Mar 19, 2024  
2016-2017 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2016-2017 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Baccalaureate General Education Requirements


Black Hills State University is a regional comprehensive institution.  As such, its General Education Program provides students with the opportunity to pursue a broad liberal arts education in addition to a specialized major and/or minor in an academic field.  The general education program is designed to help students attain the knowledge, understanding, and skills necessary to produce new insights into humanity’s intellectual development and a deepened comprehension of our cultural roots.

Because BHSU is one of six Regental institutions, general education follows SD Board of Regents policy. Incoming freshmen must complete 30 credit hours of System General Education Requirements in their first 64 credit hours. The following 18 (21 recommended) of the System General Education Requirements must be completed in the first 48 hours.

Credit Hours   Course Requirement
3
3
3
3
3
3
  Composition (Goal #1)
Oral Communication (Goal #2)
Social Science (Goal #3)
Humanities and Fine Arts (Goal #4)
Mathematics (Goal #5)
Natural Science (Goal #6)*
    *6 hours recommended

Transfer students with more than 18 credit hours entering from outside the Regental system must complete the above specified 18 credit hours of general education within the first 30 hours taken at a Regental institution

The General Education Component of all baccalaureate programs shall consist of the System (SD Board of Regents) General Education Requirements and Institutional (Black Hills State University) graduation requirements; Global Issues, Writing Intensive Requirement, and Experiential Learning activity.

System General Education Requirements (SGR’s)

GOAL #1: English: 
SDBOR & BHSU requirements: Students will write effectively and responsibly and will understand and interpret the written expression of others

Student Learning Outcomes: As a result of taking courses meeting this goal, students will:

  1. Write using standard American English, including correct punctuation, grammar, and sentence structure;
  2. Write logically;
  3. Write persuasively, with a variety of rhetorical strategies (e.g., expository, argumentative, descriptive);
  4. Incorporate formal research and documentation into their writing, including research obtained through modern, technology-based research tools.

Each course meeting this goal includes the above student learning outcomes:
Required: #1, #2, #3, and #4 - Credit Hours: 6 hours

NOTE: Student enrollment in the initial English course is determined by the Board of Regents placement policy (2:7.6).

GOAL #2: Speech: 
SDBOR & BHSU requirements: Students will communicate effectively and responsibly through listening and speaking.

Student Learning Outcomes: As a result of taking courses meeting this goal, students will:

  1. Prepare and deliver speeches for a variety of audiences and settings;
  2. Demonstrate speaking competencies including choice and use of topic, supporting materials, organizational pattern, language usage, presentational aids, and delivery;
  3. Demonstrate listening competencies by summarizing, analyzing, and paraphrasing ideas, perspectives and emotional content.

Each course meeting this goal includes the above student learning outcomes
Required: #1, #2, and #3 - Credit Hours: 3 hours

GOAL #3: Social Science: 
SDBOR requirement: Students will understand the organization, potential, and diversity of the human community through study of the social sciences.

Student Learning Outcomes: As a result of taking courses meeting this goal, students will:

  1. Identify and explain basic concepts, terminology and theories of the selected social science disciplines from different spatial, temporal, cultural and/or institutional contexts;
  2. Apply selected social science concepts and theories to contemporary issues;
  3. Identify and explain the social or aesthetic values of different cultures.

    In addition, as a result of taking courses meeting this goal, students will be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of at least one of the following:
     
  4. The origin and evolution of human institutions;
  5. The allocation of human or natural resources within societies;
  6. The impact of diverse philosophical, ethical or religious views;

Each course meeting this goal includes the above student learning outcomes:
Required: #1, #2 and #3 - At least one of the following: #4, #5, or #6 - Credit Hours: 6 hours (in 2 disciplines)

GOAL #4: Arts & Humanities: 
SDBOR requirement: Students will understand the diversity and complexity of the human experience through study of the arts and humanities

Student Learning Outcomes: As a result of taking courses meeting this goal, students will:

  1. Demonstrate knowledge of the diversity of values, beliefs, and ideas embodied in the human experience;
  2. Identify and explain basic concepts of the selected disciplines within the arts and humanities.

