Goal A

Achieve a synthesis of knowledge that provides a basis for informed judgment, not simply “fact finding.” This includes learning to think and process information in a critical manner.

Values Objective: Graduates of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences will demonstrate their engagement in and commitment to the pursuit of knowledge in a manner conducive to life-long learning.

Knowledge Objective: Graduates of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences will demonstrate their knowledge of: (1) the fundamental facts, concepts, responsibilities, and modes of inquiry related to their academic majors and professions; and (2) topics of personal and intellectual interest to them, pursued through their choice of elective courses and other means.

Skills Objective: Graduates of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences will demonstrate the following skills: (1) critical analysis; (2) creative problem solving; and (3) well-developed analytical skills.

Goal B

Promote literacy as a foundation for intelligent discourse and the articulation of informed views. This goal acknowledges that literacy spans all disciplines, and undergraduates should demonstrate an ability to understand and utilize a wide variety of information (e.g., scientific, quantitative, cross-cultural, etc.) to articulate said views.

Values Objective: Graduates of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences will demonstrate an appreciation for literacy in all its forms, including the way in which such information is gathered and expressed for the purpose of furthering intellectual discourse.

Values Objective: Graduates of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences will comprehend the role and importance of scientific and technological literacy.

Knowledge Objective: Graduates of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences will demonstrate their ability to engage in intellectual discourse with well-developed oral and written communication skills.

Knowledge Objective: Graduates of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences will demonstrate their understanding of how technical/professional writing is accomplished within their academic majors.

Skills Objective: Graduates of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences will demonstrate their knowledge of: (1) how to acquire information that promotes the learning experience and the exchange of ideas; (2) appraise the value of such information in the current context; and (3) how to apply proper citation information for these materials.

Goal C

Define culture in a broad sense, educating students to understand and to appreciate the interrelated patterns of customary beliefs and practices, social forms, aesthetics, and material traits that act to define a culture and its position within a larger historical and intellectual framework. Students should develop an understanding and appreciation of the diversity of cultures and experiences as well as the development of a multicultural and international perspective.

Values Objective: Graduates of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences will demonstrate their appreciation of the works produced by intellectual and artistic endeavors, at a level consistent with the requirements of their academic majors and/or their participation in co-curricular cultural activities.

Values Objective: Graduates of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences will demonstrate an attitude of concern for or interest in international and multicultural issues.

Knowledge Objective: Graduates of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences will demonstrate their knowledge of the works produced by intellectual and artistic endeavors, at a level consistent with the requirements of their academic majors and/or their participation in co-curricular cultural activities.

Knowledge Objective: Graduates of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences will demonstrate their comprehension of cultural issues, including how multicultural and international perspectives can be incorporated into their own cognitive framework.

Skills Objective: Graduates of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences will demonstrate an understanding of other languages, including the ability to communicate (in both oral and written forms) using appropriate grammar and vocabulary in a variety of culturally-authentic and meaningful contexts.

Goal D

The educational program does not simply look to the past, but acknowledges that our world is vibrant and continuously redefined. Thus, we must challenge students to understand that the present is recognizably formed from past influences. In order to assess the present and arrive at a view of its future, students must be trained to scrutinize and bring into perspective the relationship of the present day with that of the past.

Values Objective: Graduates of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences will demonstrate an appreciation of how our historical perspectives are related to modern-day issues.

Knowledge Objective: Graduates of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences will demonstrate their knowledge of the intellectual, ethical, and spiritual traditions of Western civilization, including Judaeo-Christian, Catholic, and Augustinian traditions and the values and moral principles inherent in them.

Goal E

Prepare students to become active and responsible participants within society by developing an understanding of ethical responsibilities and valuing communal responsibilities.

Values Objective: Consistent with their attainment of intellectual goals, Graduates of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences will (1) treat others with compassion, civility, and respect; (2) demonstrate their acceptance of individual, cultural, social, and ideological differences; (3) accept the responsibilities of community membership; and (4) demonstrate respect for the natural environment.

Knowledge Objective: Graduates of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences will demonstrate their knowledge of how major Western ethical traditions (especially those influenced by Jewish and Christian perspectives) apply to selected contemporary ethical problems.

Knowledge Objective: Graduates of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences will demonstrate their knowledge of ethical practices within their academic majors.

Skills Objective: Graduates of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences will (1) manage conflicts productively; (2) work together to accomplish common goals and further the common good; and (3) motivate and coordinate the efforts of others to work toward common goals.
 

Goal F

Encourage personal development in preparing students to regard themselves as citizens living in society, who have respect for the individual as well as the feeling of belonging to a world community.

Values Objective: Graduates of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences will accept responsibility for the consequences of their own decisions and behavior.

Skills Objective: Graduates of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences will (1) define a set of personal goals reflective of their values, capabilities, and interests; (2) demonstrate independence and self-direction in personal problem solving and goal attainment, including the ability to find and employ appropriate resources; and (3) establish rewarding relationships within their peer groups.