The Mason Core at Mason
Overview
The Mason Graduate is an Engaged Citizen and Well-Rounded Scholar who is Prepared to Act. The Mason Core is Mason’s general education program that builds the foundation for The Mason Graduate. All undergraduates seeking a baccalaureate degree must complete Mason Core requirements. The Mason Core provides a breadth of liberal education courses, complementing the depth of knowledge and skills they build in their majors and minors. Additional requirements for specific degree programs can be found in the college or school sections of this catalog.
The Mason Core prepares students for work in their majors and minors, for their careers, and for life-long learning. Foundation courses build key knowledge and skills needed for academic success. Exploration courses provide a breadth of learning across the university. Integration courses include upper-division courses that are designed to integrate knowledge and skills learned from Foundation and Exploration courses into the major. Courses are designed around learning outcomes that help develop the qualities we expect of all students graduating with a Bachelor’s degree from George Mason University.
The Mason Core: Engagement Series (ENCORE) provides an optional pathway for students interested in combining academic coursework with co-curricular activities towards a completion certificate in Sustainability or Well-Being.
All undergraduates seeking a baccalaureate degree must complete Mason Core requirements. Additional requirements for specific degree programs can be found in the college or school sections of this catalog.
Synopsis of Requirements
The Mason Core is divided into three sections: foundation, exploration, and integration. Each section contains courses that have specific learning outcomes for students and are assessed on a regular basis.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Requirements | ||
| Written Communication (ENGH 101) | 3 | |
| Oral Communication | 3 | |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 3 | |
| Information Technology and Computing | 3 | |
| Exploration Requirements | ||
| Arts | 3 | |
| Global Understanding | 3 | |
| Literature | 3 | |
| Natural Science | 7 | |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences | 3 | |
| Western Civilization/World History | 3 | |
| Integration Requirement | ||
| Written Communication (ENGH 302) | 3 | |
| Writing-Intensive 1 | 3 | |
| Capstone-or-Synthesis | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 40 | |
| 1 | Most programs include the writing-intensive course designated for the major as part of the major requirements; this course is therefore not counted towards the total required for Mason Core. |
Foundation Requirements (12 credits)
Foundation requirements help ensure that students master the tools and techniques necessary to succeed in college and throughout their lives and careers. These courses emphasize skills—in writing, speaking, and working with numbers and technology—that can be applied to any major field of study and career goal.
Note: The course list reflects approved courses as of press time. Please visit the Mason Core website for the most recent list of courses as the listed is update throughout the academic year.
Written Communication (3 credits, lower-level)
Learning Outcomes:
Students develop the ability to use written communication as a means of discovering and expressing ideas and meanings: in short, employing writing as a way of thinking. Students begin this process at the Foundation level in English 101 (100 for ESL students) and build higher-level skills at the Integration level in English 302. Writing will be emphasized in many courses throughout a student's career, and at least one course in every student's major is designated "writing intensive" (Integration level).
Required:
The following courses as well as an approved writing-intensive course in the major.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENGH 100 | Composition for Multilingual Writers (Mason Core) | 4 |
| ENGH 101 | Composition (Mason Core) | 3 |
Oral Communication (3 credits)
Learning Outcomes:
- Students will demonstrate understanding of and proficiency in constructing and delivering multiple message types.
- Students will understand and practice effective elements of ethical verbal and nonverbal communication.
- Students will develop analytical skills and critical listening skills.
- Students will understand the influence of culture in communication and will know how to cope with cultural differences when presenting information to an audience. Students develop the ability to use oral communication as a way of thinking and learning, as well as sharing ideas.
Required:
One approved course. Students will be expected to continue developing oral communication skills in additional Mason Core courses as appropriate.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COMM 100 | Public Speaking (Mason Core) | 3 |
| COMM 101 | Fundamentals of Communication (Mason Core) | 3 |
| DANC 454 | Methods of Teaching Dance (Mason Core) | 3 |
| INTS 101 | Narratives of Identity (Mason Core) | 6 |
| INTS 202 | Public Speaking and Critical Thinking Skills (Mason Core) | 4 |
Quantitative Reasoning (3 credits)
Learning Outcomes:
- Students are able to interpret quantitative information (i.e., formulas, graphs, tables, models, and schematics) and draw inferences from them.
- Given a quantitative problem, students are able to formulate the problem quantitatively and use appropriate arithmetical, algebraic, and/or statistical methods to solve the problem.
- Students are able to evaluate logical arguments using quantitative reasoning.
- Students are able to communicate and present quantitative results effectively.
Required:
One approved course.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CDS 292 | Introduction to Social Network Analysis (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HNRT 125 | Applied Quantitative Reasoning (Mason Core) | 3 |
| MATH 106 | Quantitative Reasoning (Mason Core) | 3 |
| MATH 108 | Introductory Calculus with Business Applications (Mason Core) | 3 |
| MATH 110 | Introductory Probability (Mason Core) | 3 |
| MATH 111 | Linear Mathematical Modeling (Mason Core) | 3 |
| MATH 113 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus I (Mason Core) | 4 |
| MATH 115 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus I (Honors) (Mason Core) | 4 |
| MATH 124 | Calculus with Algebra/Trigonometry, Part B (Mason Core) | 3 |
| MATH 125 | Discrete Mathematics I (Mason Core) | 3 |
| SOCI 313 | Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (Mason Core) | 4 |
| STAT 250 | Introductory Statistics I (Mason Core) | 3 |
Information Technology and Computing (3 credits)
Learning Outcomes:
Information technology and computing can significantly augment humans' ability to produce, consume, process, and communicate information. Thus, students need to understand ways to use such technology to enhance their lives, careers, and society, while being mindful of challenges such as security, source reliability, automation, and ethical implications. These factors have made it essential for students to understand how to effectively navigate the evolving technological landscape. IT courses offered in the majors may focus on disciplinary applications and concerns of information technology.
IT courses meet the following learning outcomes:
- Students will understand the principles of information storage, exchange, security, and privacy and be aware of related ethical issues.
- Students will become critical consumers of digital information; they will be capable of selecting and evaluating appropriate, relevant, and trustworthy sources of information.
- Students can use appropriate information and computing technologies to organize and analyze information and use it to guide decision-making.
- Students will be able to choose and apply appropriate algorithmic methods to solve a problem.
Required:
One approved 3-credit course that meets all IT requirements or an approved sequence of courses that meet all IT requirements.
Courses meeting IT requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ANTH 395 | Work, Technology, and Society: An IT Perspective (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CDS 130 | Computing for Scientists (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CS 100 | Principles of Computing (Mason Core) | 3 |
| GOVT 300 | Research Methods and Analysis (Mason Core) | 4 |
| HIST 390 | The Digital Past (Mason Core) | 3 |
| INTS 345 | Introduction to Multimedia (Mason Core) | 5 |
| INTS 445 | Multimedia Design (Mason Core) | 5 |
| IT 104 | Introduction to Computing (Mason Core) | 3 |
| MIS 303 | Introduction to Business Information Systems (Mason Core) | 3 |
| MUSI 259 | Music in Computer Technology (Mason Core) | 3 |
| AVT 180 | New Media in the Creative Arts (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CS 112 | Introduction to Computer Programming (Mason Core) | 4 |
| INTS 203 | Inquiry for Action: Facilitating Change (Mason Core) | 6 |
| INTS 249 | Digital Literacy (Mason Core) | 4 |
| PHYS 251 | Introduction to Computer Techniques in Physics (Mason Core) | 3 |
| SOCI 410 | Social Surveys and Attitude and Opinion Measurements (Mason Core) | 3 |
| The following must be taken in sequence: | ||
| PSYC 300 | Statistics in Psychology | 4 |
| PSYC 301 | Research Methods in Psychology | 4 |
| PSYC 372 | Biopsychology | 3 |
Exploration Requirements (22 credits)
Exploration requirements help ensure that students become acquainted with the broad range of intellectual domains that contribute to a liberal education. By experiencing subject matter and ways of knowing in a variety of fields, students will be better able to synthesize new knowledge, respond to fresh challenges, and meet the demands of a complex world.
