Exploring Complex Issues
DESCRIPTION OF COURSES IN THIS COLUMN: These courses build on the skills and ways of knowing introduced in the First Year Journey. Students explore and tackle complex, authentic problems drawing on diverse perspectives and theories, modes of inquiry, and domains of knowledge. Students acquire the ability to describe the multiple dimensions of a complex problem and to pose fruitful questions. In the pursuit of answers, they critically evaluate sources of information and apply logical reasoning, critical thinking, and appropriate methodology to draw conclusions. These courses focus on process and are writing and/or speaking and information literacy infused.
BY THE END OF TAKING A COURSE IN THIS AREA:
Critical Thinking: Students identify problems, questions and beliefs; create and gather relevant information, data and evidence; use inquiry, observation and innovation to generate solutions, arguments and explanations which provide meaningful conclusions, decisions and evaluations which are based on logical, causal, inferential or other appropriate forms of reasoning.
Reflective Discovery and Analysis of Information: Students locate, generate, identify, interpret, and critically evaluate information, evidence, arguments and ideas, recognizing that authority is constructed and contextual. Students analyze their own and others' assumptions and incorporate reliable and valid information effectively and ethically for an intended purpose.
Communication: Students develop and apply skills for communicating effectively in order to disseminate knowledge, reach a broader audience, and foster understanding across people and cultures.
Creativity: Students demonstrate innovative thought, and imagine new or alternative concepts and expressions in original ways
Grappling with Complexity: Students pose questions, pursue answers, and persist through ambiguity about the multiple dimensions of a complex problem.
Exploring Complex Issues Anchored in Mathematics, Computing, and Natural Sciences
Discipline Exploration: Students utilize the practices of different disciplines and integrate knowledge and apply this knowledge across disciplinary boundaries, with a disciplinary center or focus from the field of Mathematics, Computing or Natural Sciences.
Exploring Complex Issues Anchored in Arts and Humanities
Discipline Exploration: Students utilize the practices of different disciplines and integrate knowledge and apply this knowledge across disciplinary boundaries, with a disciplinary center or focus from the Arts or Humanities.
Exploring Complex Issues Anchored in the Social and Health Sciences
Discipline Exploration: Students utilize the practices of different disciplines and integrate knowledge and apply this knowledge across disciplinary boundaries, with a disciplinary center or focus from the Social or Health Sciences.