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General Education
The requirements for an associate’s degree (A.A., A.S., A.A.S.,
A.A.T., A.E.S., or A.F.A.) consist of a minimum of 61 credit hours
taken from three components: (1) general education core, (2)
courses taken in the major/minor field and (3) electives.
Course work in the general education core:
• assumes there are some commonalities expected of an
“educated person” in terms of what he or she knows and is
able to do.
• provides students with the ability to realize their potential
as educated, responsible, and productive lifelong learners
in a diverse and rapidly changing world.
• consists of a core of intellectual, aesthetic and cultural
experiences which will introduce students to essential
knowledge, skills and values, and encourages them to make
connections across disciplines.
For transfer students (A.A., A.S., A.A.T., A.E.S., or A.F.A.),
the general education core ranges from 38 to 41 credit hours; for
career students (A.A.S.), the core comprises at least 15 credit hours
depending on the program of study. Presently, transfer students
who complete their A.A., A.S., A.A.T., A.E.S., or A.F.A. degree will
fulfill most, if not all, of the general education core requirements
defined by the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI) expected for
the baccalaureate degree at a four-year college or university.
The general education requirements are distributed among the
five traditional divisions of knowledge.
a. Communication
b. Mathematics
c. Life and Physical Sciences
d. Humanities and Fine Arts
e. Social and Behavioral Sciences
The specific courses in each division will vary with the student’s
degree or program. Students can contact an adviser in Student
Services to determine the exact requirements.
While accurate information and advising assistance is always
available regarding the general education core requirements, the
major responsibility of getting a purposeful general education rests
upon each individual student. Thus, you should also familiarize
yourself with the General Education Goals and Objectives in the
next section that identify the traits of a generally educated person.
By understanding these goals and objectives, you can begin to
make informed selections of course work.
General Education Goals and Objectives
The general education program at KCC is designed to enable
students to write, read and listen critically; to investigate, analyze
and think independently; to communicate clearly and effectively;
to make informed decisions; to respect the diversity in human
values and cultural orientation; to understand and appreciate facts,
concepts and perspectives within the fundamental areas of knowledge;
and to foster intellectual curiosity and lifelong learning.
The specific objectives of the general education program are to
develop in each student the following traits and abilities:
Communication: demonstrate the ability to read with comprehension;
to listen, speak, and write critically, clearly, and effectively;
to interact respectfully with others.
Computational skills: demonstrate the ability to interpret and
communicate quantitative data, solve routine and non-routine
problems, and recognize valid logic.
Critical thinking: demonstrate the ability to think critically
by separating fact from opinion, drawing logical inferences, and
arriving at informed judgments.
Access information: demonstrate the ability to locate, evaluate,
and synthesize material in an appropriate and responsible
manner.
Cultural awareness/diversity: demonstrate an awareness and
appreciation of the varied perspectives that emerge locally, nationally,
or internationally, with respect to cultures, ethics, genders,
races, classes, and experiences.
Scientific literacy: demonstrate the ability to distinguish
between empirical and non-empirical evidence, demonstrate an
understanding of the scientific method, and make informed judgments
regarding the credibility of scientific claims.
Technology: demonstrate competency in the basic use of
computers by using computer technology in solving problems,
communicating, and acquiring information.
32 Kankakee Community College • 2009-10 catalog