| Writing | Communication | Quantitative Literacy |
| Foreign Language | Information Technology Literacy | Physical Education |
The six Basic Studies areas of the General Education Program prepare students to succeed in their majors and in their professional and personal lives by emphasizing writing, speaking, quantitative and computer skills, broadening perspectives through the study of a foreign language, and promoting fitness through a physical education requirement. Required courses in Basic Studies, like those in the Liberal Studies core areas, enhance the critical thinking and broad communication skills that predict success in academic work and develop professional flexibility, preparing ISU graduates for a competitive professional job market or advanced graduate work. Requirements in each of the Basic Studies areas follow.
English 101 (Freshman Writing I) and English 105 (Freshman Writing II) or English 107 (Rhetoric and Writing) or English 130 (Literature and Composition) are required of all students during their first two semesters.
English 305 (Advanced Expository Writing) or English 305T (Technical Writing) or English 405 (Students enrolling in English 405 must have completed 62 semester hours of course work) or BEIT 336 (Business Report Writing) or a substitute course approved by the Department of English is required of all students upon completion of the freshman composition requirement and 48 semester hours of course work.
A student who does not earn a passing grade in one of the above-mentioned writing courses must repeat that course the following semester.
Students may seek assistance in writing at the Writing Center. The Writing Center offers several services to students. The services DO NOT guarantee an "A" in any course.
Communication 101 (Introduction to Speech Communication) is required of all first-year students with the following exceptions:
If an agreement exists between the Department of Communication and a student's major department, that student may meet the communication requirement by successfully completing one of the following courses:
A student may also meet the communication requirement by passing a for-credit equivalency examination administered by the University Testing Office.
Quantitative Literacy
QUANTITATIVE LITERACY REQUIREMENT CHANGE
Students may satisfy the Quantitative Literacy requirement by obtaining a passing score on the Quantitative Literacy Exemption Test or by earning a passing grade in one of the following courses: Mathematics 102, Mathematics 115 or a higher-numbered mathematics course (except Mathematics 205 or Mathematics 305), or a college-level statistics course. A college level statistics course is defined as a course that includes as a prerequisite either Mathematics 111 (or a higher-level/higher-numbered mathematics course) or a placement examination result indicating an equivalent background in mathematics. As of the current date, statistics courses that meet the Quantitative Literacy requirement are: Business 205, Economics 370, Life Sciences 485, and Mathematics 241. Any other statistics course will satisfy this requirement if it requires one of the preceding statistics courses or Mathematics 111 (or higher) as a prerequisite and the department provides a course syllabus and official documentation of the change to the General Education Office. In addition, college algebra courses that transfer to ISU as Mathematics 018 will satisfy the Quantitative Literacy requirement. This revision of the Quantitative Literacy requirement is effective immediately.
The Exemption Test is given by the University Testing Office. The Testing Office is located in Erickson Hall, Room 231, Extension 7666. Testing is available on Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and on Wednesday and Friday 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Students must present a photo ID and should have a scientific calculator in hand when arriving to take the test. Students are asked to contact the University Testing Office (237-7666) to schedule this test. Walk ins will be accepted, during the specified hours, on a space available basis. (Effective: 7/20/05)
Quantitative Literacy Exemption Exam:
Must score 21 or higher to be exempt
May take QL 3 times
Examination is FREE
Compass Exam:
May take exam 3 times
Exam is FREE
Practice Test for QL
Foreign Language 101 and 102 in a single language, is required of all students, unless they have completed the equivalent of two years (four semesters) of a single language at the high school level with an average grade of C or better.
Students entering in Summer, 2003 or later-Information Technology Literacy, must be demonstrated by all students within the first 32 hours of course work at ISU by obtaining a passing score on the following test:
Physical Education 101 and 101L (Fitness for Life), are required of all students.