Course Learning Goals
The learning goals of the course are to engage students in the process of assessing their proficiencies in the general education competencies by providing a thematic context to do so. The six general education competencies are a foundation, when mastered, for future academic and professional success. The course serves as a capstone experience where competencies may be assessed and enhanced by further instruction, as needed.
Written communication involves the ability to communicate clearly and effectively through writing. Students are expected to demonstrate the following skills:
1. Choose and narrow a subject
2. Identify a purpose and formulate an appropriate thesis statement
3. Organize ideas effectively and develop them within a logical paragraph structure
4. Support points clearly with specific and adequate evidence
5. Demonstrate command of English sentence structure and grammar
6. Revise and edit according to Standard English practice, including attention to punctuation and appropriate vocabulary
7. Acknowledge all sources by documenting research according to a recognized format
Oral communication involves the ability to comprehend and to speak in American English with precision and clarity. Students are expected to demonstrate the following skills:
1, Demonstrate an understanding of the responsibilities of the listening audience
2. Listen, hear, interpret, and evaluate information and accurately respond to instructions
3. Express information orally, extemporaneously in natural, energetic and vocally varied phrases
4. Incorporate the responses of listeners into the oral communication process
5. Speak in phrases that conform to the conventions of accurate English pronunciation, articulation (diction), grammar and syntax
6. Employ appropriate non-verbal face and body movements, posture, dress, and visual aids to reinforce the oral/verbal message
7. Select and narrow a subject plus clarify a purpose/objective
8. Structure information into purposeful, recognizable units (opening, body, closing) and support ideas using appropriate data and referenced documentation
Critical Thinking
Critical thinking involves the ability to analyze and interpret a subject insightfully and in depth. Students are expected to demonstrate the following skills:
1. Place subject matter in context
2. Identify patterns and relationships
3. Identify positive and negative aspects of an issue
4. Explain the significance of an issue
5. Provide evidence for positions taken by using relevant data accurately
6. Support these positions with arguments that are clear, precise, logical and carefully qualified
7. Identify the assumptions, reasoning and conclusions of different positions on an issue
8. Recognize strengths and weaknesses in opposing positions
Critical reading involves the ability to read and understand primary and secondary sources. Students are expected to demonstrate the following skills:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of basic vocabulary pertaining to a subject
2. Recognize and distinguish main ideas from supporting ideas in various printed materials
3. Outline and summarize the content of printed material
4. Distinguish facts, interpretations, and opinions in printed material
5. Analyze and evaluate the value and validity of printed material
6. Draw conclusions and make inferences based on content of printed material
Quantitative reasoning involves the ability to use established methods of computation and contemporary technology to analyze issues and answer questions germane to their environment. Students are expected to demonstrate the following skills:
1. Apply quantification as a problem solving strategy to real world situations
2. Perform arithmetic computations to solve common mathematical problems
3. Critically evaluate information presented in tabular and graphic form
4. Demonstrate computer literacy through the use of software applications
5. Recognize the reasonableness of numerical answers
7. Employ quantification and quantitative techniques both in generalization from data or observed facts, and in deriving predictions from generalizations
8. Demonstrate an understanding of sampling and its validity in statistical claims
Information literacy involves the ability to identify, retrieve, evaluate, organize, cite properly and use a wide range of resources including print, graphic and electronic for independent learning and practical problem solving. Students are expected to develop an appreciation for the role of Information literacy in fostering lifelong learning, and to demonstrate the following skills:
1. Recognize and articulate the need for information
2. Access information from appropriate sources
3. Critically analyze and evaluate information and its sources
4. Organize, synthesize and integrate information
5. Apply information to the development of a specific purpose using effective and creative decision-making
6. Generate and effectively communicate information and knowledge
7. Apply information technology skills
8. Demonstrate an understanding of the ethical, legal and sociopolitical aspects of information and information technology
9. Demonstrate an understanding of the role of information literacy in fostering lifelong learning
