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NCTC Core Curriculum
To complete the 42 hour Core Curriculum, a student must earn the required number of semester credit hours according to the parameters described below.
Communication - 2 courses
Intensive study of and practice in writing processes, from invention and researching to drafting, revising, and editing, both individually and collaboratively. Emphasis on effective rhetorical choices, including audience, purpose, arrangement, and style. Focus on writing the academic essay as a vehicle for learning, communicating, and critical analysis.
Note: ENGL 1301 is a pre-requisite for all 2000-level literature courses.
Meets NCTC Core Curriculum Requirement.
Intensive study of and practice in the strategies and techniques for developing research-based expository and persuasive texts. Emphasis on effective and ethical rhetorical inquiry, including primary and secondary research methods; critical reading of verbal, visual, and multimedia texts; systematic evaluation, synthesis, and documentation of information sources; and critical thinking about evidence and conclusions.
Intensive study of and practice in professional settings. Focus on the types of documents necessary to make decisions and take action on the job, such as proposals, reports, instructions, policies and procedures, e-mail messages, letters, and descriptions of products and services. Practice individual and collaborative processes involved in the creation of ethical and efficient documents.
Meets NCTC Core Curriculum Requirement.
6 credit hours - Select two courses from the list above.
Mathematics - 1 course
In-depth study and applications of polynomial, rational, radical, exponential and logarithmic functions, and systems of equations using matrices. Additional topics such as sequences, series, probability, and conics may be included. This course is intended for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) majors, as well as students pursuing some Business and Education programs. It is a preparation for advanced coursework in mathematics.
Meets NCTC Core Curriculum Requirement
In-depth study and applications of trigonometry including definitions, identities, inverse functions, solutions of equations, graphing, and solving triangles. Additional topics such as vectors, polar coordinates and parametric equations may be included.
Meets NCTC Core Curriculum Requirement
The application of common algebraic functions, including polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, and rational, to problems in business, economics, and the social sciences are addressed. The applications include mathematics of finance, including simple and compound interest and annuities; systems of linear equations; matrices; linear programming; and probability, including expected value.
Meets NCTC Core Curriculum Requirement
This course is the basic study of limits and continuity, differentiation, optimization, and graphing, and integration of elementary functions, with emphasis on applications in business, economics, and social sciences.
This course is not a substitute for MATH 2413 Calculus I.
Meets NCTC Core Curriculum Requirement
General mathematics course, intended for Non STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) majors. Topics include introductory treatments of sets and logic, financial mathematics, probability and statistics with appropriate applications. Number sense, proportional reasoning, estimation, technology, and communication should be embedded throughout the course. Additional topics may be covered.
Meets NCTC Core Curriculum Requirement
Collection, analysis, presentation and interpretation of data, and probability. Analysis includes descriptive statistics, correlation and regression, confidence intervals and hypothesis testing. Use of appropriate technology is recommended.
Meets NCTC Core Curriculum Requirement
In-depth combined study of algebra, trigonometry, and other topics for calculus readiness.
Meets NCTC Core Curriculum Requirement
Limits and continuity; the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus; definition of the derivative of a function and techniques of differentiation; applications of the derivative to maximizing or minimizing a function; the chain rule, mean value theorem, and rate of change problems; curve sketching; definite and indefinite integration of algebraic, trigonometric, and transcendental functions, with an application to calculation of areas.
Meets NCTC Core Curriculum Requirement.
3-4 credit hours - Select one course from the list above.
Life & Physical Sciences - 2 courses
Study of stars, galaxies, and the universe outside our solar system. Includes laboratory.
Fundamental principles of living organisms will be studied, including physical and chemical properties of life, organization, function, evolutionary adaptation, and classification. Concepts of cytology, reproduction, genetics, and scientific reasoning are included.
Laboratory activities will reinforce the fundamental principles of living organisms, including physical and chemical properties of life, organization, function, evolutionary adaptation, and classification. Study and examination of the concepts of cytology, reproduction, genetics, and scientific reasoning are included.
Recommended prerequisite: Successful completion of MATH 1314 College Algebra or concurrent enrollment in higher-level mathematics is recommended.
