Mar 28, 2024  
2016-2017 Academic Catalog 
    
2016-2017 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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:

  ENG* E101  and ENG* E102   6 credits  
  Mathematics 3-4 credits  
  Science 3-4 credits  
  Fine Arts 3 credits  
  Social Science 3 credits  
  Behavioral Science 3 credits  
  Humanities 3 credits  
  Total 24-26 credits  

* 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.

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:

  BHEL Behavioral Science elective
  BUS Business elective
  C Computer Literacy (satisfies requirement)
  COMP Computer Science Elective
  FINA Fine Arts elective
  HUM Humanities elective
  MATH Mathematics elective
  SCI Science elective
  SSCI Social Science elective
  OPEN Elective All courses numbered 100 or higher