The course list reflects approved courses as of press time. See the most current list for updates.
Note: Beginning Fall 2014, certain courses within the Mason Core can count for more than one category, if approved by the Mason Core committee. Students will be allowed to double count two courses (up to six credit hours) to fulfill their Mason Core requirements. Courses that qualify for double counting will be listed in their individually approved sections. Students may not double count credits in Oral Communication, Written Communication, or Quantitative Reasoning categories.
Arts (3 credits)
Mason courses in the film making, visual and performing arts stress generative, inquiry based learning through direct aesthetic and creative experience in the studio environment. Art history courses address the intrinsic relationship of personal and cultural creativity, and the manifestation of aesthetics, visual culture and visual narrative within historical contexts.
Learning Outcomes:
Students who successfully complete a course in the Arts category must meet the first learning outcome and a minimum of two of the remaining four learning outcomes:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between artistic process, and a work's underlying concept, and where appropriate, contexts associated with the work.
- Identify and analyze the formal elements of a particular art form using vocabulary and critique appropriate to that form.
- Analyze cultural productions using standards appropriate to the form, as well as the works cultural significance and context.
- Analyze and interpret the content of material or performance culture through its social, historical, and personal contexts.
- Engage in generative artistic processes, including conception, creation, and ongoing critical analysis.
Required:
One approved course.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ARTH 101 | Introduction to the Visual Arts (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 102 | Symbols and Stories in Art (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 103 | Introduction to Architecture (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 104 | Design in the 20th Century (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 200 | History of Western Art I (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 201 | History of Western Art II (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 203 | Survey of Asian Art (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 204 | Survey of Latin American Art (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 206 | Survey of African Art (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 311 | Design of Cities (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 321 | Greek Art and Archaeology (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 322 | Roman Art and Archaeology (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 324 | From Alexander the Great to Cleopatra: The Hellenistic World (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 333 | Early Christian and Byzantine Art (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 334 | Western Medieval Art (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 335 | Arts of Medieval England (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 340 | Early Renaissance Art in Italy, 1300-1500 (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 341 | Northern Renaissance Art (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 342 | High Renaissance Art in Italy, 1480-1570 (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 343 | The Art of Venice (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 344 | Baroque Art in Italy, France, and Spain, 1600-1750 (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 345 | Northern Baroque Art, 1600-1750 (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 350 | History of Photography (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 360 | Nineteenth-Century European Art (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 362 | Twentieth-Century European Art (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 370 | Arts of the United States (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 371 | American Architecture and Material Culture (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 372 | Studies in 18th- and 19th-Century Art of the United States (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 373 | Studies in 20th-Century Art of the United States (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 376 | Twentieth-Century Latin American Art (Mason Core) | 3 |
| AVT 103 | Introduction to the Artist's Studio (Mason Core) | 3 |
| AVT 104 | Two-Dimensional Design and Color (Mason Core) | 4 |
| AVT 215 | Typography (Mason Core) | 3 |
| AVT 222 | Drawing I (Mason Core) | 4 |
| AVT 232 | Painting I (Mason Core) | 4 |
| AVT 243 | Printmaking I (Mason Core) | 4 |
| AVT 252 | Darkroom Photography I (Mason Core) | 4 |
| AVT 253 | Digital Photography I (Mason Core) | 4 |
| AVT 262 | Sculpture I (Mason Core) | 4 |
| AVT 272 | Interdisciplinary Arts (Mason Core) | 4 |
| AVT 385 | EcoArt (Mason Core) | 3 |
| DANC 101 | Dance Appreciation (Mason Core) | 3 |
| DANC 119 | Dance in Popular Culture: Afro-Latino Dance (Mason Core) | 3 |
| DANC 125 | Modern/Contemporary Dance I (Mason Core) | 3 |
| DANC 131 | Beginning Jazz Technique (Mason Core) | 3 |
| DANC 145 | Ballet I (Mason Core) | 3 |
| DANC 161 | Beginning Tap Dance (Mason Core) | 3 |
| DANC 225 | Modern/Contemporary Dance II (Mason Core) | 3 |
| DANC 231 | Intermediate Jazz Technique (Mason Core) | 3 |
| DANC 245 | Ballet II (Mason Core) | 3 |
| DANC 301 | What is Dance? (Mason Core) | 3 |
| DANC 325 | Modern/Contemporary Dance III (Mason Core) | 1-3 |
| DANC 331 | Advanced Jazz Dance (Mason Core) | 3 |
| DANC 345 | Ballet III (Mason Core) | 1-3 |
| DANC 390 | Dance History I (Mason Core) | 3 |
| DANC 391 | Dance History II (Mason Core) | 3 |
| DANC 425 | Modern/Contemporary Dance IV (Mason Core) | 1-3 |
| DANC 445 | Ballet IV (Mason Core) | 1-3 |
| DSGN 102 | Design in the Modern World (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ENGH 370 | Introduction to Documentary (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ENGH 371 | Television Studies (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ENGH 372 | Introduction to Film (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ENGH 396 | Introduction to Creative Writing (Mason Core) | 3 |
| FAVS 225 | The History of World Cinema (Mason Core) | 3 |
| GAME 101 | Introduction to Game Design (Mason Core) | 3 |
| INTS 103 | Human Creativity: Science and Art (Mason Core) | 6 |
| INTS 245 | Visual Culture and Society (Mason Core) | 4 |
| INTS 346 | Art as Social Action (Mason Core) | 4 |
| INTS 446 | Art, Beauty, and Culture (Mason Core) | 3-6 |
| MUSI 100 | Fundamentals of Music (Mason Core) | 3 |
| MUSI 101 | Introduction to Classical Music (Mason Core) | 3 |
| MUSI 102 | Popular Music in America (Mason Core) | 3 |
| MUSI 106 | Fundamentals of Rock, Blues, and Jazz (Mason Core) | 3 |
| MUSI 107 | Jazz and Blues in America (Mason Core) | 3 |
| MUSI 280 | Athletic and Ceremonial Ensemble (Mason Core) | 0-1 |
| MUSI 301 | Music in Motion Pictures (Mason Core) | 3 |
| MUSI 302 | American Musical Theater (Mason Core) | 3 |
| MUSI 380 | Wind Symphony (Mason Core) | 1 |
| MUSI 381 | University Chorale (Mason Core) | 1 |
| MUSI 382 | Piano Ensemble (Mason Core) | 1 |
| MUSI 383 | Symphonic Band (Mason Core) | 1 |
| MUSI 385 | Chamber Singers (Mason Core) | 1 |
| MUSI 387 | Symphony Orchestra (Mason Core) | 1 |
| MUSI 389 | Jazz Ensemble (Mason Core) | 1 |
| MUSI 485 | Chamber Ensembles (Mason Core) | 1 |
| PHIL 156 | What Is Art? (Mason Core) | 3 |
| THR 101 | Theatrical Medium (Mason Core) | 3 |
| THR 150 | Greeks to Restoration (Mason Core) | 3 |
| THR 151 | Romanticism to Present (Mason Core) | 3 |
| THR 210 | Acting I (Mason Core) | 3 |
| THR 230 | Fundamentals of Production (Mason Core) | 3 |
| THR 395 | Theater as the Life of the Mind (Mason Core) | 3 |
| THR 411 | Great Film Directors (Mason Core) | 3 |
| THR 412 | Great Film Performances (Mason Core) | 3 |
Global Understanding (3 credits)
Learning Outcomes:
The goal of the global understanding category is to help students see the world from multiple perspectives, reflect upon their positions in a global society, and be prepared for future engagement as global citizens. While it may include a historical perspective, global understanding courses focus primarily on a contemporary understanding of one’s place in a global society.
Courses in this category must meet a minimum of three of the following learning outcomes:
1. Identify and articulate one’s own values and how those values influence their interactions and relationships with others, both locally and globally.
2. Demonstrate understanding of how the patterns and processes of globalization make visible the interconnections and differences among and within contemporary global societies.
