2012-2013 Brenau University Catalog 
    
    Mar 29, 2024  
2012-2013 Brenau University Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Academic Portal Information


Brenau University and its faculty are dedicated to the goal of providing students with a thorough background in the liberal arts, as well as academic and professional skills which will help them become enlightened and productive members of society. To that end, the faculty have developed a liberal education curriculum divided into four learning portals: World Understanding, Scientific and Analytic Curiosity, Artistic and Creative Imagination, and Communication and Language Fluency. Specific expected learning Outcomes are defined under each of the four portals and are outlined below.

Note: Several courses are listed in more than one area.  If a course is used toward a requirement it can not be used toward another requirement!

World Understanding Portal (9 hours)

By developing historical, global, and civic perspectives grounded in respect for the individual and in the principles and practice of social equity, students will gain an understanding of the world community and the importance of service to society.

Historical Perspective (3 hours)  Demonstrate knowledge of major events and movements in history and use this knowledge to generate a more sophisticated understanding of current events.

                 

Civic Engagement (3 hours)  Demonstrate an appreciation of the importance of civic engagement in a global society.

                                                                                               

Global Awareness (3 hours)  Demonstrate an understanding of global issues and their implications for local communities.

                                                             

Scientific and Analytic Curiosity Portal (13-15 hours)

By developing quantitative reasoning skills, competency in scientific disciplines, and critical thinking skills, students will be able to solve problems effectively and apply their knowledge and skills to relevant civic and personal decisions.

Mathematics (3 hours)  Demonstrate quantitative reasoning through numeric, symbolic, or geometric means.

         

Science (7-8 hours)  Demonstrate competency in a specific curriculum and appraise the impact of that science in one’s life. (Students will take one 4-hour lab science and a second science of 3-4 hours.)

                                                                                                            

Reasoning (3-4 hours)  Be able to think critically and solve problems effectively.

                                                            

Artistic and Creative Imagination Portal (9 hours)

By gaining and understanding of the fine arts or literature and by focusing on the value of creating a lifetime of fitness and healthy habits, students will develop an appreciation for artistic expression, deepen their self-awareness, and expand their imaginative powers.

Fine Arts  (3 hours)  Understand artistic concepts and traditions through the experience of artistic endeavors.

                                                                         

Literature (3 hours)  Read and understand literature in its historical context.

                                                 

Lifetime Fitness (3 hours)

Appreciate one’s health status and implement a plan for health and fitness. (Women’s College and Early College Academy students must take one hour of classroom physical education [p.e.] (WH), one hour of activity p.e. (DA/LF/LS) and one hour of either type. Evening and online students have the option of taking HS 105 to satisfy the physical education requirement.)

                                                                                                                 

Communication and Language Fluency Portal (12-15 hours)

By developing writing and speaking skills in English and by being introduced to another modern language, students will be prepared to be effective communicators and to lead lives of personal and professional fulfillment.

Writing (6 hours)  Compose effective and logical written communication.

     

Speaking (3 hours)  Demonstrate effective oral communication.

             

Modern Language (0-3 hours)   Communicate in a non-native language. Students must have competency through the 102/115 level. Students may take through 102/115 or may attempt a placement exemption through the BYU FLATS test

      (or  )                     (or                            (or  )         (or  )     (or   or   )     (or   or                   

Communication Elective (3 hours)

Choose any course within the portal not all already applied. Students may choose a writing, speaking, or modern language course, or a course from Interpersonal Dynamics or Information and Technology Literacy. (please see descriptions below.)

  • Interpersonal Dynamics  Engage in the transfer of understanding between people.
  • Information and Technology Literacy  Demonstrate knowledge of information technology.