General Education Requirements (GERs) for Baccalaureate Degrees

General Education Requirements (GERs) provide students with a common educational experience in order to provide a foundation for further study and broaden the educational experience of every degree-seeking student. They are designed to promote an elevation of the student’s level in basic college-level skills (Tier 1), a breadth of exposure to traditional academic disciplines (Tier 2), and an understanding of how to integrate and apply knowledge to an evolving world (Tier 3).

UAA’s General Education Values

Develop intellectual and practical skills across the curriculum, including inquiry and analysis, quantitative literacy, critical and creative thinking, problem solving, written and oral communication, information literacy, and collaborative learning.

Build knowledge of human institutions, socio-cultural processes, and the physical and natural world through study of the natural and social sciences, mathematics, humanities, and the arts.

Acquire tools for effective civic engagement in local through global contexts, including ethical reasoning and intercultural competence, with particular emphasis on Alaska and the circumpolar north.

Integrate and apply learning, including ability to synthesize knowledge and skills across general and specialized studies, adapting them to new settings, questions, and responsibilities, and forming a foundation for lifelong learning.

GER Student Learning Outcomes

After completing the GERs, UAA students shall be able to:

  • Communicate effectively in a variety of contexts and formats.
  • Reason mathematically and analyze quantitative and qualitative data competently to reach sound conclusions.
  • Relate knowledge to the historical context in which it developed and the human problems it addresses.
  • Interpret different systems of aesthetic representation and understand their historical and cultural contexts.
  • Investigate the complexity of human institutions and behavior to better understand interpersonal, group and cultural dynamics.
  • Identify ways in which science has advanced the understanding of important natural processes.
  • Locate and use relevant information to make appropriate personal and professional decisions.
  • Identify how personal, structural, and cultural factors produce diverse experiences and perspectives in society and apply effective and appropriate strategies to interact in local and global communities.
  • Synthesize disciplinary knowledge, creative thinking, critical judgment, and reflection in a variety of contexts to assess complex issues.
Category Description Credits
Tier 1 Basic College-Level Skills 12
Tier 2 Disciplinary Areas 22
Tier 3 Integrative Capstone 3
Total 37

All students should consult a faculty or academic advisor for appropriate course selections.

  • Baccalaureate students are required to complete 12 credits of basic college-level skills (oral, written and quantitative) before completing 60 total degree-applicable credits.
  • Each of the eight GER classifications has a list of approved courses (see the General Education Requirements classification lists). Only courses from the GER classification list may be used to satisfy a distribution area requirement.
  • Courses used to satisfy distribution area requirements in General Education may also be used to satisfy school/college requirements and/or degree/program requirements, but no course may be counted in more than one GER category.
  • Courses ending with numbers _93 or _94 cannot satisfy a GER, and UAA courses not on the approved GER classification list cannot be petitioned to meet a GER.

Petitions for GERs and/or General University Requirements

Petitions pertaining to GERs and/or General University Requirements must be processed through the Office of Academic Affairs, with final authority to deny or approve resting with the provost. After the petition has received final approval or denial, the student is notified of the decision. Changes in course level, grading or number of credits awarded are not petitionable. UAA courses not on the approved baccalaureate GER lists cannot be petitioned to meet a GER. For more information, see the Academic Petition section.

GER Classification List

Courses listed as satisfying a GER are also identified in the course descriptions. A course satisfying a particular GER in the semester in which it was completed will continue to satisfy that GER for that student even if its status has changed in the catalog under which the student graduates.

Students who wish to use a UAF or UAS course to meet a UAA GER should refer to the table of substitutions below.

UAA Table of GER Substitutions

This table is intended to assist UAA students who wish to use UAF or UAS courses to meet a UAA GER per Board of Regents Policy P10.04.062.

Tier I: Basic College - Level Skills

UAA Courses UAF Courses UAS Courses
Oral Communication Skills - 3 Credits
COMM A111, COMM A235, COMM A237, COMM A241 COM F121X, COM F131X, COM F141X COMM S111, COMM S235, COMM S237, COMM S241
Quantitative Skills (Quantitative Literacy) - 3 Credits
MATH A104, MATH A113, MATH A115, MATH A121, MATH A151, MATH A152, MATH A155, MATH A221, MATH A251, MATH A251F, MATH A252, MATH A252F, MATH A253, STAT A200, STAT A253 MATH F113X, MATH F122X, MATH F151X, MATH F152X, MATH F156X, MATH F230X, MATH F251X, MATH F252X, MATH F253X, STAT F200X MATH S113, MATH S151, MATH S152, MATH S251, MATH S252, MATH S253, STAT S200
Written Communication Skills - 6 Credits
WRTG A111, WRTG A211, WRTG A212, WRTG A213, WRTG A214 WRTG F111X, WRTG F211X, WRTG F212X, WRTG F213X, WRTG F214X WRTG S111, WRTG S211, WRTG S212