3. Demonstrate the development of intercultural competencies.
4. Explore individual and collective responsibilities within a global society through analytical, practical, or creative responses to problems or issues, using resources appropriate to the field.
Note: A student may also meet the Global Understanding requirement through a full-semester study abroad or 12-15 credit hour program; shorter-term study abroad courses must include and meet the learning outcomes listed below and be evaluated prior to departure.
Required:
One approved course.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ANTH 302 | Peoples and Cultures of Latin America (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ANTH 307 | Ancient Mesoamerica (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ANTH 308 | Peoples and Cultures of the Middle East (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ANTH 309 | Peoples and Cultures of India (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ANTH 312 | Political Anthropology (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ANTH 313 | Myth, Magic, and Mind (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ANTH 331 | Refugees (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ANTH 332 | Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Globalization (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ANTH 382 | Urban Anthropology (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 319 | Art and Archaeology of the Ancient Near East (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 320 | Art of the Islamic World (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 382 | Arts of India (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 383 | Arts of Southeast Asia (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 384 | Arts of China (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 385 | Arts of Japan (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 386 | The Silk Road (Mason Core) | 3 |
| BUS 200 | Global Environment of Business (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CEIE 100 | Environmental Engineering around the World (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CEIE 497 | Applied Engineering Abroad (Mason Core) | 3 |
| COMM 305 | Foundations of Intercultural Communication (Mason Core) | 3 |
| COMM 456 | Comparative Mass Media (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CONF 340 | Global Conflict Analysis and Resolution (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CRIM 405 | Law and Justice around the World (Mason Core) | 3 |
| DANC 118 | World Dance (Mason Core) | 3 |
| DANC 318 | Global Perspectives: World Dance Forms (Mason Core) | 3 |
| DANC 418 | Global Dance Intensive (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ECON 360 | Economics of Developing Areas (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ECON 361 | Economic Development of Latin America (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ECON 362 | African Economic Development (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ECON 380 | Economies in Transition (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ECON 390 | International Economics (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ENGH 362 | Global Voices (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ENGH 366 | The Idea of a World Literature (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ENGR 398 | Applied Engineering Abroad (Mason Core) | 3 |
| FAVS 300 | Global Horror Film (Mason Core) | 3 |
| FRLN 331 | Topics in World Cinema (Mason Core) | 3 |
| GCH 205 | Global Health (Mason Core) | 3 |
| GGS 101 | Major World Regions (Mason Core) | 3 |
| GLOA 101 | Introduction to Global Affairs (Mason Core) | 3 |
| GOVT 132 | Introduction to International Politics (Mason Core) | 3 |
| GOVT 133 | Introduction to Comparative Politics (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 251 | Survey of East Asian History (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 252 | Survey of East Asian History (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 261 | Survey of African History (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 262 | Survey of African History (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 271 | Survey of Latin American History (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 272 | Survey of Latin American History (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 281 | Survey of Middle Eastern Civilization (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 282 | Survey of Middle Eastern Civilization (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 328 | Rise of Russia (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 329 | Modern Russia and the Soviet Union (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 354 | Modern China (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 356 | Modern Japan (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 357 | Postwar Japan (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 358 | Post-1949 China (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 360 | History of South Africa (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 364 | Revolution and Radical Politics in Latin America (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 365 | Conquest and Colonization in Latin America (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 384 | Global History of Christianity (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 387 | Topics in Global History (Mason Core) | 3-6 |
| HIST 460 | Modern Iran (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 462 | Women in Islamic Society (Mason Core) | 3 |
| INTS 102 | Global Networks and Communities (Mason Core) | 6 |
| INTS 303 | Introduction to International Studies (Mason Core) | 3 |
| INTS 314 | Conflict, Trauma and Healing (Mason Core) | 6 |
| INTS 315 | Spirituality and Conflict Transformation (Mason Core) | 6 |
| INTS 406 | Global Leadership (Mason Core) | 3 |
| INTS 416 | Refugee and Internal Displacement (Mason Core) | 3 |
| INYO 105 | American Cultures (Mason Core) | 3 |
| JAPA 310 | Japanese Culture in a Global World (Mason Core) | 3 |
| MBUS 305 | Introduction to International Business (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ME 497 | Applied Engineering Abroad (Mason Core) | 3 |
| MUSI 103 | Musics of the World (Mason Core) | 3 |
| MUSI 431 | Music History in Society III (Mason Core) | 3 |
| PHIL 243 | Global Environmental Ethics (Mason Core) | 3 |
| PROV 150 | International Experience: Global Understanding (Mason Core) | 0 |
| PSYC 379 | Applied Cross-Cultural Psychology (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 100 | The Human Religious Experience (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 211 | Religions of the West (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 212 | Religions of Asia (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 313 | Hinduism (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 315 | Buddhism (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 320 | Religion and Revolution in Latin America (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 322 | Religions of Africa (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 341 | Global Perspectives on Spirituality and Healing (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 374 | Islamic Thought (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 384 | Global History of Christianity (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RUSS 354 | Contemporary Post-Soviet Life (Mason Core) | 3 |
| SOCI 120 | Globalization and Society (Mason Core) | 3 |
| SOCI 320 | Globalization and Social Change (Mason Core) | 3 |
| SOCI 332 | The Urban World (Mason Core) | 3 |
| SPAN 322 | Introduction to Latin American Culture (Mason Core) | 3 |
| SPAN 466 | Latin American Civilization and Culture (Mason Core) | 3 |
| SYST 202 | Engineering Systems in a Complex World (Mason Core) | 3 |
| SYST 497 | Applied Engineering Abroad (Mason Core) | 3 |
| THR 359 | World Stages (Mason Core) | 3 |
| TOUR 210 | Global Understanding through Travel and Tourism (Mason Core) | 3 |
| WMST 100 | Global Representations of Women (Mason Core) | 3 |
Literature (3 credits)
Learning Outcomes:
- Students will be able to read for comprehension, detail, and nuance.
- Identify the specific literary qualities of language as employed in the texts they read.
- Analyze the ways specific literary devices contribute to the meaning of a text.
- Identify and evaluate the contribution of the social, political, historical, and cultural contexts in which a literary text is produced.
- Evaluate a critical argument in others' writing as well as one's own.
Required:
One approved course.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ARAB 325 | Major Arab Writers/Stories (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CHIN 310 | Survey of Chinese Literature (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CHIN 311 | Modern Chinese Literature in Translation (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CHIN 325 | Major Chinese Writers (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CHIN 328 | Asian American Women Writers (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CLAS 250 | Classical Mythology (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CLAS 260 | The Legacy of Greece and Rome (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CLAS 340 | Greek and Roman Epic (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CLAS 350 | Greek and Roman Tragedy (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CLAS 360 | Greek and Roman Comedy (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CLAS 380 | Greek and Roman Novels (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ELED 358 | Children's Literature for Teaching in Diverse Settings (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ENGH 201 | Reading and Writing about Texts (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ENGH 202 | Texts and Contexts (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ENGH 203 | Western Literary Tradition (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ENGH 204 | Western Literary Traditions (Mason Core) | 3 |
| FREN 325 | Major French Writers (Topic Varies) (Mason Core) | 3 |
| FREN 329 | Problems of Western Civilization in French Literature (Mason Core) | 3 |
| FRLN 330 | Topics in World Literature (Mason Core) | 3 |
| GERM 325 | Major Writers (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 334 | American Scriptures (Mason Core) | 3 |
| INTS 101 | Narratives of Identity (Mason Core) | 6 |
| ITAL 320 | Topics in Italian Film and Literature (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ITAL 325 | Major Italian Writers (Mason Core) | 3 |
| JAPA 340 | Topics in Japanese Literature (Mason Core) | 3 |
| KORE 311 | Modern Korean Literature in Translation (Mason Core) | 3 |
| PHIL 253 | Philosophy and Literature (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 235 | Religion and Literature (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 333 | Spiritual Autobiography (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RUSS 325 | Major Russian Writers (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RUSS 326 | A Survey of Russian Literature (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RUSS 327 | A Survey of Russian Literature (Mason Core) | 3 |
| SPAN 325 | Major Hispanic Writers (Mason Core) | 3 |
Natural Science (7 credits total)
The Mason Core natural sciences courses engage students in scientific exploration; foster their curiosity; enhance their enthusiasm for science; and enable them to apply scientific knowledge and reasoning to personal, professional and public decision-making. Lab courses must meet all five learning outcomes. Non-lab courses must meet learning outcomes 1 through 4.
