University of Southern Maine General Education Course Requirements
&
Acceptable Transfer of Courses from Maine’s Community Colleges
Transfer courses in the following table have been acquired from the database accessible at https://peportal.maine.edu
I. Entry Year Experience
Courses meeting the General Education Requirements for Entry Year Experience include:
EYE 102, EYE 103, EYE 105, EYE 107, EYE 108, EYE 109, EYE 110, EYE 111,
University of Southern Maine
EYE 112, EYE 113, EYE 114, EYE 115, EYE 116, EYE 117, EYE 118, EYE 121,
General Education Requirements for Entry
EYE 122, EYE 124
Year Experience
Equivalent Courses at Maine’s Community Colleges
Central Maine Community College
(Auburn)
Eastern Maine Community College
(Bangor)
Kennebec Valley Community College
(Fairfield/Hinckley)
Northern Maine Community College
(Presque Isle)
Southern Maine Community College
(South Portland/Brunswick)
Washington County Community College
(Calais)
York County Community College (Wells)
NONE FOUND
NONE FOUND
NONE FOUND
NONE FOUND
NONE FOUND
NONE FOUND
NONE FOUND
II. College Writing
Courses meeting the General Education Requirements for College Writing include:
ENG 100, ENG 101, ENG 104, ESL 100, HON 100, LCC 110 , LCC 111, RSP 100,
University of Southern Maine
General Education Requirements for College RSP 104
Writing
Equivalent Courses at Maine’s Community Colleges
Central Maine Community College
(Auburn)
Eastern Maine Community College
(Bangor)
Kennebec Valley Community College
(Fairfield/Hinckley)
Northern Maine Community College
(Presque Isle)
Southern Maine Community College
(South Portland/Brunswick)
Washington County Community College
(Calais)
York County Community College (Wells)
ENG 101, ENG 106, ENG 107
ENG 101, ENG 105, ENG 111
ENG 101
EH 012, EH 020, ENG 111
ENG 111, ENGL 100
ENG 101
ENG 101
III. Quantitative Reasoning
Courses meeting the General Education Requirements for Quantitative Reasoning include:
GYA 202, HON 105, LCC 150, MAT 105, MAT 120, MAT 140, MAT 148, MAT 152
University of Southern Maine
MAT 210, PSY 105, SOC 307
General Education Requirements for
Quantitative Reasoning
Equivalent Courses at Maine’s Community Colleges
Central Maine Community College
(Auburn)
Eastern Maine Community College
(Bangor)
Kennebec Valley Community College
(Fairfield/Hinckley)
Northern Maine Community College
(Presque Isle)
Southern Maine Community College
(South Portland/Brunswick)
Washington County Community College
(Calais)
York County Community College (Wells)
MAT 125, MAT 135, MAT 132
MAT 161, MAT 217, MAT 231, MAT 225
MAT 114, MAT 220, MAT 226, MAT 226 and MAT 227
MAT 210, MS 040, MAT 221
MAT 216, MATH 230, MAT 112 and MAT 213, MAT 100 and MAT 102 and MAT
104, MAT 110, MAT 111, MAT 140, MAT 100 and MAT 103 and MAT 104, MATH
190, MAT 112 and MAT 213, MAT 220, MATH 260
MAT 119, MAT 226
MAT 120, MAT 122, MAT 210, MAT 227, MAT 251
IV. A. Creative Expression
Courses meeting the General Education Requirements for Creative Expression include:
ART 141, ART 151, CMS 150 , ENG 201, ENG 202, HON 207 , LCC 250, HUM 105,
University of Southern Maine
HUM 307, MUT 201, MUS 110, RSP 101, RSP 105, THE 102, THE 103, THE 106,
General Education Requirements for
THE 134, THE 135, THE 170, THE 175, THE 203, THE 275, THE 334
Creative Expression
Equivalent Courses at Maine’s Community Colleges
Central Maine Community College
