General Education
Objectives – Full Text
Approved in 1999
I. Fundamental Skills (all approved 2/16/99)
Objective 1. Mathematical Reasoning.
Students completing 60 credits at MU will be able to:
a) formulate problems from the real world in the symbolic language of mathematics;
b) select and perform mathematical procedures appropriate for solving such problems;
c) explain mathematical concepts and procedures appropriate for further learning.
Objective 2. Critical Reasoning.
Students completing 60 credits at MU will be able to:
a) recognize, analyze, and appreciate arguments supporting theories and perspectives other than one’s own;
b) provide reasoned support for their own beliefs;
c) compare and evaluate competing arguments.
Objective 3. Inquiry/Information Literacy.
Students completing 60 credits at MU will be able to:
a) generate research questions/pose problems;
b) recognize when they have a need for information;
c) find reliable sources;
d) evaluate information found and select relevant information;
e) make effective use of information, including being able to integrate what they have learned into a final product.
Objective 4. Communication using a Variety of Speaking and Writing Processes.
Students completing 60 credits at MU will be able to:
a) generate, express, and revise ideas;
b) take into account others’ critiques of their ideas;
c) present ideas formally in both spoken and written form;
d) reflect on their ability to work through these processes.
Objective 5. Communicating within Different Contexts.
Students completing 60 credits at MU will be able to:
a) use speaking and writing for a variety of purposes;
b) target different audiences according to those purposes;
c) select appropriate strategies for both writing and speaking for those audiences and purposes;
d) demonstrate awareness of their decisions.
Objective 6. Communications Technology Literacy.
Students completing 60 credits at MU will be able to:
a) make use of appropriate communications technology;
b) explain the way new technologies alter the process of inquiry and communication.
II. Discipline-based Skills and Knowledge
Objective 7. Humanities and Fine Arts.
At completion of their general education requirements, MU students will be able to identify and discuss (in a way that demonstrates broad-based knowledge within one or more disciplines) at least two different individuals/movements from a list of historical and contemporary artists, philosophers, musicians, playwrights, or writers, including Western and non-Western examples. [Approved 3/16/99]
Objective 8. Humanities and Fine Arts.
At completion of their general education requirements, MU students will be able to discuss and apply critical and creative methods of the arts and humanities, including the ability to create works of art and/or literature and respond to their aesthetic attributes by analyzing, critiquing, and defending their reasoned opinions concerning works of theater, literature, art, philosophy or music (American or international, contemporary or historical) and create and/or aesthetically appreciate works of art and/or literature. [Amended & Approved 3/16/99, p. 4585]
Objective 9. Science and Math.
At completion of their general education requirements, MU students will be able to articulate connections between mathematical and scientific principles, technologies, and events affecting our everyday lives. [Approved 3/2/99]
Objective 10. Science and Math.
At completion of their general education requirements, MU students will be able to explain how we know and why we believe key concepts in the natural sciences, and be able to use:
a) scientific reasoning;
b) laboratory methods;
c) mathematics to solve scientific problems; and
d) appropriate technology [Approved 3/2/99]
Objective 11. Social Sciences.
At completion of their general education requirements, MU students will be able to articulate the relationships among people, culture, environment, institutions, and systems across history and geography. [Amended and approved 3/2/99, p. 4580]
Objective 12. Social Sciences.
At completion of their general education requirements, MU students will be able to explain and be able to use some of the methods of inquiry of the social sciences, including quantitative and qualitative methods, to:
a) study human behavior and social institutions;
b) communicate the results using appropriate language; and
c) ascertain and evaluate the results obtained by others. [Approved 3/2/99]
III. Connections
Objective 13. Coherence.
At completion of degree requirements, MU students will be able to see and discuss connections among courses in various disciplines and between their course work and “real life.” In addition, they will be able to use what they have learned to make decisions and solve problems. [Approved 5/4/99]
Objective 14. Diversity.
At completion of degree requirements, MU students will be able to demonstrate knowledge, attitudes, and skills essential for communicating with, working with, and making decisions with people of diverse backgrounds. [Approved 5/4/99]
Objective 15. Historical Consciousness.
At completion of degree requirements, MU students will be able to explain how the development and expression of institutions and beliefs interact with historical circumstances.
[Approved 5/4/99]
Objective 16. Personal, Ethical, and Civic Values and Decision-making.
At completion of degree requirements, MU students will be able to:
a) articulate and rationally support personal, moral, and civic values;
b) understand and treat with respect the perspectives of others;
c) use this knowledge of self and others to resolve conflicts and make responsible decisions; and
d) manifest a commitment to core values such as wellness, honesty, and civic responsibility. [Amended & Approved 5/4/99, pp. 4640-1]