General Education: The Human Community is the common core academic program of James Madison University, in which students come to understand how distinct disciplines look at the world from different vantage points. Courses in The Human Community are organized into five clusters, each emphasizing unique tools, rationales, and methodologies. Taken together, courses in a student's chosen major and The Human Community complement and complete each other. Both are integral and essential components of a student's full and proper education.
In the Liberal Arts tradition, General Education: The Human Community aspires to create informed global citizens of the 21st century. We challenge our community of students and faculty to engage in personal and collective reflection, development, and action.
Assessing General Education
CARS provides support for the development and refinement of Cluster goals and objectives. One of the most important roles of CARS is to work with Dr. Margaret Mulrooney, Senior Associate Vice Provost for Academic Programs and Equity, Office of VPFAC; the five Cluster Coordinators and committees; and faculty to design ways to assess General Education at JMU. CARS faculty serve as liaisons and active members to each Cluster Committee and the General Education Council.
Cluster Liaisons
Cluster 1: Skills for the 21st Century
Sarah Brooks, Cluster Coordinator
Yu Bao, Assessment Liaison
Cluster 3: the Natural World
Elizabeth Brown, Cluster Coordinator
John Hathcoat, Assessment Liaison
Cluster 5: Individuals in the Human Community
Kethera Moore, Cluster Coordinator
Yu Bao, Assessment Liaison
Cluster 2: Arts and Humanities
Dennis Beck, Cluster Coordinator
John Hathcoat, Assessment Liaison
Cluster 4: Social and Cultural Processes
Kayla Yurco, Interim Cluster Four Coordinator
Christine DeMars, Assessment Liaison
