Purpose of the ILC

Integrative learning is (1) an understanding and (2) a disposition that a student builds across the curriculum and co-curriculum, from making simple connections among ideas and experiences to synthesizing and transferring learning to new, complex situations within and beyond the campus. (Definition adapted from the American Association of Colleges and Universities Integrative Learning VALUE Rubric.)

The fundamental idea of the LSU Integrative Learning Core (ILC) is that the student develops across the undergraduate curriculum the practical and intellectual capacities associated with integrative learning in preparation for high competence and functionality in post-baccalaureate contexts.

The ILC curriculum for LSU students spans the four years of undergraduate study and is composed of two components. First, students are required to complete 39 hours that provide a breadth of knowledge across the following six Louisiana Board of Regents statewide disciplinary areas:

English Composition (six hours)
Mathematics/Analytical Reasoning (six hours)
Fine Arts (three hours)
Humanities (nine hours)
Natural Sciences (nine hours)
- 2 courses in biological or physical science area sequence and one in the other area
Social/Behavioral Sciences (six hours)1 course must be at/above sophomore level

The second component requires that courses used to satisfy the above-noted requirements also contribute to the students' competency in one or more of the LSU ILC proficiencies. The ILC will produce highly effective leaders, problem solvers, and global citizens. Proficiencies in civic engagement, ethical reasoning, global learning, intercultural knowledge and competence, inquiry and analysis, oral communication, problem solving, quantitative and formal reasoning, and written communication will enhance the skills of LSU graduates.

Developing the proficiencies within courses across the ILC curriculum will promote synthesis of information in higher level courses. The Faculty Senate Integrative Learning Core Committee will provide guidance for implementation of teaching methods that enable integrative learning in all ILC courses.

Regional Accreditation Requirements

Additionally, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, the university's regional accrediting body, also requires general education in the following principles of accreditation:

Core Requirement 9.3 (General Education Requirements) The institution requires the successful completion of a general education component at the undergraduate level that: (a) is a based on a coherent rationale; (b) is a substantial component of each undergraduate degree program. For degree completion in associate programs, the component constitutes a minimum of 15 semester hours or the equivalent; for baccalaureate programs, a minimum of 30 semester hours or the equivalent; (c) and ensures breadth of knowledge. These credit hours include at least one course from each of the following areas: humanities/fine arts, social/behavioral sciences, and natural science/mathematics. These courses do not narrowly focus on those skills, techniques, and procedures specific to a particular occupation or profession.

8.2.b The institution identifies expected outcomes, assesses the extent to which it achieves these outcomes, and provides evidence of seeking improvement based on analysis of...Student learning outcomes for collegiate-level general education competencies of its undergraduate degree programs (Student outcomes: general education).

Purpose of the ILC

Regional Accreditation Requirements

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