Some of the requirements above may be fulfilled through enrolling in Core Curriculum courses if offered in the evening. In such cases:
ADC applicants who completed coursework at a regionally accredited college/university operating on the quarter system may meet General Education requirements with 3-quarter-unit courses graded Pass, ‘C’ (2.0), or higher, if such courses were taken prior in 1995 or earlier. It should be noted that the total number of units required to earn the undergraduate degree (124 units), is unchanged by this exception, so additional units may need to be earned to make up for any unit deficiency overall.
Once a student has matriculated, they must complete the Adult Degree Completion Program General Education as outlined above and must complete the following courses at Dominican: HCS 3160 Foundations: American Pluralism and ENGL 3442: Critical Inquiry and Reflective Writing. These courses may not be met by transfer or by exam after matriculation. ADC students are expected to complete their General Education requirements through ADC coursework.
ADC students may complete their General Education requirements through ADC General Education coursework offered by Dominican academic departments. Also, General Education may be completed through the Experiential Learning Portfolio, Unsponsored learning options. Matriculated ADC students may take up to 12 units of allowable GE course credit off-campus after matriculation. Prior approval is required from the academic advisor, the University’s Articulation Officer, and the GE Director. Submit a completed and signed Authorization to Take Courses Off-Campus form to the Registrar’s Office prior to enrolling in any off-campus courses. The approval process may take up to two weeks, so students should allow enough lead time when submitting the Authorization form.
The Experiential Learning Portfolio is a process that evaluates college-level learning and awards credit through proficiency assessment. Selected Experiential Learning units may meet General Education requirements as well as Elective Units to complete the bachelor's degree.
Consult the Experiential Learning Handbook of Course Competence Descriptions for a list of experiential learning competencies that fulfill General Education requirements. Selected CLEP or Excelsior College examinations and course challenges may also apply to General Education Requirements (see the Transfer Credit Policies and Credit for Prior Learning sections of this catalog).
1. Foundations (3 units)
An interdisciplinary study of contemporary issues of U.S. culture within the context of a group of adult learners who are beginning and resuming their academic education. Through this exploration students practice and refine foundational skills in critical thinking, reading, speaking, listening, and writing, and they integrate their personal and professional experience with their academic studies and goals. Students must complete this course at Dominican with a ‘C’ (2.0) or higher.
Course that Fulfills the Requirement
| HCS 3160 | Foundations: American Pluralism | 3.00 units |
OR
For returning students: Other previously required Foundations course(s) at Dominican, such as SCS 3160, will be accepted only if students have already fulfilled the GE writing and public speaking requirements in effect at that time. If not, such courses taken before Fall 2016 will be accepted as elective units.
Course Learning Outcomes
The student will:
- Demonstrate an interdisciplinary understanding of specific contemporary issues of U.S. culture
- Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between life experience and academic goals
- Write university-level essays that include:
- Specific, debatable theses;
- Relevant, cogent, and valid supporting evidence;
- Logical and coherent organization, including effective paragraphing and transitions;
- Precise word choice and correctness in spelling, grammar, mechanics, and punctuation; and
- Appropriate research methods and documentation.
- Design a cogent oral argument suitable to the topic, purpose, and audience (being responsive to audience diversity)
- Deliver effective, informative speeches
- Critically evaluate content and delivery of peer oral speeches
2. Critical Inquiry & Reflective Writing (3 units)
Further development of competencies in critical thinking, expository writing, and research across the disciplines. Practice in identifying, summarizing, evaluating, and integrating information. Students must complete this course at Dominican with a ‘C’ (2.0) or higher. Prerequisite: passing HCS 3160 with a grade of ‘C’ (2.0) or higher.
Course that Fulfills the Requirement
| ENGL 3442 | Critical Inquiry & Reflective Writing | 3.00 units |
with a grade of 'C' (2.0) or higher. This course must be taken at Dominican.
Course Learning Outcomes
The student will:
- Demonstrate continuing competency in the development of:
- Specific, debatable these;
- Relevant, cogent, and valid supporting evidence;
- Logical and coherent organization, including effective paragraphing and transitions; and
- Precise word choice and correctness in spelling, grammar, mechanics, and punctuation.
- Use appropriate research methods and information sources.
- Demonstrate critical thinking and analysis through such methods as summary, evaluation, and integration of research.
- Apply standard documentation, such as APA, MLA, or CMS.
3. Mathematical Thinking and Quantitative Reasoning (3-4 units)
The primary goals of the Mathematical Thinking and Quantitative Reasoning Requirement are to help students develop certain general intellectual mathematical abilities and to see mathematics as an enriching and empowering discipline. Students will undertake practices that encourage independent exploration in mathematics, and that develop tenacity and confidence in their abilities to use mathematics.
Course Learning Outcomes
The student will:
- Apply analytical and theoretical methods to solve mathematical problems.
- Interpret and draw inferences from data, graphs, tables, or mathematical models.
Course that Fulfills the Requirement
Leadership and Management major meet the MT/QR requirement by completing:
| BUS 4110 | Statistics and Research/Decision Making | 3.00 units |
| BUS 4112 | ADC: Business Analytics & Quantitative Reasoning | 4.00 units |
Psychology majors may choose to meet the MT/QR requirement by completing or placing out of Intermediate Algebra with a grade of 'C' (2.0) or higher (see below), followed by:
| PSY 3187 | Statistics for Health & Behavioral Sciences | 4.00 units |
ADC Math Placement Policy
This policy assumes the GE Mathematical Thinking and Quantitative Reasoning requirement, may be fulfilled by completing one of the following courses: MATH 1350 Quantitative Reasoning (3 units); BUS 4110 Statistics and Research for Decision Making (3 units); or PSY 3187 Statistics for the Health and Behavioral Sciences (4 units).
