Director of General Education
Jeri List, M.S.
402.552.6286
listjeri@clarksoncollege.edu
General Education Mission
To impart upon the student broad knowledge of nature, society and culture to complement their health care specialization and prepare them for a dynamic and ever changing world.
General Education Overview
At Clarkson College, the General Education department has created courses specifically with health care students in mind. These courses are uniquely student-centered and facilitate the application of classroom learning to real life situations. General Education courses, as well as the carefully designed Healthcare Core, ensure that we provide the foundations necessary for successful progression through each of the Clarkson College programs of study.
General Education Goals
The goal of the Clarkson College General Education curriculum is to provide a comprehensive foundation of understanding and knowledge that incorporates our students' previous experiences, while serving as the basis for personal and professional success in the 21st century. Specific goals of the General Education curriculum are to:
- Provide appropriate and effective general education courses designed specifically to support the Clarkson College Mission.
- Present courses that permit students to expand their abilities in the natural sciences, mathematics, written and oral communication, the social sciences, the humanities, and history.
- Offer general education courses in formats that permit integrative and applied learning through a variety of delivery systems.
- Develop teamwork and leadership skills and talents that will provide Clarkson College students the opportunity to assume dynamic roles in their chosen profession.
- Deliver the required health care core curriculum, consisting of a variety of courses organized into three categories, all designed to enhance each student’s success while in college as well as after graduation.
- Provide a full range of courses that are flexible and innovative in assessing the needs of both our students and this institution.
General Education Course Outcomes
- Communication: Students will demonstrate thoughtful communication through clear description, organization and expression. (Communication)**
- Critical Thinking: Students will analyze multidimensional topics and concepts. (Critical Thinking)**
- Technology: Students will exhibit adaptability to changing technologies. (Technology)**
- Professionalism: Students will demonstrate appropriate behaviors and interactions with others. (Professionalism)**
- Diversity: Students will evaluate the impact and importance of diversity in health care. (Diversity)**
**Categories denoted in the parentheses represent relationship to the Clarkson College student success skills, which are our institutional student learning outcomes, and include Communication, Technology, Critical Thinking, Diversity and Professionalism.
Healthcare Core Curriculum
Our Healthcare Core not only provides common intellectual experiences, it also enhances student success while in college and enriches a student's professional skills in each of the following:
- Critical thinking and broad integrative learning;
- Written and oral communication;
- Analysis, problem solving and decision making;
- Personal, social, cultural and global awareness;
- Professional and biomedical ethics;
- Teamwork and leadership potential
All undergraduate students will complete one course from each of the following Healthcare Core categories at Clarkson College (these courses may not be transferred):
Intercultural Communication (designated service course)
Clarkson College offers a variety of Intercultural Communication courses, designed specifically to meet the needs of all students, whether relatively new to the health care field, or those with more experience. These courses emphasize the value in learning how to interact effectively with others in the culturally diverse and beautifully complex world in which we live and prepare to work.
- IC 200 Developing Cultural Competence
- IC 210 Patient Engagement, Medicine and Mass Media
- IC 220 Communicating Confidently Across Cultures
Humanities
Clarkson College offers a variety of humanities courses to broaden each student’s perspective of self and others. These courses emphasize that human knowledge, particularly in the areas of health and medicine, is constantly changing; only those who understand origins, context, causality, and trends will be prepared to innovate in the future. These courses are designed for all students, regardless of previous knowledge and experience.
- HU 200 A Cultural History of the Healing Arts
- HU 205 The History of Science, Technology and Medicine
- HU 210 American Social Movements
- HU 215 Academic Travel Abroad Humanities
- HU 220 World Religions
Ethics, Empathy, and Advocacy
Clarkson College offers a variety of courses to develop an understanding of patients’ rights on a deeper level by examining biomedical and social ethics through special populations that typically require greater advocacy. These courses emphasize how the health care system reflects the broader culture and its values. They are designed to meet the needs of all students in the health care field, regardless of experience level.