    In addition, as a result of taking courses meeting this goal, students will be able to do at least one of the following:
     
  3. Identify and explain the contributions of other cultures from the perspective of the selected disciplines within the arts and humanities;
  4. Demonstrate creative and aesthetic understanding;
  5. Explain and interpret formal and stylistic elements of the literary or fine arts;
  6. Demonstrate foundational competency in reading, writing, and speaking a non-English language.

Each course meeting this goal includes the above student learning outcomes:
Required: #1, #2 - At least one of the following: #3, #4, #5, or #6 - Credit Hours: 6 hours (in 2 disciplines or a sequence of foreign language courses)

GOAL #5: Mathematics: 
SDBOR & BHSU requirements: Students will understand and apply fundamental mathematical processes and reasoning.

Student Learning Outcomes: As a result of taking courses meeting this goal, students will:

  1. Use mathematical symbols and mathematical structure to model and solve real world problems;
  2. Demonstrate appropriate communication skills related to mathematical terms and concepts;
  3. Demonstrate the correct use of quantifiable measurements of real world situations.

Each course meeting this goal includes the above student learning outcomes:
Required: #1, #2 and #3 - Credit Hours: 3 hours

NOTE: Student enrollment in the initial Mathematics course is determined by the Board of Regents placement policy (2:7.6).

GOAL #6: Natural Science: 
SDBOR & BHSU requirements: Students will understand the fundamental principles of the natural sciences and apply scientific methods of inquiry to investigate the natural world.

Student Learning Outcomes: As a result of taking courses meeting this goal, students will:

  1. Demonstrate the scientific method in a laboratory experience;
  2. Gather and critically evaluate data using the scientific method;
  3. Identify and explain the basic concepts, terminology and theories of the selected natural sciences;
  4. Apply selected natural science concepts and theories to contemporary issues.

Each course meeting this goal includes the above student learning outcomes:
Required: #1, #2, #3 and #4 - Credit Hours: 6-8 hours (2 courses with corresponding labs)

GOAL #7: 
SDBOR & BHSU requirements: Students will recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, organize, critically evaluate, and effectively use information from a variety of sources with intellectual integrity.

Student Learning Outcomes: Students will:

  1. Determine the extent of information needed;
  2. Access the needed information effectively and efficiently;
  3. Evaluate information and its sources critically;
  4. Use information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose;
  5. Use information in an ethical and legal manner.

Each course meeting this goal includes the following student learning outcomes:

     Required:  #1, #2, #3, #4, and #5 - Credit Hours:  0 hours

 

Black Hills State University
Additional Institutional Graduation Requirements; Global Issues, Writing Intensive, and Research or Creative Activity.

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Part I: Institutional Graduation Requirements (IGR’s)

IGR #1: Experiential Learning

Experiential learning is an understanding and a disposition that a student builds across the curriculum and co-curriculum, from making simple connections among ideas and experiences to synthesizing and transferring learning to new, complex situations within and beyond the campus that occurs as a result of integrative learning opportunities across the disciplines. Such integrative learning experiences include: undergraduate research, creative expression, academic service learning, internships, practicum, study abroad, and student employment as undergraduate research assistantship or undergraduate learning assistantship.

Goal:  Students will make connections among ideas and experiences to synthesize and transfer learning to new, complex situations within and beyond the academic classroom that occurs as a result of experiential learning opportunities across the curriculum.

Student Learning Outcomes: As a result of completing an experiential learning activity, students will:

  1. Synthesize connections among experiences outside of formal instruction to deepen understanding of fields of study and to broaden one’s own point of view;
  2. Adapt and apply skills, abilities, theories, or methodologies gained in one situation to new situations to solve difficult problems, engage in creative expression, or explore complex issues in original ways;
  3. Demonstrate a developing sense of self as a reflective learner, building on prior knowledge to respond to new and challenging contexts; evaluating changes in one’s own learning over time recognizing complex contextual factors; and, articulating professional strengths and challenges to increase effectiveness in different contexts for professional development;
  4. Choose a format and produce a poster presentation, a video, a multi-media presentation, a piece of art, a creative performance, a portfolio artifact, a faculty-mentored research project, or a culminating class project that clearly illustrates evidence of how experiential learning positively impacted degree achievement.