Tier 2: Disciplinary Areas

UAA Courses UAF Courses UAS Courses
Fine Arts (Arts) - 3 Credits
AKNS A215, AKNS A216, AKNS A261, ART A160, ART A261, ART A262, DNCE A170, MUS A100, MUS A110, MUS A121, MUS A215, MUS A216, MUS A224, THR A111, THR A121, THR A215 ACNS F223X, ANS F161X, ANS F202X, ANS F223X, ART F105X, ART F200X, ART F261X, ART F262X, ENGL F217X, FLPA F105X, FLPA F121X, FLPA F161X, FLPA F215X, FLPA F217X, HUM F201X, MUS F103X, MUS F125X, MUS F200X, MUS F223X ART S105, ART S160, ART S181, ART S201, ART S260, ART S261, ART S262, ART S263, MUS S123, THR S111, THR S211, THR S212
Humanities - 6 Credits
AKNS A101A, AKNS A101B, AKNS A101C, AKNS A101D, AKNS A101E, AKNS A101F, AKNS A101H, AKNS A101I, AKNS A102A, AKNS A102B, AKNS A102C, AKNS A102D, AKNS A102E, AKNS A102F, AKNS A102H, AKNS A102I, AKNS A114A, AKNS A114B, AKNS A114E, AKNS A114F, AKNS A114H, AKNS A114I, AKNS A201, AKNS A230, AKNS A240A, AKNS A240F, AKNS A240H, AKNS A240I, ASL A101, ASL A102, ASL A201, ASL A202, ENGL A120, ENGL A121, ENGL A200, ENGL A203, ENGL A205, ENGL A245, FREN A101, FREN A102, FREN A201, FREN A202, GER A101, GER A102, GER A201, GER A202, HIST A101, HIST A102, HIST A104, HIST A121, HIST A122, HIST A131, HIST A132, HNRS A192, HUM A211, HUM A212, JPN A101, JPN A102, JPN A201, JPN A202, LING A101, PHIL A101, PHIL A103, PHIL A201, PHIL A211, PHIL A212, PHIL A301, PHIL A305, PS A331, PS A332, PS A333, RUSS A101, RUSS A102, RUSS A201, RUSS A202, SPAN A101, SPAN A102, SPAN A201, SPAN A202, THR A211, THR A212 ANL F141X, ANL F142X, ANL F251X, ASLG F101X, ASLG F140X, ASLG F202X, CHNS F101X, CHNS F102X, ENGL F200X, ENGL F201X, ENGL F270X, FL F200X, FREN F101X, FREN F102X, FREN F201X, FREN F202X, GER F101X, GER F102X, GER F201X, GER F202X, INU F111X, INU F112X, JOUR F101X, JPN F101X, JPN F102X, JPN F201X, JPN F202X, LAT F101X, LAT F102X, LING F101X, LING F216X, PHIL F102X, PHIL F104X, RELG F221X, RUSS F101X, RUSS F102X, RUSS F201X, RUSS F202X, SPAN F101X, SPAN F102X, SPAN F201X, SPAN F202X, YUP F101X, YUP F102X AKL S105, AKL S106, AKL S107, AKL S108, AKL S109, AKL S110, AKL S205, AKL S206, AKL S207, AKL S208, AKL S209, AKL S210, COMM (was JOUR) S101, ENGL S200, ENGL S215, ENGL S217, ENGL S226, ENGL S261, ENVI S120, FREN S101, FREN S102, HIST S105, HIST S106, HIST S131, HIST S132, HUM S120, PHIL S101, PHIL S201, PHIL S301, SPAN S101, SPAN S102, SPAN S201, SPAN S202
Natural Sciences - 7 Credits Including One Laboratory Course
Laboratory Courses
ANTH A205 / ANTH A205L, ANTH A211 / ANTH A211L, ASTR A103 / ASTR A103L, ASTR A104 / ASTR A104L, BIOL A102 / BIOL A103, BIOL A108, BIOL A111 / BIOL A111L, BIOL A112 / BIOL A112L, BIOL A178 / GEOL A178, BIOL A179 , CHEM A103 / CHEM A103L, CHEM A104 / CHEM A104L, CHEM A105 / CHEM A105L, CHEM A106 / CHEM A106L, GEOG A111 / GEOG A111L, GEOL A111 / GEOL A111L, GEOL A115 / GEOL A115L, GEOL A221, PHYS A123 / PHYS A123L, PHYS A124 / PHYS A124L, PHYS A211 / PHYS A211L, PHYS A212 / PHYS A212L ATM F101X, BIOL F100X, BIOL F103X, BIOL F104X, BIOL F111X, BIOL F112X, BIOL F115X, BIOL F116X, BIOL F120X, BIOL F240X, CHEM F100X, CHEM F103X, CHEM F104X, CHEM F105X, CHEM F106X, CHEM F111X, ENVI F101X, ENVI F102X, ES F100L, ES F100X, GEOS F101X, GEOS F102X, GEOS F106X, GEOS F111X, GEOS F112X, GEOS F120X, MBI F111X, OCN F111X, PHYS F102X, PHYS F115X, PHYS F123X, PHYS F124X, PHYS F165X, PHYS F211X, PHYS F212X, PHYS F213X, WLF F104X BIOL S103, BIOL S104, BIOL S111, BIOL S112, BIOL S115, BIOL S116, CHEM S103, CHEM S105, CHEM S105L, CHEM S106, CHEM S106L, ENVS S102, GEOL S104, PHYS S123, PHYS S124, PHYS S211, PHYS S212
Non-laboratory Courses
ANTH A205, ANTH A211, ASTR A103, ASTR A104, BIOL A100, BIOL A102, BIOL A111, BIOL A112, BIOL A178, BIOL A200, CHEM A103, CHEM A104, CHEM A105, CHEM A106, ENVI A211, GEOG A111, GEOL A111, GEOL A115, GEOL A178, PHYS A101, PHYS A123, PHYS A124, PHYS A211, PHYS A212 ANTH S205, CHEM S100, CHEM S105, CHEM S106, GEOL S105, OCN S101, PHYS S165
Social Sciences - 6 Credits
ANTH A101, ANTH A111, ANTH A200, ANTH A202, BA A151, CEL A292, COMM A255, COMM A280, ECON A101, ECON A102, ECON A120, ECON A210, ECON A256, EDEC A105, ENVI A212, GEOG A101, HNRS A292, INTL A101, JPC A104, JUST A110, JUST A175, JUST A251, LEGL A101, LSSS A111, PS A101, PS A102, PS A311, PSY A111, PSY A150, PSY A200, SOC A101, SOC A201, SOC A202, SWK A106, SWK A243, URS A121, WSGS A200, WSGS A201 ACCT F261X, ANS F111X, ANS F242X, ANTH F100X, ANTH F101X, ANTH F111X, ANTH F211X, BA F151X, BA F254X, BA F281X, ECE F104X, ECE F107X, ECE F210X, ECE F229X, ECON F101X, ECON F102X, ECON F111X, ECON F120X, ECON F235X, HIST F100X, HIST F102X, HIST F110X, HIST F122X, HIST F132X, HUMS F125X, HUMS F185X, JUST F110X, JUST F125X, JUST F251X, NRM F111X, PS F100X, PS F101X, PS F201X, PS F221X, PSY F111X, PSY F123X, RD F200X, SOC F101X, SOC F201X, SPRT F281X, SWK F103X, WGS F201X ANS S101, ANTH S101, ANTH S202, ANTH S211, BA S151, BA S254, BHS S101, ECON S100, ECON S101, ECON S102, GEOG S101, HIST S105, HIST S106, HIST S131, HIST S132, PS S101, PS S102, PS S201, PS S251, PSY S111, PSY S250, SOC S101, SOC S201

