[Agvisors] Tier One & Tier Two Classes

Fri Jul 5 14:26:19 MST 2019

Hi Tiffany,

Thanks for the email. The content below may serve us all as a refresher and with some history on how the structure was created. Some may find it interesting based on its evolution. The following is how it is defined on the UA UWGEC Review Report when this general education structure was implemented.  The underlined sections address your inquiry.

For more information visit the site<https://academicaffairs.arizona.edu/gened-background> - side menu has Background of UA GenEd - Original Guiding Principles and Resources, Reports & News. On the Resources, Reports & News page you will find detailed reports (i.e. 1998-2003 UWGEC Review Report with the details below, as well as the 2018 Final Report of the General Education Review Task Force).

Tier One Courses. Tier One courses introduce students to fundamental issues and concepts in three interdisciplinary study areas, or strands: Natural Sciences (NATS), Individuals & Societies (INDV), and Traditions & Cultures (TRAD). Tier One courses develop critical thinking skills, opportunities for analysis and synthesis, competency in basic skills, and a foundation of knowledge in the sciences, humanities, and social sciences.
Tier One instructors are encouraged to employ active learning methods that support student opportunities to work collaboratively, and to provide exposure to computer/multimedia applications. Students select two courses from each of the three strands.
Tier One courses are taken concurrently with Foundations courses. Students are expected to finish their Tier One courses by the end of their second year.*
The three Tier One strands use the following university-wide numbering system* for all approved courses.* Natural Sciences NATS 101 -- Study area: Earth and Its Environment  o NATS 102 -- Study area: Beyond the Earth in Space and Time  o NATS 104 -- Study area: Biological Sciences   * Traditions & Cultures TRAD 101 --  Study area: Non-Western Cultures and Civilizations  o TRAD 102 --  Study area: Western Cultures and Civilizations: Classical to Renaissance  o TRAD 103 --  Study area: Western Cultures and Civilizations: Renaissance to Present TRAD 104 --  Study area: Topics in Culture and Civilization   * Individuals & Societies INDV 101 --  Study area: Mind, Self and Language  o INDV 102 --  Study area: Social Interaction and Relationships  o INDV 103 --  Study area: Societal and Institutional Systems  There may be several dozen courses in each study area, each with its own unique title.    *Update: the courses were renumbered to 150, 160, 170  and do not have to be completed by the end of second year.

Tier Two Courses. Tier Two courses are organized into four study areas: Humanities, Natural Sciences, Individuals & Societies, and Arts. Tier Two courses provide more in-depth examination of topics introduced in Tier One offerings, but they are not designed as introductory courses to majors. Students select either one course or three units of credit from each study area. Tier Two courses are taken only upon completion of the relevant Tier One strand.* Courses in all Tier Two study areas use home department course numbers and prefixes (e.g., ASTR 203).  *Update: Tier One courses do not necessarily need to be completed prior to completing Tier Two courses.

Other Features of the General Education Curriculum. All Tier One and Tier Two courses must include a substantial amount of writing in multiple formats. Each course must also include an Honors component for qualified students. Students must include at least one course with an emphasis on gender, race, class, and ethnicity, or one that focuses on a non-western civilization.  *Update: the honors GE structure is officially updated and we now have a distinct Diversity Emphasis requirement.

Have a wonderful afternoon and weekend ahead.

Best,
Nancy

Nancy G. Rodriguez-Lorta, M.Ed. | Senior Director, Advising and Student Services
UA College of Agriculture and Life Sciences | Office of Career & Academic Services
Forbes Room 203 | PO Box 210036 |Tucson, AZ 85721-0036
Phone: (520) 621-3616 | Fax: (520) 621-8662
Website: cals.arizona.edu/students/advising

To schedule an appointment call (520) 621-3616

Reasons reap results - J. Kwik

From: Agvisors <agvisors-bounces at list.cals.arizona.edu> On Behalf Of Ortega, Tiffany - (tortega)
Sent: Friday, July 5, 2019 1:38 PM
To: agvisors at list.cals.arizona.edu
Subject: [Agvisors] Tier One & Tier Two Classes

Good Afternoon. A parent of a potential student asked me what exactly the difference was between Tier One and Tier Two classes. Is it just that the Tier Two classes are typically 200 and 300 level classes; whereas the Tier Ones are 100-level classes? Therefore, the Tier Two classes are at a bit of a higher level? Is there any other information I can give him on this topic?

Tiffany Ortega, M.A.Ed.
Norton School | Family & Consumer Sciences
Academic Advisor
Personal and Family Financial Planning
Internship and Career Development Coordinator
Family Studies and Human Development
The University of Arizona
College of Agriculture & Life Sciences
PHONE: 520.621.7138
EMAIL: tortega at email.arizona.edu<mailto:tortega at email.arizona.edu>

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