Credit Hours:  0 - 12 Hours

 

Part II: Globalization/Global Issues

GOAL: Students will understand the interconnectedness of the human experience by investigating diverse international and cultural issues.

Student Learning Outcomes: As a result of taking courses meeting the global issues requirement, students will:

  1. Demonstrate their awareness of international connections in issues such as ecology, business, aesthetics, politics, immigration, literature, technology, economics, etc.
  2. Relate non-western perspectives and experiences to those of the west so that both the awareness of their interrelatedness and the breaking down of barriers between them is evident.
  3. Identify and compare western knowledge with non-western paradigms to clarify the cultural constructs inherent in intellectual and aesthetic expressions.

Courses meeting this requirement must meet two of the three student learning outcomes listed above. Students will meet this requirement by taking an existing System General Education Course or a course that is already required in their major.

Credit Hours: 0 hours

For the following majors:

   

Biology
Chemistry
Communication Studies & Theatre
Composite Science Education
Engineering Technology
Environmental Physical Science
Exercise Science
Human Services

   

Mathematics
Math & Science Education
Music
Outdoor Education
Physical Education
Psychology
Spanish

 

  Students will be required to take one of the following System General Education courses:

The following majors utilize a course currently required in the major

American Indian Studies
 
Art
 
Business Majors
Graphic Design & 
Communication
 
Composite Social Science

 
Elementary, Early Childhood, Middle School, & Special Education
 
English
 
History
 
Mass Communications
Music
Political Science

 
Professional Accountancy
Social Science
Sociology

Part III: Writing Intensive Requirement

GOAL: Students will learn and utilize the language of the discipline, use writing-to-learn techniques to develop ideas and learn content, and understand the audience for, and parameters of, writing done within the student’s specific major; departments which decide their students need a writing intensive course specific to the major should be allowed to develop such a course.

Student Learning Outcomes: As a result of taking courses identified as writing intensive, students will:

  1. Use writing to learn course content, understand the ideas and the language of a discipline, and discover their own ideas relative to the content of the course;
  2. Compose texts within the discipline/area of study of the course, through drafting, revising, and completing a finished product (applying appropriate style manuals), in order to comprehend more fully the unique nature of the knowledge within that discipline as well as potentially contribute to it;
  3. Develop critical thinking skills unique to the discipline and the subject matter of the course.

Students will meet this requirement by taking a course in their respective major which meets the criteria for a writing intensive course. Each writing intensive course must have in place a methodology by which students can draft and revise papers with the help and advice of both the professor and classmates.

Each course meeting this goal includes the above student learning outcomes:

Required: #1, #2, #3 - Credit Hours: 0 hours

American Indian Studies
Applied Technical Sci/BATS
Art
Biology
Business
Chemistry
Graphic Design &
Communication
Composite in Science Ed.
Composite Social Science
Education Students will be required to take one of the following:
 
English
Environmental Physical Science
Exercise Science
 
History
Human Services
Mass Communications
Mathematics
Math and Science Education
Music
Outdoor Education
Physical Education
Political Science
Professional Accountancy
Psychology
Social Science
Sociology
Spanish
Speech Communication
Speech Comm. - Theatre
Technology

 

Associate of Arts Degree & Associate of Science Degree General Education Requirements

GOAL #1: Students will write effectively and responsibly and will understand and interpret the written expression of others. Student Learning Outcomes: As a result of taking courses meeting this goal, students will:

  1. Write using standard American English, including correct punctuation, grammar, and sentence structure;
  2. Write logically;
  3. Write persuasively, with a variety of rhetorical strategies (e.g., expository, argumentative, descriptive);
  4. Incorporate formal research and documentation into their writing, including research obtained through modern, technology-based research tools.

