2009–2010 Catalog - Lourdes College

10Introduction to Lourdes CollegeLearning OutcomesThe Mission Statement, Guiding Principles, and our Franciscan Values express theCollege’s purpose and identity. To ensure the realization of this vision, the Collegehas articulated observable and measurable learning outcomes. To be understoodcorrectly and appreciated fully, the learning outcomes must be interpreted in lightof the complete texts of the Mission, Guiding Principles and Franciscan Values.Lourdes College believes that a college education includes sufficient breadth in theliberal arts and sufficient depth in an area of specialization to prepare graduates whowill be recognized as educated persons and prepared for meaningful work and/orgraduate study. The learning outcomes describe the competencies graduates achievethrough their life and study at Lourdes College.1. Communication Competence. Graduates can read, write, speak, and listenfor a variety of purposes and audiences. They can use these skills to acquire,synthesize, summarize, develop, and convey ideas and information.a. They can write personal response/reflection papers, analytical essays, andpersuasive essays.b. They can write a scholarly documented research paper that synthesizestheir own ideas with ideas and information from other sources.c. They can speak effectively in front of a group or as part of a group.d. They can demonstrate effective listening skills through their ability toanalyze and interpret verbal messages for content, context, and affect, aswell as retain messages acquired from the listening process.2. Critical Thinking Ability. Graduates can analyze issues and theories rationally,logically, and coherently, using both qualitative and quantitative information.a. They can demonstrate an explicit understanding of principles ofcritical thought.b. They can demonstrate the ability to reflect on issues and/or theoriessystematically.3. Aesthetic Awareness. Graduates can articulate the role of the arts in culture.a. They can explain the importance of a certain period or development inart, music, or literature.b. They can respond to one or more works of art, music, or literature withawareness of the elements of the medium or have demonstrated theirawareness in the creation of an original work or a public performance.4. Ethical Foundations. Graduates can examine life experiences and identifyvalues that enhance life, leading to the development of well-founded moralprinciples, the ability to make ethical decisions, and a commitment tocommunity service.2009-10Lourdes College Academic Catalog