General Education Categories and Course Descriptions
General Education Categories and Course Descriptions
The General Education Program (GEP) requires 48 credits for the Bachelor and 24 for the associate degrees. It is designed so that the student takes the courses from the different categories distributed throughout his study program. Some academic programs exempt their students from a GEP course or category. In these cases, the total required credits will be lower.
Basic Skills
Basic Skills - 24 credits
Basic Skills: Spanish – 9 credits
Three (3) courses in Spanish in the established sequence are required for a total of nine (9) credits. The courses GESP 1101, 1102, and 2203 will be supported by an open laboratory (virtual).
For students whose native language is not Spanish, GESP 1021, 1022, and 2023 are the required courses. These courses will be supported by an open language and/or virtual laboratory.
GESP 1021 BASIC SPANISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE
Study of the basic communication skills in Spanish. Emphasis on the acquisition of vocabulary and the learning of basic grammatical structures to achieve an adequate oral and written communication. Reading and writing of simple texts. Requires additional laboratory hours.
3 credits
GESP 1022 INTERMEDIATE SPANISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE
Development of communication skills in Spanish. Study of grammatical aspects of the language and vocabulary enrichment for daily use. Reading and writing texts of intermediate complexity. Emphasis on writing descriptive and narrative texts. Requires additional laboratory hours. Prerequisite: GESP 1021.
3 credits
GESP 2023: ADVANCED SPANISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE
Study of Spanish as a Foreign Language through diverse readings to promote critical and creative competence. Study of advanced level grammatical structures. Emphasis on the writing of expository and argumentative texts. Continuous practice of oral communication skills. Requires additional laboratory hours. Prerequisite: GESP 1022 or its equivalent.
3 credits
GESP 1101 LITERATURE AND COMMUNICATION: NARRATIVE AND POETRY
Development of communicative competence through the interpretation and critical analysis of narrative, poetic, and non-literary texts. Oral and written practices of the different modes of discourse. Emphasis on the development of linguistic competence. Requires additional hours of virtual open laboratory. Core course.
3 credits
GESP 1102 LITERATURE AND COMMUNICATION: ESSAY AND THEATRE
Development of communicative competence through the interpretation and critical analysis of essays, plays, and non-literary texts. Oral and written practices of expository and argumentative texts. Emphasis on the development of discursive competence. Requires additional hours of virtual open laboratory. Prerequisite: GESP 1101. Core course.
3 credits
GESP 2203 LITERATURE AND WORLD VIEW
Study of literature to interpret reality. Emphasis on the development of advanced oral and written communication skills. Includes a selection of universal literature works representative of different themes and periods. Requires additional hours of virtual open laboratory. Prerequisite: GESP 1102. Core course.
3 credits
Basic Skills: English - 9 credits
It is required to take three consecutive English courses, of the same level, for a total of nine (9) credits. This curriculum is divided into three levels: elementary, intermediate, and advanced. Students will be placed in the levels, according to their English section score on the PAA test (or its equivalent).
This placement will be made according to the following scores: elementary level, a score up to 440; intermediate level, scores from 441 to 580; advanced level, scores of 581 or above. Special cases, such as transfers from universities or other higher education systems that do not require PAA testing, as well as readmitted students who have not taken the basic skills requirements in English, will be required to have an interview with the director of the English Department or the designated person, for their placement in the corresponding level. The elementary level courses (GEEN 1101, 1102 and 1103) and those of the intermediate level (GEEN 1201, 1202 and 1203) require additional hours of virtual open laboratory.
GEEN 1101 ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE I: ORAL COMMUNICATION
Development of English as a Second Language auditory and oral communication skills. Practice of formal and informal speech in everyday social and professional situations at local, national, and global settings. Discussion of fundamental aspects of the oral communication process. Reading and writing of simple texts and structures. Development of basic English vocabulary and grammatical structures. Requires completion of a virtual laboratory component. Required course.
3 credits
GEEN 1102 ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE II: READING
Development of English as a second language reading skills through the analysis of different types of texts. Use of reading strategies to construct meaning and understanding of readings. Vocabulary acquisition in context. Introduction to the writing process and the paragraph structure. Practice in listening and oral communication skills. Requires completion of a virtual laboratory component. Prerequisite: GEEN 1101. Required course.
3 credits
GEEN 1103 ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE III: WRITING
Development of English as a second language basic writing skills. Application of the writing process to produce simple paragraphs and other written texts with varied methods of organization and structure. Improvement of listening, speaking, and reading skills. Acquisition of vocabulary in context. Requires completion of a virtual laboratory component. Prerequisite: GEEN 1102. Required course.
3 credits
GEEN 1201 ENGLISH COMMUNICATION I
Discussion of appropriate use of language in an academic context. Development of oral communication skills to articulate ideas and respond effectively according to context, purpose, and audience. Interpretation of authentic text and multimedia sources through application of critical thinking, reading, and writing. Requires completion of a virtual laboratory component. Required course.
