General Education is a series of courses students are required to take in addition to their major program of study. The purpose of General Education is to provide students with a wide base of knowledge and skills so they become generally trained as well as specifically trained in a given field.

Why the Dragon Core and not Liberal Studies?

The Dragon Core replaces our previous general education curriculum, which we called Liberal Studies. The Liberal Studies program provided students with a broad array of courses from which to choose to satisfy requirements in nine areas. Liberal Studies required 45 credits to complete. It required three courses, totaling 11 credits: 8 credits in English and 3 credits in Mathematics.

In comparison, the Dragon Core requires only 42 credits. Four courses are now required of all students, totaling 12 credits: 3 credits in Written Communication, 3 credits in Oral Communication, 3 credits in Mathematics, and 3 credits in Critical Thinking.

The Dragon Core provides several advantages over the Liberal Studies curriculum. The Dragon Core builds skill acquisition and development into the curriculum. The Dragon Core will also be easier to assess, so we can continuously improve the program. Finally, the Dragon Core matches the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum, which allows students to more easily transfer to and from MSUM.

Why is Dragon Core prescriptive?

The Dragon Core requires that all students take four courses--The Foundation Four--at the beginning of their college career. We must be certain that all students have the same knowledge base in these areas so the skills they learn can be applied and extended in subsequent courses.

After completing at least two Foundation Four courses, students will be able to take courses from a wide range of disciplines and perspectives.

How will students benefit from Dragon Core?

The Dragon Core will prepare students to be successful at MSUM, effective in the workplace, and leaders in their community. Students will have the skills necessary to succeed in future classes and they will have the knowledge and skills required by employers. Courses in diversity, ethics, citizenship, and the environment will allow our students to be knowledgeable about topics that are vital to our communities and society. The skills of information literacy are Infused throughout the Dragon Core to develop students’ academic integrity.

How will building on the Foundation Four help students?

Employers have consistently told us that students need to be effective communicators, critical thinkers, and to understand basic mathematic principles and statistics to be successful in the workplace. The Foundation Four ensures that all students gain these skills. Subsequent courses require students to put into practice what they have learned, meaning MSUM students will be more prepared for the workforce. Continuous assessment of the program will allow us to refine the curriculum so it continues to meet our goals.

Where can students get help with problems related to Dragon Core requirements and courses?

Students should contact their peer advisor, advisor, Foundation Four course instructor, or the Advising Center regarding specific questions concerning Dragon Core requirements. The academic deans are an excellent resource as well.
 

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