Tier 1: Basic College-Level Skills

The UAA GERs begin with basic college-level skills enhancement in oral communication, quantitative, and written communication skills:

  • Courses in oral and written communication develop intellectual and practical skills, building critical reading, thinking, and communication competencies (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) necessary to communicate effectively in a variety of contexts and formats needed for personal and professional success.
  • Quantitative courses develop abilities to reason mathematically and  analyze quantitative and qualitative data to reach sound conclusions for success in undergraduate study and professional life.
  • Baccalaureate students are required to complete the 12 credits of basic college-level skills (oral, written and quantitative) before completing 60 total degree applicable credits. Students may select approved basic college-level skills, which may also fulfill requirements in their intended major. Faculty in English, communications and mathematics provide placement criteria (which may require the completion of preparatory coursework).

Tier 1 GERs require appropriate placement scores for course registration. Refer to the Course Placement section of this catalog for placement score requirements.

Category Credits
Oral Communication Skills 3
Quantitative Skills 3
Written Communication Skills 6
Total 12

Oral Communication Skills

Oral communication skills courses increase the abilities of students to interact appropriately and effectively in a variety of contexts, including interpersonal, small group and public speaking settings. 

  • Students develop both their message creation and message interpretation skills in order to be more successful communicators.
  • Students develop an awareness of the role of communication in a variety of human relationships—personal and professional.
  • Students develop and implement effective and appropriate communication skills, including the ability to develop, organize, present and critically evaluate messages.
  • Students analyze audiences and adapt to a variety of in-person communication settings.

Courses completed at UAA must be selected from the following Oral Communication courses:

Complete 3 credits of the following:
COMM A111Fundamentals of Oral Communication3
COMM A235Small Group Communication3
COMM A237Interpersonal Communication3
COMM A241Public Speaking3

Quantitative Skills

Quantitative skills courses increase mathematical abilities.

  • Students become more adept and competent producers and wiser consumers of the mathematical, statistical and computational analyses which dominate 21st-century decision-making.
  • Students develop their algebraic, analytic and numeric skills; use them to solve applied problems; and correctly explain their mathematical reasoning.

Courses completed at UAA must be selected from the following Quantitative Skills courses1:

Complete 3 credits of the following:
MATH A104Technical Mathematics3
MATH A113Numbers and Society3
MATH A115Art of Mathematics3
MATH A121Applied College Algebra3
MATH A151College Algebra for Calculus4
MATH A152Trigonometry3
MATH A155Precalculus5
MATH A221Applied Calculus for Managerial and Social Sciences3
MATH A251Calculus I4
MATH A251FF.A.T. Calculus I6
MATH A252Calculus II4
MATH A252FF.A.T. Calculus II6
MATH A253Calculus III4
STAT A200Elementary Statistics3
STAT A253Applied Statistics for the Sciences4
1

To determine the appropriate quantitative skills course, students must work with their academic advisor, as degree pathways differ. A minimum grade of C or higher may be required to fulfill prerequisites for the next MATH or STAT course in sequence or a degree requirement.

Written Communication Skills

Written communication courses emphasize that writing is a recursive and frequently collaborative process of invention, drafting and revising as well as a primary element of active learning in literate cultures. 

  • Students practice methods for establishing credibility, reasoning critically and appealing to the emotions and values of their audience.
  • Students write for a variety of purposes and audiences by employing methods of rhetorical and cultural analysis.
  • Students develop the tools to read, think and write analytically about print and nonprint texts and to generate texts that engage their own perceptions while synthesizing the ideas of texts and scholars. Students demonstrate their ability to communicate effectively by selecting form and content that fits the situation; adhering to genre conventions; adapting their voice, tone, and level of formality to that situation; and controlling stylistic features such as sentence variety, syntax, grammar, usage, punctuation and spelling.

Courses completed at UAA must be selected from the following Written Communication courses:

Complete 6 credits of the following:
WRTG A111Writing Across Contexts3
WRTG A211Writing and the Humanities3
WRTG A212Writing and the Professions3
WRTG A213Writing and the Sciences3
WRTG A214Arguing Across Contexts3

Tier 2: Disciplinary Areas

Courses in this tier examine Fine Arts, Humanities, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences which provide a breadth of academic experience regarding human institutions, artistic and socio-cultural processes, and the physical and natural world. 

  • Courses in the Fine Arts interpret different systems of aesthetic representation within their historical and cultural contexts.
  • Courses in the Humanities investigate the cultural, historical, literary, aesthetic, ethical and spiritual traditions that have shaped and continue to shape our worlds.
  • Courses in Natural Sciences identify theoretical and descriptive approaches in which science advances the understanding of the natural and physical world. Lab courses in the Natural Sciences emphasize gathering data and analyzing hypotheses according to the scientific method.
  • Courses in the Social Sciences explore the complexity of human behavior via empirical methodologies.to better understand interpersonal, institutional, and cultural dynamics.
Fine Arts3
Humanities6
Natural Sciences7
Social Sciences6
Total22

Fine Arts

The fine arts (i.e. visual and performing) arts focus on the historical, aesthetic, critical and creative approaches to understanding the context and production of art as academic and creative disciplines as opposed to those that emphasize acquisition of skills. 