- EA 200 Biomedical Ethics in Healthcare
- EA 205 Death and Dying
- EA 210 American Poverty and Healthcare
- EA 215 Abnormal Psychology
Service Requirements
Service reflects a holistic view that focuses on how individuals provide high quality, ethical and compassionate service in the field of health care and the community at large. Students will become familiar with service agencies, connect learning with practice and engage in civic service activities to live and demonstrate the Clarkson College Values of Learning, Caring, Commitment, Integrity and Excellence.
All students are required to complete designated service courses as a component of their program of study. Successful completion of service experiences is required to pass the designated service courses. Designated service courses are identified using the following symbol: ◊
General Education Requirements
A minimum of one Healthcare Core courses from each category (outlined above) is required for students in an undergraduate program. Students have the option to choose additional Healthcare Core, General Education or Community Health courses for elective credit.
Undergraduate General Education Courses
Fundamentals of Biology I is an introduction to the major biological themes essential to understanding life processes. Topics include: scientific method, chemical basis of life, cell structure, cellular metabolism and energy release, DNA, protein synthesis and gene expression.
Fundamentals of Biology II is a continuation of Fundamentals of Biology I. Topics include: cellular reproduction, inherited traits, chromosomes, genomes, evolution, survey of life forms, and animal reproduction and development.
This course provides an introduction to basic nutrition information. Cultural differences in food behaviors are discussed in relationship to healthy dietary habits. The course furthers the study of nutrition as students are guided through the concepts of medical nutrition therapy (MNT). Medical nutrition therapy involves specific diseases or conditions requiring modifications of the nutritional components of the normal diet. Each modified diet has a purpose or rationale and its use is usually determined by the physician and/or dietitian.
Microbiology is a course designed to introduce students to microbial structure, classification and identification. The characteristics of bacterial, viral, fungal and protozoan diseases will be examined. The impact of microbiology on health care professions will be emphasized.
Microbiology Recitation meets for one hour each week to reinforce the concepts and knowledge discussed in the lecture course. Topics such as study skills, reading, note-taking, time management and test-taking strategies are explored in conjunction with course content. Recitation also provides students an opportunity to ask questions and practice new skills in a small group environment.
Students will gain important concepts about human anatomy in preparation for their degree program coursework. Because knowledge of the human anatomy is essential in understanding and practicing methods used in their skill, anatomy will provide students anatomical foundation they will need to become successful as a student and a future practitioner.
Human Anatomy Recitation meets for one hour each week to reinforce the concepts and knowledge discussed in the lecture course. Topics such as study skills, reading, note-taking, time management and test-taking strategies are explored in conjunction with course content. Recitation also provides students an opportunity to ask questions and practice new skills in a small group environment.
Human Physiology is a rigorous course designed for students pursuing health care careers. This course will provide a foundation of basic principles necessary for pathophysiology and pharmacology, as well as the study of related health care subjects. Emphasis is placed on relating anatomy to physiology, system connections, homeostatic mechanisms and clinical applications that will impact future patients. Instructional activities in lecture and lab are integrated to facilitate the application of basic principles and critical thinking to the health care field.
Human Physiology Recitation meets for one hour each week to reinforce the concepts and knowledge discussed in the lecture course. Topics such as study skills, reading, note-taking, time management and test-taking strategies are explored in conjunction with course content. Recitation also provides students an opportunity to ask questions and practice new skills in a small group environment.
Immunology is a study of the principles of immunology, including development of the immune system, innate immunity, antigen-antibody reactions, T cell-mediated immunity, host defense, humoral responses, effector mechanisms, immunological tolerance and autoimmunity, responses against tumors and transplants, hypersensitivity responses, and congenital and acquired immunodeficiencies.
Kinesiology is a study of joint structure, joint function, and the biomechanical principles of human motion, including normal gait and selected pathological gait patterns. Emphasis is placed on the interaction between biomechanical and kinesiological factors in musculoskeletal and neuromuscular function.
