Academics

Gen Ed Requirements

Complete the Appeal General Education Requirements form (complete form online or PDF version) found on the OneStop website by November 15 for approval during fall semester and April 15 for approval during spring semester.

Explain concisely how the course will fit into the general education category description from the Undergraduate Bulletin. This explanation from you explaining your reasons why this course should fulfill the General Education Category is the most important part of the appeal process. Students that successfully appeal are the ones who are able to make a solid argument and show their understanding of how the faculty-led course teaches you those concepts. Check the box "Substitution of a course into a general education category" and complete the requirements listed on the form.

Here is what we recommend for how to organize your essay to be more successful with your appeal:

Please give a brief overview of the course and experience in the first paragraph. Then write a header with every one of the learning outcomes for the General Education Category you are appealing, as you will elaborate on them in at least 1-2 paragraphs per outcome. Under each outcome header, respond to the learning outcome in specific detail. Explain what you learned through the class (assignments, lectures, etc.) and experience (site visits, guest lecturers, interactions with locals, etc.) about each learning outcome. You need to be able to show that you understand and have successfully learned about each outcome through participation in the class and experience.

Faculty-Led Learning Objectives

The following are the NDSU faculty-led learning objectives that have been created based on the NDSU Undergraduate Learning Outcomes. It is not required to utilize any of the learning objectives below, but it is highly encouraged to incorporate at least a couple of them as they are core learning aspects for any program. Here is an example of a program that has integrated a few of them into the course:

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Faculty-Led Programs will provide opportunities to explore academic content during an experience abroad with the goal to increase discipline-specific knowledge within a comparative, global context. Through participation in the program, participants will:

  • Examine their own identity, values, views, and assumptions as they explore alternative human experiences in diverse societies;
  • Demonstrate appropriate conventions and communication skills in diverse interpersonal, intercultural, and international settings;
  • Analyze artistic, cultural, and historical components of diverse societies and the effects they have on the interplay between self and society;
  • Have an increased sense of independence with an ability to evaluate and think of creative solutions for real world problems;
  • Prepare to become globally engaged citizens with an awareness of social inequalities through collaboration with and service to people in diverse societies.
Faculty-Led Program Learning Objectives Mapped to Outcomes
Learning Objectives Activities Inputs Outputs Outcomes
Examine your own identity, values, views, and assumptions as you explore alternative human experiences in diverse societies Guided site and business visits, local guest lectures, and readings. Curriculum in content area that provides comparisons between host culture and the U.S. Completion of coursework, specifically an embedded assignment that compares and contrasts what they learned. Students have the ability to successfully use what they have learned to think critically and solve problems using an increased global mindset.
Analyze artistic, cultural, and historical components of diverse societies and the effects they have on the interplay between self and society Interactions with host culture, lectures, excursions followed by discussions of what students observed. Curriculum and experiences related to host culture. Written reflections done prior to departure, while abroad and after return that articulate learning about the host culture and their own. Students recognize that cultures and values are complex and may vary in different contexts and can appreciate those differences.
Have an increased sense of independence with an ability to think of creative solutions to real world problems Preparation and expectation setting prior to departure, activities on-site that allow exploration on own, excursions. Pre-departure orientation and co-curricular activities in the host culture. Self-reported changes that are assessed upon return using a survey. Ability to navigate in the host culture and to traverse ambiguous situations with tolerance and confidence. Has an ongoing willingness to seek international and intercultural activities.
Prepare to become globally engaged citizens with knowledge of social inequalities through collaboration with and service to people in diverse societies Interactions with locals, host families, experiences where students are in a one-down position, service learning, site visits or lectures about local issues. Discussions and activities in host culture that help students to appreciate diversity. Inclusion of service learning or site visits that put global citizenship into perspective. Student reflections upon return articulate the growth in knowledge of what global citizenship and diversity means to them. Students can demonstrate knowledge of global issues and systems, are more engaged civically, and are able to navigate diversity with a higher level of confidence.
Demonstrate appropriate conventions and communication skills in diverse interpersonal, intercultural, and international settings Preparation and expectation setting prior to departure, activities on-site that allow demonstration of appropriate behavior Curriculum and experiences related to interactions with the host culture. Observation by the faculty and written reflections done upon return that articulate what they learned by utilizing different skills than they had previously Students are able to conduct themselves in a variety of situations with confidence

Global Programs and Services | Study Abroad