GEN - General Education

This course introduces students to the foundations of excellence as an Undergraduate student. Students will understand the challenges they might face in earning a degree, how to build and utilize a support system, and create a road-map to achieve success. Students will identify their strengths and create a strategy to achieve personal, professional and academic goals. The class time is split between the classroom and online work, some in an adaptive learning environment. Pre-requisite(s): None. Co-requisite(s): None. 5 quarter hours

This colloquium course is the entry point into the honors program at NLU and is designed to develop intellectual curiosity, a value for lifelong learning, and a commitment to critical inquiry, three attributes of the UHP. The course is meant to produce a learning community of honors peers who engage in the self-reflection, self-advocacy, and skill development that is required for college and career success. Course content focuses on personal narrative as a critical tool to communicate personal and community identity and students construct and present their own stories to build community, share self-knowledge, communicate leadership and professional purpose and goals, and consider themselves in a wider context. This course is required for students enrolled in the UHP who require GEN 103 in their degree plan; only students in the UHP are eligible to enroll.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming how we learn, work, and create. This course provides a foundational understanding of generative AI tools for non-technical users, focusing on their basic functions, practical applications, and ethical considerations. Students will explore the benefits and limitations of generative AI and develop key career competencies as they learn to select appropriate AI tools, meaningfully apply AI tools to specific tasks, and critically evaluate AI-generated content for accuracy, relevance, and bias. Students will also engage with the ethical implications of AI and consider how such tools align with their own personal, academic, and professional values. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to use AI tools responsibly and effectively in the workplace and beyond.

This course introduces students to skills and strategies that can contribute to success at National Louis University and beyond. Students will practice navigating required technologies and university platforms, and will gain foundational skills in research, writing, and academic honesty. Through engaging with the NLU community and relevant support services, students will also learn strategies for effective written communication, self-advocacy, and independent inquiry, which can be applied in future coursework and careers. Pre-requisite(s): None. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 quarter hours

This course examines foundational concepts and key strategies for academic research writing. Students will explore and engage in the academic research process, with particular emphasis on finding sources, evaluating online information, and integrating outside sources into their work. Students will practice selecting and citing relevant evidence, organizing ideas, and applying reflection and feedback to create a compelling and cohesive academic argument. Pre-requisite(s): None. Co-requisite(s): None. 2 quarter hours