3 credits
GEEN 1202 ENGLISH COMMUNICATION II
Application of critical reading skills to analyze texts. Interpretation of readings to explore content from multiple perspectives and to develop informed arguments. Writing of essays and refinement of speaking skills in an academic context. Requires completion of virtual laboratory component. Prerequisite: GEEN 1201. Required course.
3 credits
GEEN 1203 ENGLISH COMMUNICATION III
Development of research skills to foster academic inquiry. Application of critical reading and thinking skills to the research process. Integration of the principles of research writing in the development of a documented essay. Requires completion of virtual laboratory component. Prerequisite: GEEN 1202. Required course.
3 credits
GEEN 2311 READING AND WRITING
Reading and analysis oriented toward essay writing. Emphasis on organizational skills, writing as a process, and the various types of writing modes. Vocabulary acquisition in context. Required course. Requirement: Score of 600 or above on the CEEB. Students who have not taken the CEEB will follow an alternate placement procedure.
3 credits
GEEN 2312 LITERATURE AND WRITING
Study of culturally and historically diverse literature through readings in fiction, drama, and poetry. Students will write essays presenting critical readings of literary texts. Prerequisite: GEEN 2311. Required course.
3 credits
GEEN 2313 RESEARCH AND WRITING
The planning, research process, and writing of academic works. Emphasis on skills for searching, comprehension, evaluation, and effective use of information. Vocabulary acquisition in context. Prerequisite: GEEN 2312. Required course.
3 credits
Basic Skills: Mathematics - 3 credits
Students will take 3 credits in math. The courses will be supported by a virtual open laboratory.
Students in programs that require course GEMA 1200, are exempt to take that course if a score of 520 or higher is obtained on the Math section of the PAA test.
GEMA1000 QUANTITATIVE REASONING
Study of the set of real numbers, measuring systems, geometry (length, area and volume), equation solving for linear variables that include ratios, proportions, mathematical financial formulas and literal equations. Basic concepts of statistics: frequency distribution, graphs, measures of central tendency, dispersion and probability principles. Requires additional hours of virtual open laboratory.
3 credits
GEMA 1001 MATHEMATICS FOR TEACHERS I
Application of the fundamental topics of numeration and operation, data analysis and probability. Emphasis on the development of content through problem solving. Includes communication in mathematics, mathematical reasoning, representation, the integration of mathematics with other subject areas, the integration of the cross-sectional topics of the curriculum, and the integration of available technology as a working tool. This course is designed for elementary school teachers. A minimum grade of C is required to pass this course. Requires additional hours of virtual open laboratory.
3 credits
GEMA 1002 MATHEMATICS FOR TEACHERS II
Application of the fundamental topics of measuring, geometry and algebra. Emphasis on the development of content through problem solving. Includes communication in mathematics, mathematical reasoning, representation, the integration of mathematics with other subject areas, the integration of the cross-sectional topics of the curriculum, and the integration of available technology as a working tool. This course is designed for elementary school teachers. A minimum grade of C is required to pass this course. Requires additional hours in a virtual open laboratory. Prerequisite: GEMA 1001.
3 credits
GEMA 1200 FUNDAMENTALS OF ALGEBRA
Application of algebra to problem solving, including graphic and symbolic representations. Study of algebraic expressions with whole and rational exponents; and of polynomials, operations, and factoring. Solution of first and second degrees equations, of equations with rational and radical expressions, and of linear inequations. Requires additional hours of virtual open laboratory.
3 credits
Basic Skills: Information and Computing - 3 credits
Students will take 3 credits in this category. The course will be supported by a virtual open laboratory.
GEIC 1010 INFORMATION AND COMPUTING TECHNOLOGIES
Development of skills for processing information by means of the computer. Use of computer programs to establish electronic communication of bibliographic databases, web browsers, operating systems, word processors, electronic graphical presentations, and spreadsheet calculations. Requires additional hours of virtual open laboratory. Core course.
3 credits
Christian Thinking - 3 credits
Students will take 3 credits in this category.
GECF 1010 INTRODUCTION TO THE CHRISTIAN FAITH
Study of the Christian religion in a global and pluralistic context, from a social, historical perspective and an ecumenical orientation. Discussion of the Bible’s general content, with emphasis on the reflection on the person and the contributions of Jesus of Nazareth, as a model of life and change promoter. Introduction to Christian theology, in accord with other disciplines and currents of thought. Promotes commitment to others, community service and respect for others, congruent with the universal values of the Gospels. Core course.
3 credits
Entrepreneurial Culture - 3 credits
Students will take 3 credits in this category.
GEEC 2000 ENTREPRENEURIAL CULTURE
Discussion of aspects that foster the development of attitudes and mentality aimed at taking initiatives, identifying opportunities, and addressing challenges of personal, social, and economic settings to promote an entrepreneurial culture. Core course.
3 credits
Philosophical and Aesthetic Thought - 6 credits
Students will take 6 credits in this category. The GEPE 4040 is a core course.
Students in the Engineering and Aviation programs will only take the GEPE 4040 course in this category.