Learning Outcomes:
- Understand how scientific inquiry is based on investigation of evidence from the natural world, and that scientific knowledge and understanding: a) evolves based on new evidence, and b) differs from personal and cultural beliefs.
- Recognize the scope and limits of science.
- Recognize and articulate the relationship between the natural sciences and society and the application of science to societal challenges (e.g., health, conservation, sustainability, energy, natural disasters, etc.).
- Evaluate scientific information (e.g., distinguish primary and secondary sources, assess credibility and validity of information).
- Participate in scientific inquiry and communicate the elements of the process, including: a) making careful and systematic observations, b) developing and testing a hypothesis, c) analyzing evidence, and d) Interpreting results.
Required:
Two approved science courses. At least one course will include laboratory experience.
Non-lab (3 credits)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ANTH 135 | Introduction to Biological Anthropology (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ASTR 103 | Astronomy (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ASTR 302 | Foundations of Cosmological Thought (Mason Core) | 3 |
| BIOL 107 | Intro Biology II Lecture (Mason Core) | 3 |
| BIOL 140 | Plants and People (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CHEM 101 | Introduction to Modern Chemistry (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CHEM 102 | Chemistry for Changing Times (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CHEM 271 | General Chemistry for Engineers Lecture (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CLIM 101 | Global Warming: Weather, Climate, and Society (Mason Core) | 3 |
| EVPP 201 | Environment and You: Issues for the Twenty-First Century (Mason Core) | 3 |
| GEOL 134 | Evolution and Extinction (Mason Core) | 3 |
| GGS 102 | Physical Geography (Mason Core) | 3 |
| INTS 103 | Human Creativity: Science and Art (Mason Core) | 6 |
| INTS 211 | Introduction to Conservation Studies (Mason Core) | 3-6 |
| INTS 301 | Science in the News (Mason Core) | 3 |
| NEUR 101 | Introduction to Neuroscience (Mason Core) | 3 |
| NUTR 295 | Introduction to Nutrition (Mason Core) | 3 |
| PHYS 106 | The Quantum World: A Continuous Revolution in What We Know and How We Live (Mason Core) | 3 |
| PROV 301 | Great Ideas in Science (Mason Core) | 3 |
Lab (4 credits)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ASTR 111 | Introductory Astronomy: The Solar System (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ASTR 112 | Introductory Astronomy Lab: The Solar System (Mason Core) | 1 |
| ASTR 113 | Introductory Astronomy: Stars, Galaxies, and the Universe (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ASTR 114 | Introductory Astronomy Lab: Stars, Galaxies, and the Universe (Mason Core) | 1 |
| ASTR 115 | Finding New Worlds (Mason Core) | 4 |
| BIOL 103 | Introductory Biology I (Mason Core) | 4 |
| BIOL 106 | Introductory Biology II Laboratory (Mason Core) | 1 |
| BIOL 213 | Cell Structure and Function (Mason Core) | 4 |
| CDS 101 | Introduction to Computational and Data Sciences (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CDS 102 | Introduction to Computational and Data Sciences Lab (Mason Core) | 1 |
| CHEM 103 | Chemical Science in a Modern Society (Mason Core) | 4 |
| CHEM 104 | Chemistry for Changing Times (Mason Core) | 4 |
| CHEM 155 | Introduction to Environmental Chemistry I (Mason Core) | 4 |
| CHEM 156 | Introduction to Environmental Chemistry II (Mason Core) | 4 |
| CHEM 211 | General Chemistry I (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CHEM 212 | General Chemistry II (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CHEM 213 | General Chemistry Laboratory I (Mason Core) | 1 |
| CHEM 214 | General Chemistry Laboratory II (Mason Core) | 1 |
| CHEM 272 | General Chemistry for Engineers Lab (Mason Core) | 1 |
| CLIM 102 | Introduction to Global Climate Change Science (Mason Core) | 4 |
| CLIM 111 | Introduction to the Fundamentals of Atmospheric Science (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CLIM 112 | Introduction to the Fundamentals of Atmospheric Science Lab (Mason Core) | 1 |
| EVPP 108 | Ecosphere - Introduction to Environmental Science I-Lecture (Mason Core) | 3 |
| EVPP 109 | Ecosphere- Introduction to Environmental Science I- Lab (Mason Core) | 1 |
| EVPP 110 | The Ecosphere: An Introduction to Environmental Science I (Mason Core) | 4 |
| EVPP 111 | The Ecosphere: An Introduction to Environmental Science II (Mason Core) | 4 |
| EVPP 112 | Ecosphere: Introduction to Environmental Science II-Lecture (Mason Core) | 3 |
| EVPP 113 | Ecosphere: Introduction to Environmental Science II–Lab (Mason Core) | 1 |
| GEOL 101 | Introductory Geology I (Mason Core) | 4 |
| GEOL 102 | Introductory Geology II (Mason Core) | 4 |
| GGS 121 | Dynamic Atmosphere and Hydrosphere (Mason Core) | 4 |
| INTS 210 | Sustainable World (Mason Core) | 4 |
| INTS 311 | The Mysteries of Migration: Consequences for Conservation (Mason Core) | 6 |
| INTS 401 | Conservation Biology (Mason Core) | 6 |
| INTS 403 | Conservation Behavior (Mason Core) | 6 |
| PHYS 103 | Physics and Everyday Phenomena I (Mason Core) | 4 |
| PHYS 104 | Physics and Everyday Phenomena II (Mason Core) | 4 |
| PHYS 111 | Introduction to the Fundamentals of Atmospheric Science (Mason Core) | 3 |
| PHYS 112 | Introduction to the Fundamentals of Atmospheric Science Lab (Mason Core) | 1 |
| PHYS 160 | University Physics I (Mason Core) | 3 |
| PHYS 161 | University Physics I Laboratory (Mason Core) | 1 |
| PHYS 243 | College Physics I (Mason Core) | 3 |
| PHYS 244 | College Physics I Lab (Mason Core) | 1 |
| PHYS 245 | College Physics II (Mason Core) | 3 |
| PHYS 246 | College Physics II Lab (Mason Core) | 1 |
| PHYS 260 | University Physics II (Mason Core) | 3 |
| PHYS 261 | University Physics II Laboratory (Mason Core) | 1 |
| PHYS 262 | University Physics III (Mason Core) | 3 |
| PHYS 263 | University Physics III Laboratory (Mason Core) | 1 |
Social and Behavioral Sciences (3 credits)
Learning Outcomes:
The following three learning outcomes are required goals of disciplinary or interdisciplinary courses:
- Explain how individuals, groups or institutions are influenced by contextual factors;
- Demonstrate awareness of changes in social and cultural constructs;
- Use appropriate methods and resources to apply social and behavioral science concepts, terminology, principles and theories in the analysis of significant human issues, past or present.
