Students who complete the Russell Sage College General Education program [36 credits] will be empowered, informed, participatory citizens in a dynamic and diverse society. Students will develop practical knowledge, as well as, creative and critical thinking skills to thrive in an ever-changing world where multi-layered problems demand innovative solutions. Student learning outcomes are assessed and documented through a variety of artifacts, course assignments, and transcripts.
Program Goals
• To Be: students will develop cultural awareness and engage as citizen-learners who can problem-solve through ethical, evidence-based, and innovative thinking.
• To Know: students will develop, analyze, and synthesize knowledge to achieve a deeper understanding that will direct current and future inquiry and action.
• To Do: students will work collaboratively within diverse cultures through civic and professional engagement to facilitate change and positively impact communities.
I. Core : 15 credits
• WRT 101 Writing in the Community : 3 credits
• WRT 201 Researching in the Community : 3 credits
• RSC 101 Thriving at Sage : 3 credits *
• RSC 201 Exploring Intercultural Perspectives : 3 credits **
• RSC 301 Innovating to Impact : 3 credits
• Culminating Experience (in major program)
II. Distribution : 21 credits
Arts, 3 credits
100- or 200-level course from: AEM, ARH, DAN, GMD, ISD, MUS, THR, or VPA
Humanities, 3 credits
100- or 200-level course from: ARA, ASL, CHN, COM, ENG, FRE, GRE, HST, HUM, ITA, PHL, POR, RUS, or SPA
Natural Sciences, 3 credits
100- or 200-level course from: BIO, CHM, PHY, SCI, or PSY 215
Quantitative Reasoning, 3 credits
MAT 110 or higher or a Statistics course: ECO 215, MAT 110, MAT 111, MAT 112, MAT 113, MAT 121, MAT 201, MAT 202, MAT 220, or PSY 207
Social Sciences, 3 credits
100- or 200-level course from: CRM, ECO, POL, PSY, or SOC
Wellness/Thrive, 3 credits
ARH 310, BUS 110, BUS 369, CAT 201, CAT 211, CAT 216, CAT 218, HSC 215, HST 238, HUM 314, NSG 201, PBH 201, PED 225, or PSY 219
Distribution Elective, 3 credits
Complete 3 credits from one of the Distribution areas above that is outside of your major requirements.
III. Notes
*RSC 101 is waived for transfer students with 15 or more transfer credits upon admission or who have earned an associate degree prior to enrollment.
**RSC 201 is waived for transfer students with 54 or more transfer credits upon admission or who have earned an associate degree prior to enrollment.
• Courses required in general education may also fulfill a requirement in the major program except where noted. The course credits are only counted once in your overall credit total.
General Education Core
The core is designed to address student academic, social, and emotional needs as developing learners, to create a strong assessment pathway with both entry and end points, and to promote a sense of identity among different cohorts: student to student, student to faculty, and student to the institution.
WRT 101 and WRT 201 completed in the first year will focus on writing, critical reading and thinking, and research as social processes. The second course will build upon the first, with further instruction in conducting and writing academic research.
I. First Year Seminar
Year one: RSC 101 Thriving at Sage: Your Experience Begins will be anchored by a common theme and expose students to experiences and content that supports college success, including academic strategies, campus resources, finding an affinity group, and wellness.
II. Intercultural Studies
Year Two: RSC 201 Exploring Intercultural Perspectives explores human diversity and the historical, cultural, global, and systemic forces that shape experiences and world views. This course will also provide avenues for students to get involved with the Russell Sage College Women's Institute and Sage THRIVE initiative.
III. Engaging in a World with Multifaceted Issues
Year Three or Four: in RSC 301 Innovating to Impact, students will engage with in complex problems to encourage communication across disciplines and cultural boundaries.
Wellness/Thrive
• Well-being and health require knowledge and liberal learning skills.
• Individual wellness depends on social structures and a just society.
• Gender equity and inclusion are part of a healthy community.
• Healthy societies are diverse, inclusive and welcome the creativity of all persons.
• Individual health is dependent on the health of the planet.
List of approved Wellness courses:
• ARH 310 Art and American Character
• BUS 110 Financial Literacy
• BUS 369 Business Strategy & Sustainability
• CAT 201 Intro CAT: Grief & Creative Healing
• CAT 211 Intro to Art Therapy
• CAT 216 Intro to Music Therapy
• CAT 218 Intro to Theatre Therapy
• HSC 215 Health & Wellness Across the Lifespan
• HST 238 History of Medicine & Healthcare
• HUM 314 The Creative Life
• NSG 201 Theoretical Basis of Nursing
• PBH 201 Survey of Public Health
• PED 225 Concepts of Fitness & Wellness
• PSY 219 Positive Psychology
[Liberal Arts & Sciences categories]
Competencies
Russell Sage College is committed to providing opportunities for academic success. The assessment of English language and mathematics skills is the first step toward promoting academic success. The results of the assessment program are used to help determine appropriate academic courses for each student; the goal is to help each student achieve basic proficiency in the vital English language and mathematics competencies which are necessary for collegiate success.
