University Core Curriculum

1. The ability to communicate through the use of the spoken or written word requires the development of speech and writing skills.

   Communication (6 hours) A course used to satisfy this requirement shall have as its primary focus the improvement of student expression in communication. This focus on student expression should be demonstrated both in course instruction and assessment. Acceptable forms of student expression may range from creative to technical. Acceptable courses may include those embedded in subject areas other than writing. This requirement must be satisfied by ENGL 104 (3 hours) and one of the following:

2. Without knowledge of mathematics, the language of science; and logic, the art of critical inquiry; it is not possible to understand or participate in the development of knowledge.

3. Knowledge and appreciation of science as a significant human activity, rather than merely a listing of results or collection of data, is acquired only by engaging in the activities of science.

   Natural Sciences (8 hours) Two or more natural sciences courses which deal with fundamental principles and in which critical evaluation and analysis of data and processes are required. A minimum of one course shall include a corresponding laboratory. Non-technical courses are specifically excluded.

4. Knowledge of our culture and its ideals makes possible both social integration and self-realization (see note 4).

   A. Humanities (3 hours) Courses used to satisfy this requirement shall address one of the following subject areas: history, philosophy, literature, the arts, culture or language (exclusive of courses devoted predominantly to acquiring language skills in a student's native language). Acceptable courses are:

B. Visual and Performing Arts (3 hours) Acceptable courses are:

5. As the human social environment becomes more complex, it is increasingly important for individuals to understand the nature and function of their social, political and economic institutions (see note 4).

   A. Social and Behavioral Sciences (3 hours) Courses used to satisfy this requirement shall address one of the following subject areas: anthropology, economics, political science, geography, psychology, sociology or communication. Acceptable courses are:

B. U.S. History and Political Science (12 hours, 6 hours of history and 6 hours of political science) To be a responsible citizen of the world it is necessary, first, to be a responsible citizen of one's own country and community.

POLS 206 and 207 and HIST 105 and 106 or other courses in American and Texas history, except that courses pertaining solely to Texas history may not comprise more than 3 hours.

6. As individual and national destinies become progressively more interconnected, the ability to survive and succeed is increasingly linked to the development of a more pluralistic, diverse and globally aware populace. Two courses from the following list are to be taken by the student. If a course listed below also satisfies another University Core Curriculum requirement, it can be used to satisfy both requirements if the student wishes to do so. For example, a course that satisfies the Social and Behavioral Sciences requirement may be used to satisfy the International and Cultural Diversity requirement if that course also appears on the list below.

7. As the ancient scholars knew and as modern research has confirmed, the development of the body as well as the mind is an integral part of the educational process.

   Kinesiology requirements are to be fulfilled by completing KINE 198 Health and Fitness and any other one KINE 199 course. KINE 199 used to fulfill University Core Curriculum requirements must be taken S/U. KINE 199 courses not included in the University Core Curriculum can be taken for a grade in accordance with the student's college policy. Transfer students with fewer than 2 hours of kinesiology credit must meet the KINE 198 requirement either by transfer of credit or by taking the course at Texas A&M.

1. Individual degree programs may impose more restrictive requirements in any of these areas. Students should consult the degree listing in this catalog and their academic advisors to ensure that they are satisfying all requirements of their majors.
   
2. With the exception of courses satisfying the International and Cultural Diversity requirement (see section 6), no course shall be counted twice by the same student toward satisfaction of the University Core Curriculum requirements. For example, if a student elects to use ARCH 349 to satisfy the Visual and Performing Arts requirement, the student may not use the course to satisfy the Humanities requirement.
   
3. Courses numbered 285, 289, 484, 485 or 489 do not satisfy University Core Curriculum requirements.
4. No student may satisfy all 12 hours of University Core Curriculum requirements in the categories of Humanities, Visual and Performing Arts, and Social and Behavioral Sciences by courses having the same prefix.
   
5. If courses in MODL are used to fulfill the Humanities requirement, they must be in a different language than taken in high school or, if in the same language, at the 200-level or higher. For example, if the student took Spanish in high school, then the student may not use SPAN 101 or 102 in satisfying the Humanities requirement.
   
6. Students transferring course credit to satisfy the University Core Curriculum requirements should refer to the Texas Common Course Numbering System (see Appendix B) and the Transfer Course Credit Policies in this catalog.
   
7. Only sections of these courses taken abroad will satisfy the international and cultural diversity requirement.