General Studies Department

The General Studies Department offers a series of courses based on curricula that primarily address the academic and self-management skills that are necessary for student success. In addition, topics such as campus resources and college culture, Internet research tools, and critical thinking are included.

Courses are offered as linked to pre-college level English courses, as well as stand-alone courses. While these courses are usually taken by new students, continuing students are also encouraged to consider enrolling, in order to maximize their efficiency and effectiveness in these skill areas. Currently, there are additional courses in development which would address various levels of student needs and/or emphasize different aspects of student success skills.

Oversight and coordination of the General Studies Department are provided by Dr. Gina Huston, Dean of Student Development, as well as a quarterly rotating Faculty Lead.

Current Course Offerings:

General Studies 99 Introduction to Academic Study Skills (2 credits)

Description: This course helps students develop academic and workplace readiness skills, critical thinking strategies, self-discovery techniques, and self-management tools. This course is linked to ENGL 091.

General Studies 100 Strategies for Success (2 credits)

Description: Open to all students, this course presents an overview of the study skills required for academic success in college-level courses, as well as self-management skills. This course is especially helpful for new students and returning students.

General Studies 101 Orientation to College (1 credit)

Description: Newly entering students develop an understanding of their role as students, identify campus resources, identify learning options, and develop an academic plan.

Description: This course is an introduction to academic research skills and is designed for students from all programs. Emphasis is on proficiency at using various electronic databases, including those available on the library’s information networks, the online catalog and the World Wide Web, as well as other standard research tools and retrieval techniques. The principles and skills learned can be applied throughout college, as well as for lifelong learning.

General Studies 140 Career Planning/Life Exploration (1 credit)

Description: Identify interests and values in relationships to the world of work. Establish or change career goals and learn skills for ongoing career and life planning. Determine the effects of outside variables to see the impact on career choices.

General Studies 163 Psychology of Self-Esteem (1 credit)

Description: This course examines the sources of self-esteem using the Circle Model as presented in the text, “Building Self-Esteem”. Multiple cultural factors which affect self-esteem will be discussed and strategies to improve self-esteem will be presented. This class is designed for personal growth and enrichment brought about by weekly in-class self-esteem building exercises.

Click on the link to:

• Become familiar with what General Studies courses are about so that you can refer students
• Contribute ideas for General Studies course development
• See data regarding General Studies students at OC

  FOR GENERAL STUDIES INSTRUCTORS

  Click on the link to:
• Find online instructional resources
• Share activities and lesson plan ideas
• Check on meeting schedules and other calendar items
• See syllabi of other General Studies instructors

  FOR STUDENTS

  Click on the link to find out:
• How do I know if a General Studies Class is for me?
• INSIDER tips from OC instructors and staff for college survival
• Links to websites about study skills, self-management skills, and MORE!