Genetics is a study of the basic principles of genetics, including the structure and function of DNA, genes, chromosomes, genetic inheritance, gene action, and genetic control of cellular processes. These basic genetic principles will be applied to human populations and disease.
This course provides an introduction to the topics of inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry and biochemistry. Topics include: atomic structure and bonding; chemical reactions; nomenclature; gases; solutions; acids; bases and buffers; the function and structure of carbohydrates; lipids; proteins and nucleic acids; metabolic pathways and energy production. Emphasis will be placed on topics that relate to health care professions.
Chemistry recitation meets for one hour each week to reinforce the concepts and knowledge discussed in the lecture course. Topics such as study skills, reading, note-taking, time management and test-taking strategies are explored in conjunction with course content. Recitation also provides students an opportunity to ask questions and practice new skills in a small group environment.
General Chemistry I is a study of the structure of matter, periodicity, formulas, atomic structure, chemical bonding, molecular structure, chemical equations, stoichiometry, periodic law, introductory thermodynamics, and properties of selected elements.
General Chemistry II is a continuation of General Chemistry I. This will include a study of the behavior of gases, solids and liquids, kinetics and equilibrium, solution chemistry, acids and bases, solubility, electrochemistry, and an introduction to classical quantitative methods of analysis.
Organic Chemistry I is a study of the chemistry of carbon, including nomenclature, vocabulary, functional groups, and types of organic reactions.
Organic Chemistry II is a continuation of Organic Chemistry I. This class will include a study of organic reaction mechanisms and advanced analytical procedures, such as spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR).
Biochemistry is a study of biomolecules, including enzymology, cellular metabolism, and gene expression.
This course introduces the frameworks and concepts useful to approaching, understanding and resolving ethical issues. Students will use sociological and historical approaches to understand modern ethical dilemmas in health care. Analysis of these issues will go beyond the individual to include the family, organization and community.
This course promotes an increased understanding of topics related to dying, death, and bereavement. The goal is to increase knowledge and confidence when interacting with patients, families, and support systems at the end of life. Information includes topics such as grief theories, developmental responses to loss, and a holistic approach to end-of-life processes. Emphasis is placed on practical interventions and building empathy during this unique time in the lifespan. This course includes tours of a local funeral home and cemetery.
Health and income are strongly correlated in America. People living in poverty suffer from more chronic and acute diseases, experience higher rates of mental illness and die earlier. This course seeks to answer three questions. Why are people poor? How does poverty lead to health disparities? What can a health care professional do about it? This course will examine historical approaches to solving poverty, current policies and future directions. Students will consider the influence of factors including race, gender, culture, education, location, power, politics and markets.
This course provides a patient-focused examination of abnormal psychology by introducing the DSM-5, as well as contemporary research and theory in the broad field of psychopathology. Students examine the history, causes, consequences, and treatments of abnormal behavior, recognizing that normal and abnormal behaviors are usually the result of both physiological and psychological factors, and understanding the neuroscience, medical, mental health, and pragmatic implications of these disorders.
Clarkson College offers a variety of courses to develop an understanding of patients’ rights on a deeper level by examining biomedical and social ethics through special populations that typically require greater advocacy. These courses emphasize how the health care system reflects the broader culture and its values. They are designed to meet the needs of all students in the health care field, regardless of experience level.
This introduction to college-level writing proposes to develop individual style and voice in papers that are fully developed, well organized and grammatically accurate. This process includes invention, outline, drafting, peer review, revision and editing. Expository methods may include the abstract, comparison and contrast, cause and effect, problem solution, and literary interpretation. The best writers focus on topics important to them. Therefore, within certain parameters, the student will choose the topic and point of view of each writing assignment.
English Composition II provides advanced instruction and practice in the art of writing. This course builds on Composition I by surpassing expository writing and focusing instead on metacognitive analysis and research integration, via analysis of nonfiction and rhetoric-based texts.
