Globalization, technological revolution, multicultural societies--as we enter the 21st
century rapid change has fueled debate about the role of higher education. How do
we teach fundamentals from the past and skills for the future? What is the relevance
of academic learning to work and family life? How do we integrate into our curriculum
an understanding of ongoing discrimination, violence and injustice and the need for
social change? How do we produce citizens who are informed, productive and socially
responsible?
The General Education Program at SUNY Old Westbury was developed in response to
these questions. It is based on an interdisciplinary liberal arts curriculum that prepares
students for their career goals, further studies and participation in an increasingly
complex and diverse world. To this end, it is necessary to gain competencies in writing
and communication, critical thinking, information management and mathematical scientific
reasoning. Our objective is also to produce thoughtful, multifaceted individuals who are
capable of analyzing issues from a variety of perspectives and who have an awareness
of their own and others' backgrounds and cultures. Students will be exposed to the
foundations of modern thought as well as a critique of traditional frameworks and beliefs.
Courses will present both the methods and concepts of disciplinary knowledge and an
understanding of the links between these disciplines.
General Education Bulletin, 2012-13
(General Education Bulletin PDF)