Required:
One approved course.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AFAM 200 | Introduction to African American Studies (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ANTH 114 | Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ANTH 120 | Unearthing the Past: Prehistory, Culture and Evolution (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ANTH 135 | Introduction to Biological Anthropology (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ANTH 363 | Humans, Disease, and Death (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ANTH 396 | Issues in Anthropology: Social Sciences (Mason Core) | 3 |
| BUS 100 | Business and Society (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CONF 101 | Conflict and Our World (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CONS 410 | Human Dimensions in Conservation (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CRIM 100 | Introduction to Criminal Justice (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ECON 100 | Economics for the Citizen (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ECON 103 | Contemporary Microeconomic Principles (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ECON 104 | Contemporary Macroeconomic Principles (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ECON 105 | Environmental Economics for the Citizen (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ECON 367 | Money, Markets, and Economic Policy (Mason Core) | 3 |
| EDUC 200 | Introduction to Education: Teaching, Learning and Schools (Mason Core) | 3 |
| EDUC 203 | Disability in American Culture (Mason Core) | 3 |
| EDUC 372 | Human Development, Learning, and Teaching (Mason Core) | 3 |
| GCH 325 | Stress and Well-Being (Mason Core) | 3 |
| GGS 103 | Human Geography (Mason Core) | 3 |
| GOVT 101 | Democratic Theory and Practice (Mason Core) | 3 |
| GOVT 103 | Introduction to American Government (Mason Core) | 3 |
| GOVT 367 | Money, Markets and Economic Policy (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HDFS 200 | Individual and Family Development (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HEAL 230 | Introduction to Health Behavior (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 121 | Formation of the American Republic (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 122 | Development of Modern America (Mason Core) | 3 |
| INTS 203 | Inquiry for Action: Facilitating Change (Mason Core) | 6 |
| INTS 300 | Law and Justice (Mason Core) | 3 |
| INTS 304 | Social Movements and Community Activism (Mason Core) | 4 |
| INTS 316 | Introduction to Childhood Studies (Mason Core) | 4 |
| INTS 317 | Issues in Family Relationships (Mason Core) | 4 |
| INTS 319 | Contemporary Youth Studies (Mason Core) | 3 |
| INTS 320 | Construction of Differences: Race, Class, and Gender (Mason Core) | 6 |
| INTS 321 | Parent-Child Relations (Mason Core) | 3 |
| INTS 331 | The Nonprofit Sector (Mason Core) | 4 |
| INTS 334 | Environmental Justice (Mason Core) | 4 |
| INTS 336 | Poverty, Wealth and Inequality in the US (Mason Core) | 3 |
| INTS 347 | Gender Representation in Popular Culture (Mason Core) | 3-6 |
| INTS 361 | Neighborhood, Community, and Identity (Mason Core) | 3-6 |
| INTS 362 | Social Justice and Human Rights (Mason Core) | 3 |
| INTS 371 | Food Systems and Policy (Mason Core) | 3 |
| INTS 436 | Social Justice Education (Mason Core) | 4 |
| INTS 437 | Critical Race Studies (Mason Core) | 3 |
| INTS 438 | Representations of Race (Mason Core) | 4 |
| LING 306 | General Linguistics (Mason Core) | 3 |
| PSYC 100 | Basic Concepts in Psychology (Mason Core) | 3 |
| PSYC 211 | Developmental Psychology (Mason Core) | 3 |
| PSYC 231 | Social Psychology (Mason Core) | 3 |
| SOCI 101 | Introductory Sociology (Mason Core) | 3 |
| SOCI 352 | Social Problems and Solutions (Mason Core) | 3 |
| SOCI 355 | Social Inequality (Mason Core) | 3 |
| TOUR 311 | Women and Tourism (Mason Core) | 3 |
| WMST 200 | Introduction to Women and Gender Studies (Mason Core) | 3 |
Western Civilization/World History (3 credits)
Learning Outcomes:
Courses must meet at least three of the five learning outcomes.
- Demonstrate familiarity with the major chronology of Western civilization or world history.
- Demonstrate the ability to narrate and explain long-term changes and continuities in Western civilization or world history.
- Identify, evaluate, and appropriately cite online and print resources.
- Develop multiple historical literacies by analyzing primary sources of various kinds (texts, images, music) and using these sources as evidence to support interpretation of historical events.
- Communicate effectively— through speech, writing, and use of digital media—their understanding of patterns, process, and themes in the history of Western civilization or the world.
Required:
One approved course.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HIST 100 | History of Western Civilization (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 125 | Introduction to World History (Mason Core) | 3 |
| INTS 102 | Global Networks and Communities (Mason Core) | 6 |
Transfer students may substitute one of the following for HIST 100 History of Western Civilization (Mason Core)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HIST 101 | Foundations of Western Civilization | 3 |
| HIST 102 | Development of Western Civilization | 3 |
| HIST 301 | Classical Greece | 3 |
| HIST 302 | Classical Rome | 3 |
| HIST 304 | Western Europe in the Middle Ages | 3 |
| HIST 305 | The Renaissance | 3 |
| HIST 306 | The Reformation | 3 |
| HIST 308 | Nineteenth-Century Europe | 3 |
| HIST 309 | Europe in Crisis: 1914-1948 | 3 |
| HIST 312 | Nationalism in Eastern Europe | 3 |
| HIST 314 | History of Germany | 3 |
| HIST 322 | Modern Britain | 3 |
| HIST 388 | Topics in European History | 3 |
| HIST 436 | European Society and Culture: 19th and 20th Centuries | 3 |
Transfer students may substitute one of the following for HIST 125 Introduction to World History (Mason Core)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HIST 202 | Freshman/Sophomore Seminar in Global History | 3 |
| HIST 387 | Topics in Global History (Mason Core) | 3-6 |
Integration Requirements (9 credits)
Written Communication (3 credits, upper-level)
Learning Outcomes:
Students develop the ability to use written communication as a means of discovering and expressing ideas and meanings: in short, employing writing as a way of thinking. Students begin this process at the Foundation level in ENGH 101 Composition (Mason Core) (ENGH 100 Composition for Multilingual Writers (Mason Core) for ESL students) and build higher-level skills at the Integration level in ENGH 302 Advanced Composition (Mason Core). Writing will be emphasized in many courses throughout a student's career, and at least one course in every student's major is designated "writing intensive" (Integration level).
Required:
The following course as well as an approved writing-intensive course in the major.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENGH 302 | Advanced Composition (Mason Core) | 3 |
Writing-Intensive Course Requirement (usually 3 credits)
As part of the university's commitment to student writers in all undergraduate programs, at least one upper-division course in each major has been designated as fulfilling the "writing intensive" (WI) requirement.
The following courses have been approved to meet the writing-intensive requirement.