GEPE 3010 ART APPRECIATION
Study of a general panorama of the creative process and the relationship of the artist with his work; the work of art and its importance for the viewer through an appreciative process. Emphasis on the foundations, functions, vocabulary, techniques, and materials of the visual arts. Study of art topics in different periods and the development of the arts in Puerto Rico. Promotes student participation in visits to museums and galleries. Prescribed distributive course.
3 credits
GEPE 3020 MUSIC APPRECIATION
Study of the multiple functions of music in society through the gradual development of auditory perception. Promotes the appreciation and enjoyment of local and international music, as well as the music from past European societies and those of the Americas, from the 19th century to the present day. Prescribed distributive course.
3 credits
GEPE 3030 THEATRE APPRECIATION
Study of the fundamentals of the performing arts and their incorporation to life in society. Integration of the elements for the analysis of the performing arts, allowing for the development of a critical and evaluative exercise of these. Theoretical revision of theatrical production milestones from its origins to the present, both in dramaturgy as in staging. Prescribed distributive course.
3 credits
GEPE 4040 ETHICS AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Critical analysis on the ethics of responsibility in its multiple dimensions. Emphasis on the meaning of ethical knowledge in the post-modernity context. Includes the study of environmental and socio-political responsibility, the criteria for responsible ethics, as well as the criteria and proposals for an ethic of coexistence and solidarity action. A communitarian service project is required. Core course.
3 credits
Historical and Social Context - 6 credits
Students will take 6 credits in this category. The GEHS 2010 course is a core requirement.
However, international students will have the option of selecting the 6 credits of their preference from the courses in this category.
Historical Component
GEHS 2010 HISTORICAL PROCESS OF CONTEMPORARY PUERTO RICO
Analysis of the historical process of contemporary Puerto Rico through the study of its economic, political, social, and cultural transformations that have been transcendental in its development and in its relations with the World. Emphasis on the period covering from the 19th century to the present. Core course.
3 credits
GEHS 4020 ANCIENT AND MEDIEVAL WESTERN CIVILIZATION
Analysis of the most outstanding economic, political, social and cultural processes of Western civilization from the appearance of human beings to the end of the Middle Ages. Prescribed distributive course.
3 credits
GEHS 4030 MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY WESTERN CIVILIZATION
Analysis of the most outstanding economic, political, social, and cultural processes of modern and contemporary western civilization. Prescribed distributive course.
3 credits
Social Component
GEHS 3020 GLOBAL SOCIETY
Study of the global society from a political and economic perspective; and its social, cultural and geographical impact. Emphasis on the analysis of challenges and problems of the contemporary world. Prescribed distributive course.
3 credits
GEHS 3050 HUMAN FORMATION, SOCIETY, AND CULTURE
Analysis of the processes of formation, organization, and adaptation of human beings from the psychological, sociological, and anthropological perspectives. Emphasis on the impact of biopsychosocial systems, cultural processes, and social changes in human behavior. Prescribed distributive course.
3 credits
Scientific and Technological Context - 3 credits
Students will take 3 credits in this category.
Students studying for the Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education in Biology or Chemistry, must take the GEST 2030 course.
GEST 2020 THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT AND THE HUMAN BEING
Application of the scientific method to the study of human beings’ interactions with the natural environment. The scientific perspective of the origin of life and natural selection as a mechanism for evolution is identified. Study of the relationship between human activities and their impact on the environment. Emphasis on identifying actions as problem solutions as well as means for improving the quality of the environment. Prescribed distributive course.
3 credits
GEST 2030 TECHNOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT
Identification of the fundamental concepts of science and the impact of technology on the environment. Distinction of energy sources and their economic and environmental implications. Study of the relationship of climatological phenomena with human activities. Evaluation of the impact of technological development on human beings and their environment. Prescribed distributive course.
3 credits
Health and Quality of Life - 3 credits
Students will take 3 credits in this category.
Students of the Nursing Program are exempted from this category.
GEHP 3000 INTEGRAL HEALTH AND QUALITY OF LIFE
Study of the dimensions of integral health and its effect on psychomotor, cognitive, and affective parameters. Emphasis on the scientific evidence regarding knowledge related to integral health, physical fitness, nutrition, and stress response. Individual and community responsibility in healthy lifestyles is highlighted. Includes physical activity, exercise, recreation, and sports as preventive or therapeutic health strategies. The course provides practical experiences. Core course.
3 credits
Explanatory note:
Foreign language teaching
The teaching of foreign languages contributes to the internationalization of the curriculum. In addition, it encourages the development of historical, social, and cultural competencies, since the learning of a foreign language requires the sociocultural context of the country whose vernacular is taught as a foreign language in the Institution.
Accordingly, students interested in taking courses in foreign languages, such as French, Portuguese, Italian, German, and Mandarin, among others, may take two courses (6-8 credits) as part of their general academic training. These courses will be replaced by six (6) credits of GEP prescribed courses, specifically: three (3) of the Philosophical and Aesthetic Thought category and three (3) of the Historical and Social Context category.