General Education Core Competencies

Social Sciences: Evaluate Societal and Ethical Issues, Problems, and Values

SS-1 Identify appropriate methods, technologies, and data that social and behavioral scientists use to investigate the human condition.

SS-2 Examine social institutions and processes across historical periods, social structures, and/or cultures.

SS-3 Explore social content from a different theoretical perspective.

SS-4 Develop and explore alternative explanations or solutions for past and contemporary social issues.

SS-5 Analyze the effects of historical, social, political, economic, cultural, and global forces in the area under study.

SS-6 Chart the cultural or historical evolution of the United States in a social, political, or economic world order.

SS-7 Differentiate and analyze historical evidence (documentary and statistical) and differing points of view.

SS-8 Set reasonable criteria for the acceptability of historical evidence and social research.

SS-9 Analyze, critically assess, and suggest creative solutions to public policy problems.

SS-10 Recognize and assume one’s responsibility as a citizen in a democratic society by learning to think for oneself, be engaging in public discourse, and by obtaining information through the news media and other appropriate information sources about politics and public policy.

SS-11 Identify and understand differences and commonalities within diverse cultures

Natural Science (NS): Understand the History, Nature, Methods, and Limits of Science

NS-1 Gain a basic understanding of science by developing skills that correspond to at least levels 1-3, (knowledge, comprehension, application) in Bloom’s Taxonomy of Educational Objectives in the Cognitive Domain.

NS-2 Understand science as inquiry by recognizing scientific and quantitative methods and the differences between these approaches and other methods of inquiry and to communicate findings, analysis and interpretation.

NS-3 Understand the history and nature of science by identifying and recognizing the differences among competing scientific theories, thereby encouraging curiosity and critical thinking that characterize science.

NS-4 View science from personal and social perspectives by demonstrating knowledge of issues and problems facing modern science, including issues that touch upon ethics, values and/or public policies.

NS-5 Recognize the relationship between science and technology by demonstrating knowledge of the interdependence of science and technology and their influence on, and contribution to, modern culture.

Mathematics (M): Demonstrate Basic Mathematical Skills and Knowledge

M-1 Apply arithmetic, algebraic, geometric, and higher order thinking skills to modeling and solving real world situations.

M-2 Represent and evaluate basic mathematical information verbally, numerically, graphically, and symbolically.

M-3. Expand mathematical reasoning skills to develop convincing mathematical arguments.

M-4 Use appropriate technology to enhance mathematical thinking and understanding and to solve mathematical problems and judge the reasonableness of the results.

Communication (C ): Comprehend and Articulate Effectively in English
- Reading
- Writing
- Oral Communication

C-1 Understand and demonstrate the writing process through prewriting, drafting, revising, and presenting.

C-2 Understand and utilize conventions of Standard American English.

C-3 Read, understand, and appropriately apply modes of expression, i.e. description, exposition, narration, and self-expression, in written and oral communication.

C-4 Read, understand, and apply basic principles of critical thinking and problem solving in the development of exposition and argumentation.

C-5 Develop the ability to research and write a documented paper.

C-6 Understand and apply critical reading skills in responding to and discussing written text.

C-7 Read about and identify intercultural experiences in essays and literature.

C-8 Develop computer and/or library research skills.

Humanities (H): Interpret, Evaluate, and Appreciate Works of Human Culture

H-1 Demonstrate awareness of the scope and variety of works in the arts and humanities.

H-2 Understand a variety of works in the arts and humanities as expressions of individual and human values within an historical and social context.

H-3 Respond critically to works in the humanities and fine and performing arts.

H-4 Engage in the creative process or interpretive performance and comprehend the physical and intellectual demands required of the author or visual or performing artist.

H-5 Articulate an informed personal reaction to works in the fine and performing arts and humanities.

H-6 Develop an appreciation for the aesthetic principles that guide or govern the humanities and fine and performing arts.

Technology (T): Use Technology Effectively

T-1 Use a computer to create, save, copy, and print files.

T-2 Access and use appropriate software in the content area.

T-3 Access, search, and retrieve information from electronic databases and/or the Internet.

T-4 Use E-mail to create, send, and retrieve messages, including those with attachments.

T-5 Use a calculator to perform basic calculations and to graph and analyze data.