NOTE: students MUST select the course approved for their major. See specific degree program for details.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ACCT 461 | Assurance and Audit Services | 3 |
| ANTH 490 | Theories, Methods, and Issues II | 3 |
| ARAB 331 | Reading and Conversation II | 3 |
| ARTH 400 | Historiography and Methods of Research in Art History (Topic Varies) | 3 |
| ARTH 420 | Advanced Studies in Ancient Art | 3 |
| ARTH 430 | Advanced Studies in Medieval or Islamic Art | 3 |
| ARTH 440 | RS: Advanced Studies in Renaissance and Baroque Art | 3 |
| ARTH 460 | RS: Advanced Studies in 20th-Century European Art | 3 |
| ARTH 471 | Advanced Studies in Art of the United States | 3 |
| ARTH 472 | RS: Advanced Studies in 20th-Century Latin American Art | 3 |
| ARTH 474 | Advanced Studies in Contemporary Art | 3 |
| ARTH 482 | RS: Advanced Studies in Asian Art | 3 |
| ARTH 490 | Independent Study in Art History | 3 |
| ARTH 491 | Independent Study in Art History | 3 |
| ARTH 492 | Honors Directed Readings | 3 |
| ARTH 493 | Honors Directed Research | 3 |
| ARTH 495 | RS: Objects and Archives in Art History | 3 |
| ARTH 499 | Advanced Studies in Art History | 3 |
| ASTR 402 | RS: Methods of Observational Astronomy (Mason Core) | 4 |
| AVT 395 | Writing for Artists | 3 |
| AVT 396 | Writing for Designers | 3 |
| BENG 304 | Modeling and Control of Physiological Systems | 3 |
| BENG 495 | Bioengineering Senior Seminar II | 1 |
| BIOL 308 | Foundations of Ecology and Evolution | 5 |
| BIOL 338 | Lab for Fundamentals of Ecology and Evolution | 2 |
| BIS 390 | The Research Process | 3 |
| CDS 302 | Scientific Data and Databases | 3 |
| CEIE 301 | Engineering and Economic Models in Civil Engineering | 3 |
| CHEM 336 | Physical Chemistry Lab I | 2 |
| CHEM 465 | Biochemistry Lab | 2 |
| CHIN 480 | Fourth-Year Chinese I | 3 |
| CLIM 408 | Senior Research | 3 |
| COMM 300 | Rhetorical Theory and Criticism | 3 |
| CONF 302 | Culture, Identity, and Conflict | 3 |
| CRIM 495 | Capstone in Criminology, Law and Society (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CS 306 | Synthesis of Ethics and Law for the Computing Professional (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CS 321 | Software Engineering | 3 |
| CYSE 491 | Engineering Senior Seminar | 2 |
| DANC 390 | Dance History I (Mason Core) | 3 |
| DANC 391 | Dance History II (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ECE 333 | Linear Electronics I | 3 |
| ECE 491 | Engineering Seminar | 1 |
| ECED 411 | Assessment of Diverse Young Learners | 3 |
| ECON 355 | The Political Economy of Nonprofit Institutions | 3 |
| ECON 365 | Topics in Economic History | 3 |
| ECON 435 | Economics of Energy | 3 |
| ECON 470 | Economics of Regulation | 3 |
| ECON 485 | Smithian Political Economy I | 3 |
| ELED 459 | Research and Assessment in Elementary Education | 3 |
| ENGH 305 | Dimensions of Writing and Literature | 3 |
| ENGH 373 | Film and Video Forms | 3 |
| EVPP 337 | Environmental Policy Making in Developing Countries | 3 |
| FAVS 380 | TV Writing | 3 |
| FAVS 496 | Advanced Visual Storytelling (Mason Core) | 3 |
| FAVS 498 | Development for Senior Project | 3 |
| FNAN 498 | RS: Contemporary Topics in Finance | 3 |
| FREN 309 | Reading and Writing Skills Development | 6 |
| FRSC 302 | Forensic Trace Analysis | 3 |
| FRSC 304 | Forensic Chemistry | 3 |
| GAME 332 | RS: Story Design for Computer Games | 3 |
| GCH 411 | Health Program Planning and Evaluation | 3 |
| GCH 465 | Community Health Capstone (Mason Core) | 3 |
| GEOL 305 | Environmental Geology | 3 |
| GEOL 317 | Geomorphology | 4 |
| GEOL 334 | Vertebrate Paleontology | 4 |
| GGS 415 | Seminar in Geography | 3 |
| GOVT 490 | Synthesis Seminar (Mason Core) | 3 |
| GOVT 491 | Honors Seminar (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HAP 465 | Integration of Professional Skills and Issues (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HDFS 401 | Family Law and Public Policy | 3 |
| HIST 300 | Introduction to Historical Method (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 499 | RS: Senior Seminar in History (Mason Core) | 3 |
| INTS 308 | American Landscapes in Fiction, Film, and History (Mason Core) | 6 |
| INTS 311 | The Mysteries of Migration: Consequences for Conservation (Mason Core) | 6 |
| INTS 318 | Exploring Virginia's Watersheds | 4 |
| INTS 334 | Environmental Justice (Mason Core) | 4 |
| INTS 337 | Social Justice Consciousness and Personal Transformation | 3 |
| INTS 338 | Animal Rights and Humane Education | 3 |
| INTS 345 | Introduction to Multimedia (Mason Core) | 5 |
| INTS 391 | Understanding Integrative Studies | 3 |
| INTS 446 | Art, Beauty, and Culture (Mason Core) | 3-6 |
| INTS 491 | The Senior Capstone Experience | 3 |
| INTS 492 | Graduation Portfolio | 0 |
| INTS 498 | Field-Based Work | 1-15 |
| IT 343 | IT Project Management | 3 |
| KINE 450 | Research Methods | 3 |
| LAS 499 | Research Seminar in Latin American Studies (Mason Core) | 3 |
| MATH 290 | Introduction to Advanced Mathematics | 3 |
| ME 444 | Mechanical Design II (Mason Core) | 3 |
| MGMT 313 | Organizational Behavior | 3 |
| MIS 330 | Systems Analysis and Design | 3 |
| MKTG 471 | Marketing Management | 3 |
| MLAB 300 | Science Writing | 2 |
| MUSI 332 | Music History in Society II | 3 |
| MUSI 438 | Music History in Society B | 3 |
| NEUR 410 | Current Topics in Neuroscience | 3 |
| NEUR 411 | Seminar in Neuroscience | 3 |
| NURS 465 | Examination and Integration of Professional and Health Care Issues (Mason Core) | 3 |
| NUTR 326 | Food Systems | 3 |
| PHED 340 | Social and Cultural Issues in Physical Education | 3 |
| PHIL 421 | Seminar (Mason Core) | 3 |
| PHIL 422 | Honors Seminar (Mason Core) | 3 |
| PHYS 407 | Senior Laboratory in Modern Physics (Mason Core) | 4 |
| PHYS 410 | Computational Physics Capstone (Mason Core) | 4 |
| PSYC 301 | Research Methods in Psychology | 4 |
| PSYC 304 | Principles of Learning | 4 |
| PSYC 309 | Sensation, Perception, and Information Processing | 4 |
| RELI 420 | Seminar | 3 |
| RHBS 455 | Research in Rehabilitation Science (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RUSS 302 | Russian Conversation and Composition | 3 |
| RUSS 325 | Major Russian Writers (Mason Core) | 3 |
| SOCI 412 | Contemporary Sociological Theory | 3 |
| SOCW 471 | Research in Social Work | 3 |
| SPAN 370 | Spanish Writing and Stylistics | 3 |
| SRST 450 | Research Methods | 3 |
| STAT 489 | Pre-Capstone Professional Development | 3 |
| SYST 489 | Senior Seminar | 3 |
| THR 350 | Script Analysis | 3 |
| THR 482 | Advanced Screenplay Workshop | 3 |
Synthesis or Capstone Experience Requirement (minimum 3 credits)
The purpose of the synthesis course is to provide students with the opportunity to synthesize the knowledge, skills and values gained from the Mason Core curriculum. Synthesis courses strive to expand students' ability to master new content, think critically, and develop life-long learning skills across the disciplines. While it is not feasible to design courses that cover "all" areas of general education, synthesis courses should function as a careful alignment of disciplinary goals with a range of Mason Core learning outcomes.
Learning Outcomes for Synthesis:
The Mason Core synthesis course must address outcomes 1 and 2, and at least one outcome under 3. Upon completing a synthesis course, students will be able to:
- Communicate effectively in both oral and written forms, applying appropriate rhetorical standards (e.g., audience adaptation, language, argument, organization, evidence, etc.)
- Using perspectives from two or more disciplines, connect issues in a given field to wider intellectual, community or societal concerns
- Apply critical thinking skills to:
- Evaluate the quality, credibility and limitations of an argument or a solution using appropriate evidence or resources, OR,
- Judge the quality or value of an idea, work, or principle based on appropriate analytics and standards
Required: One approved course.
Note: The course list reflects approved courses as of press time. See the most current list for updates.
