General Education

Overview

The purpose of the general education requirement is to provide students with a wide range of knowledge. It also provides them with the skills and abilities to transform this knowledge into responsible and effective participation in society. By the end of the general education program at Soka University of America, students will have acquired the foundation to:

1. Live, work, and provide leadership in a rapidly changing world.

2. Think critically and creatively.

3. Be effective at various modes of expression and communication.

4. Interact with and appreciate other cultures and traditions.

5. Take constructive action for a better society.

Underlying the general education program are courses aimed at integrating diverse disciplinary perspectives, with an emphasis on comparative and international dimensions. Within each course, clearly identified objectives are specified as being relevant to the overall general education program and to the mission of a Soka education. The program is designed to have synergy with the rest of the curriculum and to introduce or reinforce themes, goals, and outcomes of the SUA experience without being repetitive.

Specific courses within the general education curriculum are designed to meet one or more of the learning objectives outlined below. Together, these courses provide a broad academic foundation for future learning and for the practical skills and abilities students will need to become leaders and to succeed in society and in their chosen professions.

Development of skills and abilities

1. Clear and effective communication
2. Objective reasoning
3. Critical and creative thinking
4. Artistic expression
5. Mathematical competence
6. Information literacy
7. Ethical judgment
8. Civic engagement
9. Proficiency in a second language and culture
10. Health awareness

Introduction to the major areas of knowledge

1. Mathematics, Physical, and Biological Sciences
2. Arts and Humanities
3. Social and Behavioral Sciences
4. Language and Culture

Outline of Course Requirements

To satisfy the general education requirement, students are to take 23 credit-bearing courses (approximately 72 credits) distributed as follows:

Core (2 courses)

• CORE 100: The Enduring Questions of Humanity (first year)
• CORE 200: The Enduring Questions in Contemporary Contexts (second year)

Communication and Inquiry (3 courses)

• WRIT 101: Communication Skills (first year)
• INQUIRY 100: Modes of Inquiry (second year)
• Upper-level Writing requirement to be satisfied by any "W" designated Concentration course or any 300-level Writing course

Creative Arts (2 courses taken any year)

• Creative Arts
• CF 100: Creativity Forum

Science and Mathematics (3 courses, any year, one from each area)

• Mathematics
• Physical Sciences
• Biological Sciences

Area and Comparative Studies (2 courses)

• PACBASIN 100: Introduction to the Pacific Basin (1, first year)
• AMEREXP 200: American Experience (1, second year)

Language and Culture (4 courses)

Study Abroad (4 courses)

Learning Cluster (2 courses, first and second year)

Wellness (1 course, first or second year)

• WELL 100: Health and Wellness

Other General Education Electives

• LDRSHIP 100: Leadership
• DIST 290, 390, 490: Distinguished Topics
• CAREER 100: Career Building