(Auburn)
Eastern Maine Community College
(Bangor)
Kennebec Valley Community College
(Fairfield/Hinckley)
Northern Maine Community College
(Presque Isle)
Southern Maine Community College
(South Portland/Brunswick)
Washington County Community College
(Calais)
York County Community College (Wells)
ENG 211, COM 100, SPE 102 and SPE 103, SPE 101
ART 110, ENG 172, SPE 101
COM 104
ENG 239, COM 111, EH 23, EH 023, ENG 211
ART 153, ARTS 130, ART 150, ARTS 110, ENG 200, ENGL 200, ENG 113, ENGL 110
ENG 107, ENG 206
ENG 201
IV. B. Cultural Interpretation
Courses meeting the General Education Requirements for Cultural Interpretation include:
ARH 111, ARH 112, ECO 105, ENG 244, ENG 120, ENG 150, HON 102, HON 202,
University of Southern Maine
General Education Requirements for Cultural LCC 200, LCC 350, HUM 120, HUM 213, HUM 250, HUM 251, HUM 318, HUM 320,
HUM 342, HUM 389, ASL 102 , ASL 201, ASL 202, CLA 283, FRE 102, FRE 107, FRE
Interpretation
201, FRE 202, FRE 207 , FRE 293, RUS 102, RUS 201, RUS 202, SPA 102, SPA 107,
SPA 201 , SPA 202, SPA 207, SPA 281, SPA 351, SPA 352 , MUS 100, MUS 102,
MUS 103, MUH 105, MUH 222, PHI 102, PHI 103, PHI 105 , PHI 106 , PHI 107, PHI
109, PHI 110, PHI 111 , PHI 112, PHI 310, PHI 312, PHI 320, PHI 330 , PHI 360, PHI
370, PHI 390, RSP 250, THE 101, THE 150, THE 201, WST 201.
Equivalent Courses at Maine’s Community Colleges
Central Maine Community College
(Auburn)
Eastern Maine Community College
(Bangor)
Kennebec Valley Community College
(Fairfield/Hinckley)
Northern Maine Community College
(Presque Isle)
Southern Maine Community College
(South Portland/Brunswick)
Washington County Community College
MUS 111
NONE FOUND
NONE FOUND
NONE FOUND
ENG 115, ENGL 115
NONE FOUND
(Calais)
York County Community College (Wells)
NONE FOUND
IV. C. Science Exploration
Courses meeting the General Education Requirements for Science Exploration include:
ANT 102, AST 100, AST 103, BIO 101, BIO 102, BIO 103, BIO 104, BIO 107, CHY 101
University of Southern Maine
General Education Requirements for Science CHY 102, CHY 110, CHY 113, CHY 114, ESP 125, ESP 126, GEO 102, GEY 100,
GEY 101, GEY 102, GEY 103, GEY 105, GEY 106, GEY 110, HON 201, LCC 130,
Exploration
LCC 230, PHY 101, PHY 102, PHY 111, PHY 114, PHY 121, SCI 250.
Equivalent Courses at Maine’s Community Colleges
Central Maine Community College
(Auburn)
Eastern Maine Community College
(Bangor)
Kennebec Valley Community College
(Fairfield/Hinckley)
Northern Maine Community College
(Presque Isle)
Southern Maine Community College
(South Portland/Brunswick)
Washington County Community College
(Calais)
York County Community College (Wells)
AST 101, BIO 131 and BIO 132 and BIO 133 and BIO 134, CHY 121, CHY 122
BIO 100, BIO 111, CHE 100, PHY 113, PHY 121, PHY 115, PHY 122
BIO 106, CHE 112, CHEM 1211L, PHY 111, PHY 111
NONE FOUND
ASTR 100, BIOL 100, BIO 106, BIOM 110, BIO 107, BIOM 111, BIO 124 and BIO
125, BIOL 125 and BIOL 126, CHEM 120, CHM 111, CHM 111, ENV 204, ENVR 115,
ENV 114, ENV 204, ENVR 115, OCO 111, OCEA 105, OCO 111, PHY 110, PHYS 110,
PHY 113, PHYS 150, PHY 113, PHYS 150
BIO 120
BIO 101, BIO 105, BIO 116, CHM 106, CHM 106, PHY 151, PHY 151
IV. D. Socio-Cultural Analysis
Courses meeting the General Education Requirements for Socio-Cultural Analysis include:
CMS 102, COR 142, CRM 100 , ECO 100, ECO 101, ECO 102 , ECO 103, ECO 104,
