Purpose Statement
The foundation of all of our programs at University of the Cumberlands is our desire to nurture an increased awareness of the pre-eminence of the spiritual dimensions of human life through an appreciation of our historic Christian heritage, as well as through an understanding of Biblical truth and religious values as they apply to daily life. The University’s mission to offer “a broad-based liberal arts program enriched with Christian values” is evidenced in our General Education curriculum. Along with the University’s other programs, this curriculum attempts to foster in students “a heightened awareness and sensitivity to the search for truth and a deepened responsibility toward humankind.” Collectively, the courses taken to fulfill the requirements of the six sections of the General Education curriculum are intended to provide a breadth of information, an understanding of critical concepts, and a mastery of skills to support a life-long pursuit not only of professional achievement but also of “responsible service and leadership.” These endeavors are rooted in an open exchange of ideas within and among academic disciplines and are framed by a Christian sense of responsibility toward self, toward society, and toward God.
General Education Goals and Intended Learning Outcomes
Based on the University’s mission, through the six sections of the General Education Curriculum the University encourages students:
To develop a critical understanding of core Christian teachings, values and worldview and the diversity of world religious perspectives. (Christian Faith)
To develop the principles and practices of accurate and effective writing, including sound rhetorical choices and critical thinking. (Writing Competence)
To develop basic mathematical skills and a critical understanding of basic scientific concepts and problem-solving skills, along with the role of science in modern society. (Mathematical and Scientific Reasoning)
To develop a critical understanding of the interdependencies of cultural influences as
societies organize themselves and manage resources. (Historical and Cultural Understanding)
To develop a critical understanding of great works or performance techniques in literature, art, music, or theater. (Aesthetic Appreciation)
To develop a critical understanding of human nature and strategies to pursue physical, mental, social, and professional well-being. (Social and Professional Awareness)
As it assesses its success in achieving these general education goals, the University focuses upon the following Student Learning Outcomes or Competencies:
Section 1: Christian Faith
Students develop an understanding of core Christian teachings, values and worldviews and the diversity of world religious perspectives.
Outcome 1A: Students identify important elements and issues of religious texts. (conceptual content)
Outcome 1B: Students apply religious and spiritual concepts to specific situations and contexts. (conceptual content & application skills)
Outcome 1C: Students appreciate the significance of Christianity in shaping culture(s). (dispositions)
Section 2: Writing Competence
Students develop the principles and practices of accurate and effective writing, including sound rhetorical choices and critical thinking.
Outcome 2A: Students correctly recognize and revise grammatical and mechanical errors in prose. (conceptual content & application/skills)
Outcome 2B: Students write clear, well-organized and well-developed essays in response to their personal experience and to their reading of essays and other literary genres. (conceptual content & application/skills)
Outcome 2C: Students efficiently and ethically integrate materials from a variety of sources into their writing, properly documenting their use of these sources. (conceptual content, application/skills, & dispositions)
Section 3: Mathematical and Scientific Reasoning
Students develop basic mathematical skills and a critical understanding of basic scientific concepts and problem-solving skills, along with the role of science in modern society.
Outcome 3A: Students understand basic scientific and mathematic methods and concepts. (conceptual content)
Outcome 3B: Students identify the central concepts, schema, or processes used to organize information in a given discipline and use the materials to assess specific data or to solve problems. (Conceptual content & application/skills)
Outcome 3C: Students recognize and appreciate the role of mathematics and science in modern society. (dispositions)
Section 4: Historical and Cultural Understanding
Students develop a critical understanding of the interdependencies of cultural influences as societies organize themselves and manage resources.
Outcome 4A: Students identify useful theories and concepts used to describe cultural and historical phenomenon. (Conceptual content & application skills)
Outcome 4B: Students apply relevant information to assess cultural, historical, economic phenomena. (Conceptual content & application skills)
Outcome 4C: Students show sensitivity to the diversity within and between cultures. (dispositions)
Section 5: Aesthetic Appreciation
Students develop a critical understanding of great works or performance techniques in literature, art, music, or theater.
Outcome 5A: Students identify components of various types of literature, art, music, or theatrical production. (conceptual content)
Outcome 5B: Students analyze individual pieces of literature, art, music, or theater, illuminating the value or significance of these cultural experiences. (application/skills)
Outcome 5C: Students grow in their appreciation and understanding of their own performance and the performance of others in literature, art, music, or theater. (dispositions)
Section 6: Social and Professional Awareness
Students develop an understanding of human nature and strategies to pursue physical, mental, social, and professional well-being.
Outcome 6A: Students recognize important principles and concepts describing various areas of social and professional behavior. (Conceptual content & application skills)
Outcome 6B: Students apply relevant information to assess social or professional issues. (Conceptual content & application
skills )
Outcome 6C: Students understand the importance of self-discipline and ethical behavior in social and professional life. (dispositions)
General Education Curriculum by Degree Type
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