General Education Program

Welcome to WOU’s General Education Program site!

Leanne Merrill, Director of General Education and Student Transitions, is available via e-mail (gened@wou.edu). Reach out if you have questions about General Education!

Gen Ed Student Planning 2024-2025

News & Updates

Welcome to Spring 2024!

2024-2025 First Year Seminar Catalog

New Courses

MUS 269 Music in America: 1967-Present

A historical survey of significant performers, composers, works and performance practices of American vernacular music from the end of World War II to the present.

Exploring Knowledge Social, Historical, and Civic Perspectives

PHL 350 Social and Political Philosophy

Philosophical exploration of basic topics and problems of social, political and economic life, theories. Special attention given to principles involved in criticism and justification of institutionalized distributions of power and resources.

Integrating Knowledge Citizenship, Social Responsibility, and Global Awareness

WR 227Z Technical Writing

WR 227Z introduces students to producing instructive, informative, and persuasive technical/professional documents aimed at well-defined and achievable outcomes. The course focuses on presenting information using rhetorically appropriate style, design, vocabulary, structure, and visuals. Students can expect to gather, read, and analyze information and to learn a variety of strategies for producing accessible, usable, reader-centered deliverable documents that are clear, concise, and ethical.

Foundations Critical Thinking

A 483 Digital Illustration

Studio course focusing on contemporary illustration tools and techniques, including digital media. Students will develop ideas and explore appropriate media and imagery to communicate narrative.
May be repeated for credit.

Integrating Knowledge Science, Technology, and Society

Who We Are

Our Mission

General Education is a crucial component of the learning experience at Western Oregon University, providing students with fundamental skills for lifelong learning. Students apply, communicate, and integrate ideas from a variety of disciplines. They gain abilities to think and act critically as citizens of a complex and ever-changing world. The curriculum empowers students to pursue diverse interests and perform varying roles in their personal, social, and professional lives.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Put into practice different and varied forms of knowledge, inquiry, and expression that frame academic and applied learning. (Intellectual foundations and breadth of exposure)
2. Demonstrate the ability to evaluate information and develop well-reasoned and evidence-based conclusions. (Critical thinking)
3. Articulate the challenges, responsibilities, and privileges of belonging in a complex, diverse, interconnected world. (Citizenship)
4. Integrate knowledge, perspectives, and strategies across disciplines to answer questions and solve problems. (Multidisciplinary learning)