General Studies A.A. Program Requirements
(60 credits)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Studies Core | ||
| LIB 200 | Intro to Liberal Studies 1 | 3 |
| Basic Core | ||
| CMP 120 | Seminar in Writing and Rhetoric | 3 |
| CMP 125 | Seminar in Writing and Research | 3 |
| COM 104 | Speech Communication | 3 |
| Quantitative Course Elective 2 | 3-4 | |
| Information technology 3 | 3 | |
| Areas of Knowledge | ||
| Select courses from the Areas of Knowledge to complete the credit requirements for the Perspectives as shown below: | ||
| Historical Perspective | 6 | |
| Artistic and Intellectual Perspective | 6 | |
| Contemporary Perspective | 6 | |
| Natural World | 3-4 | |
| Emphasis | ||
| Students select a concentrated area of study from a liberal arts department. An appropriate introductory course from a department may be included. Students are encouraged to consult the CAS Dean's Office to select an emphasis | 15 | |
| Free Electives | ||
| Free elective hours may be taken in any department, provided the student meets any prerequisites and requirements imposed by the department offering the course. | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 60-62 | |
- 1
LIB 200 is waived for students who transfer 30 or more credits in Liberal Arts. A free elective will be added.
- 2
The quantitative skills requirement can be met by successfully completing one course in college-level mathematics or statistics. For students who don't transfer such a course to Rider, popular offerings include MTH 102 Finite Mathematics, MSD 104 Intro to Quantitative Methods, MSD 105 Quantitative Methods for Business, MSD 205 Business Statistics, BDA 201 Introduction to Business Analytics, POL 230 Methods of Political Analysis, PSY 105 Introduction to Research in Psychology, PSY 201 Statistics and Research Design, or another mathematics course approved by an advisor.
- 3
The information technology requirement may be fulfilled by completing CIS 185 Information Systems Essentials. Students who possess sufficient computer experience can gain credit for CIS 185 through assessment.
Courses and Descriptions
CMP 120 Seminar in Writing and Rhetoric 3 Credits
Students will increase their competence in the critical reading of challenging college-level texts that engage significant ideas and in writing effective essays that advance a clear and meaningful thesis while demonstrating understanding of those texts. This course counts towards the fulfillment of the Essential Competencies element of the CAS general education curriculum.
CMP 125 Seminar in Writing and Research 3 Credits
Introduces students to the process of library research and documented writing. Emphasis will be on the refinement of critical reading, thinking, and writing strategies applied to multiple sources and documented papers. This course counts towards the fulfillment of the Essential Competencies element of the CLAS general education curriculum.
LIB 200 Intro to Liberal Studies 3 Credits
Introduces students to the various perspectives and methods of the disciplines in liberal studies: natural and social sciences, humanities, and the arts. Students learn the multifaceted questions and answers offered by each discipline. They study the historical development of the university and the rise and transformation of liberal studies disciplines.