General Education Core
All degree programs at HCC share a common core of learning. This core, considered General Education, is that aspect of the college’s instructional program that develops and integrates the student’s knowledge, skills, and experiences so that the student can engage effectively in a lifelong process of inquiry and critical thinking.
General Education Core* courses are:
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ENG* E101 and ENG* E102 |
6 credits |
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Mathematics |
3-4 credits |
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Science |
3-4 credits |
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Fine Arts |
3 credits |
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Social Science |
3 credits |
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Behavioral Science |
3 credits |
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Humanities |
3 credits |
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Total |
24-26 credits |
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* In addition to the General Education core students must complete the computer literacy requirement.
Goals and Objectives of the General Education Core
The student will be able to:
1. Demonstrate a general knowledge of the liberal arts and sciences:
1.1 Demonstrate a knowledge of the humanities and their methods;
1.2 Demonstrate a knowledge of the behavioral and social sciences and their methods;
1.3 Demonstrate a knowledge of the sciences and their methods;
1.4 Demonstrate a knowledge of fine arts and their methods;
2. Develop the ability to think critically:
2.1 State a problem clearly;
2.2 Observe data accurately;
2.3 Analyze and organize facts and ideas;
2.4 Draw reasonable inferences from facts and ideas.
3. Develop the ability to communicate effectively:
3.1 Write and speak clearly in standard English;
3.2 Receive and comprehend written and oral information;
3.3 Develop and explain a main idea;
3.4 Develop an argument to persuade an audience.
4. Develop the ability to use print and electronic information systems:
4.1 Collect and organize information about a topic;
4.2 Access information from libraries using printed and electronic sources;
4.3 Know the fundamentals of computer operation.
5. Develop the ability to make informed judgments concerning ethical issues:
5.1 Recognize both personal and public ethical issues;
5.2 Understand the consequences of a decision or a course of action.
6. Develop the ability to reason quantitatively:
6.1 Apply arithmetic and basic algebraic skills to problem-solving;
6.2 Interpret numerical information as presented in charts and graphs.
Computer Literacy Requirement
In today’s global society, computer literacy has become an essential skill, comparable to reading, writing, and arithmetic. Computer literacy at the college level means the ability to use computer-based technology in communicating, problem solving, and acquiring information. Upon graduation, students should have the tools necessary to evaluate and learn new technologies as they become available.
In order to complete their education at Housatonic Community College, HCC students must either complete a program-specific course showing computer literacy or successfully pass a test that shows ability to use word processing, presentation software, spreadsheets, the Internet, and email as tools to communicate and access electronic information.
All students enrolling in an associate degree program at HCC are required to fulfill the Computer Literacy Requirement prior to graduation and are encouraged to do so within the first 12 college-level credits.
The Computer Literacy Requirement can be satisfied in either of the following ways:
- Successful completion of a designated Code “C” course at HCC or an equivalent course from another accredited college (an official transcript must be submitted and a course description and course syllabus may be requested).
- Passing the HCC Computer Literacy Test* with a satisfactory score.
* Students who fail to pass the test after two attempts (one month apart) must satisfy the Computer Literacy Requirement by taking one of the designated Code “C” courses.
The Computer Literacy Requirement is built into some of the associate degree programs.
Elective Code “C” courses at HCC will teach students to meet the following computer literacy competencies adapted from digitalliteracy.gov:
- The ability to use a computer or mobile device, including use of a mouse, keyboard, icons, and folders;
- The ability to use software and applications as tools of communication, including proficiency in at least four of the following software types: word processing, spreadsheet software, presentation software, the Internet, and email.
Courses that satisfy Computer Literacy Requirement (code C):
Course Elective Codes
All degree and certificate programs require various courses that must be completed to meet graduation requirements. Many programs include elective courses in addition to specific courses.
The following codes are used to help you and your advisor determine which elective the course will satisfy. In addition to the codes indicated, all courses with course numbers at the 100 and 200 level (HSE* E101 , as example) qualify as open electives. You are advised to pay special attention to program footnotes when selecting your electives.
NOTE: Please read Expectations for Student Use of Computers in Courses here.
