General Education at MRC

Gen Ed

Foundational Courses

for fall, 2008

Numeracy & Scientific Literacy

These courses aim to develop an understanding of the nature and methods of subjects in the health sciences, natural sciences and mathematics, as well as assuring that students have the opportunity to acquire essential mathematical skills needed in post-secondary studies. 

 Foundation courses currently include:

 GNED 1101       Scientific and Mathematical Literacy for the Modern World

Students will expand their understanding of the intersections of mathematics, science and technology with daily life. The course will develop and apply critical thinking and scientific reasoning skills through the examination of issues drawn from the real world and current events.

 GNED 1102       Controversies in Science

This course provides an introduction to scientific knowledge, its role in society and the relationship between scientific inquiry and mathematics. Students will learn about the scientific method, the role of mathematics and statistics as reasoning tools and how to research, evaluate and write about science. Science controversies will be used in case studies.

 Text Box: For further information on this cluster, please contact: Gerry Cross, Cluster Coordinator By phone at local 6148 or by email at gcross@mtroyal.ca

Cluster 2

Values, Beliefs and Identity

These courses provide students with the opportunity to critically explore the values, beliefs and ideas, that shape and are shaped by, human experience. The understandings and senses of meaning expressed by individuals, communities and societies through their art, music, literature, philosophy and critical thought will be explored. Students will also have the opportunity to explore the various media through which cultural expression takes place. They will consider the impact of technology upon both the media and the content of cultural expression.

 Foundation courses currently include:

 GNED 1202       Ideas that Matter

“Ideas that Matter” is a course that explores how specific ideas shape attitudes, belief systems and values through the perspectives of various disciplines. Students will learn about the nature, origins and relevance of one or more complex concepts such as beauty, mind, identity, modernity or the good life.

Cluster 3

 Through these courses, students will explore the complex interlocking of interests and relations that constitute social life from the level of the local community through to the globalized network of societies. Through the study of the interlocking of material, moral and political factors informing society at all levels, students will have the opportunity to acquire skills enabling them to both understand and act in the world that they will be inhabiting as citizens.

 Foundation courses currently include:

 GNED 1301       Globalization

Students will gain an understanding of the impact and opportunities of globalization, as well as the barriers. A thorough discussion of the pros and cons of globalization will be included. The international environment will be introduced through a holistic analysis of political, economic and cultural differences. International institutions and trading blocs will be discussed and the factors contributing to cross-cultural effectiveness will be introduced.

 GNED 1304       Communities and Societies

Students will be guided to develop a richer awareness of the various communities and societies in which they live and participate. This interdisciplinary course will progressively examine family, communities of belonging, post-secondary education, the city, the province, the state and global economic, political and cultural concentric systems.

Cluster 4

Communication

These courses focus on the development of an undergraduate level of proficiency in written and oral communication across a range of media. They further facilitate the development of a capacity for critical reflection upon various communication media and their uses. This cluster of courses also provides the opportunity for study in languages other than English.

 Foundation courses currently include:

 GNED 1401       Critical Writing and Reading

NOTE:     This course is listed as ENGL 1101 in fall, 2008 Calendar.

This foundational composition course offered by the department of English focuses on effective writing styles for academic and wider social contexts. Students will respond to texts pertaining to a variety of disciplines and develop critical reading and thinking skills. Students will also refine their understanding and practice of the structures of writing.

GNED 1402       Writing for the Professions

This course presents the principles and techniques of writing for the professions. The course provides students with an opportunity to develop skills in written and oral communication and to critically analyze documents and genres commonly used in various professions. Practice in a variety of writing situations encountered by professions such as correspondence, proposals, documented research reports, abstracts, definitions, product and process descriptions is provided.

  For further information on this cluster, please contact: Bill Bunn, Cluster Coordinator By phone at local 5945 or by email at wbunn@mtroyal.ca

Department of General Education

Chair                David Clemis

Phone              440-5995

Email               dclemis@mtroyal.ca

Web  www.mtroyal.ca/teachingandlearning/gened