A liberal education emphasizes breadth and balance in developing intellectual resources and cultural perspectives. It encourages the student to achieve the fullest possible development as a person and as a member of society. It also promotes enlightened citizenship and provides basic preparation for students planning to enter professional or graduate schools or embark on a career. Building on an integrated study foundation, this degree allows a specialized emphasis while at the same time encouraging social responsibility.

The general aspects of the curriculum are designed to enhance the student's capacity for thought and effective expression and facilitate both the expansion and the integration of knowledge. Depth of scholarship is developed in the major field of specialization. The goal of a liberal education is the formulation of a philosophy of life based on knowledge and reflection relevant and appropriate to the contemporary world.

All Bachelor's degrees require a minimum of 120 credits. A student must complete a minimum of 40 upper-level credits (300-or 400-level) within the degree program as a requirement for completion of any baccalaureate degree program.

Definitions

Major

A program of study comprising a coherent set of courses and experiences within a discipline, related disciplines, or a professional area, which represents the curricular content of a bachelor's degree. Normally, a bachelor's degree major consists of at least 30 credit hours. Courses required in the major may not be used to fulfill General Education requirements unless specified in the program description.

Option

A coherent subset of courses that constitutes a prescribed track within a major. Normally, an option consists of 12 to 48 credit hours.

Specialization

An area of special interest comprising a cluster of related courses that are selected by the student in consultation with an academic advisor. Normally, a specialization consists of 12 to 20 credit hours within a degree option.

Credit

New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) defines a credit hour as an amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is an institutional established equivalence that reasonably approximates not less than:

1. One hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out of class student work each week for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester or trimester hour of credit, or ten to twelve weeks for one quarter hour of credit, or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time; or
2. At least an equivalent amount of work as required in paragraph (1) of this definition for other academic activities as established by the institution including laboratory work, internships, practica, studio work, and other academic work leading to the award of credit hours.

Academic Program Planning

Education in the liberal arts and sciences and in several professional fields is provided through the College's bachelor's degree programs. These programs include three basic components:

• General Education Requirements - purposefully and intentionally help students engage with ethical issues, approach global issues from multiple perspectives, apply diverse perspectives to their thinking and their actions, and analyze key social and environmental issues confronting us all
• Major/Option/Specialization Requirements - offer depth of scholarship in a field of interest
• Electives - provide the opportunity for a student to complete a minor, fulfill teacher certification requirements, or to choose courses in other areas for personal and professional growth

Because curriculum development is a continuing process, program changes may be made after publication of this catalog. Therefore, the College reserves the right to add, change, or delete curricular offerings and/or make curricular refinements. Some changes are necessitated by agencies that accredit the College or certify students. Check with academic disciplines, the Registrar's Office, Academic and Career Advising, or the Educator Preparation Programs Office to learn of any recent changes.

General Education Explorations Program

Students at Keene State College complete two programs of study to earn a degree—the College's General Education Explorations Program and their major program of study.

The General Education Explorations Program aims to give all Keene State College undergraduates a firm foundation for college-level and lifelong learning, as well as essential skills that will prepare them for workplace and life experiences.  Its three central aspects are a grounding in the liberal arts, engagement with three distinctive Keene State College-wide learning outcomes, and flexibility for students to pursue their own interests within the program.  The program’s developmental element is scaffolded in four progressive parts: Foundations, Liberal Arts, Values and Connections, and Electives.  To ensure flexibility and transferability there is, however, no requirement that students complete one area of the program before taking courses in another.  This program is consistent with Keene State College’s mission and values as the public liberal arts college of New Hampshire.

Both Foundations courses are firmly grounded in the central elements of the Inquiry and Communication College-wide learning outcomes.  Courses in the Liberal Arts ensure breadth of knowledge while introducing students to different ways of thinking and problem solving in these general areas.  The Values and Connections courses allow students to engage with the three distinctive College-wide learning outcomes:  Intercultural Perspectives, Civic Engagement, and Sustainability and Well-Being.

Program Objectives and/or Learning Outcomes

Inquiry:

Students will critically evaluate evidence and analyze complex problems. Students will engage in research and creative work to contribute new knowledge, perspective, art, or expression. Students will gain competencies in reading, writing, quantitative reasoning, information literacy, and creative methods.

Communication:

Students will clearly and effectively form, support, and convey an idea with attention to intended audience, purpose, and context through varied forms of communication.

Academic Perspectives:

Students will demonstrate an understanding of the liberal arts domains’ theoretical and methodological approaches to analysis and production of knowledge and to engage in inquiry in these fields.

Intercultural Perspectives:

Students will demonstrate cultural awareness, critically examine diverse perspectives, and gain insight into the social and structural influences that shape self-perception and collective experiences.

Civic Engagement:

Students will demonstrate the skills to critically examine local, national, and global issues including relevant cultural, historical, political and policy contexts; to reflect on the ethical dimensions of civic engagement; and to take action individually or collectively to address issues.

Sustainability and Well-Being:

Students will investigate issues that impact mental health, wellness, and the sustainability of natural and human systems and use their knowledge and skills to build a just, resilient, and thriving world.

General Education Exploration Requirements 

The program’s developmental element is scaffolded in four progressive parts: Foundations, Liberal Arts, Values and Connections, and Electives. To ensure flexibility and transferability there is, however, no requirement that students complete one area of the program before taking courses in another.