  • Students who complete the fine arts requirement should be able to identify and describe works of art by reference to media employed, historical context and style, and structural principles of design and composition.
  • Students should be able to interpret the meaning or intent of works of art and assess their stylistic and cultural importance by reference to their historical significance, their relationship to earlier works and artists, and their overall impact of subsequent artistic work.

Courses completed at UAA must be selected from the following Fine Arts courses:

Complete 3 credits of the following:
AKNS A215Music of Alaska Natives and Indigenous Peoples of Northern Regions3
AKNS A216World Indigenous Music3
AKNS A261Alaska Native Art History3
ART A160Art Appreciation3
ART A261History of Western Art I3
ART A262History of Western Art II3
DNCE A170Dance Appreciation3
MUS A100History of Rock & Pop3
MUS A110Popular Songwriting3
MUS A121Music Appreciation3
MUS A215Music of Alaska Natives and Indigenous Peoples of Northern Regions3
MUS A216World Indigenous Music3
MUS A224History of Jazz3
THR A111Theatre Appreciation3
THR A121Fundamentals of Acting3
THR A215Contemporary Plays3

Humanities

The humanities courses examine the characteristics of realities, the purpose of human existence, the properties of knowledge and the qualities of sound reasoning, eloquent communication, and creative expression, studying the problems of judicious conduct in personal, social and political life. They also consider the qualities of the divine, the sacred and the mysterious. In these tasks, the humanities courses reflect upon the world’s heritage of the arts, history, languages, literature, religion and philosophy. 

  • Students who complete a content-oriented course in the humanities should be able to identify texts or objects, place them in the historical context of the discipline, articulate the central problems they address and provide reasoned assessments of their significance.
  • Students who complete a skills-oriented humanities course in logic should be able to identify the premises and conclusions of written arguments, evaluate their cogency, and recognize common fallacies. They should also be able to employ formal techniques to determine the validity of deductive arguments and evaluate the adequacy of evidence according to appropriate inductive standards.
  • Students who complete a humanities course in a language should additionally demonstrate proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in the target language.

Courses completed at UAA must be selected from the following Humanities courses:

Complete 6 credits from the following:
AKNS A101AElementary Central Yup'ik Language I4
AKNS A101BElementary Tlingit Language I4
AKNS A101CElementary Alaska Native Language I4
AKNS A101DElementary Inupiaq Language I4
AKNS A101EElementary Alutiiq Language I4
AKNS A101FElementary Dena'ina Language I4
AKNS A101HElementary Ahtna Language I4
AKNS A101IElementary Unangam Tunuu I4
AKNS A102AElementary Central Yup'ik Language II4
AKNS A102BElementary Tlingit Language II4
AKNS A102CElementary Alaska Native Language II4
AKNS A102DElementary Inupiaq Language II4
AKNS A102EElementary Alutiiq Language II4
AKNS A102FElementary Dena'ina Language II4
AKNS A102HElementary Ahtna Language II4
AKNS A102IElementary Unangam Tunuu II4
AKNS A114ACentral Yup'ik Reading and Writing3
AKNS A114BTlingit Reading and Writing3
AKNS A114EAlutiiq and Sugpiaq Reading and Writing3
AKNS A114FDena'ina Reading and Writing4
AKNS A114HAhtna Reading and Writing3
AKNS A114IUnangam Tunuu Reading & Writing3
AKNS A201Alaska Native Perspectives3
AKNS A230Oral Traditions of Alaska Native People3
AKNS A240AAlaska Native Cultural Orientation: Yup'ik3
AKNS A240FAlaska Native Cultural Orientation: Dena'ina3
AKNS A240HAlaska Native Cultural Orientation: Ahtna3
AKNS A240IAlaska Native Cultural Orientation: Unangax̂3
ASL A101Elementary American Sign Language I4
ASL A102Elementary American Sign Language II4
ASL A201Intermediate American Sign Language I4
ASL A202Intermediate American Sign Language II4
ENGL A120Reasoning, Thinking, and Discourse3
ENGL A121Introduction to Literature3
ENGL A200Global Literature and Culture3
ENGL A203British Narratives of Power and Global Change3
ENGL A205Literary Narratives that Shaped the United States3
ENGL A245Alaska Native Literatures3
FREN A101Elementary French I4
FREN A102Elementary French II4
FREN A201Intermediate French I4
FREN A202Intermediate French II4
GER A101Elementary German I4
GER A102Elementary German II4
GER A201Intermediate German I4
GER A202Intermediate German II4
HIST A101Western Civilization Before 16503
HIST A102Europe in the Modern World3
HIST A104History Matters!3
HIST A121The Making of East Asian Civilization3
HIST A122East Asia in the Modern World3
HIST A131History of the United States I3
HIST A132History of the United States II3
HNRS A192Honors Seminar: Enduring Books3
HUM A211Introduction to Humanities I3
HUM A212Introduction to Humanities II3
JPN A101Elementary Japanese I4
JPN A102Elementary Japanese II4
JPN A201Intermediate Japanese I4
JPN A202Intermediate Japanese II4
LING A101How Language Works3
PHIL A101Introduction to Logic3
PHIL A103Introduction to World Philosophies and Religions3
PHIL A201Introduction to Philosophy3
PHIL A211Ancient and Medieval Philosophy3
PHIL A212Early Modern Philosophy3
PHIL A301Ethics3
PHIL A305Professional Ethics3
PS A331Political Philosophy3
PS A332History of Political Philosophy I: Classical3
PS A333History of Political Philosophy II: Modern3
RUSS A101Elementary Russian I4
RUSS A102Elementary Russian II4
RUSS A201Intermediate Russian I4
RUSS A202Intermediate Russian II4
SPAN A101Elementary Spanish I4
SPAN A102Elementary Spanish II4
SPAN A201Intermediate Spanish I4
SPAN A202Intermediate Spanish II4
THR A211Theatre History to 17003
THR A212Theatre History Since 17003

Natural Sciences

(must include a laboratory course)

The natural sciences focus on gaining an understanding of the matter, events and processes that form and sustain our universe. Methods of scientific inquiry are diverse, but all aim to formulate general principles that explain observations and predict future events or behaviors within their disciplines.

