Core Student Learning Goals

Inquiry and Critical Thinking

• inquiry & problem solving: collect, evaluate, and analyze information and resources to solve problems or answer questions.
• research methods & application: approach complex issues by taking a large question and breaking it down into manageable pieces.
• synthesis & context: make meaningful connections among assignments and readings in order to develop a sense of the ‘big picture.’

Communication/Self-Expression

• argumentation: formulate an original thesis-driven argument and sustain it in both written and verbal communication.
• analysis: identify, analyze, and summarize/represent the key elements of a text.
• disciplinary awareness: enter/place themselves into an existing dialogue (intellectual, political, etc.).
• expression of ideas: express ideas clearly in writing and speaking in order to synthesize and evaluate information before presenting it.

Global Perspective-Diversity-Civic Engagement

• disciplinary perspective: understand events and processes as ‘disciplinarily’ situated.
• global perspective: interact with concepts, ideas, and processes related to the interdependences between personal, local, and global relationships.
• diversity: think outside of cultural norms and values, including their own perspectives, to critically engage the larger world.
• civic engagement: interact with concepts, ideas, and processes related to civic engagement.

Quantitative Literacy

• Use quantitative evidence (including statistics, graphs, etc.) in support of an argument.
• Analyze and evaluate a chart or graph and interpret it (through discussion, a written assignment, etc.)
• Find quantitative data to support an argument.