This course focuses on interdisciplinary strategies for achieving success in college. Faculty and staff from various disciplines will lend their expertise to discuss campus resources, student success strategies, and personal responsibility. A strong focus on Clarkson College Values will guide course discussions and assignments. Course Grade: Pass/No Pass
This online course introduces the students to medical terminology utilizing word-building methodologies. The students will study various root words, prefixes, suffixes and connectors and develop their skills of analyzing, synthesizing, writing and communicating terminology pertinent to all health science-related disciplines.
The Managing Academic Success course provides students with semester-long support to examine academic concerns and perceived barriers to success. Throughout the semester, students will assess their strengths and opportunities for growth. Students will create, implement and complete a personalized plan of action to achieve success.
This is an integrative course in which students will learn about and practice wellness and lifestyle medicine in many variations. Students will explore College, community and personal resources that relate to the domains of wellness. This course uses a holistic approach to empower individuals to live healthier, more balanced lives as students and into their professional health care careers. Students may elect to take this course for one, two or three credit hours and course work will be adjusted accordingly.
This course introduces students to the design methods typically used for conducting research, including which research methods are suitable for specific studies. The course also includes a basic review of descriptive, correlational, and inferential statistics. Students will become proficient in computer analysis of data sets, study design, and study critique.
This course is an introduction to the field of human aging. The course of study will include a multidisciplinary examination of the way in which human aging is viewed, how we perceive the process of growing older and how society responds to the issues and problems of aging. The class will look at aging from the perspective of the social and political sciences, biological sciences, arts and humanities, care-giving and independent living, especially with the advent of the Baby Boomers in mind.
A Cultural History of the Healing Arts positions the history of health care within a cultural framework. The course reviews the social, intellectual and cultural history of the healing arts from ancient times to the 21st century. Not limited to the Western tradition, this approach invites the student to identify and explore the people, practices and beliefs that have shaped the healing professions.
In this course, students will explore the distinct yet increasingly overlapping histories of science, technology and medicine from prehistory to the present. Moving from stone choppers in prehistory, through the emergence of natural philosophy in ancient Greece, and the x-ray in the modern era, students will understand how our modern tools and understanding of the world have been influenced by practical need, careful observation and rigorous research. The course will also highlight the cultural and sociological influences on the development of science, technology and medicine.
America has a rich history of social movements including American independence, abolition, states’ rights, civil rights, women’s rights, labor rights, environmentalism, religious freedom and peace. This course will focus on the four major reform eras in history: antebellum America; the Progressive Era; the New Deal; and the 1960s. These moments are when Americans formed their national identity and decided the meaning of “America.” We will address, to a greater or lesser extent, all of the major social movements in Americans’ past, exploring the ideas and actions of both those who sought change and those who opposed it.
This Academic Travel Abroad course satisfies the Healthcare Core - Humanities requirement. A 12-day travel experience serves as the keystone of this hybrid courses, which consists of pre-trip preparations and post-trip assignments. It offers a student-centered, firsthand look at the history, arts and cultural identity of the country or countries on the itinerary. It also traces the history of healing in that country, including a visit to a hospital or clinic for students to interact with providers, educators and students from another system.
This course is a survey of world religions with an emphasis on the role faith and spirituality plays in a person’s life. Questions of evil, suffering and death, as well as the virtue of serving and tending the sick, will be examined in a health care context.
Taken through Academic Travel Abroad (ATA), this course provides a first-hand introduction to the historical and artistic identity shaped by a Western (but non-American) culture. Foci may include the history (people, places, ideas, events) and the arts (architecture, sculpture, literature, painting) that reflect a unique cultural identity. This ATA course may be taken in conjunction with HU 215 or used as an elective, and may be repeated as different cultures are visited and studied.
Taken through Academic Travel Abroad (ATA), this course provides a first-hand introduction to the historical and artistic identity shaped by a Western (but non-American) culture. Foci may include the history (people, places, ideas, events) and the arts (architecture, sculpture, literature, painting) that reflect a unique cultural identity. This ATA course is intended for students who do not need additional elective credit but wish to benefit from the opportunity to travel abroad. The course may be repeated as different cultures are visited and is graded pass/no pass.