  • Students completing their natural sciences requirement will be able to apply the scientific method by formulating questions or problems, proposing hypothetical answers or solutions, testing those hypotheses, and reaching supportable conclusions.
  • Students demonstrate an understanding of the fundamentals of one or more scientific disciplines, a knowledge of the discoveries and advances made within that discipline, and the impact of scientific information in sculpting thought and in providing the foundations for the technology in use at various times in history.

Laboratory courses illustrate how scientists develop, test and challenge scientific theories, providing an appreciation for the process and problems involved in the advancement of scientific knowledge.

  • Students will demonstrate the ability to work with the tools and in the settings encountered by professionals in the discipline.
  • Students will critically observe materials, events or processes, and accurately record and analyze their observations.

Courses completed at UAA must be selected from the following Natural Sciences courses:

Complete 7 credits of the following: (must include a laboratory course)
ANTH A205
& A205L		Biological Anthropology
and Biological Anthropology Laboratory		4
ANTH A211
& A211L		Archaeology
and Archaeology Laboratory		4
ASTR A103
& A103L		Solar System Astronomy
and Solar System Astronomy Laboratory		4
ASTR A104
& A104L		Stars, Galaxies and Cosmology
and Stars, Galaxies and Cosmology Laboratory		4
BIOL A100Human Biology3
BIOL A102
& BIOL A103		Introductory Biology
and Introductory Biology Laboratory		4
BIOL A108Principles and Methods in Biology6
BIOL A111
& A111L		Human Anatomy and Physiology I
and Human Anatomy and Physiology I Lab		4
BIOL A112
& A112L		Human Anatomy and Physiology II
and Human Anatomy and Physiology II Lab		4
BIOL A178Introduction to Oceanography3
BIOL A179Introduction to Oceanography Laboratory1
BIOL A200Introduction to Complexity3
CHEM A103
& A103L		Introduction to General Chemistry
and Introduction to General Chemistry Laboratory		4
CHEM A104
& A104L		Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry
and Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry Laboratory		4
CHEM A105
& A105L		General Chemistry I
and General Chemistry I Laboratory		4
CHEM A106
& A106L		General Chemistry II
and General Chemistry II Laboratory		4
ENVI A211Environmental Science: Systems and Processes3
GEOG A111
& A111L		Discovering Alaska and Earth's Physical Geography: From Weather to Glaciers
and Discovering Alaska and Earth's Physical Geography: From Weather to Glaciers Laboratory		4
GEOL A111
& A111L		Planet Earth
and Planet Earth Laboratory		4
GEOL A115
& A115L		Dangerous Earth
and Dangerous Earth Laboratory		4
GEOL A178Introduction to Oceanography3
GEOL A221Journey Through Time4
PHYS A101Physics of Sports3
PHYS A123
& A123L		College Physics I
and College Physics I Laboratory		4
PHYS A124
& A124L		College Physics II
and College Physics II Laboratory		4
PHYS A211
& A211L		General Physics I
and General Physics I Laboratory		4
PHYS A212
& A212L		General Physics II
and General Physics II Laboratory		4

Social Sciences

The social sciences constitute the various fields of study concerned with society, social interaction and human behavior. Each of the specific disciplines in the social sciences is a historically recognized area of inquiry with a scientifically grounded methodology, yet they all share the goal of understanding society, its institutions, and its people and their behavior.

  • Students describe the discipline studied and discuss the key principles or themes that unify it.
  • Students describe and contrast key scientific theories and theoretical approaches in a discipline and the ways in which these theories structure social scientists’ thinking and research
  • Students demonstrate the ability to think critically about how society works and how social realities are created by diverse social processes and cultural practices.
  • Students describe the wide range of social science data and the importance of using empiricism, both qualitative and quantitative, in making claims about the social world and in setting evidence-based social policy.
  • Students explain and use basic social science methods and summarize the assumptions behind and the limitations of inductive or deductive approaches that might include the formulation of research questions and hypotheses; data collection and analysis; and testing, verifying and rejecting hypotheses.

Courses completed at UAA must be selected from the following Social Sciences courses:

Complete 6 credits of the following:
ANTH A101Introduction to Anthropology3
ANTH A111Ancient Civilizations3
ANTH A200Alaska Native Cultures3
ANTH A202Cultural Anthropology3
BA A151Business Foundations3
CEL A292Introduction to Civic Engagement3
COMM A255Organizational Communication3
COMM A280Communication Theories in Action3
ECON A101Principles of Microeconomics3
ECON A102Principles of Macroeconomics3
ECON A120Introduction to Economic Analysis3
ECON A210Environmental Economics and Policy3
ECON A256Introduction to Behavioral Economics3
EDEC A105Introduction to the Field of Early Childhood Education3
ENVI A212Living on Earth: Introduction to Environmental Studies3
GEOG A101Local Places/Global Regions: An Introduction to Geography3
HNRS A292Honors Seminar in Social Science3
INTL A101Local Places/Global Regions: An Introduction to Geography3
JPC A104Media Literacy3
JUST A110Introduction to Criminal Justice3
JUST A175Introduction to Juvenile Justice3
JUST A251Theories of Crime and Criminal Offending3
LEGL A101Introduction to Law3
LSSS A111Cultural Foundations of Human Behavior3
PS A101Introduction to American Government3
PS A102Introduction to Political Science3
PS A311Comparative Politics3
PSY A111Introduction to Psychology3
PSY A150Lifespan Development3
PSY A200Introduction to Behavior Analysis3
SOC A101Introduction to Sociology3
SOC A201Social Problems and Solutions3
SOC A202Social Institutions3
SWK A106Introduction to Social Welfare3
SWK A243Diversity, Equity and Inclusion through Community Service Learning3
URS A121Methods of Inquiry3
WSGS A200Introduction to Women's and Gender Studies3
WSGS A201Introduction to Gender and Sexuality Studies3

Alaska Native-Themed GER

The Alaska Native-Themed GER addresses UAA's mission to "transform lives through teaching, research, community engagement and creative expression in a welcoming environment." It also recognizes UAA's unique location on the ancestral homelands of the Dena’ina, Ahtna, Alutiiq/Sugpiaq, and Eyak/dAXunhyuu Peoples, and the 20 Alaska Native languages that are now official languages of the State of Alaska.

