3.5.1 College-level competencies
The institution identifies college-level competencies within the general
education core and provides evidence that graduates have attained
those competencies.
Judgment of Compliance
Compliance
Narrative of Justification
The General Education program is in compliance with 3.5.1 General Education Core Requirements.
The general education program at Bennett College is designed to 1) create and sustain an academic community whose participants develop intellectual skills and habits of mind and action that characterize a liberal education. 2) immerse students in learning that emphasizes useful intellectual skills acquired across the curriculum, and 3) involve students in active self-directed and experiential approaches to learning and the development and practice of informed values. All degree programs must incorporate the fifty-one (51) general education program hours into the curriculum, which includes more than one course for each of the required areas of study.
The stated goals of the General Education Program are achieved through seven (7) competencies, referred to as the “intended student learning outcomes.” Students completing the general education program will achieve:
| College Level Competency “Student Learning Outcomes” |
Courses or Components |
1. integrative and experiential approaches to learning, including critical, connected and creative thinking
*Analysis/Critical Thinking/Problem Solving
*Collaborative Team Building |
PS100; PS101; EC201; EC202; SO201 |
2.understanding and appreciation of interdisciplinary, multicultural, and international aspects of knowledge
*Understanding Global Perspective
*Citizenship & Service Leadership |
FR101/102; FR203/204; SP101/102; SP203/204;; HI101/102; HI201/202; PO200; PO202; |
3. building a knowledge base across the broad range of disciplines
*Aesthetic Sensitivity |
AR100; AR202; MU225; TH102 |
4. acquiring the ability to articulate thoughts and ideas
*Communication: Speaking, Writing, Listening, Reading, Quantitative Reasoning, Information Technology |
EN102; EN103; SH103; CS100; MA110; MA120; MA 130; CS101; CS202; PY221 |
5. developing the whole person in the context of African-American heritage
*Citizenship and Service Leadership |
HI203; OR100; HE100; PE102; PE106; PE108; PE308; PE310 |
6. formulating a value system and willingness to act upon it
*Ethics |
PH201; PH313; RL315; RL425 |
7. acquiring self-directed, independent learning skills, and fostering an inquiring mind
*Analysis/Critical Thinking/Problem Solving |
BI100; BI 101; SC103; CH101; PY201 |
(See Catalog 2007-2008, pp. 60-66)
The General Education Program aims to provide an environment for students to develop their entire person intellectually, socially, globally, creatively, and ethically. There is a special emphasis on general intellectual and practical skills, and on the integration of knowledge in the core areas of the humanities, social sciences, and natural & behavioral sciences/mathematics. The General Education Program offers students opportunities to develop a sense of identity and self-efficacy. Furthermore, it encourages students to become lovers of learning, adaptable and effective learners, and women with a compelling sense of social and civic responsibility. The ultimate aim of the General Education Program is to prepare students for living and life-long learning.
Intellectual Development:
- Communicate effectively in an integrative manner with variety of modes
- Communicate effectively in integrative manner using disciplinary framework
- Use strategies, theories, and technologies that reflect engagement in a discipline or profession
- Use disciplinary concepts and framework; perceive and make relationships; analyze structure and organization
Social Development:
- Explain dynamics of small group interaction
- Function as a strong contributing team member in a task-oriented group
- Demonstrate strategies for consensus building
- Present a coherent report of required community service project
- Demonstrate understanding of right and responsibilities inherent in a democratic system of government
Global Development:
- Demonstrate understanding of various theories of government
- Demonstrate accurate knowledge of world geography
- Demonstrate basic-level of proficiency in reading, speaking, and writing in at least one foreign language
- Demonstrate understanding of other national cultures
Creative Development:
- Explain broad aesthetic principles underlying drama, visual arts, or music
- Suggest ways in which aesthetic sensitivity may intersect with her major area
- Demonstrate ways in which experiences in theater, visual arts, or music have enriched her life and helped her develop as a person
Ethical development:
- Outline in broad terms development of theories of philosophy and ethics
- Demonstrate thorough understanding of standards of ethical behavior within major discipline
- Articulate personal standard of ethics and explain connections between personal standard and standards within the discipline
The General Education Program’s goals/competencies are based on relevant portions of the Mission Statement for Bennett College. They are also based on studies of leading standards and practices for college-level general education in the United States. The General Education Program was originally designed on the basis of a review of definitive literature on general education. In 2004-2005, the General Education Program was re-examined by faculty in light of information garnered at the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) Summer Institute and an additional faculty development venture at Alverno College. Special emphasis was placed on the key document from AAC&U, Greater Expectations.
Assessment
Traditionally, Bennett College has required its students to take a uniform general education core curriculum followed by specific courses appropriate to the majors offered. The strategic plan of Bennett College requires an in-depth review of the General Education curriculum every five years. In May of 2004, a four-member team from the College was invited to participate in the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) Institute on General Education in Newport, Rhode Island. The team’s purpose was to garner a better understanding of the philosophies outlined in Greater Expectations as related to general education, and to write a comprehensive plan for assessment to assess the current general education curriculum, and eventually individual courses within the majors
.
As a result of the AAC&U Institute, the General Education Curriculum and Assessment Council began its initial assessment of the general education program learning outcomes (General Education Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes ).
Supporting Documents
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