The diversity and classification of life will be studied, including animals, plants, protists, fungi, and prokaryotes. Special emphasis will be given to anatomy, physiology, ecology, and evolution of plants and animals. Lab required.
Laboratory activities will reinforce study of the diversity and classification of life, including animals, plants, protists, fungi, and prokaryotes. Special emphasis will be given to anatomy, physiology, ecology, and evolution of plants and animals.
Recommended prerequisite: MATH 1314 or concurrent enrollment in higher level mathematics is recommended.
Note: It is recommended that BIOL 1406 Biology for Majors I be taken before BIOl 1407.
Provides a survey of biological principles with an emphasis on humans, including chemistry of life, cells, structure, function, and reproduction.
Laboratory activities will reinforce a survey of biological principles with an emphasis on humans, including chemistry of life, cells, structure, function, and reproduction.
This course will provide a survey of biological principles with an emphasis on humans, including evolution, ecology, plant and animal diversity, and physiology. Laboratory activities will reinforce a survey of biological principles with an emphasis on humans, including evolution, ecology, plant and animal diversity, and physiology.
Fundamental biological concepts relevant to plant physiology, life cycle, growth and development, structure and function, and cellular and molecular metabolism. The role of plants in the environment, evolution, and phylogeny of major plant groups, algae, and fungi.
Laboratory activities will reinforce fundamental biological concepts relevant to plant physiology, life cycle, growth and development, structure and function, and cellular and molecular metabolism. The role of plants in the environment, evolution, and phylogeny of major plant groups, algae, and fungi.
This course is intended for science majors.
Recommended prerequisite: Successful completion of MATH 1314 College Algebra or concurrent enrollment in higher-level mathematics is recommended.
Fundamental biological concepts relevant to animals, including systematics, evolution, structure, and function, cellular and molecular metabolism, reproduction, development, diversity, phylogeny, and ecology.
Laboratory activities will reinforce fundamental biological concepts relevant to animals, including systematics, evolution, structure and function, cellular and molecular metabolism, reproduction, development, diversity, phylogeny, and ecology.
This course is intended for science majors.
Recommended prerequisite: Successful completion of MATH 1314 College Algebra or concurrent enrollment in higher-level mathematics is recommended.
Anatomy and Physiology I is the first part of a two-course sequence. It is a study of the structure and function of the human body including cells, tissues and organs of the following systems: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous and special senses. Emphasis is on interrelationships among systems and regulation of physiological functions involved in maintaining homeostasis.
The lab provides a hands-on learning experience for exploration of human system components and basic physiology. Systems to be studied include integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, and special senses.
Anatomy and Physiology II is the second part of a two-course sequence. It is a study of the structure and function of the human body including the following systems: endocrine, cardiovascular, immune, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive including nutrition, urinary including fluid and electrolyte balance, and reproductive including human development and genetics. Emphasis is on interrelationships among systems and regulation of physiological functions involved in maintaining homeostasis.
The lab provides a hands-on learning experience for exploration of human system components and basic physiology. Systems to be studied include endocrine, cardiovascular, immune, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive including nutrition, urinary including fluid and electrolyte balance, and reproductive including human development and genetics.
Principles of environmental systems and ecology, including biogeochemical cycles, energy transformations, abiotic interactions, symbiotic relationships, natural resources and their management, lifestyle analysis, evolutionary trends, hazards and risks, and approaches to ecological research.
Laboratory activities will reinforce principles of environmental systems and ecology, including biogeochemical cycles, energy transformations, abiotic interactions, symbiotic relationships, natural resources and their management, lifestyle analysis, evolutionary trends, hazards and risks, and approaches to ecological research.
Survey course introducing chemistry. Topics may include inorganic, organic, biochemistry, food/physiological chemistry, and environmental/consumer chemistry. Designed for allied health students and for students who are not science majors.
Fundamental principles of chemistry for majors in the sciences, health sciences, and engineering; topics include measurements, fundamental properties of matter, states of matter, chemical reactions, chemical stoichiometry, periodicity of elemental properties, atomic structure, chemical bonding, molecular structure, solutions, properties of gases, and an introduction to thermodynamics and descriptive chemistry.