Students are required to complete a minimum of three credits of Alaska Native-Themed GER coursework from the following list to graduate with an Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, or a baccalaureate degree. 

An AKNT course can meet other GER or program requirements. However, the same course cannot meet both the AKNT requirement and the Intercultural Fluency requirement.

Student Learning Outcomes

After completing the Alaska Native-Themed GER, UAA students shall be able to:

  • Recognize Alaska Native/Indigenous diversity by tribe, language and region.
  • Identify and articulate the complexity and sophistication of Alaska Native/Indigenous knowledge systems and social institutions and the arts in historical and contemporary contexts.
  • Articulate the social and legal development of Alaska Native peoples, such as ANCSA.
  • Identify the historical forces of colonization and their impact upon Alaska Native regions, communities, and individuals.
AKNS A101AElementary Central Yup'ik Language I4
AKNS A101BElementary Tlingit Language I4
AKNS A101CElementary Alaska Native Language I4
AKNS A101DElementary Inupiaq Language I4
AKNS A101EElementary Alutiiq Language I4
AKNS A101FElementary Dena'ina Language I4
AKNS A101HElementary Ahtna Language I4
AKNS A101IElementary Unangam Tunuu I4
AKNS A102AElementary Central Yup'ik Language II4
AKNS A102BElementary Tlingit Language II4
AKNS A102CElementary Alaska Native Language II4
AKNS A102DElementary Inupiaq Language II4
AKNS A102EElementary Alutiiq Language II4
AKNS A102FElementary Dena'ina Language II4
AKNS A102HElementary Ahtna Language II4
AKNS A102IElementary Unangam Tunuu II4
AKNS A114ACentral Yup'ik Reading and Writing3
AKNS A114BTlingit Reading and Writing3
AKNS A114CAlaska Native Language Reading and Writing3
AKNS A114EAlutiiq and Sugpiaq Reading and Writing3
AKNS A114FDena'ina Reading and Writing4
AKNS A114HAhtna Reading and Writing3
AKNS A114IUnangam Tunuu Reading & Writing3
AKNS A182Grant Writing for Alaska Native Communities1
AKNS A190Selected Topics: Alaska Native Cultural Skills1-3
AKNS A201Alaska Native Perspectives3
AKNS A215Music of Alaska Natives and Indigenous Peoples of Northern Regions3
AKNS A216World Indigenous Music3
AKNS A218AAlaska Native Drummaking Techniques: Athabascan and Southeast Style3
AKNS A218BAlaska Native Drummaking Techniques: Inupiaq and Yup'ik Style3
AKNS A230Oral Traditions of Alaska Native People3
AKNS A240Alaska Native Cultural Orientation - Alutiiq/Sugpiaq3
AKNS A240AAlaska Native Cultural Orientation: Yup'ik3
AKNS A240FAlaska Native Cultural Orientation: Dena'ina3
AKNS A240HAlaska Native Cultural Orientation: Ahtna3
AKNS A240IAlaska Native Cultural Orientation: Unangax̂3
AKNS A261Alaska Native Art History3
AKNS A290Topics in Alaska Native Studies1-3
AKNS A292AAlaska Native Language Apprenticeship1-3
AKNS A292BAlaska Native Language Conversational Fluency Intensive1-3
AKNS A313Tribes, Nations and Peoples3
AKNS A346Alaska Native Politics3
AKNS A356Yup'ik Music and Dance Ensemble3
AKNS A390Intermediate Topics in Alaska Native Studies1-3
AKNS A421Indigenous Language Curriculum Design & Instruction3
AKNS A461Decolonizing Methodologies3
AKNS A492Cultural Knowledge of Native Elders3
AKNS A495AIndigenous Language Instructor Internship3
ANTH A200Alaska Native Cultures3
ANTH A390AArctic and Subarctic Cultures3
ANTH A461Decolonizing Methodologies3
ANTH A490DTopics in the Contemporary North3
ART A270Beginning Alaska Native Art3
ART A370Intermediate Alaska Native Art3
ART A470Advanced Alaska Native Art3
BA A201Introduction to Alaska Native Business1
BA A202Alaska Native Organizations3
BA A290AAlaska Native Business Practices1-3
BA A401Alaska Native Corporation Business Management3
BA A402Alaska Native Corporation Leadership3
BA A403Inside the Boardroom of Alaska Native Organizations1
BA A490BSelected Topics in Alaska Native Corporations1-3
DN A155Survey of Alaska Native Nutrition3
DN A325Food & Nutrition in Modern Alaska3
EDFN A478Issues in Alaska Native Education, K-123
ENGL A245Alaska Native Literatures3
ENGL A490CTopics in Native Literatures3
HIST A341History of Alaska3
HIST A346History of Native Peoples of United States and Canada3
HUMS A254Finding My Way Home: Place Identity & Historical Trauma3
JUST A355Rural Justice3
LEGL A485Tribal Courts and Alaska Native Rights3
MUS A215Music of Alaska Natives and Indigenous Peoples of Northern Regions3
MUS A216World Indigenous Music3
MUS A218AAlaska Native Drummaking Techniques: Athabascan and Southeast Style3
MUS A218BAlaska Native Drummaking Techniques: Inupiaq and Yup'ik Style3
MUS A356Yup'ik Music and Dance Ensemble3
NS A430Rural Health Care3
PS A313Tribes, Nations and Peoples3
PS A345Alaska Government and Politics3
PS A346Alaska Native Politics3
PSY A465Cross-Cultural Psychology3
SWK A243Diversity, Equity and Inclusion through Community Service Learning3

Intercultural Fluency GER

The Intercultural Fluency GER addresses the knowledge and skills necessary to promote effective and appropriate interaction in a variety of cultural contexts, particularly in terms of the communities we serve.

