Foundation and Distribution Areas

Gen Ed Basics

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  English Foundation (ENGF)new window: The English foundation requirement prepares students with a foundation of personal and academic writing. English foundation outcomes: students should be able to
  1. demonstrate understanding of writing as a series of tasks, including finding, evaluating, analyzing, and synthesizing appropriate sources, and as a process that involves composing, editing, and revising;
  2. demonstrate critical reading and analytical skills, including understanding an argument's major assertions and assumptions and how to evaluate its supporting evidence;
  3. demonstrate facility with the fundamentals of persuasion as these are adapted to a variety of special situations and audiences in academic writing;
  4. demonstrate research skills, integrate their own ideas with those of others, and apply the conventions of attribution and citation correctly; and
  5. use Standard Written English and edit and revise their own writing for appropriateness.

• Mathematics Foundation (MATF)new window:  The mathematics foundation requirement prepares students with a foundation in mathematical concepts and skills upon which they may build in order to be successful in their chosen major, as well as to be prepared to live and work in an increasingly technological and quantitative world. Mathematics outcomes: students should be able to
  1. interpret mathematical models given verbally, or by formulas, graphs, tables, or schematics, and draw inferences from them;
  2. represent mathematical concepts verbally, and, where appropriate, symbolically, visually, and numerically;
  3. use arithmetic, algebraic, geometric, or statistical methods to solve problems;
  4. use mathematical reasoning with appropriate technology to solve problems, test conjectures, judge the validity of arguments, formulate valid arguments, and communicate the reasoning and the results;
  5. use mathematical methods, including estimation and dimensional analysis, to check answers for reasonableness, and
  6. recognize and use connections within mathematics and between mathematics and other disciplines. 

• Arts (ARTD) new windowand Humanities (HUMD)new window: The arts and humanities are at the very core of a curriculum grounded in the liberal arts.  The study of arts and humanities challenge students to think critically, to behave ethically, and to communicate effectively in a diverse world as they consider the various disciplines and methods through which people express themselves and relate to one another. Arts and humanities outcomes: students should be able to
  1. communicate effectively using the language of the arts and humanities;
  2. develop skills and awareness that enable them to study and research independently and produce an intellectual product of that process that is original.
  3. understand and apply ethical principles;
  4. develop skills, including but not limited to world language skills, and awareness that enable one to value cultural diversity;
  5. understand the problems of the past in order to be able to apply the historical lessons to the present and the future;
  6. develop skills and awareness to value and engage in creative activities.

• Behavioral and Social Sciences (BSSD)new window: Behavioral and social sciences courses examine the ways in which individuals, groups, institutions, and societies behave, function, and influence one another. They introduce students to the variety of methods to collect, analyze, interpret, and apply qualitative and quantitative data as related to social phenomenon and individual behavior. Behavioral and social sciences outcomes: students should be able to
  1. demonstrate knowledge of findings and theories in the social and behavioral sciences;
  2. demonstrate understanding of concepts, theories, research methods, and ethical decision making used in the social and behavioral sciences;
  3. demonstrate critical thinking about arguments in the social and behavioral sciences and evaluate an argument's major assertions, its background assumptions, the evidence used to support its assertions, and its explanatory utility;
  4. understand and articulate how culture, society, diversity, and globalization shape the role of the individual within society and human relations across cultures;
  5. explain how social science can be employed to (a) analyze social change, (b) analyze social problems, and (c) analyze and develop social, economic, and political policies; and
  6. apply technologies to conduct research on, and communicate about, social and behavioral sciences and to access, evaluate, and manage information to prepare and present their work effectively.

• Natural Sciences (NSLD with Lab)new window (NSND non-lab)new window: Natural sciences courses examine living systems and the physical universe. They introduce students to the variety of methods used to collect, interpret, and apply scientific data, and to an understanding of the relationship between scientific theory and application. Natural sciences outcomes: students should be able to
  1. explain the basic principles and theories of one or more of the natural sciences;
  2. explain how natural scientists in a particular discipline conduct research;
  3. explain the fundamentals of experimental design;
  4. make observations, generate and analyze data using the appropriate quantitative tools, and draw a valid conclusion from the data;
  5. explain the conclusions of an experiment, consistent with the principles illustrated; and
  6. communicate the findings of science using appropriate oral and written means.

Global and Cultural Perspectives Designation

Students in Associate of Arts and Associate of Science programs will include one class designated as a “Global and Cultural Perspectives” course from within the General Education distribution areas. The course will have a primary focus or will provide in-depth study that leads students to an appreciation of the differences as well as commonalities among people by studying the ideas, history, values, and/or creative expressions of diverse groups from the perspectives of the groups under study. This additional designation was formerly called the "Multicultural Requirement." Students may choose any course from the course list designated with a [GCP] designation to fulfill this requirement.

General Education Competencies

General Education competencies are the outcomes that are pervasive components of all courses and experiences. These competencies equip a student with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes for a full and productive life. They are not limited to instruction in one course or discipline; these competencies can be taught in all college courses and are suggested by Maryland Higher Education Commission for General Education programs.

1. Written and oral communication includes the ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written language, the ability to use a variety of modern information resources and supporting technologies, the ability to differentiate content from style of presentation, and the ability to suit content and style to the purpose of the communication.
2. Scientific and quantitative reasoning includes the ability to locate, identify, collect, organize, analyze, and interpret data and the ability to use mathematics and the scientific method of inquiry to make decisions, when appropriate.
3. Critical analysis and reasoning include the application of higher order analytic and creative cognitive processes to arrive at reasoned and supportable conclusions, to synthesize and apply knowledge within and across courses and disciplines, and to develop creative solutions.
4. Technological competency includes the ability to use computer technology and appropriate software applications to produce documentation, quantitative data presentations, and functional graphical presentations appropriate to various academic and professional settings.
5. Information literacy includes the ability to identify, locate, and effectively use information from various print and electronic sources.

Areas of Proficiency

The areas of proficiency contain additional outcomes that are part of the General Education program at Montgomery College.

• Arts and aesthetic awareness: Students will develop skills and acquire experiences that enable them to value, reflect upon, and appreciate the arts and role of the arts in the human experience.
• Personal, social, and civic responsibilities: Students will develop the skills and awareness necessary to live as responsible, ethical, and contributing citizens of the community, state, nation, and world.