Synthesis Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ANTH 400 | Engaging the World: Anthropological Perspectives (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 394 | The Museum (Mason Core) | 3 |
| AVT 385 | EcoArt (Mason Core) | 3 |
| AVT 497 | Senior Project (Mason Core) | 3 |
| AVT 498 | Senior Design Project (Mason Core) | 3 |
| BENG 492 | Senior Advanced Design Project I (Mason Core) | 3 |
| BENG 493 | RS: Senior Advanced Design Project II (Mason Core) | 3 |
| BINF 354 | Foundations in Mathematical Biology (Mason Core) | 3 |
| BIOL 301 | Biology and Society (Mason Core) | 3 |
| BIS 490 | RS: Senior Project (Mason Core) | 4 |
| CEIE 490 | Senior Design Project (Mason Core) | 3 |
| COMM 326 | Rhetoric of Social Movements and Political Controversy (Mason Core) | 3 |
| COMM 362 | Argument and Public Policy (Mason Core) | 3 |
| COMM 454 | Free Speech and Ethics (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CONF 490 | RS: Integration (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CONS 490 | RS: Integrated Conservation Strategies (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CONS 491 | RS: Conservation Management Planning (Mason Core) | 4 |
| CRIM 495 | Capstone in Criminology, Law and Society (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CS 306 | Synthesis of Ethics and Law for the Computing Professional (Mason Core) | 3 |
| DANC 490 | Senior Dance Seminar (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ECE 492 | Senior Advanced Design Project I (Mason Core) | 1 |
| ECE 493 | RS: Senior Advanced Design Project II (Mason Core) | 2 |
| ECON 309 | Economic Problems and Public Policies (Mason Core) | 3 |
| EVPP 480 | Sustainability in Action (Mason Core) | 4 |
| FAVS 352 | Ethics of Film and Video (Mason Core) | 3 |
| FRLN 385 | Multilingualism, Identity, and Power (Mason Core) | 3 |
| GAME 490 | Senior Game Design Capstone (Mason Core) | 3 |
| GEOL 420 | Earth Science and Policy (Mason Core) | 3 |
| GGS 303 | Geography of Resource Conservation (Mason Core) | 3 |
| GGS 304 | Population Geography (Mason Core) | 3 |
| GOVT 490 | Synthesis Seminar (Mason Core) | 3 |
| GOVT 491 | Honors Seminar (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HAP 465 | Integration of Professional Skills and Issues (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HDFS 400 | Advanced Family Processes (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 300 | Introduction to Historical Method (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 499 | RS: Senior Seminar in History (Mason Core) | 3 |
| INTS 308 | American Landscapes in Fiction, Film, and History (Mason Core) | 6 |
| IT 492 | Senior Design Project I (Mason Core) | 3 |
| LAS 499 | Research Seminar in Latin American Studies (Mason Core) | 3 |
| MATH 400 | History of Math (Topic Varies) (Mason Core) | 3 |
| NURS 465 | Examination and Integration of Professional and Health Care Issues (Mason Core) | 3 |
| PHIL 309 | Bioethics (Mason Core) | 3 |
| PHIL 343 | Topics in Environmental Philosophy (Mason Core) | 3 |
| PHIL 377 | Darwin: Biology and Beyond (Mason Core) | 3 |
| PHIL 379 | Perspectives on Time (Mason Core) | 3 |
| PHYS 346 | Quarks to Strings (Mason Core) | 3 |
| PROV 342 | The George Mason Debates in Current Affairs (Mason Core) | 3 |
| PSYC 405 | Mystery, Madness, and Murder (Mason Core) | 3 |
| PSYC 406 | Psychology of Communication (Mason Core) | 3 |
| PSYC 427 | Community Engagement for Social Change (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 490 | Comparative Study of Religions (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RUSS 353 | Russian Civilization (Mason Core) | 3 |
| SOCI 377 | Art and Society (Mason Core) | 3 |
| SOCI 483 | The Sociology of Higher Education (Mason Core) | 3 |
| SOCW 375 | Human Behavior and the Family Life Course (Mason Core) | 3 |
| SPAN 388 | Introduction to Latina/o Studies (Mason Core) | 3 |
| SYST 495 | Senior Design Project II (Mason Core) | 3 |
| THR 440 | Advanced Studies in Directing/Dramaturgy (Mason Core) | 3 |
| THR 496 | Text in Production (Mason Core) | 3 |
The purpose of the capstone course or sequence of courses is to provide a high impact, culminating element of an undergraduate education, helping students develop a more comprehensive and integrative understanding of their area of study and to utilize critical thinking skills. Capstone courses provide students opportunities to apply and demonstrate their knowledge and generally involve integrative /applied/experiential projects. Student learning in a Capstone course is assessed using a set of identified learning outcomes, and for critical thinking, as defined by the American Association of Colleges & Universities. While each academic degree program defines its learning outcomes, a Capstone course or sequence should follow these guidelines:
- Minimum of 3 credits
- Later in the curriculum, after a student has taken at least 85 credits, and at the 400 course level
- No more than 35 students in the course or equivalent instructional/mentored support
- Emphasis on experiential/applied/integrative learning
- Allow students to apply critical thinking skills
- Learning outcomes defined by the degree program
Required: One approved upper-division course. Please speak with an advisor to determine the appropriate course to fulfill your major’s requirement.
Capstone Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ARAB 351 | Media Arabic II (Spoken Media) (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARAB 440 | Topics in Arabic Religious Thought and Texts (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ASTR 402 | RS: Methods of Observational Astronomy (Mason Core) | 4 |
| ATEP 441 | Senior Seminar in Athletic Training (Mason Core) | 3 |
| AVT 497 | Senior Project (Mason Core) | 3 |
| AVT 498 | Senior Design Project (Mason Core) | 3 |
| BAS 491 | Applied Sciences Capstone (Mason Core) | 3 |
| BENG 492 | Senior Advanced Design Project I (Mason Core) | 3 |
| BENG 493 | RS: Senior Advanced Design Project II (Mason Core) | 3 |
| BIOL 379 | RS: Ecological Sustainability (Mason Core) | 4 |
| BUS 498 | Capstone Course: Advanced Business Models (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CEIE 490 | Senior Design Project (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CHIN 318 | Introduction to Classical Chinese (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CHIN 355 | Readings in Chinese Poetry and Poetics (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CHIN 475 | Chinese Popular Culture (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CONS 496 | Research in Conservation (Mason Core) | 6 |
| CYSE 493 | Senior Advanced Design Project II (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ECE 492 | Senior Advanced Design Project I (Mason Core) | 1 |
| ECE 493 | RS: Senior Advanced Design Project II (Mason Core) | 2 |
| ELED 490 | Internship in Elementary Education (Mason Core) | 3-9 |
| ENGH 401 | RS: Honors Thesis Writing Seminar (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ENGH 417 | RS: Topics in Folklore Research (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ENGH 458 | RS: Topics in Literary Research (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ENGH 470 | RS: Topics in Film/Media History (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ENGH 484 | RS: Writing Ethnography (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ENGH 486 | RS: Writing Nonfiction for Publication (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ENGH 495 | Capstone and Thesis (Mason Core) | 3 |
| EVPP 378 | RS: Ecological Sustainability (Mason Core) | 4 |
| FAVS 496 | Advanced Visual Storytelling (Mason Core) | 3 |
| FAVS 497 | Senior Film Practicum (Mason Core) | 3 |
| FAVS 499 | Senior Project (Mason Core) | 3 |
| GAME 490 | Senior Game Design Capstone (Mason Core) | 3 |
| GCH 465 | Community Health Capstone (Mason Core) | 3 |
| GLOA 400 | Global Affairs Capstone (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HAP 489 | Pre-Internship Seminar (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HAP 498 | Health Administration Internship (Mason Core) | 4 |
| IT 492 | Senior Design Project I (Mason Core) | 3 |
| IT 493 | Senior Design Project II (Mason Core) | 4 |
| KINE 490 | Kinesiology Internship III (Mason Core) | 12 |
| LING 480 | First Language Acquisition (Mason Core) | 3 |
| MATH 401 | Mathematics through 3D Printing (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ME 444 | Mechanical Design II (Mason Core) | 3 |
| MUSI 324 | Junior Recital (Mason Core) | 1 |
| MUSI 424 | Senior Recital (Mason Core) | 1 |
| MUSI 490 | RS: Musical Communication in Context (Mason Core) | 3 |
| MUSI 491 | Musical Communication in Performance (Mason Core) | 1 |
| MUSI 495 | Internship in Music Education (Mason Core) | 6-12 |
| PHED 415 | Student Teaching in Physical Education (Mason Core) | 12 |
| PHIL 421 | Seminar (Mason Core) | 3 |
| PHIL 422 | Honors Seminar (Mason Core) | 3 |
| PHYS 407 | Senior Laboratory in Modern Physics (Mason Core) | 4 |
| PHYS 410 | Computational Physics Capstone (Mason Core) | 4 |
| PRLS 490 | Recreation Management Internship (Mason Core) | 12 |
| RHBS 455 | Research in Rehabilitation Science (Mason Core) | 3 |
| SOCI 485 | RS: Sociological Analysis and Practice (Mason Core) | 3 |
| SOCW 472 | RS: Integrative Methods in Social Action and Social Change (Mason Core) | 3 |
| SPMT 490 | Internship (Mason Core) | 12 |
| STAT 490 | Capstone in Statistics (Mason Core) | 3 |
| SYST 495 | Senior Design Project II (Mason Core) | 3 |
| TOUR 490 | Hospitality, Tourism, and Events Management Internship (Mason Core) | 12 |
Mason Core Engagement Series (ENCORE)
Creating more opportunities for students to make meaning of the Mason Core educational offerings, to draw greater connections to the larger university community, and to develop additional marketable skill sets, the Mason Core Engagement Series (ENCORE) begins Fall 2016 with the entering freshmen class. This program is an optional pathway for students interested in combining academic coursework with co-curricular activities towards a completion certificate in a specific area of engagement.