Assessment of English language skills and mathematics skills is based on evaluation of the high school transcript (course averages grades 9-11 and Regents exam scores). Entering students who do not initially demonstrate competency in English language skills and mathematics skills may be identified as needing HUM 100/WRT 100 and/or MAT 104/MAT 105, 3 credits. Completion of HUM 100/WRT 100 is recommended in the first term of study. Completion of MAT 104/MAT 105 is recommended in the first year of study.
Second Degree Students
Second degree students possessing an undergraduate bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in the United States are exempt from all general education requirements. Those holding bachelor’s degrees from international institutions may appeal to the Academic Dean for a waiver of all or a portion of general education requirements.
General Education at Russell Sage College, 2016-2019 : 38 credits
Russell Sage's general education program aims to assist students in developing the following Women of Influence Learning Goals, as delivered through our core requirements (the WORLD program) and our distribution requirements.
To Be, To Know, To Do: The Women of Influence Learning Goals
1. The Communicative Arts, including: Writing, Listening, Observing, Speaking, and Presentation
Ability to write in different styles and for a variety of audiences; interpersonal communication skills; public speaking skills; effective use of expressive modalities and technologies
2. Critical Analysis, Integrative Learning, and Research
Ability to evaluate and synthesize information from multiple sources; practice in working across disciplines on problems that require multiple perspectives; understanding of the general practices of scholarly research, and practice in the research techniques of the academic major.
3. Scientific and Quantitative Reasoning
Practice in scientific inquiry and quantitative reasoning (applying mathematical principles) in a real-world context
4. Global, National, and Local Citizenship; Ethical Engagement
A deep understanding of democracy; global interdependence and American pluralism; ethical issues and social responsibility
5. Intercultural Knowledge and Competence
Deepening awareness of and active involvement with diverse communities in and out of the classroom
6. Leadership, Teamwork, and Problem-Solving
Flexibility in taking on different roles in different contexts, demonstrating an understanding that educated professionals must move fluidly among those positions
7. Creative and Imaginative Thinking
Innovative thinking that integrates aesthetic sensibility, intellectual risk-taking; building upon acquired knowledge in new and multiple contexts
The World Program
WORLD stands for Women Owning Responsibility for Learning and Doing, and as the title of our general education program, translates Sage's founding motto -- “to be, to know, to do” -- into the educational challenges facing 21st century women. It further indicates our commitment to a global perspective and our respect for the diversity of our community, both narrowly and broadly defined.
Core Courses : 11 Credits
These three courses, which immerse students in reading, writing, critical thinking and analysis, intercultural knowledge and citizenship, teamwork, research, academic reflection and cultural literacy, offer a common educational experience to all Russell Sage students and provide a core around which co-curricular activities will be planned. Thus, students should expect to attend and benefit from many of the campus performances, lectures, and other activities that will be linked to their core course work.
WLD 101 Reading Women’s Voices/Developing Our Own : 4 credits
WLD 201 Researching Women’s Lives : 4 credits
WLD 401 Women Changing the World : 3 credits
2016 General Education Breadth Requirement : 27 Credits
The updated RSC General Education Program (that applies to students who enter RSC in Fall 2016 or later) assures a more diverse distribution of required coursework in five major breadth areas. The program also allows for assessment of targeted student learning outcomes in each area of breadth. Note that students may be able to satisfy some of the breadth requirements listed below through their required major and/or minor courses. In addition, transfer students may be able to substitute transfer credits toward the Breadth requirement with approval of the Russell Sage College Dean. Students and advisors may inquire about this process through the Associate Dean's office ( [email protected]).
- Quantitative Reasoning (3 cr)
- Courses that meet this requirement will have [RSC-GenEd-Breadth-2016: Quantitative Reasoning] at the conclusion of the course descriptions in this catalog.
- Approved courses as of May 18, 2020: CHM 103, CHM 104, CHM 111, CHM 112, ECO 201, ECO 248 ( Spring 2019 only), MAT 111, MAT 121, MAT 220, PHY 101, PHY 107, PSY 207, WST 248 ( Spring 2019 only)
- Upon successful completion of a Quantitative Reasoning course students will be able to:
1. Determine if a written interpretation of quantitative data is supported by the data.
2. Summarize multiple graphical or tabular displays of quantitative data.
3. Solve problems by identifying and executing an appropriate method.
- Natural & Physical Sciences (6 cr)
- Courses that meet this requirement will have [RSC-GenEd-Breadth-2016: Natural & Physical Sciences] at the conclusion of the course descriptions in this catalog.