Students are required to complete a minimum of three credits of Intercultural Fluency GER coursework from the following list to graduate with an Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, or a baccalaureate degree. 

An Intercultural Fluency course can meet other GER or program requirements. However, the same course cannot meet both the AKNT requirement and the Intercutural Fluency requirement.

Student Learning Outcomes

After completing the Intercultural Fluency GER, UAA students shall be able to:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the complex elements important to their own culture and/or socially defined groups in relation to their history, values, beliefs, and/or practices.
  • Analyze differences among cultures and socially-defined groups in relation to their history, values, beliefs, and/or practices.
  • Evaluate power, privilege, and equity with regards to their own culture and socially defined group compared with others.
  • Apply knowledge and skills from a particular academic discipline as it relates to issues of cultural specificity and diversity.
AKNS A101AElementary Central Yup'ik Language I4
AKNS A101BElementary Tlingit Language I4
AKNS A101CElementary Alaska Native Language I4
AKNS A101DElementary Inupiaq Language I4
AKNS A101EElementary Alutiiq Language I4
AKNS A101FElementary Dena'ina Language I4
AKNS A101HElementary Ahtna Language I4
AKNS A101IElementary Unangam Tunuu I4
AKNS A102AElementary Central Yup'ik Language II4
AKNS A102BElementary Tlingit Language II4
AKNS A102CElementary Alaska Native Language II4
AKNS A102DElementary Inupiaq Language II4
AKNS A102EElementary Alutiiq Language II4
AKNS A102FElementary Dena'ina Language II4
AKNS A102HElementary Ahtna Language II4
AKNS A102IElementary Unangam Tunuu II4
AKNS A114ACentral Yup'ik Reading and Writing3
AKNS A114BTlingit Reading and Writing3
AKNS A114CAlaska Native Language Reading and Writing3
AKNS A114EAlutiiq and Sugpiaq Reading and Writing3
AKNS A114FDena'ina Reading and Writing4
AKNS A114HAhtna Reading and Writing3
AKNS A114IUnangam Tunuu Reading & Writing3
AKNS A182Grant Writing for Alaska Native Communities1
AKNS A190Selected Topics: Alaska Native Cultural Skills1-3
AKNS A201Alaska Native Perspectives3
AKNS A215Music of Alaska Natives and Indigenous Peoples of Northern Regions3
AKNS A216World Indigenous Music3
AKNS A240AAlaska Native Cultural Orientation: Yup'ik3
AKNS A240FAlaska Native Cultural Orientation: Dena'ina3
AKNS A240HAlaska Native Cultural Orientation: Ahtna3
AKNS A240IAlaska Native Cultural Orientation: Unangax̂3
AKNS A292AAlaska Native Language Apprenticeship1-3
AKNS A292BAlaska Native Language Conversational Fluency Intensive1-3
AKNS A390Intermediate Topics in Alaska Native Studies1-3
AKNS A421Indigenous Language Curriculum Design & Instruction3
AKNS A492Cultural Knowledge of Native Elders3
AKNS A495AIndigenous Language Instructor Internship3
ANTH A101Introduction to Anthropology3
ANTH A111Ancient Civilizations3
ANTH A200Alaska Native Cultures3
ANTH A202Cultural Anthropology3
ANTH A205Biological Anthropology3
ANTH A205LBiological Anthropology Laboratory1
ANTH A210Linguistic Anthropology3
ANTH A211Archaeology3
ANTH A452Culture and Human Biodiversity3
ANTH A454Culture and Ecology3
ANTH A455Culture and Health3
ANTH A464Culture and Globalization3
ART A160Art Appreciation3
ART A261History of Western Art I3
ART A262History of Western Art II3
ASL A101Elementary American Sign Language I4
ASL A102Elementary American Sign Language II4
ASL A201Intermediate American Sign Language I4
ASL A202Intermediate American Sign Language II4
CEL A292Introduction to Civic Engagement3
COMM A305Intercultural Communication3
COMM A345Communication and Gender3
DN A415Community Nutrition3
DNCE A170Dance Appreciation3
EDFN A304Comparative Education3
ENGL A200Global Literature and Culture3
ENGL A203British Narratives of Power and Global Change3
ENGL A205Literary Narratives that Shaped the United States3
ENGL A245Alaska Native Literatures3
FREN A201Intermediate French I4
FREN A202Intermediate French II4
GEOG A101Local Places/Global Regions: An Introduction to Geography3
GER A201Intermediate German I4
GER A202Intermediate German II4
HIST A101Western Civilization Before 16503
HIST A102Europe in the Modern World3
HIST A121The Making of East Asian Civilization3
HIST A122East Asia in the Modern World3
HIST A131History of the United States I3
HIST A132History of the United States II3
HIST A325 Northeast Asia in 21st Century3
HIST A341History of Alaska3
HIST A390Themes in World History3
HIST A427Post-Soviet Culture and Society3
HUM A211Introduction to Humanities I3
HUM A212Introduction to Humanities II3
HUMS A321Diversity Issues in Human Services Practice3
INTL A101Local Places/Global Regions: An Introduction to Geography3
INTL A325 Northeast Asia in 21st Century3
JPN A201Intermediate Japanese I4
JPN A202Intermediate Japanese II4
JUST A175Introduction to Juvenile Justice3
JUST A460Justice in Crisis3
KIN A384Cultural and Psychological Aspects of Health and Physical Activity3
LANG A390Selected Topics in Crosscultural Explorations and Perspectives3
LEGL A312Race, Equal Protection and the Law3
LEGL A443Civil Liberties3
LEGL A485Tribal Courts and Alaska Native Rights3
LSSS A111Cultural Foundations of Human Behavior3
MUS A215Music of Alaska Natives and Indigenous Peoples of Northern Regions3
MUS A216World Indigenous Music3
NS A411Population Health Integrative Capstone3
PHIL A211Ancient and Medieval Philosophy3
PHIL A212Early Modern Philosophy3
PHIL A301Ethics3
PHIL A305Professional Ethics3
PHIL A313Eastern Philosophy and Religion3
PHIL A314Abrahamic Religions3
PHIL A490ASelected Topics in Ethics, Community, and Society3
PS A325 Northeast Asia in 21st Century3
RUSS A201Intermediate Russian I4
RUSS A202Intermediate Russian II4
SOC A101Introduction to Sociology3
SOC A201Social Problems and Solutions3
SOC A202Social Institutions3
SOC A490ASenior Sociology Seminar3
SPAN A201Intermediate Spanish I4
SPAN A202Intermediate Spanish II4
SWK A106Introduction to Social Welfare3
SWK A243Diversity, Equity and Inclusion through Community Service Learning3
THR A492Seminar in Theatre or Dance3
WSGS A200Introduction to Women's and Gender Studies3
WSGS A201Introduction to Gender and Sexuality Studies3

