Relevance of general education in USIU

General Education is a curriculum or part of a curriculum aimed at imparting general knowledge and developing general intellectual capacities in contrast to a professional, vocational or technical curriculum. The mission of General Education at
USIU is to equip students with a broad base of knowledge, skills and attitudes that lay a solid foundation for successful progress in their programs and professional development in a global perspective. It is characterized by its focus on the whole development of an individual apart from his occupational training. In this essay, I will be talking about general education courses, its outcomes and its relevance to me.

As freshmen who come into the university with expectations of enrolling in courses in our major field of study get disappointed when they discover general education courses are a pre-requisite. Most feel it’s a waste of time and do not take it seriously or learn from the experience. Sometimes we are too quick to judge a book by this cover without remembering that before every child walked they learnt to crawl though at some points they were eager to walk but they still fell back to their knees as their feet and bones were not strong enough.

General Education courses are courses which aim at helping the student acquire high-order cognitive skill: analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction, logic and imagination. (Holkeboer/Walker). In United States International University (USIU), these courses are divided into four parts which are:
 The First Year Experience;
 Symbolic Systems and Intellectual Skills;
 Global Perspectives; and
 The Senior Experience.

The First Year Experience aims at assisting first year students explore various fields of study, understand themselves more and the reason they are in the university and also help them strike a balance between their academics, finances and social life.

The Symbolic Systems and Intellectual Skills courses include: Mathematics, English, Foreign languages, Computer literacy and Intercultural communication. These courses enable the student develop high critical thinking abilities and problem solving skills in his day to day activities. Intercultural Communication makes the student inculcate the habit of extracting and using relevant informations concerning culture, communication to manage the problems associated with it. It also helps the student understand and appreciate various cultural patterns and perspectives. It encourages ethno relativism and deal with stereotypes and ethnocentrism.

Global Perspective involves taking a broader, more critical view of experience, knowledge and learning and includes seeking to understand the links between our own lives and those of people throughout the world. It enhances our understanding of the social, political and environmental forces that shape our existence.
This includes courses in the Humanities, Social Sciences and Natural Sciences like: World Civilization, Philosophy, Intercultural Communications, Political Science, Environmental Science, Human Physiology and Human Psychology.
The Senior Experience develops, coordinates, and facilitates resources, assist undergraduate seniors with the impending change of transitioning from college setting to workplace or graduate/professional school. The student does projects and internships related to his major and community service which aids the student exhibit a strong sense of moral, civic and ethical values including leadership qualities. Show a sense of being part and, of service to the community by demonstrating commitment to social and environmental issues.

As a psychology major general education courses are relevant to me because they help me develop the ability to think critically, oral and written communication skills with precision and cogency. Have a critical appreciation of ways of gaining knowledge and a better understanding of the universe and the environment.
Secondly, helps me develop broad knowledge and understanding of cultures and time making me multicultural and therefore with this knowledge and understanding my decision making will be based on reference to other parts of the world and historical forces that have shaped it.

Thirdly, have more understanding and experience in thinking systematically about moral and ethical problems and ways in which I can manage and deal with these problems.

Fourthly, it is gradually preparing me for my career by providing me with knowledge which has multicultural and multinational applications and also developing leadership skills through community service that will enable me serve the society and other school organizations like the Students Affairs Council (SAC) as true leaders must be willing to serve the people.

Lastly, it civilizes ones life’s purpose by refining his emotional reactions and maturing of his understanding of nature and things according to the best knowledge of our time.

In conclusion during freshmen orientation the importance of general education courses should be properly spoken on as many first year students are ignorant of its importance and there for don’t take it seriously.