University of Southern Maine
ECO 106, ENG 230, GEO 101, GEO 103, GEO 104, GEO 120, GEO 203, GEO 207,
General Education Requirements for SocioANT 101, ANT 201, ANT 202, ANT 220, ANT 230, ANT 232, ANT 233, HON 103,
Cultural Analysis
HRD 200, HTY 101, HTY 102, HTY 121, HTY 122, HTY 123, HTY 141, HTY 142,
HTY 152, HTY 171, HTY 172, HTY 181, HTY 182, LCC 220, LCC 310, HUM 350,
HUM 136, HUM 246, HUM 260, HUM 301, HUM 310, HUM 313, HUM 325, HUM 326
HUM 330, HUM 340, SBS 200, SCI 153, LIN 112, LIN 203, LIN 185, LIN 201,
CLA 285, CLA 291, CLA 292, FRE 283, FRE 292, GER 102, GER 107, GER 201,
GER 202, RSP 102, RUS 102, RUS 201, RUS 202, RUS 291, SPA 270, POS 101,
POS 102, POS 104, POS 205, SOC 100, SOC 210, SWO 250, WST 101
Equivalent Courses at Maine’s Community Colleges
Central Maine Community College
(Auburn)
Eastern Maine Community College
(Bangor)
Kennebec Valley Community College
(Fairfield/Hinckley)
Northern Maine Community College
(Presque Isle)
Southern Maine Community College
(South Portland/Brunswick)
Washington County Community College
(Calais)
York County Community College (Wells)
BUS 200, ECO 200, ECO 201, ECO 202, GEY 101, ANT 101, PSY 111, HIS 151, HIS
152, HIS 131, HIS 132, POS 150, POS 160, SOC 101
ECO 222, ECO 221, PSY 231, HIS 011, HIS 101, SOC 101
EC 213, ECO 113 and ECO 114, PSY 215, HIS 101, HIS 102, HIS 111, HIS 112, SOC
101
ECO 111, PSY 207, HIS 116, HIS 118, HIS 123, HIS 111, HIS 125, HIS 114, POL 101,
SOC 111, SOC 211
ECO 205, ECON 125, ECO 204, ECON 120, ANTH 105, PSY 101, PSY 220, PSYC 220,
HIST 130, HTY 131, HUM 106, HIST 135, HTY 132, HUM X94, HIST 200, HIST 225,
HONR 200, HTY 222, POS 101, SSC 204, SSC 208, POLS 110, POS 104, SOC 100,
SOCI 100, SSC 02, SSC 202, SSC 207, SOCI 210
ECO 200, PSY 207, HIS 112, HIS 113, PSC 101, SOC 101
ANT 102, PSY 210, HIS 101, HIS 102, HIS 110, HIS 120, POS 101, POS 105, SOC 101
V. Ethical Inquiry, Social Responsibility, and Citizenship
Courses meeting the General Education Requirements for Ethical Inquiry, Social Responsibility, and Citizenship
include:
University of Southern Maine
General Education Requirements for Ethical
Inquiry, Social Responsibility, and
Citizenship
ADS 300, ESP 200, ESP 308, GEO 209, LCC 370, MUE 310, MUH 329, PHI 211,
PHI 275, PHI 291, PHI 294, PHI 235, PHI 245, PHI 285, PHI 295, REL 300, WST 380
Equivalent Courses at Maine’s Community Colleges
Central Maine Community College
(Auburn)
Eastern Maine Community College
(Bangor)
Kennebec Valley Community College
(Fairfield/Hinckley)
Northern Maine Community College
(Presque Isle)
Southern Maine Community College
(South Portland/Brunswick)
Washington County Community College
(Calais)
York County Community College (Wells)
NONE FOUND
NONE FOUND
NONE FOUND
NONE FOUND
NONE FOUND
NONE FOUND
NONE FOUND
VI. Thematic Clusters
Courses meeting the General Education Requirements for Thematic Clusters include:
Aging Well, American Society and Culture, Environment and Society, Environmental
University of Southern Maine
Policy, Film and Society, Geospatial Technologies, Health and Wellness, Humans and
General Education Requirements for
Animals, Modernism, Professional Practices, Religious Experience and Human Culture,
Thematic Clusters
Resource Use and Global Change, Theory, Culture and Politics, Things French, War and
Peace, Working Class Studies.