Tier 3: Integrative Capstone

Integrative Capstone courses culminate the GER experience by synthesizing material across GER domains with the blending of basic college-level skills (Tier 1) and/or disciplinary areas (Tier 2), establishing a foundation for life-long learning. 

  • Synthesize disciplinary knowledge, creative thinking, critical judgment, and reflection in a variety of contexts to assess complex issues.
  • Identify how personal, structural, and cultural factors produce diverse experiences, and perspectives in society and apply effective and appropriate strategies to interact in local and global communities.

The 37-credit General Education Requirement, including the 3-credit integrative capstone, is required for graduation after September 2008 for baccalaureate students who were admitted to major or pre-major status under the 2005-2006 UAA Catalog or later catalogs. (For specifics on catalog year requirements, see Academic Standards and Regulations.)

Courses completed at UAA must be selected from the following Integrative Capstone courses:

Complete 3 credits from the following:
ACCT A452Auditing3
ANTH A452Culture and Human Biodiversity3
ANTH A454Culture and Ecology3
ANTH A455Culture and Health3
ANTH A464Culture and Globalization3
ART A491Senior Seminar3
ATA A492 Air Transportation System Seminar3
BA A376Management Information Systems3
BIOL A452Human Genome3
BIOL A456Nonlinear Dynamics and Chaos3
BIOL A473Conservation Biology3
BIOL A474Ecotoxicology3
BIOL A481Marine Biology3
CE A438Design of Civil Engineering Systems3
CHEM A441Principles of Biochemistry I3
CHEM A456Nonlinear Dynamics and Chaos3
CHEM A474Ecotoxicology3
CM A450Construction Management Professional Practice3
COMM A412Persuasion3
CSCE A470Computer Science and Engineering Capstone Project3
DH A424Community Dental Health II3
DN A415Community Nutrition3
DNCE A370Interdisciplinary Dance Studies: Issues and Methods3
ECON A492Seminar in Economic Research3
EDFN A300Philosophical and Social Context of American Education3
EDFN A304Comparative Education3
EE A438Design of Electrical Engineering Systems3
ENGL A467The History and Future of Global English3
ENGL A478Public Science Writing3
ENGL A479Advanced Studies in Literature3
GEO A460Geomatics Capstone Project3
GEOG A390ASelected Topics in Global Geography3
GEOG A470Environmental Policy and Regulation in Alaska3
GEOL A361Earth Resources and Society3
GEOL A468Geomicrobiology3
HA A495Hospitality Administration Internship6
HIST A325 Northeast Asia in 21st Century3
HIST A330Russia in East Asia3
HIST A341History of Alaska3
HIST A390Themes in World History3
HIST A427Post-Soviet Culture and Society3
HNRS A390Selected Topics Honors Seminar3
HS A492Senior Seminar: Contemporary Health Policy3
HUMS A496Human Services Integrative Capstone3
INTL A325 Northeast Asia in 21st Century3
JPC A403Communications and Media Research3
JPC A492JPC Capstone Seminar3
JUST A430Homelessness and Crime3
JUST A432Crime Analysis and Mapping3
JUST A434Police-Community Relations3
JUST A460Justice in Crisis3
JUST A463Biosocial Criminology3
KIN A384Cultural and Psychological Aspects of Health and Physical Activity3
LANG A390Selected Topics in Crosscultural Explorations and Perspectives3
LEGL A443Civil Liberties3
LEGL A449Jurisprudence and Legal Theory3
LEGL A485Tribal Courts and Alaska Native Rights3
LING A467The History and Future of Global English3
MATH A420Historical Mathematics3
MBIO A468Geomicrobiology3
ME A438Design of Mechanical Engineering Systems3
MEDT A302Clinical Laboratory Education and Management4
MUS A331Form and Analysis3
NS A411Population Health Integrative Capstone3
NS A475Nursing Integrative Capstone3
OSH A460Economic Value of Safety3
PHIL A490ASelected Topics in Ethics, Community, and Society3
PHYS A456Nonlinear Dynamics and Chaos3
PM A486Project Management Capstone3
PS A325 Northeast Asia in 21st Century3
PS A492Senior Seminar in Politics3
PSY A370Behavioral Neuroscience3
SOC A490ASenior Sociology Seminar3
STAT A308Intermediate Statistics for the Sciences3
SWK A439Social Welfare: Policies and Issues3
TECH A453Capstone Project3
THR A492Seminar in Theatre or Dance3