A Case Study on the Development and Operation of Competency－Based Liberal Arts Courses in a Modularized Non-Curriculum Program

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to conduct a case study of the development and operation of the ‘G-MAP blueprint’, a competency-based liberal arts subject that has modularized the non-curricular program of W University. In order to achieve this goal, we conducted an analysis of the operation status of liberal arts and non-curricular programs, focus interviews with professors, and a satisfaction survey of education consumers. The results of this study are as follows. First, this course is absolutely necessary for new students to improve their understanding and adaptability to college life in general. Appropriate guidance is available, and opportunities are provided to prevent dropout of freshmen, Second, a feasible case of developing liberal arts subjects for nurturing dedicated human resources and expanding the number of credits required for graduation from liberal arts is presented even at universities that do not have an organization dedicated to liberal arts education within the university. Third, in order to raise awareness of the importance of liberal arts education at the university level, the scalability of liberal arts education is suggested by sharing practical case studies that can be operated together by professors in charge of liberal arts subjects and professors in charge of majors. Fourth, by introducing the competency-based liberal arts development process and procedure through modularization of the non-curricular program, it presented important basic data for diversifying the operation of university liberal arts education and seeking developmental directions in the future. Fifth, it has important educational significance in that it presents a case in which it is possible to expand the educational performance and effectiveness of liberal arts education through a three-year longitudinal study. Therefore, although this study may have limitations as a case study at a junior college, it is expected that it will be of value to be used as a continuous research data in the future.