2011-2012 University Catalog 
  
2011-2012 University Catalog

Integrative Studies, BA


Banner Code:  LA-BA-INTS

Web: ncc.gmu.edu

The bachelor of arts degree program in integrative studies is based on intensive, interdisciplinary learning communities coordinated with traditional academic programs. The result is an integrated program of study that emphasizes collaboration, experiential learning, and self-reflection. The degree program requires mastery of nine essential competencies: communication, valuing, global understanding, problem solving, group interaction, effective citizenship, aesthetic awareness, critical thinking, and information technology. The competencies are assessed through freshman and graduation portfolios.

Students in this degree program who are admitted to Mason Cornerstones complete university general education as specified below. They must complete Cornerstones and the 24 credits of learning communities with a minimum GPA of 2.00 in order to be able to use them to fulfill general education requirements.

  • Completion of Mason Cornerstones : lower-level written communication (ENGH 101), oral communication, information technology, arts, natural science (non laboratory), global understanding, social and behavioral sciences
  • Completion of 24 credits of learning communities: upper-level written communication (ENGH 302), writing intensive course
  • Completion of coursework specifically approved for these requirements (in NCC or in other units): Western civilization or world history, quantitative reasoning, natural science (with laboratory)
  •  

Students who are not admitted to Mason Cornerstones need to complete the general education requirements as specified by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Students who transfer into New Century College should consult with an advisor on what they need to take to complete university general education requirements.

This program of study is offered by New Century College .

Students must fulfill all requirements for bachelor’s degrees. For policies governing all undergraduate degrees, see the Academic Policies  chapter of the catalog.

Degree Requirements


Learning communities (24 credits)


Learning communities are interdisciplinary courses that combine different subjects into a single course that is ususally 3 or 6 credits. In learning communities, faculty and students explore various ways to understand a topic. Learning communities are structured to help promote a greater sense of identity with an academic community. Hallmarks of New Century College learning communities are team teaching, collaborative projects, emphasis on writing and critical thinking, and opportunity for independent study. They often include experiential learning, either as an integral part of the class or as an optional add on.

Experiential learning (12-24 credits)


The requirement in experiential learning reflects New Century College’s commitment to provide educational experiences that prepare graduates for the workplace and the demands of active and responsible citizenship. The workplace is as viewed as a site of instruction, one where students are exposed to the variety of skills needed to succeed. Through experiential learning, students combine work experience with academic study so that each will enrich the other.

Experiential learning includes include internships, study abroad, community service learning, course field trips, and other field study opportunities. The learning sites may change each semester and are usually off campus. George Mason provides student liability insurance for the experiential learning internship, but students are responsible for their own transportation and health care. Accident and health insurance is available from George Mason.

No more than 24 credits of experiential learning can count toward a student’s total credits for graduation.

Concentration (minimum of 30 credits)


A concentration is the equivalent of a major in a traditional degree program. Students chose from an established interdisciplinary concentration below or create with faculty an individualized program of study to fit their interests and needs. The coursework for the concentration consists of traditional courses, learning communities, independent study, and experiential learning. Where applicable, courses applied to a concentration can also be used to fulfill the credits required in learning communities or experiential learning. Students must present a minimum GPA of 2.00 in courses applied to the concentration.

Cumulative portfolio


The cumulative portfolio is reviewed by New Century College faculty.

College senior exposition (3 credits)


Students complete their senior exposition through NCLC 491, which they must take the semester prior to graduation.

Electives (0-15 credits)


If students take courses that fulfill more than one degree requirement (e.g. learning communities, experiential learning, concentration, or general education), they may need to take additional electives to reach the total of 120 credits required for a BA degree.

Concentrations


▲ Advertising (ADV)


 Students complete the following course work:

Total: 46-53 credits


▲ Arts and Culture (ACLT)


 Students complete the following course work:

Five courses (15-23 credits) chosen from:


Total: 32-45 credits


▲ Child and Family Studies (CFS)


Students complete the following course work:

Total: 31-41 credits


▲ Conservation Studies (CNST)


Three to five core courses (15-16 credits) in conservation studies


Students may complete this requirement through regular coursework or through the Smithsonian-Mason Semester Program.

Smithsonian-Mason Semester Program

Students complete 16 credits offered through the Mason Center for Conservation Studies in cooperation with the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute. In this integrated series of courses, taken together in one semester, students live on site at the institute in Front Royal, VA. Students who apply this coursework to the concentration cannot also apply it to the minor in Applied Conservation Studies.

Two courses (8-12 credits) chosen from:


In addition to the courses below, NCLC 375, 395, and 398 may be applied to the concentration when the topic is relevant to conservation studies.

Total: 34-39 credits


▲ Early Childhood Education (ECED)


  • 9 credits of ENGH or COMM
  • 9 credits of natural science (must include a lab science)
  • 9 credits of MATH or STAT
  • 3 credits of world history
  • 3 credits of U.S. history
  • 3 credits of ECON
  • 3 credits of GGS
  • 3 credits of arts or music
  • 3 credits of humanities

Total: 45 credits


▲ Elementary Education (ELED)


  • 12 credits of ENGH or COMM course work
  • 12 credits of natural science
  • 12 credits of mathematics or statistics
  • 3 credits of ECON course work
  • 3 credits of U.S. history
  • 3 credits of GGS course work
  • 3 credits of civics course work (met by GOVT or HIST course)
  • 3 credits of humanities course work
  • 3 credits of world history course work (met by HIST 100 or 125)
  • 3 credits of Fine Arts

Total: 57 credits


▲ International Studies (INST)


 Students complete the following course work:

Language proficiency


 All students must demonstrate language proficiency at the intermediate level through coursework (a Mason course numbered 210) or proficiency testing.

One course in religious studies (3 credits) chosen from:


One course in geography (3 credits) chosen from:


One course in world history (3 or 6 credits) chosen from:


One course in sustainability (4 or 6 credits) chosen from:


One course in politics (3 or 4 credits) chosen from:


Three elective courses (9-12 credits)


Students take three additional courses focused on an international area of their interest with the advice and approval of an adviser.

Total: 31-40 credits


One course chosen from:


Three elective courses (9 credits) in English


Courses used to fulfill this requirement cannot be applied to any of the other requirements for this concentration.

Total: 40 credits


Total: 37-45 credits


Three courses chosen from:


Total: 30-51 credits


18 credits chosen from:


Total: 51-54 credits


▲ Individualized Concentration (IND)


With approval of the undergraduate director, students may construct an individualized concentration.

Total: minimum 30 credits