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2011-2012 University Catalog
Integrative Studies, BA
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Banner Code: LA-BA-INTS
Web: ncc.gmu.edu
The bachelor of arts degree program in integrative studies is based on intensive, interdisciplinary learning communities coordinated with traditional academic programs. The result is an integrated program of study that emphasizes collaboration, experiential learning, and self-reflection. The degree program requires mastery of nine essential competencies: communication, valuing, global understanding, problem solving, group interaction, effective citizenship, aesthetic awareness, critical thinking, and information technology. The competencies are assessed through freshman and graduation portfolios.
Students in this degree program who are admitted to Mason Cornerstones complete university general education as specified below. They must complete Cornerstones and the 24 credits of learning communities with a minimum GPA of 2.00 in order to be able to use them to fulfill general education requirements.
- Completion of Mason Cornerstones : lower-level written communication (ENGH 101), oral communication, information technology, arts, natural science (non laboratory), global understanding, social and behavioral sciences
- Completion of 24 credits of learning communities: upper-level written communication (ENGH 302), writing intensive course
- Completion of coursework specifically approved for these requirements (in NCC or in other units): Western civilization or world history, quantitative reasoning, natural science (with laboratory)
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Students who are not admitted to Mason Cornerstones need to complete the general education requirements as specified by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Students who transfer into New Century College should consult with an advisor on what they need to take to complete university general education requirements.
This program of study is offered by New Century College .
Students must fulfill all requirements for bachelor’s degrees. For policies governing all undergraduate degrees, see the Academic Policies chapter of the catalog. |
Learning communities (24 credits)
Learning communities are interdisciplinary courses that combine different subjects into a single course that is ususally 3 or 6 credits. In learning communities, faculty and students explore various ways to understand a topic. Learning communities are structured to help promote a greater sense of identity with an academic community. Hallmarks of New Century College learning communities are team teaching, collaborative projects, emphasis on writing and critical thinking, and opportunity for independent study. They often include experiential learning, either as an integral part of the class or as an optional add on. Experiential learning (12-24 credits)
The requirement in experiential learning reflects New Century College’s commitment to provide educational experiences that prepare graduates for the workplace and the demands of active and responsible citizenship. The workplace is as viewed as a site of instruction, one where students are exposed to the variety of skills needed to succeed. Through experiential learning, students combine work experience with academic study so that each will enrich the other.
Experiential learning includes include internships, study abroad, community service learning, course field trips, and other field study opportunities. The learning sites may change each semester and are usually off campus. George Mason provides student liability insurance for the experiential learning internship, but students are responsible for their own transportation and health care. Accident and health insurance is available from George Mason.
No more than 24 credits of experiential learning can count toward a student’s total credits for graduation. Concentration (minimum of 30 credits)
A concentration is the equivalent of a major in a traditional degree program. Students chose from an established interdisciplinary concentration below or create with faculty an individualized program of study to fit their interests and needs. The coursework for the concentration consists of traditional courses, learning communities, independent study, and experiential learning. Where applicable, courses applied to a concentration can also be used to fulfill the credits required in learning communities or experiential learning. Students must present a minimum GPA of 2.00 in courses applied to the concentration.
Cumulative portfolio
The cumulative portfolio is reviewed by New Century College faculty. College senior exposition (3 credits)
Students complete their senior exposition through NCLC 491, which they must take the semester prior to graduation. Electives (0-15 credits)
If students take courses that fulfill more than one degree requirement (e.g. learning communities, experiential learning, concentration, or general education), they may need to take additional electives to reach the total of 120 credits required for a BA degree. ▲ Advertising (ADV)
Students complete the following course work: Eleven required courses (37 credits)
One course (3-6 credits) chosen from:
Two courses (6-10 credits) chosen from:
▲ Arts and Culture (ACLT)
Students complete the following course work: Four required courses (14-16 credits)
Five courses (15-23 credits) chosen from:
One course (3-6 credits) chosen from:
▲ Child and Family Studies (CFS)
Students complete the following course work: Eight required courses (25-29 credits)
