1. Communicate effectively using writing, speech, and image.
2. Conceptualize ideas holistically, logically, and creatively.
3. Access and use information resources effectively and ethically.
4. Help the student increase self-motivation, personal responsibility.
5. Understanding of his or her role in being an informed participant in the educational process.

 Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs):

1.  Communication Goals: Communicate effectively using writing, speech, and image.

1. Demonstrate ability to use Standard American English.
   1. Use standard conventions of grammar, punctuation, mechanics, and spelling.
   2. Structure sentences in varied and appropriate ways.
   3. Use vocabulary and phrasing appropriate to purpose and audience.
2. Accurately comprehend written, verbal, visual, and/or symbolic communications.
   1. Summarize relevant components and structures in messages.
   2. Interpret communications’ purposes and cultural assumptions.
   3. Identify arguments used to justify a position.
   4. Critique and assess meanings.
3. Communicate in ways appropriate to purpose and audience.
   1. Use effective styles, content, and or images.
   2. Adapt messages to facilitate mutual understandings.
   3. Target varied audiences for specific communication purposes.
   4. Develop claims and supporting information.
4. Collaborate with others to achieve a common goal.
   1. Demonstrate accountability to group processes and goals.
   2. Practice norms of effective communication and active listening.
   3. Use a variety of conflict management skills.

2.  Thinking Goals: Conceptualize ideas holistically, logically, and creatively.

1. Demonstrate awareness of multiple perspectives.
   1. Understand how thinking relates to historical and cultural contexts.
   2. Articulate the salient points of any idea.
   3. Identify the questions at issue.
2. Identify perceptions, assumptions and biases in any point of view.
   1. Distinguish between critical thought and subjective reaction.
   2. Assess claims and conclusions in relation to points of view.
   3. Evaluate inferences in thought.
3. Apply logical thought to theoretical and practical issues.
   1. Summarize an argument’s main claim(s) and conclusion(s).
   2. Analyze and evaluate an argument’s logic, evidence, and efficacy.
   3. Weigh evidence to determine accuracy, relevance and sufficiency.
   4. Assess implications and consequences of ideas.
   5. Produce effective arguments using claims, evidence, and valid inferences.
4. Creatively shape ideas, evidence, and experiences.
   1. Use ideas to structure and solve problems.
   2. Frame decisions using sound interpretations, findings, and solutions.
   3. Effectively create a course of action or communicate a point of view.

C.  Information Literacy: Access and use information resources effectively and ethically.

1. Determine the nature and extent of information needed.
   1. Develop and refine research questions.
   2. Identify key concepts and terms required to locate information.
   3. Examine and assess potential resources specific to research purpose.
2. Access information effectively and efficiently.
   1. Differentiate among keywords, subject headings and descriptors.
   2. Differentiate between primary and secondary sources.
   3. Implement a variety of information search strategies.
   4. Use full array of library services to retrieve information.
3. Evaluate information and resources.
   1. Determine accuracy of information by questioning source of data.
   2. Analyze limitations of information gathering tools or strategies.
   3. Investigate differing viewpoints in the information.
4. Integrate information ethically and legally.
   Proficiencies: Students will be able to
   1. Retrieve and manipulate information across contexts and in multiple formats.
   2. Understand intellectual property, copyright, and fair use of information.
   3. Cite sources using appropriate documentation style, without plagiarism or misrepresentation.