Basic laboratory experiments supporting theoretical principles presented in lecture; introduction of the scientific method, experimental design, data collection and analysis, and preparation of laboratory reports.
Chemical equilibrium; phase diagrams and spectrometry; acid-base concepts; thermodynamics; kinetics; electrochemistry; nuclear chemistry; an introduction to organic chemistry and descriptive inorganic chemistry.
Introduction of the scientific method, experimental design, chemical instrumentation, data collection and analysis, and preparation of laboratory reports.
Extension of the study of geology, astronomy, meteorology and oceanography, focusing on natural resources, hazards and climate variability. This laboratory-based course will focus on methods used to collect and analyze data related to natural resources, hazards and climate variability.
Structure, growth, and development of horticultural plants. Examination of environmental effects, basic principles of reproduction, production methods ranging from outdoor to controlled climates, nutrition, and pest management.
Fundamental principles of physics, using algebra and trigonometry; the principles and applications of classical mechanics and thermodynamics, including harmonic motion, mechanical waves and sound, physical systems, Newton's Laws of Motion, and gravitation and other fundamental forces with emphasis on problem solving.
Laboratory activities will reinforce fundamental principles of physics, using algebra and trigonometry; the principles and applications of classical mechanics and thermodynamics, including harmonic motion, mechanical waves and sound, physical systems, Newton’s Laws of Motion, and gravitation and other fundamental forces; emphasis will be on problem solving.
Fundamental principles of physics, using algebra and trigonometry; the principles and applications of electricity and magnetism, including circuits, electrostatics, electromagnetism, waves, sound, light, optics, and modern physics topics; with emphasis on problem solving.
Laboratory activities will reinforce fundamental principles of physics, using algebra and trigonometry; the principles and applications of electricity and magnetism, including circuits, electrostatics, electromagnetism, waves, sound, light, optics, and modern physics topics; with emphasis on problem solving.
Physical science lecture/lab course designed for non-science majors. Surveys topics from physics, chemistry, geology, astronomy, and meteorology.
Fundamental principles of physics, using calculus, for science, computer science, and engineering majors; the principles and applications of classical mechanics, including harmonic motion, physical systems and thermodynamics; and emphasis on problem solving.
Basic laboratory experiments supporting theoretical principles involving the principles and applications of classical mechanics, including harmonic motion and physical systems; experimental design, data collection and analysis, and preparation of laboratory reports.
Principles of physics for science, computer science, and engineering majors, using calculus, involving the principles of electricity and magnetism, including circuits, electromagnetism, waves, sound, light, and optics.
Laboratory experiments supporting theoretical principles presented in the lecture involving the principles of electricity and magnetism, including circuits, electromagnetism, waves, sound, light and optics, experimental design, data collection and analysis, and preparation of laboratory reports.
6 credit hours - Select two courses from the list above.
* Some courses require a prerequisite course.
Language, Philosophy & Culture - 1 course
A survey of the development of British literature from the Anglo-Saxon period to the Eighteenth Century. Students will study works of prose, poetry, drama, and fiction in relation to their historical, linguistic, and cultural contexts. Texts will be selected from a diverse group of authors and traditions.
A survey of the development of British literature from the Romantic period to the present. Students will study works of prose, poetry, drama, and fiction in relation to their historical and cultural contexts. Texts will be selected from a diverse group of authors and traditions.
A survey of American literature from the period of exploration and settlement through the Civil War. Students will study works of prose, poetry, drama, and fiction in relation to their historical and cultural contexts. Texts will be selected from among a diverse group of authors for what they reflect and reveal about the evolving American experience and character.
A survey of American literature from the Civil War to the present. Students will study works of prose, poetry, drama, and fiction in relation to their historical and cultural contexts. Texts will be selected from among a diverse group of authors for what they reflect and reveal about the evolving American experience and character.
A survey of world literature from the ancient world through the sixteenth century. Students will study works of prose, poetry, drama, and fiction in relation to their historical and cultural contexts. Texts will be selected from a diverse group of authors and traditions.
