Essential Studies (General Education)
CCCC believes in the value of Essential Studies for all of its students. Essential Students are better at understanding human relations, in becoming more competent in communications and math, technology, science, physical wellness, and Dakota Culture. CCCC mission states, in part, that ―The goal is student self-sufficiency and independence through academic achievement. CCCC provides a solid general education that is designed to prepare students to transfer to other institutions of higher learning, to prepare for the workplace, and to be productive members of society. It also serves as an entry point into higher education for under-prepared students. The following general education outcomes are more than a collection of skills learned in individual courses. They represent skills, knowledge and attitudes expected of students completing their general education. The College Catalog outlines the general education requirements for each program of study.
Essential Studies Outcomes
Communication
- write a clear well organized paper for various academic and professional contexts;
- construct and present, in oral and written forms, a body of information;
- understand that the writing and/or speaking process includes procedures such as planning, organizing, composing, revising, and editing; and
- make written or oral presentations employing correct diction, syntax, usage, grammar, and mechanics.
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Skills
- identify an argument or problem;
- identify facts related to a problem;
- construct multiple solutions to a problem; and
- predict consequences.
Science
- conduct an experiment, collect and analyze data in a laboratory setting;
- analyze, evaluate and test a scientific hypothesis;
- use basic scientific language and processes, and be able to distinguish between scientific and non scientific explanations; and
- analyze and discuss the impact of scientific discovery on human thought and behavior.
Technology
- navigate the operating system to perform specific tasks;
- manage file system to locate, copy, and delete files;
- send and receive email, including attachments; and
- use a word processing program to produce a document accurately and in a timely manner.
Numerical data
- demonstrate basic algebraic skills, factoring, use of exponents, solving equations, and solving inequalities;
- use function notation, interpret math models, and demonstrate graphing skills;
- obtain correct mathematical results and state those results with qualifiers; and
- solve multiple step problems through different (inductive, deductive, and symbolic) modes of reasoning.
Culture and Society
- identify and explain Dakota cultural customs, beliefs, traditions, and lifestyles
- identify and explain social forces that can affect cultural change; and
- identify biases, assumptions, and prejudices in multicultural interactions.
Wellness
- develop an understanding and awareness of the importance of exercise as it relates to a healthy lifestyle; and
- become familiar with the aspects of both the personal and community health issues of The Spirit Lake Tribe.
Essential Studies /Degree Requirements
Liberal Arts
A Liberal Arts degree is obtained by meeting the following requirements:
1. Attain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00.
2. Successfully complete 60 semester credits according to the guidelines below.
a. Successfully complete 41 semester credits of general education from the following disciplines:
i. Communications (9 credits); must include ENG 110, ENG 120 or ENG 125, and COMM 110.
ii. Mathematics/Science/Technology (11 credits); must include MATH 103, CSCI 101, CIS 101, and a 4 credit lab science.
iii. Social Science (9 credits); must include PSYC 111, a 3 credit history, and 3 credits in either Social Science or History.
iv. Arts and Humanities (9 credits); must include DS 110, 3 credits in Fine Arts, and 3 credits in Fine Arts or Humanities.
v. Health - Physical Education (3 Credits); must include HPER 217 and a 1 credit physical education activity.
b. Successfully complete 19 semester credits of electives.
Associate of Arts
An Associate of Arts degree is obtained by meeting the following requirements:
1. Attain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00.
2. Successfully complete a minimum of 60 semester credits.
a. Successfully complete 29 semester credits of general education from the following disciplines:
i. Communications (9 credits); must include ENG 110, ENG 120 or ENG 125, and COMM 110.
ii. Mathematics/Science/Technology (11 credits); must include MATH 103, CSCI 101, CIS 101, and a 4 credit lab science.
iii. Social Science (3 credits);
iv. Arts and Humanities (3 credits); must take DS 110.
v. Health/Physical Education (3 Credits); must include HPER 217 and a 1 credit physical education activity.
b. Successfully complete the required core classes.
Associate of Science
An Associate of Science degree is obtained by meeting the following requirements:
1. Attain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00.
2. Successfully complete a minimum of 60 semester credits.
a. Successfully complete 29 semester credits of general education from the following disciplines:
i. Communications (9 credits); must include ENG 110, ENG 120 or ENG 125, and COMM 110.
ii. Mathematics/Science/Technology (11 credits); must include MATH 103, CSCI 101, CIS 101, and a 4 credit lab science.
iii. Social Science (3 credits); must take PSYC 111
iv. Arts and Humanities (3 credits); must take DS 110.
v. Health/Physical Education (3 Credits); must include HPER 217 and a 1credit physical education activity.
b. Successfully complete the required core classes.
Associate of Applied Science
An Associate of Applied Science degree is obtained by meeting the following requirements:
1. Attain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00.
2. Successfully complete a minimum of 60 semester credits.
a. Successfully complete 26 semester credits of general education from the following disciplines:
i. Communications (6 credits); must take ENG 105 and COMM 110.
ii. Mathematics/Science/Technology (11 credits); must include MATH 102, CSCI 101, CIS 101, and a 4 credit lab science.
iii. Social Science (3 credits); must take PSYC 111
iv. Arts and Humanities (3 credits); must take DS 110.
v. Health/Physical Education (3 Credits); must include HPER 217 and a 1 credit physical education activity.
b. Successfully complete the required core classes.