Introduction
General education (gen ed) courses form an essential part of any undergraduate degree, providing a broad foundation of knowledge and skills. At Penn State, gen eds are organized into five domains – Knowledge, Skills, Perspectives, Integrative, and Societal Impact.
Pain Points
- Students may find it challenging to identify easy gen eds that fit their interests and academic goals.
- Time constraints and heavy workloads can make it difficult to balance gen eds with core courses.
Motivations
- Boosting your overall GPA
- Exploring diverse academic fields
- Completing graduation requirements efficiently
Easy Gen Eds: Keyword-Specific Table
Knowledge Domain
| Course | Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AST 011: Solar System | Introduces the solar system, its composition, and its history | 3 |
| BIOL 110: Elements of Biology | Covers the fundamental concepts of life, from cellular structure to ecology | 3 |
| HIST 024: The American Revolution | Examines the causes, events, and consequences of the American Revolution | 3 |
Skills Domain
| Course | Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ARTH 100: Introduction to Art Appreciation | Cultivates an appreciation for various art forms, from painting to sculpture | 3 |
| CHM 011: Chemistry for Non-Science Majors | Unveils basic chemistry concepts and their applications in everyday life | 3 |
| CMPSC 100: Introduction to Computational Thinking | Teaches problem-solving and analytical skills through computer science concepts | 3 |
Perspectives Domain
| Course | Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AFRS 200: Introduction to African Studies | Explores the history, culture, and politics of Africa | 3 |
| CHLH 200: Child and Adolescent Literature | Analyzes children’s and young adult literature through historical, social, and developmental perspectives | 3 |
| PSCI 001: Government and Politics | Examines the principles, practices, and institutions of government | 3 |
Integrative Domain
| Course | Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CAS 100: Academic Success | Develops critical thinking, research, and communication skills essential for academic success | 1 |
| COMM 100: Communication and Society | Explores the role of communication in human relationships, organizations, and society | 3 |
| ENGL 15: College Composition | Enhances written communication skills through analysis, argumentation, and research | 3 |
Societal Impact Domain
| Course | Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENVSTD 100: Environment, Humanity, and You | Examines the interactions between humans and the environment | 3 |
| SOWK 001: Human Behavior and Social Environment | Explores the impact of social and environmental factors on human development and behavior | 3 |
| WGST 101: Introduction to Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies | Examines the diverse experiences of women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and gender non-conforming people | 3 |
Tips and Tricks
- Use the Penn State Gen Ed Course Explorer to search for courses that meet your interests and requirements.
- Consult with your academic advisor for guidance on course selection.
- Consider online or hybrid gen eds for flexibility and convenience.
- Take advantage of the summer semester to complete gen ed requirements at a faster pace.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Boosting your GPA
- Exploring diverse academic fields
- Completing graduation requirements efficiently
Cons:
- May not align with your major requirements
- Potential time constraints
- May not be as rigorous as core courses
Conclusion
By selecting easy Penn State gen eds, students can strategically boost their GPAs, expand their knowledge horizons, and fulfill graduation requirements. Remember to carefully consider your interests, academic goals, and time constraints when making your choices.