GenEd 1201 Launch Seminar Guide

Welcome to The Ohio State University and the Ohio State General Education, also known as the GE. Whether this is your first semester at Ohio State or you have a few semesters of experience, you will find resources on this guide to support you in completing the Launch Seminar and the General Education.

This guide supports students enrolled in GenEd 1201, Launch Seminar and was created by Stephanie Founds, First Year Experience Specialist in University Libraries and General Education Bookends Lecturer. 

PebblePad is an application used to develop digital portfolios (ePortfolios) and curate and manage evidence of reflection, learning, assessment and professional development. You will be using this tool throughout the GE Launch Seminar and the GE Reflection Seminar.

Getting started with PebblePad for Students contains links and guides to assist you in using this tool.

General Education at Ohio State

This page includes information about each component of the General Education (foundations, themes, and bookends). This information will help you decide which parts you wish to pursue during your time at Ohio State.

If you are viewing this guide, you are very likely in the GE Launch Seminar and, with the support and guidance provided by your instructor, are exploring your GE experience as it relates to your personal goals and plans. Here is a breakdown of the GE requirements for Ohio State students: 

• Each Ohio State student will take the Launch Seminar (or Connection Seminar if they are a transfer student) to prepare you to get the most out of the GE and build a plan for your time at Ohio State. 
• Foundations Courses: As part of the GE pathway you will take courses in foundational disciplines to build on your existing knowledge and expose you to how other disciplines than your major approach their field. Requirements: One course in each of seven categories.
• Building on the Foundations Courses are the Themes Courses. Because we live in a complex world and know that none of the world's biggest problems can be solved by a single discipline, Themes Courses help you apply foundational knowledge through an interdisciplinary lens. Requirements: One course in the Theme Citizenship for a Diverse and Just World and additional coursework in a Theme of your choosing. 
• Reflection Seminar is the capstone course for the GE pathway and is often taken during your senior year. This course asks you to reflect on your plan from Launch seminar and consider the growth you experienced from then to now. You will then create a portfolio to help you tell the story of your educational experiences as you move from college to career. 

Building your personalized learning plan

• SEARCH for General Education classes that are of interest to you.
• Review the student degree requirements.