6 credit hours

NOTE: Student enrollment in the initial English course is determined by the Board of Regents placement policy (2:7.6).

GOAL #2: Students will communicate effectively and responsibly through listening and speaking. Student Learning Outcomes: As a result of taking courses meeting this goal, students will:

  1. Prepare and deliver speeches for a variety of audiences and settings;
  2. Demonstrate speaking competencies including choice and use of topic, supporting materials, organizational pattern, language usage, presentational aids, and delivery;
  3. Demonstrate listening competencies by summarizing, analyzing, and paraphrasing ideas, perspectives and emotional content.

Credit Hours: 3 hours

GOAL #3: Students will understand the organization, potential, and diversity of the human community through study of the social sciences.

Student Learning Outcomes: As a result of taking courses meeting this goal, students will:

  1. Identify and explain basic concepts, terminology and theories of the selected social science disciplines from different spatial, temporal, cultural and/or institutional contexts.
  2. Apply selected social science concepts and theories to contemporary issues;
  3. Identify and explain the social or aesthetic values of different cultures.

    In addition, as a result of taking courses meeting this goal, students will be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of at least one of the following:
     
  4. The origin and evolution of human institutions;
  5. The allocation of human or natural resources within societies;
  6. The impact of diverse philosophical, ethical or religious views;

Credit Hours: 9 hours (minimum 2 disciplines)

GOAL #4: Students will understand the diversity and complexity of the human experience through study of the arts and humanities.

Student Learning Outcomes: As a result of taking courses meeting this goal, students will:

  1. Demonstrate knowledge of the diversity of values, beliefs, and ideas embodied in the human experience;
  2. Identify and explain basic concepts of the selected disciplines within the arts and humanities.

    In addition, as a result of taking courses meeting this goal, students will be able to do at least one of the following:
     
  3. Identify and explain the contributions of other cultures from the perspective of the selected disciplines within the arts and humanities;
  4. Demonstrate creative and aesthetic understanding;
  5. Explain and interpret formal and stylistic elements of the literary or fine arts;
  6. Demonstrate foundational competency in reading, writing, and speaking a non-English language.

Credit Hours: 12 hours (minimum 2 disciplines)

GOAL #5: Students will understand and apply fundamental mathematical processes and reasoning.

Student Learning Outcomes: As a result of taking courses meeting this goal, students will:

  1. Use mathematical symbols and mathematical structure to model and solve real world problems;
  2. Demonstrate appropriate communication skills related to mathematical terms and concepts;
  3. Demonstrate the correct use of quantifiable measurements of real world situations.

Credit Hours: 3 hours

NOTE: Student enrollment in the initial Mathematics course is determined by the Board of Regents placement policy (2:7.6).

GOAL #6: Students will understand the fundamental principles of the natural sciences and apply scientific methods of inquiry to investigate the natural world.

Student Learning Outcomes: As a result of taking courses meeting this goal, students will:

  1. Demonstrate the scientific method in a laboratory experience;
  2. Gather and critically evaluate data using the scientific method;
  3. Identify and explain the basic concepts, terminology and theories of the selected natural sciences;
  4. Apply selected natural science concepts and theories to contemporary issues.

Credit Hours: 6 hours

GOAL #7: Students will recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, organize, critically evaluate, and effectively use information from a variety of sources with intellectual integrity.

Student Learning Outcomes: Students will:

  1. Determine the extent of information needed;
  2. Access the needed information effectively and efficiently;
  3. Evaluate information and its sources critically;
  4. Use information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose;
  5. Use information in an ethical and legal manner.

Assessment: Students fulfill this requirement by demonstrating competency through an assessment designated by the university.

Associate of Science Degree

The general education component of all associate of science programs shall consist of a minimum of 18 credit hours from the following:

Credit Hours   Course Requirement

3
3
3
3
3
3

  Composition (Goal #1)
Oral Communication (Goal #2)
Social Science (Goal #3)
Humanities and Fine Arts (Goal #4)
Mathematics (Goal #5)
Natural Science (Goal #6)*
    *6 hours recommended
  ^top