How does the Engagement Series work?
Academic connections
Each ENCORE program combines courses within the Mason Core categories with co-curricular activities that enhance classroom learning. Courses are identified in the catalog and in the schedule of classes, enabling a student to select those relevant to the specific engagement series. Out of the approximately 40 credits of Mason Core requirements, at least 18 credits must be related to the relevant ENCORE program.
Co-curricular connections
Working in conjunction with University Life and the Patriot Experience, each Engagement Series maps to one of four pathways – career readiness, civic learning/community engagement, global/multicultural, or well-being.
What happens once the Engagement Series is completed?
After completing the Mason Core classes and the Patriot Experience pathway, students will earn a Mason Core completion certificate. This achievement will be recognized on the academic transcript and honored at graduation.
What programs are currently available?
Mason Core: Engagement Series - Sustainability
Required: 19 credits
Sustainability programs at Mason seek to guide students as they critically assess the environmental, social, economic and ethical impacts of technology and policy decisions. The Engagement Series in Sustainability identifies Green Leaf Programs and Courses designated offerings that contribute significantly to students' understanding and practice of sustainability. These offerings extend beyond environmental management, natural resources protection and conservation studies alone to embrace economic development and social responsibility. Both sustainability-focused and sustainability-related courses may receive the green leaf designation.
Students who complete the Engagement Series in Sustainability will be able to:
- Characterize the meaning of sustainability (including its focus on fulfilling needs and its social, economic and ecological dimensions).
- Distinguish sustainable from unsustainable human activities and practices.
- Integrate concepts and principles of sustainability to analyze and address complex societal issues.
- Present working knowledge of the University's sustainability history, goals, initiatives and pertinent decision-making processes.
- Demonstrate the ability to lead and apply sustainability knowledge to make a positive societal impact on campus and/or in our community.
Requirements and approved courses
All students pursuing the sustainability engagement series must take one credit of INTS 295 Field-Based Work with the topic, 'Leadership for Sustainability,' as the series' gateway. Additional requirements include 18 credits of Mason Core courses that have the Green Leaf Programs and Courses designation. (At least 6 Mason Core categories include one or more Green Leaf course options.)
The following courses have been identified as meeting the criteria for inclusion in the Engagement Series in Sustainability curriculum. The co-curricular section of the certificate is completed through the Patriot Experience, located online.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AVT 385 | EcoArt (Mason Core) | 3 |
| BIOL 140 | Plants and People (Mason Core) | 3 |
| BUS 200 | Global Environment of Business (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CEIE 100 | Environmental Engineering around the World (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CHEM 155 | Introduction to Environmental Chemistry I (Mason Core) | 4 |
| CHEM 156 | Introduction to Environmental Chemistry II (Mason Core) | 4 |
| CLIM 101 | Global Warming: Weather, Climate, and Society (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CLIM 102 | Introduction to Global Climate Change Science (Mason Core) | 4 |
| CLIM 111 | Introduction to the Fundamentals of Atmospheric Science (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CLIM 112 | Introduction to the Fundamentals of Atmospheric Science Lab (Mason Core) | 1 |
| CONS 410 | Human Dimensions in Conservation (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CONS 490 | RS: Integrated Conservation Strategies (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CONS 491 | RS: Conservation Management Planning (Mason Core) | 4 |
| ECON 105 | Environmental Economics for the Citizen (Mason Core) | 3 |
| EVPP 110 | The Ecosphere: An Introduction to Environmental Science I (Mason Core) | 4 |
| EVPP 111 | The Ecosphere: An Introduction to Environmental Science II (Mason Core) | 4 |
| EVPP 201 | Environment and You: Issues for the Twenty-First Century (Mason Core) | 3 |
| EVPP 480 | Sustainability in Action (Mason Core) | 4 |
| GEOL 101 | Introductory Geology I (Mason Core) | 4 |
| GEOL 102 | Introductory Geology II (Mason Core) | 4 |
| GEOL 134 | Evolution and Extinction (Mason Core) | 3 |
| GEOL 420 | Earth Science and Policy (Mason Core) | 3 |
| GGS 102 | Physical Geography (Mason Core) | 3 |
| GGS 103 | Human Geography (Mason Core) | 3 |
| GGS 121 | Dynamic Atmosphere and Hydrosphere (Mason Core) | 4 |
| GGS 303 | Geography of Resource Conservation (Mason Core) | 3 |
| GGS 304 | Population Geography (Mason Core) | 3 |
| PHIL 243 | Global Environmental Ethics (Mason Core) | 3 |
| PHIL 343 | Topics in Environmental Philosophy (Mason Core) | 3 |
| PHYS 111 | Introduction to the Fundamentals of Atmospheric Science (Mason Core) | 3 |
| PHYS 112 | Introduction to the Fundamentals of Atmospheric Science Lab (Mason Core) | 1 |
| SOCI 320 | Globalization and Social Change (Mason Core) | 3 |
Mason Core: Engagement Series - Well-Being
Required: 18 credits
The ability to thrive and succeed as students, employees, organizations, and in life, directly correlates to one's sense of well-being. Mason has committed to being a "Well-Being University" focused on helping students, faculty and staff build lives with vitality, purpose, and resilience. The Engagement Series in Well-Being identifies offerings that contribute significantly to students' understanding and practice of well-being. These offerings include both well-being-focused and well-being-related courses that are designated in the catalog and in the schedule of classes.
Students who complete the Engagement Series in Well-Being will be able to:
- Describe and apply methods to enhance interpersonal communication and empathy. This will help the student to create sustainable, quality relationships and social support networks, at a one-on-one and small group level.
- Demonstrate skills for communication (written, oral, and/or somatic) about well-being.
- Demonstrate the ability to practice methods to enhance well-being, self-care, self-awareness, and awareness of others.
- Articulate societal factors impacting community and global well-being, and/or to engage in practices which build greater sensitivity to the needs of others and the inter-dependent nature of life on the earth.
- Describe the science of stress and its effects – both constructive and destructive – as well as the methodologies used to respond to stress, promote resilience, and enhance well-being.
The following courses have been identified as meeting the criteria for inclusion in the Engagement Series in Well-Being curriculum. To complete the certification, students must select a minimum of 18 credits across the categories offered below. Please note, in several of these courses only specific sections will count for meeting the requirement. No substitutions will be made. Information on courses that count at the section level will be included in the Schedule of Classes, found on Patriot Web. The co-curricular section of the certificate is completed through the Patriot Experience, located online.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AVT 385 | EcoArt (Mason Core) | 3 |
| DANC 125 | Modern/Contemporary Dance I (Mason Core) | 3 |
| DANC 145 | Ballet I (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HEAL 230 | Introduction to Health Behavior (Mason Core) | 3 |
| PHIL 243 | Global Environmental Ethics (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 341 | Global Perspectives on Spirituality and Healing (Mason Core) | 3 |
| Only specific sections of the following courses will fulfill the well-being requirement: | ||
| ENGH 302 | Advanced Composition (Mason Core) | 3 |
| COMM 101 | Fundamentals of Communication (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 390 | The Digital Past (Mason Core) | 3 |
| GLOA 101 | Introduction to Global Affairs (Mason Core) | 3 |