Equivalent Courses at Maine’s Community Colleges
Central Maine Community College
(Auburn)
Eastern Maine Community College
(Bangor)
Kennebec Valley Community College
(Fairfield/Hinckley)
Northern Maine Community College
(Presque Isle)
Southern Maine Community College
(South Portland/Brunswick)
Washington County Community College
(Calais)
York County Community College (Wells)
VII. Diversity
Courses meeting the General Education Requirements for Diversity include:
University of Southern Maine
vary by course
General Education Requirements for
Diversity
Equivalent Courses at Maine’s Community Colleges
Central Maine Community College
(Auburn)
Eastern Maine Community College
(Bangor)
Kennebec Valley Community College
(Fairfield/Hinckley)
Northern Maine Community College
vary by course
vary by course
vary by course
vary by course
(Presque Isle)
Southern Maine Community College
(South Portland/Brunswick)
Washington County Community College
(Calais)
York County Community College (Wells)
vary by course
vary by course
vary by course
VIII. International
Courses meeting the General Education Requirements for International include:
University of Southern Maine
vary by course
General Education Requirements for
International
Equivalent Courses at Maine’s Community Colleges
Central Maine Community College
(Auburn)
Eastern Maine Community College
(Bangor)
Kennebec Valley Community College
(Fairfield/Hinckley)
Northern Maine Community College
(Presque Isle)
Southern Maine Community College
(South Portland/Brunswick)
Washington County Community College
(Calais)
York County Community College (Wells)
vary by course
vary by course
vary by course
vary by course
vary by course
vary by course
vary by course
IX. Capstone
Courses meeting the General Education Requirements for Capstone include:
University of Southern Maine
vary by course
General Education Requirements for
Capstone
Equivalent Courses at Maine’s Community Colleges
Central Maine Community College
(Auburn)
Eastern Maine Community College
(Bangor)
Kennebec Valley Community College
(Fairfield/Hinckley)
Northern Maine Community College
(Presque Isle)
Southern Maine Community College
(South Portland/Brunswick)
Washington County Community College
(Calais)
York County Community College (Wells)
vary by course
vary by course
vary by course
vary by course
vary by course
vary by course
vary by course
University of Southern Maine
General Education Requirements
USM general education requirements are sequenced. Students should pay careful attention to the associated course preand co-requisites in planning their course of study.
The General Education Requirements cover nine broad areas:
I. Entry Year Experience
II. College Writing
III. Quantitative Reasoning
IV. Creative Expression, Cultural Interpretation, Science Exploration, Socio-cultural Analysis
V. Ethical Inquiry, Social Responsibility, and Citizenship.
VI. Thematic Cluster or minor
VII. Diversity
VIII. International
IX. Capstone
I. Entry Year Experience (3 credits)
Preamble
Entry Year Experience courses engage students in exploration of significant questions about human culture and the
natural world. The courses facilitate the students’ transition to college by engaging them in active and collaborative
learning that enhances their inclination and ability to view complex issues from multiple perspectives.
Definitions and Explanations
All new, entering students with fewer than 24 transfer credit hours must complete an EYE course in their first semester.
Students in Honors or in Russell Scholars may complete their EYE requirement by taking one of the HON or RSP courses
listed in the EYE course list below. Students matriculated in a Lewiston-Auburn College major or students who have
completed an EYE equivalent at another institution are not required to complete the EYE requirement. Pre -requisite:
College Writing (may be taken concurrently).
II. College Writing (3 – 4 credits)
Preamble
The college writing requirement introduces students to the practices, habits, conventions and skills of college literacy. By
using sequenced reading and writing to cultivate the practices and habits of mind that characterize intellectual inquiry and
engagement with ideas, the course constructs opportunities for students to learn how thinking and the language that
conveys it develop and change through drafting, revision, critical engagement with other writers and readers, re-reading,
editing, and proofreading. Reading and interpretation are introduced and reinforced as active practices of textual
construction. Similarly, writing is practiced not as a way to demonstrate what students already know, but as a means to
discover or create new knowledge. The focus throughout is on revision, both of students’ ideas and of the expression and
articulation of them. Students learn to compose essays that reflect their own points of view, developed through thoughtful
engagement with complex expository readings of some length, and articulated in an essay organized around a thesis and in
language relatively free of sentence-level error
Definitions and Explanations
All students must complete a College Writing course, either at USM or in transfer. College writing is a pre/co-requisite for
the Entry Year Experience requirement. The College Writing requirement can be met in any one of three ways:
1. Successfully complete ENG 104, ENG 100, ENG 101, ESL 100, HON 100, LCC 110, LCC 111, RSP 100, or
RSP 104
2. Score 500 or above on the CLEP General English Composition Test (See Prior Learning Assessment for details)
3 credits
3. Earn credit for the requirement through AP or transfer (see Prior Learning Assessment or Transfer Admissions for
details).
