General Education Program Overview
The General Education program at Palm Beach Atlantic University is the unifying educational experience for all undergraduate students. By initiating students into the liberal arts and sciences, the General Education program promotes the Guiding Principles of the university and provides a shared intellectual and spiritual frame of reference that unites the campus. By fostering the love of learning, creative expression, critical inquiry, and vibrant faith, the General Education program plays a vital role in the formation of virtuous citizens.
The General Education program at PBA promotes the development of contemplative and active citizens. To this end, the General Education curriculum cultivates the mind, develops moral character, and introduces the rewards of a lifetime of learning. Thus, it is both a sacred duty and a worthy investment.
The General Education program prepares students for citizenship:
A citizen of the professional community — The General Education curriculum supports the student’s major program of study by developing skills in critical thinking, oral and written communication, and servant leadership. This General Education curriculum gives students an appreciation of the larger intellectual and cultural context and provides foundational knowledge to pursue academic inquiry in all majors. Although students will ultimately focus their studies in one field, the General Education curriculum bridges the arts and sciences to the professional disciplines, broadening the basis of intellectual activities and interests and developing the capacity for critical inquiry and understanding in a culturally diverse society.
A citizen of the civic community — The General Education curriculum assists students in appreciating the origins and traditions of their civic community. Emphasizing literacy of the Western tradition, civic-mindedness, and aesthetic appreciation, the General Education curriculum provides students with the foundation necessary to serve their communities as critical, insightful, and responsible citizens who make a valuable contribution to society.
A citizen of the faith community — Although the Academy is not a substitute for the Church, the university promotes the wholeness of each member of the PBA community. Therefore, the General Education program explores the interconnectedness of faith and life. By introducing students to the traditions, values, and worldview perspectives of the Christian faith as expressed in the Bible and throughout history, the General Education curriculum equips students to become informed participants and leaders in their faith communities.
General Education Requirements
Institutional Learning Outcomes of the General Education Program
The successful graduate will:
- Demonstrate proficiency in written communication.
- Demonstrate proficiency in oral communication.
- Apply logic to construct sound arguments.
- Apply an appropriate method of intellectual inquiry for a given field of study to make decisions or solve problems.
- Demonstrate skills necessary to navigate Christian higher education in one’s chosen field.
- Describe various aspects of the western tradition (culture, history, art, literature, philosophy, etc.).
- Explain the nature and development of the free society and free enterprise within the Western tradition.
- Articulate awareness of diverse cultures, viewpoints, and perspectives and their influences on contemporary issues.
- Describe the biblical metanarrative.
- Integrate the biblical metanarrative into one’s professional and civic communities.
- Apply concepts of health promotion and wellness to the planning and implementation of an individualized health and fitness plan.
- Articulate the relationship between Christian worldview and character.
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