The Department of General Studies (DGS) represents an important part of the overall education

of all students at the university. The department seeks to expand and enrich the educational

experience of KFUPM engineering, science, and industrial management majors through social

science curriculum.

 

The Department of General Studies offers courses in the social sciences (sociology, political

science, history, cultural anthropology, and psychology). The educational goal of

the curriculum in General Studies is for students to gain substantive knowledge in these fields

of study, and in the process to develop their thinking, communication, and creative abilities.  It

is important for students to understand human behavior and the social, political, cultural, and 

historical processes that impact individuals and societies.  Such understanding enhances critical

thinking, sound judgment, and more effective performance of occupational roles. The learning

objectives of general studies courses can be divided into three categories. 
 
I. Gaining understanding and substantive knowledge about:  principles of human behavior; processes

   and outcomes of social organization; social institutions, social forces shaping the modern world,

   international relations, other cultures, regional histories.

 

II. Development of intellectual abilities:

    - Broaden students’ perspectives on themselves, their society, and the world.
    - Develop analytical skills and strategic thinking, by analyzing social problems in the real world.
    - Develop critical thinking, by examining issues from different social, cultural, and political

      perspectives.
    - Develop communication skills, by encouraging discussion and presentation of ideas (in verbal

      and written form).
    - Encourage creativity in addressing social problems.
    - Emphasize that learning is a life-long process and encourage students to continue to be

      informed, to learn, and to grow.
    - Develop research skills and skills in evaluating and presenting information.

III. General Studies Curriculum and academic objectives of the University
    - Fulfill graduation requirements pertinent to General Education requirements.
    - Support other university departments by offering courses that compliment scientific

      specializations.
    - Contribute to the “University competencies and capabilities” requirements for academic

      accreditation, by the accreditation organizations such as Saudi National Academic Accreditation

      and Assessment (SNAAA) and Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)

      and Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

 

 

- To produce and provide world-class courses that complement KFUPM students’ education,

   through a diverse and   broad social science curriculum that will enhance their knowledge

   and proficiency.
- To produce superior multidisciplinary social science research that best contributes to the

   development of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and of the region at large.
- To provide the community with an outstanding service that dynamically assists its advancement.

 

 

- Create a dynamic environment for learner success.
- Recruit and retain highly qualified and committed academic faculty.
- Provide KFUPM students with broader social science knowledge.