General Studies

GNST 093 — Basic Writing Skills. 4 hours.

Helps to diagnose and remediate deficiencies in grammar, usage, sentence structure, and writing. Introduces students to the writing process, promotes writing based on readings, and encourages writing confidence. Students must pass an exit exam to pass this course. Placement in this course is determined by the ACT English score. For students placed in this course, it is prerequisite to ENGL 108. This course does not count in the grade point average calculation or toward the 128 hour graduation requirement. Three classroom periods, two writing lab periods.

GNST 095 — Intermediate Algebra. 4 hours.

A second course in algebra covering the standard topics through systems of equations. Equivalent to the second year of high-school algebra. Prerequisite: Math ACT score of 14 or above, or passing a course in Basic Algebra. This course does not apply to degree requirements.

GNST 101 — Essentials of Learning. 3 hours.

A course of basic instructional guidance designed for students who do not meet regular admissions criteria. Students in this course form a support group while acquiring study skills and traits of good students like self-motivation and time management. Academic counseling is provided to assist the student in progressing toward success in college.

GNST 105 — Learning Success Strategies. 3 hours.

This course is an in-depth exposure to the principles of learning how to learn by using an interdisciplinary approach to the development of academic skills. Topics include learning theory, learning styles, organizational skills, motivation, accountability, and applied learning behaviors for learning across the curriculum. Students will evaluate their own academic performance and develop a personal academic success plan for improving their academic standing.

GNST 106 — College Reading. 3 hours.

A basic college reading skills course for students with a 17 or below on the ACT reading subtest. Emphasis is on the development of reading skills across the curriculum including understanding main ideas and supporting details in written material, distinguishing between literal and figurative language, analyzing and evaluating relationships among ideas in written material, making inferences from text, and reading with literal and critical comprehension.

GNST 110 — Freshman Seminar: Connections. 1 hour.

A required freshman seminar designed to introduce freshmen to university learning and to facilitate academic advising. Topics will help students connect to academic advisers and campus resources for success, and develop student success strategies as defined through the Covey Habits curriculum.