Program Learning Outcomes

Student Learning Outcomes by Major
History Major:

1: Historical knowledge/change over time

Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of key events and themes in history, and identify and interpret patterns of continuity and change over time.         

2: Comparative/global perspectives

Students will be able to formulate comparative perspectives on historical developments in different world regions. 

3: Diversity/Equity/Inclusion

Students will be able to demonstrate how attention to issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion enhances our understanding of the past and has shaped the practice of history.   

4: Source synthesis and effective argument

Students will be able to synthesize information from a variety of primary and secondary historical sources, and construct effective arguments based on this evidence.

5: Effective communications

Students will be able to communicate clearly and effectively in writing and speech.     

6: Research/Citations

Students will be able to conduct research for essays and other projects utilizing traditional paper-based and digital platforms and materials, and provide citations to sources using the correct standards and formats.  

 

Philosophy Major:

1: Understanding of Philosophy

Upon graduation as a philosophy major, students will be able to: explain to a non-philosopher what philosophy is, how it is practiced, and what philosophers

2: Philosophical perspective

Upon graduation as a philosophy major, students will be able to: explore a problem arising in some social, political, cultural, technological, scientific, or other context, and discover and articulate its philosophical aspects, in contrast and comparison to other aspects.

3: To demonstrate competence in some particular area of contemporary philosophy.

Upon graduation as a philosophy major, students will be able to:

  • Understand and explain the views of some leading contemporary philosophers;
  • Understand and explain some current issues of philosophical debate;
  • Evaluate some contemporary philosophers and philosophies on leading issues (e.g., the interpretation of some major historical figure (Plato, Descartes, Kant), the nature of knowledge, the meaning of life, the existence of God);
  • Demonstrate significant competence in some particular area of philosophy, such as: metaphysics, logic, epistemology, philosophy of mind, philosophy of language, cognitive science, philosophy of religion, ethics, social and political philosophy, aesthetics, etc., which requires analysis, synthesis and evaluation of main theories in the area and proposing a theory of one’s own.

4: Understand and explain

Upon graduation as a philosophy major, students will be able to understand and explain the views of some major philosophical figures

5: Contributions of philosophers

Upon graduation as a philosophy major, students will be able to: understand and explain the contributions made by various philosophers to philosophy and related disciplines

6: Explanation of philosophical perspectives

Upon graduation as a philosophy major, students will be able to: evaluate various philosophers and philosophies on particular issues (e.g., the nature of knowledge, the meaning of life, the existence of God) as a step to formulating a personal philosophical position in a variety of areas (e.g., metaphysics, epistemology, religion, ethics, politics, art, values, etc.).

 

Liberal Studies Major:

1: Textual Reinterpretation

Reinterpret a selection of foundational texts within and across various Liberal Studies disciplines.

2: Journal Article Research (in Two Tracks)

Conduct research utilizing multiple journal articles in two tracks.

3:  Comparing and Synthesizing Real-World Views

Compare and synthesize alternate views on concrete real-world issues.

4: Managing Perspectives

Identify, analyze, compare, and articulate multiple perspectives.

5: Building a Toolbox of Perspectives

Expand, refine, and perfect one’s collection of perspectives.

6: Creative Reorienting to All Perspectives

Develop a more flexible, imaginative, and creative comportment toward the perspective of both self and others.

7: Develop Professional Portfolio

Articulate one’s personal and professional goals, and current strengths and weaknesses, in the form of a portfolio for a graduate program or employer.

8: Transdisciplinary Capstone Project

Demonstrate competence in a specific area of transdisciplinary research, in the form of a capstone project.