Note: Students whose SATs fall below 520 must register for ENG 104C. Non-native English speakers whose SATs fall
below 550 or whose TOEFL score is below 79 must take the ESOL program’s placement test before registering for an
English class. See the Academic Policies section of the catalog for more information.
III. Quantitative Reasoning (3 – 4 credits)
Preamble
Students in quantitative reasoning courses will acquire introductory mathematical concepts and skills that are necessary
for everyday life and to successfully complete their chosen field of study. In quantitative reasoning courses students will
gain an awareness of the utility of mathematics in life and an appreciation of the scope and nature of its decision making
potential. These skills include critical thinking, mathematical reasoning, the use of technological tools, computation,
interpretation, inquiry, and application of mathematical concepts to issues and problems in the contemporary world.
Definitions and Explanations
The Quantitative Reasoning requirement can be met in one of three ways:
1. Pass a locally administered examination (no credit)
2. Successfully complete an approved quantitative reasoning course
3. Pass a CLEP examination in mathematics (see Prior Learning Assessment Office for details).
Note: a. Students must meet USM’s mathematics readiness requirement before registering for a Quantitative Reasoning
course. b. Students whose majors do not require a specific mathematics course should consult their major advisor or a
Student Success Advisor for guidance in selecting a course in this area.
IV. Creative Expression, Cultural Interpretation, Science Exploration, Socio-cultural Analysis
These requirements may be completed in any order. Some majors may require completion of particular courses or a
particular sequencing of these requirements. Students who transfer in 24 or more credit hours are not required to take EYE
prior to registering for these courses.
A. Creative Expression (3 credits)
Preamble
Creative Expression courses engage students in learning the value of creative process, using it for developing talents and
interests in the arts, and learning a set of skills that will enable them to engage in creative thinking in non-arts aspects of
their lives.
Definitions and Explanations
Creative Expression: prerequisite: EYE (may be taken concurrently in 2011-2012)
B. Cultural Interpretation (3 credits)
Preamble
Cultural Interpretation courses engage students in the close analysis and interpretation of cultural representations to learn
how people make sense of themselves and their world. Students critically evaluate and develop arguments about cultural
representations or the contexts that produce them or give them meaning.
Definitions and Explanations
Cultural Interpretation: prerequisite: EYE (may be taken concurrently in 2011-2012
C. Science Exploration (4 credits includes lab)
Preamble
To think like a scientist, students must know how science knowledge is created and interpreted. In a Science Exploration
course, content should serve as a vehicle to illustrate how experiment, observation and critical evaluation drive scientific
understanding and progress. Science literacy and quantitative reasoning skills will be developed as tools to interpret and
apply to natural processes. The Science Exploration course should give the student an appreciation of the applications and
limitations of a science that investigates natural processes. To satisfy the Science Exploration requirement the student
must successfully complete the lecture and corresponding lab.
Definitions and Explanations
Science Exploration (lecture and corresponding lab): prerequisite: EYE (may be taken concurrently in 2011-2012), and
Quantitative Reasoning (may be taken concurrently in 2011-12)
D. Socio-cultural Analysis (3 credits)
Preamble
Socio-cultural Analysis courses engage students in examination of socio-cultural systems and phenomena over time and
across cultures. Students learn to use conceptual frame works that shed light on human behavior in social contexts. This
includes examination of influences on and effects of behavior associated with public and private roles students may
experience.
Definitions and Explanations
Socio-cultural Analysis: prerequisite: EYE (may be taken concurrently in 2011-2012
V. Ethical Inquiry, Social Responsibility, and Citizenship (3 credits)
Preamble
Ethical Inquiry, Social Responsibility, and Citizenship courses focus on a theme that engages students in critical reflection
on their responsibilities for informed decision making and action in their public and private roles. They require students to
frame, analyze, and evaluate ethical issues, as well as to articulate and evaluate their own viewpoints and actions in
relation to the ethical frameworks introduced.
