UNCW Learning Goals
The four categories of student learning articulated in the university’s mission—creative inquiry, critical thinking, thoughtful expression and responsible citizenship—give rise to eight learning goals for every baccalaureate graduate of UNCW. These goals capture the skills and expected student learning outcomes needed to ensure breadth of learning characteristic of a liberal education (the goal of a general education program).
Definitions of Terms Used in UNCW Learning Goals
- Foundational knowledge comprises the facts, theories, principles, methods, skills, terminology and modes of reasoning that are essential to more advanced or independent learning in an academic discipline. back to top
- Inquiry is the systematic and analytic investigation of an issue or problem with the goal of discovery. Inquiry involves the clear statement of the problem, issue or question to be investigated; examination of relevant existing knowledge; design of an investigation process; analysis of the complexities of the problem, clear rationale supporting conclusions; and identification of limitations of the analysis. back to top
- Information literacy is the ability “to recognize when information is needed and to locate, evaluate and use effectively the needed information.” [American Library Association. (1989) American Library Association Presidential Committee on Information Literacy. Final Report. Chicago.] Demonstrating information literacy involves determining the extent of information needed, accessing the needed information, critically evaluating the information, organizing the information to accomplish a specific purpose, and using the information ethically and legally. back to top
- Critical thinking is "skilled, active interpretation and evaluation of observations, communications, information and argumentation." [Fisher and Scriven. (1997) Critical Thinking: Its Definition and Assessment, Center for Research in Critical Thinking (UK)/Edgepress (US).] Critical thinking involves a clear explanation of relevant issues, skillful investigation of evidence, purposeful judgments about the influence of context or assumptions, reasoned creation of one’s own perspective, and synthesis of evidence and implications from which conclusions are drawn. back to top
- Thoughtful expression is the ability to communicate, orally and in writing, meaningful ideas in an organized, reasoned and convincing manner. Thoughtful expression involves a purpose responsive to an identified audience, effective organization, insightful reasoning and supporting detail, style appropriate to the relevant discipline, purposeful use of sources and evidence, and error-free syntax and mechanics. back to top
- Second language shall be used to describe basic proficiency in speaking, listening, writing and reading in a language other than English that is sufficient for interaction and comprehension. This includes American Sign Language, but not computer languages. back to top
- Diversity constitutes the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to examine the importance and implications of cultural and ethnic human differences. Diversity examines the significance of historical, political, social, racial, ethnic and cultural realities through critical thinking to understand and explain their implications in human endeavors. back to top
- Global citizenship is characterized by the ability to evaluate large-scale impacts of historical, scientific, economic, political cultural and artistic perspectives on individuals, societies and our environment; and by participation in efforts to make the world a better place. back to top
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