Clarkson College offers a variety of humanities courses to broaden each student’s perspective of self and others. These courses emphasize that human knowledge, particularly in the areas of health and medicine, is constantly changing; only those who understand origins, context, causality and trends will be prepared to innovate in the future. These courses are designed for all students, regardless of previous knowledge and experience.
This course serves students who are relatively new to the health care field or those with limited professional experience interacting with others of different racial, ethnic, linguistic or religious backgrounds. IC 200 introduces patient interactions, focusing on patient-centered techniques and building professional cultural competence. This course seeks to increase student self-assessment and reflection, considering ongoing professional growth. Course focus is on holistic patient assessment, identifying the influencing factors in patient health, illness and treatment.
This course introduces the theory and practice of patient communication within health care settings. Students in this course will analyze the role and importance of communication within a variety of health care areas and develop an understanding of how effective communication can be used to promote health and decrease health disparities. The class will examine how different sociocultural issues will impact both the interaction with the patient, as well as the patients’ concept of health and illness. Students will evaluate how media impacts health care - from the individual level, to the organizational and political levels.
This course will prepare students for effective and confident intercultural communication with a variety of populations, including patients, coworkers and the broader community. This course introduces intercultural based communication interactions, including verbal, nonverbal, conflict resolution, interpersonal, group interaction and communication apprehension. This course seeks to increase the effectiveness of student self-presentation in cultural and health contexts. Course focus is on increasing confidence, knowledge and experience in all intercultural communication aspects.
Clarkson College offers a variety of Intercultural Communication courses, designed specifically to meet the needs of all students, whether relatively new to the health care field, or those with more experience. These courses emphasize the value in learning how to interact effectively with others in the culturally diverse and beautifully complex world in which we live and prepare to work.
Interprofessional Education (IPE) at Clarkson College is a program, through a zero-credit course, designed to provide students, faculty and staff with an overview of health care professionals’ roles and responsibilities, which focuses on how to provide client-centered care that embodies values and ethics; insight into how to collaborate with the interdisciplinary health care team using effective communication that is respectful and assertive; and ways to develop leadership skills and take accountability for behaviors (IPEC, 2011). The ultimate goal is to optimally promote teamwork and improve collaborative skills for positive outcomes.
This course provides the background necessary for health care majors. Topics include: functions and their inverses; polynomial, radical, exponential, and rational expressions; polynomial, rational, exponential and logarithmic equations; graphing linear, quadratic, exponential and logarithmic functions; and an introduction to statistics.
A study of functions, limits, and derivative and integral calculus with applications to the health care field.
Physics I is a study of the fundamental laws of mechanics and momentum, energy, thermodynamics, waves, and fluids.
Physics II is a continuation of Physics I. This class will include a study of electricity, magnetism, simple circuits, optics, special relativity, and modern physics.
Overview of the principles and methods of human behavior in groups. Includes group dynamics, cultural variation and social change.
This course introduces students to some of the main topics of medical sociology: the social construction of health and illness; inequalities in the distribution of illness and health care; the organization of health care work; the medical profession and the health care system. Students will learn about such topics as who gets sick and why; how health professions have evolved in the United States and how the health care landscape has been divided among professions; why individuals in medical occupations typically have more authority and receive higher incomes in the U.S. than elsewhere; what the relationship is between hospitals and other health care organizations and how that relationship has changed over time.
Introduction to the fundamental principles of statistics, including the ability to describe a data set and interpret what the description of the sample says about the population as a whole. An examination of the relationship between probability, chance events and statistical tools will lead to an appreciation of the importance of statistics, both in research and in the real world.
Advanced Statistics will provide an introduction to statistical experimentation and research methods with applications to health sciences. Concepts of estimation and inferences will be covered. Systematic coverage of the more widely used statistical methods, including simple and multiple regression, single factor and multi-factor analysis of variance, multiple comparisons, goodness of fit tests, contingency tables, nonparametric procedures, and power of tests. Students are expected to complete a data-based project as part of the course requirement.