Definitions and Explanations
Prerequisites: Any three of the four requirements of Creative Expression, Cultural Interpretation, Science Exploration,
Socio-cultural Analysis. Individual courses in this area may include additional prerequisites.
Examples of Ethical Inquiry, Social Responsibility, and Citizenship courses are listed above. Full information on courses
that satisfy the Ethical Inquiry, Social Responsibility, and Citizenship requirement may be found online in MaineStreet by
using the general education drop-down menu in class search. Some majors may require students to complete specific
courses to satisfy this requirement. See the relevant department section of the catalog for more information.
VI. Thematic Cluster or minor (9 credits, one course overlap with major allowed)
Preamble
Thematic clusters provide students with opportunities to explore an issue, theme or topic from a variety of perspectives.
The clusters encourage students to integrate their learning by juxtaposing competing and complementary ways of framing
complex issues and problems at a more advanced level.
Definitions and Explanations
To satisfy the Thematic Cluster requirement students complete three courses in the cluster of their choice. Courses that
satisfy the Thematic Cluster requirement may be found online in MaineStreet by using the general education drop-down
menu in class search. A partial list of Thematic Cluster areas is provided below.
Aging Well
American Society and Culture
Environment and Society
Environmental Policy
Film and Society
Geospatial Technologies
Health and Wellness
Humans and Animals
Modernism
Professional Practices
Religious Experience and Human Culture
Resource Use and Global Change
Theory, Culture and Politics
Things French
War and Peace
Working Class Studies
Students may begin their Thematic Cluster at the same time as they are taking Ethical Inquiry, Social Responsibility, and
Citizenship. Other prerequisites for courses in the Thematic Clusters vary by course. Please check the individual course
listing in the catalog for course-specific prerequisites.
A minor may substitute for a cluster if it requires at least fifteen (15) credit hours. Only one-third (1/3) of the credits in the
student’s minor may be courses that can be applied to the student’s major
VII. Diversity (3 credits, may overlap with another general education requirement)
Preamble
Courses that satisfy the diversity requirement engage students in critical examination of and self-reflection on issues of
difference and diversity. In the context of the course topic, the diversity requirement will enhance students’ analytic
sophistication about issues related to difference and diversity and will foster the interpersonal skills necessary for
engaging with diverse populations within the U.S. or in other parts of the world.
Definitions and Explanations
Prerequisites for courses that satisfy the Diversity requirement vary by course. Please check the individual course listing
in this catalog and online in MaineStreet for course-specific prerequisites. Some courses that satisfy the Diversity
requirement may also satisfy other Core or major requirements. Students must complete two distinct courses to satisfy the
Diversity and International requirements. Courses that satisfy the Diversity requirement may be found online in
MaineStreet by using the general education drop-down menu in class search.
VIII. International (3 credits, may overlap with another general education requirement)
Preamble
Courses that satisfy the international requirement help students become world-minded learners who are knowledgeable
about and have a comparative understanding of international social, political, economic or cultural issues in context.
Courses that satisfy this requirement develop students’ knowledge and skills in relation to international issues of relevance
to the course topic and focus.
Definitions and Explanations
Prerequisites for courses that satisfy the International requirement vary by course. Please check the individual course
listing in this catalog and online in MaineStreet for course-specific prerequisites. Courses that satisfy the International
requirement may also satisfy other Core or major requirements. Students must complete two distinct courses to satisfy the
Diversity and International requirements. Study abroad involving an academic experience may be used to satisfy the
International requirement. Advanced submission or syllabi or other documentation to the Office of International Programs
is required to confirm that the program in question satisfies this requirement.
IX. Capstone (3 credits and variable)
Preamble
The capstone experience engages students with a significant theme, issue, topic, or problem. The capstone requires the
development of a substantial oral, written, creative or applied final project that integrates disciplinary learning with
general education and the perspectives of other disciplines. As the concluding experience, the capstone provides
opportunities for students to think about how their education at USM, especially in the major, informs their future
academic, professional and personal lives. See the section of this catalog pertaining to your declared major for information
on capstone courses.
Definitions and Explanations
Prerequisites include Ethical Inquiry, Social Responsibility, and Citizenship, and other courses as specified by the
department. Students should check the section of the catalog associated with their major for information on this
requirement.