SE Valley Times

Arizona State University (ASU) has announced a revision of its general studies requirements, aiming to equip students with interdisciplinary knowledge for a rapidly changing world. The new curriculum, titled General Studies Gold, will be implemented in fall 2024 for incoming students. Existing students will continue under the current system, now called General Studies Maroon.

Nancy Gonzales, executive vice president and university provost, highlighted the collaborative effort behind the new framework. "Over 500 faculty members participated in the process of designing the new general studies requirements," she stated. This collective effort aimed to address significant questions of the 21st century through an interdisciplinary approach.

The updated curriculum simplifies previous complexities, as explained by Anne Jones, vice provost for undergraduate education. "True to our design aspiration of 'enable student success,' a goal of this change is to make requirements clear and subjects relevant to our students," she said.

General Studies Gold comprises 35 credits across nine categories: Humanities, Arts and Design; Social and Behavioral Sciences; Scientific Thinking in the Natural Sciences; Quantitative Reasoning; Mathematics; American Institutions; Governance and Civic Engagement; Global Communities, Societies and Individuals; and Sustainability. Additionally, all students must complete first-year composition.

Jones expressed enthusiasm about specific components like governance and civic engagement. "We’re quite excited about the new governance and civic engagement requirement because it’s emphasizing... how informed citizens can engage in society," she noted.

ASU stands out as one of the first major research universities requiring a sustainability course for all students. Jones emphasized this alignment with ASU's strengths: "We were the first to have a School of Sustainability."

José Lobo from ASU's School of Sustainability praised the inclusion of sustainability in undergraduate education. He described it as substantial given current global challenges: "An undergraduate education in the 21st century... must include an appreciation of sustainable development."

The curriculum overhaul began over three years ago with input from more than 10% of ASU faculty and final approval by the faculty senate. A pilot project during 2020-21 helped refine these changes.

General Studies Gold offers flexibility through various courses fulfilling each requirement. For instance, sustainability options include courses like The Sustainable Plate from different colleges within ASU.

Lobo further elaborated on learning outcomes across categories such as mathematics and governance: "It’s an emphasis on preparing the student to articulate... what they have learned." He stressed that sustainability should not be viewed merely as an obligation but rather as an opportunity for societal advancement.