natural environment and make informed judgments about science-related topics and policies.
III. Dispositions
Lifelong Learning-The UNCP graduate will be aware of the importance of lifelong learning and demonstrate the skills necessary to support continued personal and professional growth after graduation.
The student will
- demonstrate an understanding of the importance of lifelong learning and personal flexibility to sustain personal and professional development;
- demonstrate the ability to access, select, and use information to answer questions relevant to personal and professional situations;
- take advantage of opportunities to continue learning in a variety of venues; and
- comprehend the changing nature of society and work and be able to cope with change through self-education.
Health and Wellness-The UNCP graduate will identify factors and know how to make choices that promote health, wellness, and longevity.
The student will
- assess current lifestyle behaviors and understand the impact of these behaviors on the quality and longevity of life;
- identify and analyze health-related choices such as movement, nutrition, stress, and leisure as they influence personal wellness; and
- explain how personal health and lifestyle choices affect society at large and how social and cultural factors affect personal health and lifestyle choices.
Social Responsibility-The UNCP graduate will have an understanding of civic duty and a concern for the well-being of individuals, society, and the environment.
The student will
- demonstrate global awareness, environmental sensitivity, and an appreciation of cultural diversity and
- prepare for citizenship by identifying personal, social, and political avenues for civic action.
Diversity-The UNCP graduate will demonstrate knowledge of and respect for the rights and views of diverse individuals and cultures.
The student will
- analyze similarities and differences between his/her own and other cultures that affect values, beliefs, and behaviors;
- discuss cultural strengths and important contributions made to society by individuals from diverse groups;
- discuss the benefits of diversity for individuals, groups, and institutions; and
- define prejudice and discrimination; explain their consequences; and identify ways to reduce them.
Values and Ethics-The UNCP graduate will be able to make informed choices in the light of ethical, moral, and practical concerns; assess the consequences of those choices; and understand alternative perspectives.
The student will
- distinguish fact from value and explain how values influence decision-making,
- acknowledge a plurality of cultural and personal values and demonstrate respect for the right of others to express different viewpoints, and
- analyze and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different perspectives on an ethical issue, take a position on this issue, and defend it with logical arguments.
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