Core Learning Areas
The Core Learning Areas represent a common body of skills and knowledge to which all graduates with associate’s degrees should be exposed and for which the college may determine certain levels of competency which will be assessed through the general education curriculum.
Oral Communication
Oral Communication requires the ability to develop, express, adapt, and interpret verbal and nonverbal messages clearly in a variety of contexts.
Competency in this area is measured by the ability to:
- Support arguments with evidence and sound reasoning
- Organize messages effectively
- Articulate ideas clearly
- Describe emotions clearly
- Analyze verbal and nonverbal messages
- Adapt verbal and nonverbal messages to the specific purpose and audience within a variety contexts
- Accurately describe another’s point of view
- Describe steps used to resolve conflict
Written Communication
Written communication is the development and expression of ideas in writing in many genres and styles for various purposes. Written communication requires invention of an idea, coherence of expression, attention to language and technical skill, and focus on the writing process.
Competency in this area is measured by the ability to:
9. Develop complex topics with a rhetorical purpose
10. Tailor the topic to the audience
11. Arrange the text in a logical and purposeful way
12. Deploy the grammar and mechanics of standard written English
13. Use complex syntax and varied sentence structure
14. Incorporate correctly cited materials
15. Revise for effectiveness
Scientific Reasoning
Scientific reasoning is the process of solving problems and learning about the world through the quantitative and qualitative analysis of empirical data.
Competency in this area is measured by the ability to:
16. Evaluate reasoning as generally scientific or non-scientific
17. Critique the degree of scientific validity in the reasoning applied to the collection and interpretation of data
18. Explain the difference between a null hypothesis, an hypothesis and a theory as the terms are used by scientists
19. Construct a valid hypothesis
20. Conclude whether a given set of data supports a particular hypothesis or theory
Quantitative Reasoning
Quantitative reasoning addresses the conceptual understanding of numbers, the correct application of proportional reasoning and, the proper interpretation of various representations of statistical data.
Competency in this area is measured by the ability to:
21. Solve problems using mathematics that model real-world applications
22. Perform mental arithmetic to make informed decisions or demonstrate an outcome
23. Use proportional reasoning to describe quantitative relationships
24. Accurately estimate quantitative outcomes to determine the reasonableness of results
25. Analyze data using basic descriptive statistics
26. Construct arguments for and against results using verbal, numerical, graphical, and symbolic means where appropriate
Critical Thinking
Critical thinking is an intentional, reflective process used to make judgments and decisions through reasoning, analysis, evaluation, interpretation, and inference.
Competency in this area is measured by the ability to:
27. Judge the credibility of information
28. Formulate clear, precise, and relevant clarifying questions
29. Identify assumptions, values and biases
30. Defend a reasonable position
31. Analyze other points of view
32. Demonstrate a willingness to change perspective based on new evidence
33. Analyze the implications and consequences of decisions and judgments
34. Analyze how parts of a whole interact with each other to produce outcomes
Cultural Awareness
Cultural Awareness is the ability to discern the interdependence of local and transnational political, social, economic, artistic and cultural networks in the context of their aesthetic and historical importance.
Competency in this area is measured by the ability to:
- Explain how culture, social structure, diversity, and other key elements of historical context have an impact on global and individual perception, action, and values
- Articulate how historical change shapes the arts, ideas, and social and political structures.
- Demonstrate an appreciation of the creative process
- Demonstrate an understanding of the essential role of humanities literature and fine arts in the human experience
Information Literacy
Information literacy is the ability to recognize a need for information and to use an efficient process to obtain reliable information that meets the need.
Competency in this area is measured by the ability to:
39. Formulate a focused research question
40. Implement a viable research strategy
41. Retrieve information legally, responsibly, and ethically
Technological Competency
Technological competency is the ability of students to engage in activities that integrate instructional content and relevant technology skills.
Competency in this area is measured by the ability to:
42. Describe the changing impact, capabilities, and limitations of technology on individuals and society
43. Use technology and information legally, responsibly and ethically
44. Create a quality technology based product
45. Use technology in a variety of forms and contexts to communicate effectively while utilizing the rules of etiquette for electronic communication
46. Choose the most appropriate technology to obtain, analyze, synthesize, and present information and ideas for professional and personal needs
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