- Approved courses as of May 18, 2020 : BIO 101, BIO 101L, BIO 125, BIO 202, CHM 103, CHM 104, CHM 111, CHM 112, CHM 201, HST 155, HST 248 ( Fall 2016 only), PHY 101, PHY 107, SCI 104, SCI 120, SCI 235
- Upon successful completion of a Natural & Physical Science course students will be able to:
1. Understand terminology: Within a given scientific discipline, there is typically a specific “language” with which the student must become familiar on at least a basic level.
2. Formulate hypotheses based on information: Given a set of facts (in lecture) or observations (in the lab), a student should be able to make a general hypothesis that could be tested.
3. Apply concepts to a given situation: This can be seen as the converse of (2) above. Just as a student should be able to formulate a hypothesis based on information, the student should also be able to apply a hypothesis or theory that has been presented to predict outcomes.
- Social & Behavioral Sciences (6 cr)
- Courses that meet this requirement will have [RSC-GenEd-Breadth-2016: Social & Behavioral Sciences] at the conclusion of the course descriptions in this catalog.
- Students must complete courses from two distinct disciplines (with two different course prefixes).
- Approved courses as of May 18, 2020 : COM 248 ( Spring 2017 only), CRM 111, CRM 212, CRM 219, CRM 319, ECO 201, ECO 248 ( Spring 2019 only), HSC 306, HST 115, HST 150, HST 208, HST 221, HST 225, HST 229, HST 230, HST 238, HST 245, HST 248 ( Spring 2017, Spring 2019, Fall 2019 only), HST 335, HST 336, PACE 201, PACE 248 ( Fall 2016 only), PHI/PHL 248 ( Fall 2016, Fall 2019 only), PACE 248 ( Spring 2018 only), POL 101, POL 115, POL 150, POL 208, POL 218, POL 219, POL 221, POL 225, POL 229, POL 230, POL 245, POL 248 ( Fall 2016 only, Spring 2018 only, Fall 2019 only), POL 319, POL 326, POL 335, POL 336, PSY 101, PSY 208, PSY 326, SOC 101, SOC 111, SOC 206, SOC 209, SOC 212, SOC 213, SOC 219, SOC 240, SOC 319, SOC 335, WST 206, WST 209, WST 248 ( Spring 2019 only), WST 319, WST 333, WST 335
- Upon successful completion of a Social & Behavioral Science course students will be able to:
1. Apply research, reading, analysis, interpretation, and writing skills to critical thinking and/or problem solving in the social sciences.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of diverse perspectives, theories and concepts relevant to the discipline.
3. Recognize the role of ethics, public policy, and/or the rule of law in society and its study.
- Humanities - Fine & Performing Arts (3 cr)
- Courses that meet this requirement will have [RSC-GenEd-Breadth-2016: Humanities-Fine & Performing Arts] at the conclusion of the course descriptions in this catalog.
- Approved courses as of May 18, 2020 : AFA 101, AFA 106, AFA 202, AFA 206, AFA 248 ( Fall 2016 only), AFA 317, ARH 225, DAN 111, DAN 212, DAN 213, DAN 226, DAN 231, DAN 235, DAN 241, DAN 250, DAN 316, DAN 347, DAN 349, DAN 404, ENG 248 ( Summer 2018 only), ENG 308, ENG 348 ( Fall 2017 only), HST 248 ( Fall 2018 only), THR 103, THR 203, THR 205, THR 212, THR 248 ( Summer 2018 only), THR 348 ( Fall 2017 only), VPA 111
- Upon successful completion of a Humanities-Fine & Performing Arts course students will be able to:
1. Identify cultural and historical perspectives within the art form.
2. Interpret and apply technical and creative elements within the art form.
3. Communicate a personal response based on a broad understanding of the art form.
- Humanities - History (3 cr)
- Courses that meet this requirement will have [RSC-GenEd-Breadth-2016: Humanities-History] at the conclusion of the course descriptions in this catalog.