Elective Codes:
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BHEL |
Behavioral Science elective |
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BUS |
Business elective |
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C |
Computer Literacy (satisfies requirement) |
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COMP |
Computer Science Elective |
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FINA |
Fine Arts elective |
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HUM |
Humanities elective |
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MATH |
Mathematics elective |
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SCI |
Science elective |
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SSCI |
Social Science elective |
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OPEN Elective |
All courses numbered 100 or higher |
Expectations for Student Use of Computers in Courses
Any Housatonic Community College course may require substantial computer based learning including use of the Internet, e-text books, instructional software, Blackboard*, research data bases, online assignments, etc., for the completion of class assignments, homework, research and assessments.
Computer- based learning experiences may be used in place of or in addition to traditional lectures for some lessons. All students have access to computer laboratories in both Beacon Hall and Lafayette Hall. Computer access is also available in the college library.
* Please see Course Descriptions for more information about Blackboard use in college classes.
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TERMS YOU NEED TO KNOW
- Degree programs: academic programs requiring 60 to 68 credit hours to complete and which earn the Associate in Arts or the Associate in Science degree designation. An Associate Degree requires a minimum of 60 credits.
- Certficate programs: short-term programs, usually 30 credits or less, intended for occupational training, upgrading, or retraining. Students receive a Certificate upon successfully fulfilling all requirements and applying for graduation.
- Online courses: courses offered via computer Internet connection, without regularly scheduled on-campus classes. For more information, contact the Director of Distance Learning, 203-332-5068.
- Hybrid courses: courses that combine traditional classroom lectures with online coursework. Normally 50% of course work is conducted by on-campus meetings. All hybrid courses meet in the classroom on the first scheduled day of class.
- Prerequisite course: a course that must be successfully completed before a student can enroll in the next course. Often a grade of “C” or higher is required.
- Parallel course: a course that must be taken during the same semester as another course in order to fulfill the prerequisite for that course.
- Electives: credit courses selected by the student to supplement the required courses in the program of study. Students should consult with their faculty advisors when choosing electives. The courses from which electives may be selected are specified in the program of study.
- Behavioral Sciences electives (code BHEL): courses in the behavioral sciences disciplines (anthropology, psychology, sociology).
- Business electives (code BUS): courses included under the following headings: accounting, business administration, business office technology, computer science, and economics.
- Computer Literacy Requirement courses (code C): Successful completion of these courses will satisy the requirement.
- Computer Science electives (code COMP): any computer science course except CSA* E106 and CSA* E220 .
- Fine Arts electives (code FINA): courses in ART* (except ART* E290 ), DGA* E283 , music, theater (except THR* E190 and THR* E290 ), and creative writing (ENG* E281 , ENG* E282 ).
- Humanities electives (code HUM): courses in humanities, literature (except ENG* E281 and ENG* E282 ), philosophy, religion, foreign languages, and American Sign Language.
- Mathematics electives (code MATH): any mathematics course (except MAT* E075 and MAT* E095 ).
- Open electives: courses whose credits can be applied toward graduation, numbered 100 or higher.
- Science electives (code SCI): any course listed under biology, chemistry, engineering, natural science, and physics. Students planning to transfer should give serious attention to selecting a science elective with a laboratory.
- Social Sciences electives(code SSCI): courses included in the social sciences disciplines (economics, geography, government, history, political science) and CJS* E101 , SOC* E220 , and SOC* E222 .
- Open elective: All courses numbered 100 or higher
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TRANSFER OPTIONS @ HCC
- CSCU Transfer Ticket Programs - Offered in a number of subject areas designed to provide seamless transfer to CT State Universities. See Degrees & Certificates for more information.
- Pathway to Teaching Careers - Students will be prepared to transfer to the teacher preparation program at Southern Connecticut State University where students will work toward a baccalaureate degree with secondary education certification in their area of specialization. See Degrees & Certificates for more information.
- The Connecticut College of Technology Pathway Programs - See Degrees & Certificates .
- Articulation & Transfer Agreements with more than 15 four-year Colleges - See Academic Support & Student Services .
- Guaranteed Admissions Agreement with CT State Universities Students must apply before they have accrued 15 transferable credits. See Academic Support & Student Services .
New students interested in transfer opportunities are encouraged to speak with their advisor, Advising and Counseling Center in LH A108 as soon as soon as possible to ensure that they are aware of the requirements for a particular transfer process. Please refer to www.housatinic.edu for more information on transfer opportunities for Housatonic students.
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