A survey of world literature from the seventeenth century to the present. Students will study works of prose, poetry, drama, and fiction in relation to their historical and cultural contexts. Texts will be selected from a diverse group of authors and traditions.
The study of one or more literary genres including, but not limited to, poetry, fiction, drama, and film.
A survey of Mexican American/Chicanx literature from Mesoamerica to the present. Students will study literary works of fiction, poetry, drama, essays, and memoirs in relation to their historical, linguistic, political, regional, gendered, and cultural contexts. Texts will be selected from a diverse group of authors, literary movements, and media forms. Topics and themes may include the literary performance of identity and culture, aesthetic mediation of racialization, struggle and protest, and artistic activism.
A survey of the social, political, economic, cultural, religious, and intellectual history of the world from emergence of human cultures through the 15th century. The course examines major cultural regions of the world in Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania and their global interactions over time. Themes include the emergence of early societies, the rise of civilizations, the development of political and legal systems, religion and philosophy, economic systems and trans-regional networks of exchange. The course emphasizes the development, interaction and impact of global exchange.
A survey of the social, political, economic, cultural, religious, and intellectual history of the world from the 15th century to the present. The course examines major cultural regions of the world in Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania and their global interactions over time. Themes include maritime exploration and transoceanic empires, nation/state formation and industrialization, imperialism, global conflicts and resolutions, and global economic integration. The course emphasizes the development, interaction and impact of global exchange.
This stand-alone course is an interdisciplinary survey of cultures focusing on the philosophical and aesthetic factors in human values with an emphasis on the historical development of the individual and society and the need to create.
A study of major issues in philosophy and/or the work of major philosophical figures in philosophy. Topics in philosophy may include theories of reality, theories of knowledge, theories of value, and their practical applications.
Meets NCTC Core Curriculum Requirement
The systematic evaluation of classical and/or contemporary ethical theories concerning the good life, human conduct in society, morals, and standards of value.
Meets NCTC Core Curriculum Requirement
The consolidation of skills acquired at the introductory level. Further development of proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing. Emphasis on comprehension, appreciation, and interpretation of the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world.
Builds upon existing oral proficiencies of heritage speakers of Spanish. Enhances proficiencies in the home-based language by developing a full range of registers including public speaking and formal written discourse. Emphasis on comprehension, appreciation, and interpretation of the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world.
3 credit hours - Select one course from the list above.
Creative Arts - 1 course
A general introduction to the visual arts designed to create an appreciation of the vocabulary, media, techniques, and purposes of the creative process. Students will critically interpret and evaluate works of art within formal, cultural, and historical contexts.
Meets NCTC Core Curriculum Requirement
Survey of primitive, classical, and contemporary dance and its interrelationship with cultural developments and other art forms.
Survey of theater including its history, dramatic works, stage techniques, production procedures, and relation to other art forms. Participation in productions may be required.
Study and application of the methods and components of theatrical production which may include one or more of the following: theater facilities, scenery construction and painting, properties, lighting, costume, makeup, sound, and theatrical management.
Survey and analyze cinema including history, film techniques, production procedures, selected motion pictures, and cinema's impact on and reflection of society.
Understanding music through the study of cultural periods, major composers, and musical elements. Illustrated with audio recordings and live performances. This course does not apply to a music major degree.
Course does not apply to a music major degree.
Meets NCTC Core Curriculum Requirement
A general survey of various styles of music of the Americas, including but not limited to jazz, folk, rock, and contemporary music.
Meets NCTC Core Curriculum Requirement
3 credit hours - Select one course from the list above.
History - 2 courses
A survey of the social, political, economic, cultural, and intellectual history of the United States from the pre-Columbian era to the Civil War/Reconstruction period. United States History I includes the study of pre-Columbian, colonial, revolutionary, early national, slavery and sectionalism, and the Civil War/Reconstruction eras. Themes that may be addressed in United States History I include: American settlement and diversity, American culture, religion, civil and human rights, technological change, economic change, immigration and migration, and creation of the federal government.