- Approved courses as of May 18, 2020 : AFA 206, ARH 225, COM 248 ( Spring 2017 only), DAN 212, HST 101, HST 102, HST 105, HST 106, HST 109, HST 110, HST 115, HST 150, HST 155, HST 208, HST 209, HST 218, HST 221, HST 225, HST 229, HST 230, HST 232, HST 233, HST 238, HST 243, HST 245, HST 248 ( Fall 2016, Spring 2017, Spring 2018, Fall 2018, Spring 2019, Fall 2019 only), HST 250, HST 305, HST 320, HST 322, HST 324, HST 325, HST 329, HST 331, HST 335, HST 336, HST 348 ( Fall 2016 only), HST 355, PACE 248 ( Spring 2018 only), PHI/PHL 248 ( Fall 2019 only), POL 115, POL 150, POL 208, POL 221, POL 225, POL 229, POL 230, POL 245, POL 248 ( Spring 2018, Fall 2019 only), POL 335, POL 336, SOC 335, WST 232, WST 305, WST 335
- Upon successful completion of a Humanitites-History course students will be able to:
1. Apply a historical and critical approach to the study of the evolution of human society, and understand this in terms of historical process, historical context, and environment.
2. Identify the role played by social, political, and economic forces in historical processes within societies and between societies.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between historiography in general, and to current historical interpretations in particular.
- Humanities - Literature & Languages (3 cr)
- Courses that meet this requirement will have [RSC-GenEd-Breadth-2016: Humanities-Literature & Languages] at the conclusion of the course descriptions in this catalog.
- Approved courses as of May 18, 2020 : ARA 101, CHN 101, CHN 102, ENG 154, ENG 165, ENG 190, ENG 201, ENG 202, ENG 206, ENG 208, ENG 211, ENG 213, ENG 221, ENG 222, ENG 231, ENG 232, ENG 233, ENG 248 ( Fall 2017, Fall 2018, Spring 2019, Fall 2019 only), ENG 266, ENG 267, ENG 270 ( offered as ENG 248 in Fall 2016), ENG 321, ENG 341, ENG 248 ( Spring 2018 only), FRE 101, FRE 102, FRE 201, FRE 202, GER 101, HST 348 ( Fall 2016, Spring 2017 only), ITA 101, ITA 102, NSG 267, POR 101, SPA 101, SPA 102, SPA 110, SPA 201, SPA 202, SPA 210, SPA 211, SPA 248 ( Fall 2017, Spring 2018, Fall 2018, Spring 2019, Fall 2019 only), SPA 270 ( offered as SPA 248 in Fall 2016), SPA 273, SPA 335, SPA 348 ( Fall 2016, Spring 2017 only), , WST 248 ( Fall 2019 only), WST 267
- Upon successful completion of a Humanities-Literature & Languages course students will be able to:
1. Apply critical and reflective reading and thinking skills.
2. Interpret cultural and historical knowledge in relation to language and literature.
3. Demonstrate communicative skills including critical and creative writing, speaking, and presenting.
- Humanities - Elective (3 cr)
- Courses that meet this requirement will have [RSC-GenEd-Breadth-2016: Humanities-Fine & Performing Arts], [RSC-GenEd-Breadth-2016: Humanities-History], [RSC-GenEd-Breadth-2016: Humanities-Literature & Languages], or [RSC-GenEd-Breadth-2016: Humanities-Elect] at the conclusion of the course descriptions in this catalog.
- Approved courses as of May 18, 2020 : All of the above listed courses in the other Humanities breadth areas will satisfy this requirement, along with these additional courses-COM 104, HUM 201, HUM 420, HST 230, HST 248 (Spring 2019, Fall 2019 only), PACE 248 (Fall 2016 only), PHI/PHL 248 (Fall 2016, Fall 2019 only), POL 248 (Fall 2016, Fall 2019 only), POL 230, VPA 248 (Spring 2018 only)
- Upon successful completion of a Humanities-Elective course students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the human experience in historical, cultural or literary contexts.
2. Apply critical thinking and interdisciplinary perspectives to course content.
General Education at Sage College of Albany, 2016-2020
The Literacies of Connection is Sage College of Albany and the School of Professional & Continuing Education’s general education program. In a world that is increasingly complex and interconnected, the faculty of Sage College of Albany recognizes that our graduates need to understand both the diversity of fields of knowledge and also the ways in which those fields are interconnected and interdependent. Successful completion of general education outcomes will be assessed via a Live Text portfolio. Students are required to obtain a Live Text account in their first term of study at Sage. Completion of LiveText portfolio is required.
Second bachelor degree students possessing an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university in the United States are exempt from general education requirements. Students holding bachelor’s degrees from international institutions may appeal to the Academic Dean for a waiver of all or a portion of general education requirements.
Program Outcomes/Literacies:
- Verbal, Writing & Textual Literacy: Students will demonstrate the ability to evaluate, analyze, organize, and articulate ideas, in written and oral forms, through a variety of rhetorical modes/strategies.
