General Education Goals
Background:
In 1993, the Assessment Advisory Committee developed criteria for assessing general education in the following areas: written, oral and electronic communication; math and science; social/behavioral sciences; and humanities and cultural goals. Eleven general education goals provide the foundation for USC's Criteria for the Assessment of General Education.
Eleven General Education Goals:
- Students communicate clearly in written English, demonstrating their ability to comprehend, analyze and interrogate critically.
- Students communicate orally in a manner that unites theory, criticism and practice to produce effective communicators.
- Students use computers and other technology effectively.
- Students perform basic mathematical manipulations, display facility with the use of mathematics in framing concepts for mathematical analysis, and interpret data intelligently.
- Students demonstrate an understanding of physical and/or life science phenomena and the use of scientific methods and theories.
- Students demonstrate an understanding of the processes of human behavior and social and cultural interaction, as well as the use of social and behavioral science perspectives to interpret them.
- Students demonstrate an understanding of the historical development of culture over time and its relation to the present.
- Students are familiar with the diversity of a global culture marked by racial, ethnic, gender and regional differences.
- Students communicate orally and in writing in another language.
- Students demonstrate an understanding of the contribution of literary, visual or performing arts and their cultural context, as well as express informed personal responses to artistic creations.
- Students integrate insights from several disciplines and apply them to value choices and ethical decisions.