Virginia Tech: Pathways
- Apply ethical reasoning and intercultural and global awareness across the entire curriculum.
- Take one of 10 interdisciplinary minors to earn up to 18 of the 45 required general ed credits.
- Participate in high-impact learning experiences by studying abroad, or doing undergraduate research or a cocurricular activity.
University at Buffalo (N.Y.): UB Curriculum
- Take a discussion-based freshman seminar with up to 25 students.
- Complete a sequence of three interconnected courses in both a thematic and a global pathway.
- Create an e-portfolio of work in general education courses, and write two integrative essays connecting learning experiences with everyday life.
LINK TO MAIN ARTICLE: Reconstructing general ed for colleges and universities
Goucher College (Md.): The Goucher Commons
- Take a first-year seminar and at least three “center pair” exploration courses, which explore complex problems from more than one angle.
- Study abroad to develop an international perspective.
- Connect learning to everyday life through a capstone experience or signature project that is shared at a student symposium.
Lebanon Valley College (Pa.): Constellations
- Take three Connective Experience courses that examine an issue from three disciplinary perspectives.
- Complete two immersive courses or experiences to apply learning in a real-world context—from completing an internship or directing a play to leading a service trip.
- Take an “integrative experience” during junior or senior year to complete an interdisciplinary project and reflect on learning.
Sherrie Negrea, based in Ithaca, New York, is a frequent contributor to UB.