- Global & Cultural Literacy: Students will demonstrate an understanding of how cultural differences (e.g., beliefs, values, traditions) impact personal and national thought and behavior.
- Civic, Historical & Legal Literacy: Students will demonstrate an understanding of the causes and effects of historical events or governmental processes through the use of primary and secondary documents.
- Visual Literacy: Students will demonstrate an understanding of how visual imagery shapes and informs the global circulation of ideas and information.
- Financial Literacy: Students will find, evaluate, and apply financial information for personal or professional application and will develop a personal financial plan demonstrating their understanding of financial responsibility.
- Values Literacy: Students will apply an ethical framework to decision making.
- Environmental & Scientific Literacy: Students will explain how scientists use scientific data, concepts, and other evidence to draw conclusions about the natural world.
- Quantitative Literacy: Students will accurately calculate and analyze quantitative data to arrive at appropriate mathematical conclusions to strategically solve applied mathematical problems.
- Health & Wellness Literacy: Students will describe and give examples of policy and methods employed to solve national and global health problems
- Technology Literacy: Students will demonstrate skills in utilizing appropriate technology for their discipline/career.
General Education Requirements : 33 credits
I. Cornerstone
Complete all of the following:
HUM 112 Language & Community, 3 credits *
ITD 155 Sage Connections, 3 credits **
ITK 101 Innovative Thinking/Learn, 3 credits ***
ITK 301 Innovative Thinking/Engage, 3 credits
Mathematics: MAT 110 or higher (ECO 215 or PSY 207 may be taken for the MAT requirement), 3 credits
II. Perspectives
Humanities, 6 credits
ARH, COM, EGL, ENG, HUM, PHL, or foreign language-102 level or higher.
(Courses must be from two different prefixes/disciplines)
Social Sciences, 6 credits
CRM, ECO, HST, POL, PSY, or SOC
(Courses must be from two different prefixes/disciplines)
Natural Sciences, 6 credits
BIO, CHM, PHY, or SCI
III. Culminating Experiences
Complete all of the following:
Live Text portfolio
Experiential Learning/Internship, 0-3 credits (based on major)
Capstone Seminar, 3 credits (in major)
Notes
*HUM 112: completion of ENG 101, ENG 102 or HUM 113 may be used to fulfill this requirement
**ITD 155: waived for first time freshmen and new transfer students with 21+ transfer credits upon admission
***ITK 101: waived for new transfer students with 45+ transfer credits upon admission
I.Think
A unique characteristic of the general education program is the I.Think program. This three-course sequence (the first two of which are general education requirements and a third which can be taken as an elective or may be required by specific programs) is designed to provide SCA students with experience in innovation thinking, creative problem-solving, group interaction, leadership, design thinking, and community engagement. Through these classes—called “Learn,” “Engage,” and “Innovate” — students will develop the skills and abilities necessary to succeed in a constantly-evolving world that increasingly demands individuals to be able to:
- seek solutions that transcend mainstream thought and a single-discipline approach,
- implement a problem/opportunity paradigm that serves others
- persist in the face of obstacles,
- value equally the roles of leader and team member and be ready to assume either as circumstances warrant,
- honor, value and encourage diverse views, opinions and approaches,
- negotiate with peers, subordinates and superiors,
- master technology and employ it as a means rather than an end, and
- use a variety of tools to communicate with a diverse population.
- These abilities are in turn placed in service to a commitment to community and to improving the world around us.
Competencies
Sage College of Albany is committed to providing opportunities for academic success. The assessment of English language and mathematics is the first step toward promoting academic success. The results of the assessment program are used to help determine appropriate academic courses for each student; the goal is to help each student achieve basic proficiency in the vital English language and mathematics competencies which are necessary for collegiate success.
Assessment of English language skills and mathematics skills is based on evaluation of the high school transcript (course averages and Regents exam scores). Entering students who do not initially demonstrate competency in English language skills and mathematics skills may be identified as needing HUM 111 and/or MAT 104. Completion of HUM 111 is recommended in the first term of study. Completion of MAT 104 is recommended in the first year of study.
All students seeking a bachelor’s degree must demonstrate mathematics competency by passing a college level mathematics course, MAT 110 or higher. Students with a documented learning disability in mathematics must meet this mathematics requirement for the bachelor’s degree.
Liberal Arts & Sciences (SCA)
ARH, BIO, CHM, COM, CRM, CRM, ECO, EGL, ENG, HST, HUM, MAT, PBH, PHL, PHY, POL, PSY, SOC, SCI, and foreign languages.