Two courses (6-12 credits) chosen from:
▲ Conservation Studies (CNST)
Three to five core courses (15-16 credits) in conservation studies
Students may complete this requirement through regular coursework or through the Smithsonian-Mason Semester Program. Smithsonian-Mason Semester Program
Students complete 16 credits offered through the Mason Center for Conservation Studies in cooperation with the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute. In this integrated series of courses, taken together in one semester, students live on site at the institute in Front Royal, VA. Students who apply this coursework to the concentration cannot also apply it to the minor in Applied Conservation Studies. Three courses (11 credits) on the environment
Two courses (8-12 credits) chosen from:
In addition to the courses below, NCLC 375, 395, and 398 may be applied to the concentration when the topic is relevant to conservation studies. ▲ Early Childhood Education (ECED)
- 9 credits of ENGH or COMM
- 9 credits of natural science (must include a lab science)
- 9 credits of MATH or STAT
- 3 credits of world history
- 3 credits of U.S. history
- 3 credits of ECON
- 3 credits of GGS
- 3 credits of arts or music
- 3 credits of humanities
▲ Elementary Education (ELED)
- 12 credits of ENGH or COMM course work
- 12 credits of natural science
- 12 credits of mathematics or statistics
- 3 credits of ECON course work
- 3 credits of U.S. history
- 3 credits of GGS course work
- 3 credits of civics course work (met by GOVT or HIST course)
- 3 credits of humanities course work
- 3 credits of world history course work (met by HIST 100 or 125)
- 3 credits of Fine Arts
▲ International Studies (INST)
Students complete the following course work: Language proficiency
All students must demonstrate language proficiency at the intermediate level through coursework (a Mason course numbered 210) or proficiency testing. One course in religious studies (3 credits) chosen from:
One course in geography (3 credits) chosen from:
One course in world history (3 or 6 credits) chosen from:
One course in sustainability (4 or 6 credits) chosen from:
One course in politics (3 or 4 credits) chosen from:
One course in conflict transformation (3 or 6 credits) chosen from:
One course (3 credits) in creative arts chosen from:
Three elective courses (9-12 credits)
Students take three additional courses focused on an international area of their interest with the advice and approval of an adviser. ▲ Language Arts for Education (LAED)
Three elective courses (9 credits) in English
Courses used to fulfill this requirement cannot be applied to any of the other requirements for this concentration. Four courses chosen from:
▲ Organizational Administration (OADM)
Three courses chosen from:
- ACCT 301 - Financial Accounting and Managerial Decision Making Credits: 3
- BULE 302 - Legal Environment of Business Credits: 3
- COMM 300 - Foundations of Public Communication Credits: 3
- FNAN 301 - Financial Management Credits: 3
- GOVT 103 - Introduction to American Government Credits: 3
- GOVT 300 - Research Methods and Analysis Credits: 4
- GOVT 308 - The American Presidency Credits: 3
- GOVT 318 - Interest Groups, Lobbying, and the Political Process Credits: 3
- GOVT 351 - Administration in the Political System Credits: 3
- GOVT 358 - Nonprofit Financial Planning Credits: 4
- HEAL 314 - Community Health Issues and Strategies Credits: 3
- HEAL 350 - Interventions for Populations and Communities at Risk Credits: 3
- HEAL 372 - Health Communication Credits: 3
- HEAL 430 - Seminar in Exercise Science and Health Promotion Credits: 3
- HEAL 450 - Epidemiology and Environmental Health Credits: 3
- HEAL 470 - Community Health Systems Credits: 3
- MIS 301 - Introduction to Business Information Systems Credits: 3
- NCLC 249 - Digital Literacy Credits: 4
- NCLC 305 - Conflict Resolution and Transformation Credits: 6
- NCLC 310 - Violence and Gender Credits: 3-6
- NCLC 330 - Enterprise Development Credits: 6 (take 3 credits)
- NCLC 331 - The Nonprofit Sector Credits: 4
- NCLC 379 - Cancer and Its Social Impact Credits: 4
- NCLC 410 - Contemporary Health Issues Credits: 3-18 (take 6 credits)
- NCLC 420 - Work Effectiveness Skills Credits: 3
- NCLC 431 - Principles of Fund Raising Credits: 4
- NCLC 440 - Death, Dying, and Decision Making Credits: 3
- PHED 200 - Professional Dimensions of Health, Recreation, and Physical Education Credits: 3
- PHIL 309 - Bioethics Credits: 3
- PRLS 310 - Program Planning and Design Credits: 3
- PSYC 231 - Social Psychology Credits: 3
- PSYC 324 - Personality Theory Credits: 3
- PSYC 418 - Death, Dying, and Grieving Credits: 3
- RELI 341 - Global Perspectives on Spirituality and Healing Credits: 3
- RELI 401 - Death and the Afterlife in World Religions Credits: 3
- SOCI 390 - Sociology of Health, Illness, and Disability Credits: 3
- SOCI 441 - The Sociology of Aging Credits: 3
- SOCW 351 - Social Policy and Social Justice Credits: 3
- TOUR 200 - Introduction to Travel and Tourism Credits: 3
- TOUR 312 - Ecotourism Credits: 3
- TOUR 330 - Resort Management Credits: 3
- TOUR 340 - Sustainable Tourism Credits: 3
- TOUR 352 - Heritage and Cultural Tourism Credits: 3
- TOUR 412 - Tourism and Events Marketing Credits: 3
- TOUR 440 - Meetings and Conventions Credits: 3
▲ Social Science for Education (SSED)
▲ Individualized Concentration (IND)
With approval of the undergraduate director, students may construct an individualized concentration. Total: minimum 30 credits
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