All ADC students who have not met the GE Mathematical Thinking and Quantitative Reasoning requirement prior to enrollment will complete this category in the following ways:
1. MATH 1350 for majors in Literary and Intercultural Studies (or placing out of this course by completion of one of the items below)
2. PSY 3187 for majors in Psychology, who have passed a college course in Intermediate Algebra, or have achieved an appropriate score on the ALEKS assessment exam or the CLEP Math exam.
3. Business students in the major of Leadership and Management complete BUS 4112: Business Analytics and Quantitative Reasoning (4 units) as part of the major and this meets the Quantitative Reasoning GE requirement
Ways to place out of the Mathematical Thinking and Quantitative Requirement (or for psychology majors, how to place directly into PSY 3187):
• Pass a college-level Intermediate Algebra course, articulated and approved by the University with a grade of ‘C’ (2.0) or higher
• Achieve a score of 46-100 on the ALEKS assessment exam
• Achieve a score of at least 50 on the Math CLEP exam
Note: All prerequisites must be passed with a ‘C’ (2.0) or higher before advancing to the next mathematics course.
4. Social Science (3 units)
The disciplines of social science investigate the thought and behavior of human individuals and groups as cultural contexts and social environments condition them. The aim of social science inquiry is to gather empirical evidence regarding, and to develop theories explaining, human thought, action, and interaction.
Courses that Fulfill the Requirement
| PSY 1100 | Introduction to Psychology | 4.00 units |
Course Learning Outcomes
The student will:
- Effectively communicate an understanding of the method(s) used by the particular social science under study
- Articulate at least three theories used to understand human behavior in the social science discipline
- Recognize themselves as citizens of diverse communities
5. Natural Science (3 units)
Scientific reasoning is distinguished by understanding and applying scientific method, laboratory techniques, mathematical principles, and experimental design to natural phenomena. The natural science requirement prepares students to (a) understand the role of empirical data in establishing scientific knowledge; (b) appreciate that, in addition to empirical evidence, science involves skepticism and rational arguments; that it is not opinion but is rather a reasoned consensus among informed experts which improves over time; and (c) comprehend several paradigmatic examples of the fundamental conceptual models in at least one of the disciplines of the natural sciences including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Geology.
To satisfy the General Education requirement in natural sciences ADC students are required to complete one course. ADC students can transfer in up to 3 units of either Biological or Physical Science, with or without a lab. ADC students who transfer without 3 units of Natural Science will select appropriate courses after consultation with their advisor.
Course that Fulfills the Requirement
| ENSC 2000 | Environmental Sciences | 3.00 units |
| | and | |
| ENSC 2005 | Environmental Sciences Lab | 1.00 unit |
Course Learning Outcomes
The student will:
- Use (understand) the scientific method to carry out a quantitative experiment—develop a hypothesis and research protocol, analyze data, interpret and assess reliability of results, and draw reasonable conclusions
- Communicate the result effectively in written and oral form including use of figures, graphs, and presentation software
- Explain the method by which scientific theories and models evolve over time
- Explain key scientific ideas covered in the class
- Show the relevance of scientific findings to current social, political, and/or ethical issues.
6. Creative and Performing Arts (3 units)
The experience and growth of one's own creativity through the actual process of making art through studio work, creative writing, performing arts, visual arts, or music. The creative process should include the use of problem solving and methodology, personal experience, reflection, and invention.
Courses that Fulfill the Requirement
Any Creative Writing course could fulfill this requirement, as might an Art portfolio completed in ENGL 3442.
Applied Music Private or Class Instruction: Note: Please contact Music office for permission to enroll and for a schedule of the fees associated with this course.
Or any course that fulfills the Artistic and Creative Expression requirement in the CORE curriculum and that is offered during ADC hours.
Course Learning Outcomes
The student will:
- Identify important concepts and methods under study
- Apply the above to the creation of works in the artistic genre
- Engage in the creative process as an effective and imaginative problem-solving method, involving research, development and synthesis
7. Moral Philosophy/Ethics (3 units)
Practicing the art of clear and cogent reasoning in the critical analysis of various moral positions and arguments on a variety of contemporary ethical issues.
Courses that Fulfill the Requirement
| BUS 4406 | ADC: Corporate Social Responsibility, Law, Ethics | 3.00 units |
| PHIL 2123 | Ethical Being, Being Ethical | 4.00 units |
| PHIL 2109 | Healthcare Ethics and Equity | 4.00 units |
| PHIL 2520 | Self, Community and Ethical Action | 4.00 units |
Or any course that fulfills the Examined Life requirement in the CORE Curriculum and that is offered during ADC hours.
Course Learning Outcomes
The student will:
- Conduct analysis of contemporary ethical issues
- Comprehend ethical method and theory
- Make moral arguments that demonstrate awareness of and sensitivity to differing values and ethical perspectives
8. Religion (3 units)
Sustained engagement with the questions of God, social betterment, and individual human fulfillment through the study of Biblical literature, Christian theology and social justice ideals, and/or the world's major religious traditions.
Course that Fulfills the Requirement
Or any course that fulfills the
Purpose and Meaning requirement in the CORE Curriculum and that is offered during ADC hours.
Course Learning Outcomes
The student will:
- Explain key features (e.g., scriptural contents and context, major historical events and their contexts, ritual practices, spirituality, ethical perspectives, theology, impact on culture) of the religion(s) being studied.
- Analyze such features critically per at least one of the following:
- Their implication for dealing with problems in contemporary social life (e.g., sexual and gender issues, ecological issues, poverty, war, religious diversity, science and religion).
- Their impact on the student’s personal quest for meaning and spiritual well-being.
- Express their knowledge in some effective written document (e.g., essay examination, research paper, reflection paper, journal).