By Dylan Bradley/editor-in-chief

TCC has changed its core curriculum for all new freshmen this semester.

The change keeps TCC in compliance with the Texas Higher Education Coordination Board, which has lowered the maximum core curriculum credit hours from 46 to 42.

In contrast with the previous core requirements, the new core curriculum has nine component areas instead of 11.

The computer literacy component was removed as a core requirement but the skill is still required for all students.

“Students will have to take a short placement test for computer literacy or take the course,” said TCC program development and international initiatives director Sheryl Harris.

The English composition and speech communications components have been combined to create the new communications component of the revised core curriculum.

The humanities component has been replaced with language, philosophy and culture. The list of courses qualifying as core curriculum has remained the same, except for creative writing being removed.

English associate professor Rebecca Balcarcel said in an email that the district syllabus definition of creative writing no longer fulfilled the component requirement.

“Despite this change, enrollment in the course is solid,” she said. “Students apparently take the course for their own reasons or as an elective.”

Visual and performing arts has been replaced with creative arts with available courses going from 19 courses to eight.

Environmental Geology and Introduction to Chemistry with allied health emphasis courses were removed from the life and physical sciences component area, but math has remained unchanged.

History, political science and social and behavioral sciences components didn’t change.

A new component area option component requires students to choose between English Composition II or Technical and Business Writing in addition to taking Introduction to Physical Fitness and Sports.

Students enrolled prior to this semester should consult an academic advisor. Credits will be applied to the revised core curriculum in the same manner as transfers between colleges.