A survey of the social, political, economic, cultural, and intellectual history of the United States from the Civil War and Reconstruction era to the present. United States History II examines industrialization, immigration, world wars, the Great Depression, Cold War and post-Cold War eras. Themes that may be addressed in the United States History II include American culture, religion, civil and human rights, technological change, economic change, immigration and migration, urbanization and suburbanization, the expansion of the federal government, and the study of U.S. foreign policy.
A survey of the political, social, economic, cultural, and intellectual history of Texas from the pre-Columbian era to the present. Themes that may be addressed in Texas History include: Spanish colonization and Spanish Texas; Mexican Texas; the Republic of Texas; statehood and secession; oil, industrialization, and urbanization; civil rights; and modern Texas.
6 credit hours - Select two courses from the list above.
Government - 2 courses
Origin and development of the U.S. Constitution, structure and powers of the national government including the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, federalism, political participation, the national election process, public policy, civil liberties and civil rights.
Origin and development of the Texas constitution, structure and powers of state and local government, federalism and inter-governmental relations, political participation, the election process, public policy, and the political culture of Texas.
Social & Behavioral Sciences - 1 course
The study of human beings, their antecedents and related primates, and their cultural behaviors and institutions. Introduces the major sub-fields: physical and cultural anthropology, archaeology, linguistics, their applications, and ethics in the discipline.
Meets NCTC Core Curriculum Requirements
The study of human cultures. Topics may include social organization, institutions, diversity, interactions between human groups, and ethics in the discipline.
Meets NCTC Core Curriculum Requirement
An analysis of the economy as a whole including measurement and determination of Aggregate Demand and Aggregate Supply, national income, inflation, and unemployment. Other topics include international trade, economic growth, business cycles, and fiscal policy and monetary policy.
Analysis of the behavior of individual economic agents, including consumer behavior and demand, producer behavior and supply, price and output decisions by firms under various market structures, factor markets, market failures, and international trade.
General Psychology is a survey of the major psychological topics, theories, and approaches to the scientific study of behavior and mental processes.
Meets NCTC Core Curriculum Requirement
Lifespan Growth and Development is a study of social, emotional, cognitive and physical factors and influences of a developing human from conception to death.
Meets NCTC Core Curriculum Requirement
The scientific study of human society, including ways in which groups, social institutions, and individuals affect each other. Causes of social stability and social change are explored through the application of various theoretical perspectives, key concepts, and related research methods of sociology. Analysis of social issues in their institutional context may include topics such as social stratification, gender, race/ethnicity, and deviance.
Meets NCTC Core Curriculum Requirement
Application of sociological principles and theoretical perspectives to major social problems in contemporary society such as inequality, crime and violence, substance abuse, environmental issues, deviance, or family problems.
Meets NCTC Core Curriculum Requirement
Application of communication theory to interpersonal relationship development, maintenance, and termination in relationship contexts including friendships, romantic partners, families, and relationships with co-workers and supervisors.
3 credit hours - Select one course from the list above.
Component Area Option - 2 courses
Introduces basic human communication principles and theories embedded in a variety of contexts including interpersonal, small group, and public speaking.
Application of communication theory and practice to the public speaking context, with emphasis on audience analysis, speaker delivery, ethics of communication, cultural diversity, and speech organizational techniques to develop students’ speaking abilities, as well as ability to effectively evaluate oral presentations.
Study and application of communication within the business and professional context. Special emphasis will be given to communication competencies in presentations, dyads, teams and technologically mediated formats.
A study of research and theory in the psychology of learning, cognition, and motivation, factors that impact learning, and application of learning strategies. Theoretical models of strategic learning, cognition, and motivation serve as the conceptual basis for the introduction of the college-level student academic strategies.
Students use assessment instruments (e.g. learning inventories) to help them identify their own strengths and weaknesses as strategic learners. Students are ultimately expected to integrate and apply the learning skills discussed across their own academic programs and become effective and efficient learners. Students developing these skills should be able to continually draw from the theoretical models they have learned.
6 credit hours - Select two courses from the list above.