Elon University - General Studies

Mission Statement

The General Studies Program aspires to develop excitement about intellectual discovery, a curiosity that transcends disciplinary boundaries, and a global vision with which to address fundamental issues in order to improve the human condition.

To accomplish this mission, the program provides an interdisciplinary framework for learning, integrating the arts and sciences with experiential education. Though each discipline within this framework is different, the intellectual challenges are similar. Students are asked to see the nature and dimensions of a problem, use appropriate resources and methods in search of solutions, develop well-reasoned arguments, and effectively communicate with a wider audience.

Through this intellectual process, the General Studies Program challenges students to become responsible participants in the global community.

Program Goals

Effective writing and speaking skills
Complex quantitative reasoning skills
Information literacy skills
The capacity to view issues from other cultural perspectives
The ability to communicate effectively with people from other nations and cultures
An understanding of their interconnectedness with other people and the environment, as well as their responsibility to both
A mature understanding of how knowledge is constructed through academic inquiry within and across disciplines
The intellectual curiosity essential to life-long learning
Ethical decision-making skills to promote the common good
A vital and integrated sense of self: mind, body and spirit


First Year Core Liberal Studies Advanced Studies GST Seminars Faculty Tip Sheets Faculty ELR Foreign Language Requirement Independent Major General Studies Home General Studies Director: Janet Warman AVTL Belk Pavilion 117 336-278-5887 warman@elon.edu Elon Writing Center Writing across the Curriculum	Mission Statement The General Studies Program aspires to develop excitement about intellectual discovery, a curiosity that transcends disciplinary boundaries, and a global vision with which to address fundamental issues in order to improve the human condition. To accomplish this mission, the program provides an interdisciplinary framework for learning, integrating the arts and sciences with experiential education. Though each discipline within this framework is different, the intellectual challenges are similar. Students are asked to see the nature and dimensions of a problem, use appropriate resources and methods in search of solutions, develop well-reasoned arguments, and effectively communicate with a wider audience. Through this intellectual process, the General Studies Program challenges students to become responsible participants in the global community. Program Goals Effective writing and speaking skills Complex quantitative reasoning skills Information literacy skills The capacity to view issues from other cultural perspectives The ability to communicate effectively with people from other nations and cultures An understanding of their interconnectedness with other people and the environment, as well as their responsibility to both A mature understanding of how knowledge is constructed through academic inquiry within and across disciplines The intellectual curiosity essential to life-long learning Ethical decision-making skills to promote the common good A vital and integrated sense of self: mind, body and spirit