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Advising Center

Advising Center: Electives

The purpose of the required general education common core curriculum at KVCC is to provide all degree-seeking students with generalized knowledge and skills that are needed in every job. The common core curriculum is a selection of general education courses that are designed to establish the habits of mind and the critical, analytic, and communication skills that are expected of an educated member of society. The core curriculum provides a common experience for all students and is guided by the College's definition of the educated person.

An educated person possesses knowledge about self, about the world we live in, and the history that has led us to where we are. Beyond this knowledge, the educated person is a lifelong learner, seeking new knowledge wherever and whenever possible. This individual practices the skills of his or her profession in a conscientious, responsible, and accountable manner. In addition, this person possesses the communication and interpersonal skills necessary to speak and write clearly, effectively, and persuasively.

 

An educated person listens to others' ideas respectfully and thoughtfully and accepts them or rejects them on the basis of clear and logical thinking. This person utilizes resources and technology to find information both personally and professionally. He or she possesses the analytical skills needed to solve problems and make decisions. As an involved member of the community, this person possesses values that enable him or her to show tolerance and respect for cultural, ethnic, and intellectual diversity. Based upon the College's mission and its belief regarding educated people, Kennebec Valley Community College expects that its graduates will:

- Function competently and responsibly as entry level members of their respective professions and trades

- Communicate clearly, effectively, and persuasively in both the written and spoken word

- Utilize resources and technology as lifelong learners in pursuit of both their personal and professional goals

- Recognize opportunities for career advancement through transfer programs with other colleges and universities

- Solve problems and make decisions based upon logical thinking and analytical skills

- Respect cultural, ethnic, and intellectual diversity as involved members of their communities

The common core requirements for associate degree programs include:

The communication requirement may be fulfilled by taking the Introduction to Communication (COM104) or the Interpersonal Communication (COM105) course. Students should refer to the program of study when selecting the communication elective.
Humanities, in associate degree programs, are studies which expand the student’s awareness of the human condition and appreciation of human needs, values and achievements. Humanities include studies of literature, languages, history, philosophy, religion, and the visual and performing arts. Refer to course descriptions in the course catalog for additional information. Humanities courses have an (H) designation.
Math and natural science courses cultivate critical thinking, problem solving and quantitative literacy skills. The math and natural science requirement may be fulfilled by a 100 level or higher math course or a science elective. Students should refer to the program of study when selecting the math/science elective.
The study of social sciences enables students to understand individual and collective human behavior by exploring meaning within a variety of social, cultural, political, and economic contexts. Social science electives may be chosen from the following fields: anthropology, economics, mental health, political science, psychology, and sociology. Refer to course descriptions in the back of this catalog for additional information.
Written communication is the development and expression of ideas and information in writing. The writing requirement may be fulfilled by taking the College Composition (ENG101) or the Technical Writing (ENG108) course to fulfill this requirement.
These include courses in humanities, communication, math or natural science, writing and social sciences.

Learn more in in the course catalog.

The Advising Center - advising@kvcc.me.edu - (207) 453-5881