Student Learning Outcomes

Biochemistry Major Learning Outcomes

1. Students will demonstrate proficiency in the core areas of chemistry. (ACS exams)
   1. General Chemistry
   2. Organic Chemistry
   3. Analytical Chemistry
   4. Biochemistry
2. Students will assess, evaluate, and disseminate biochemistry knowledge to a diverse audience. (Senior Project)
   1. Communicate biochemistry knowledge
   2. Assess and evaluate hypotheses using experimental data
   3. Utilize quantitative, analytical, or modeling techniques
3. Students will demonstrate proficiency in the standard laboratory skills of biochemistry. (Lab)

Biology Department Program Learning Outcomes

The following are for Biology, Wildlife Biology and Health Systems.

1. Students will explain the unifying concepts and principles of biology.
   1. Evolution
   2. Structure and function
   3. Information flow, exchange, and storage
   4. Pathways and transformation of energy and matter
2. Students will assess, evaluate, and disseminate biological knowledge to a diverse audience.
   1. Communicate biological knowledge
   2. Assess and evaluate hypotheses using experimental data
   3. Utilize quantitative, analytical, or modeling techniques
3. Students will demonstrate proficiency in the standard skills and methodologies of biology to answer scientific questions.

Department of Business and Economics

Committed to this mission, the Department of Business and Economics challenges students to:

1. Develop the skills and knowledge to collect, analyze, synthesize, apply, and evaluate information responsibly.
2. Communicate effectively with defined audiences in multiple contexts and media.
3. Adapt to a changing world creatively, collaboratively, and ethically.
4. Develop respect and appreciation for diverse ideas and cultures.

Accounting

1. The Accounting major prepares students to begin careers in public accounting (CPA), private accounting (CMA), business or other organizational settings.
2. Students will accumulate, synthesize and demonstrate a proficiency of accounting knowledge.
3. Students will demonstrate computer proficiency to facilitate and enhance accounting and financial reporting processes.
4. Students will be able to research an accounting issue, apply critical thinking skills and communicate solutions and financial and non-financial information.
5. Students will concisely and effectively communicate financial and non-financial information.

Business Administration

The Business Administration major prepares students to begin careers in for-profit and nonprofit organizations and to pursue graduate study in business.

1. Students will describe and analyze the concepts, processes, and institutions involved in the production and marketing of goods and services and the impact of a complex and dynamic environment on organizations.
2. Students will demonstrate proficiency in the use of computers and other technological tools of the business world.
3. Students will apply creative and critical thinking and practical research skills to solve business problems.
4. Students will concisely and effectively communicate their analyses and conclusions.

Economics

The Economics major prepares students for careers in finance, banking, management government service, international business, education and other fields.

1. Students will demonstrate competency in both macroeconomics and microeconomics.
2. Students will propose or analyze solutions to complex, ambiguous problems using the methods of the economics discipline.
3. Students will write policy briefs, research proposals, and conduct independent research using the evidence and methods of the economics discipline.
4. Students will concisely and effectively communicate economics research.

Finance

The Finance major prepares students for careers in finance, business or other organizational settings.

1. Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of theories, concepts, practices and skills in finance.
2. Students will be able to apply the concepts in financial management such as time value of money, risk-return tradeoffs, diversification and investment decisions.
3. Students will be familiar with the domestic and global financial institutions and the role of these institutions in the financial markets.
4. Students will be able to use analytical and quantitative skills to understand the data, problems and make well-supported decisions.

Marketing

The Marketing major prepares students to begin careers in for-profit and nonprofit marketing environments.

1. Students will accumulate, synthesize and demonstrate a proficiency of marketing knowledge.
2. Students will demonstrate computer proficiency to facilitate and enhance digital and traditional marketing and promotional strategy development and implementation and marketing research.
3. Students will be able to research marketing issues, apply critical thinking skills, and communicate data, analysis and recommendations.
4. Students will concisely and effectively communicate marketing information and recommendations.

Chemistry Major Learning Outcomes

1. Students will demonstrate proficiency in the core areas of chemistry. (ACS exams)
   1. General Chemistry
   2. Organic Chemistry
   3. Analytical Chemistry
   4. Physical Chemistry
   5. Biochemistry
2. Students will assess, evaluate, and disseminate chemistry knowledge to a diverse audience. (Senior Project)
   1. Communicate chemistry knowledge
   2. Assess and evaluate hypotheses using experimental data
   3. Utilize quantitative, analytical, or modeling techniques
3. Students will demonstrate proficiency in the standard laboratory skills of chemistry. (Lab)

Communications Studies Program Learning Outcomes

1. Employ communication theories, perspectives, principles, and concepts to critically analyze messages.
2. Conduct ethical communication inquiry.
3. Influence discourse by creating messages appropriate to the audience, purpose, context, and modality.
4. Significantly reduce communication apprehension.
5. Utilize communication to embrace difference.

Computer Science Program Learning Outcomes

1. Using a variety of computer languages, development environments, and deployment targets, students will:
   1. Design algorithms to solve problems, construct models, and manipulate data.
   2. Design and implement structures for storing, organizing, and working with complex data, using both classes and databases.
   3. Design functional user interfaces.
   4. Design and write code that carries out desired computations, using best practices of structured and object-oriented programming.
   5. Assess software for correctness, finding and fixing any errors discovered.
2. In order to carry out the above, students will be able to communicate as follows:
   1. Assess information system requirements and design software systems that meet those requirements.
   2. Read and understand code written by others.
   3. Document a system’s design, implementation, and usage so that it can be used and modified by people who are not familiar with it.
3. Further, students will be able to leverage the following tools and technologies:
   1. Abstractions provided by modern operating systems (e.g., file systems, processes and threads, network sockets) in the design and implementation of an information system.
   2. Multiple independent distributed components.
   3. Recent advances in computing technology and languages.

Teacher Education Learning Outcomes

1. The Learner and Learning – Candidates are able to apply their knowledge of the learner and learning. Candidates are able to apply critical concepts and principles of learner development, learning differences, and creating safe and supportive learning environments in order to work effectively with peers and with diverse P-12 students.
   
   

2. Content – Candidates know central concepts of their content area and are able to apply the content in developing equitable and inclusive learning experiences for diverse P-12 students.

3. Instructional Practice – Candidates are able to assess, plan for instruction, and utilize a variety of instructional strategies to provide equitable and inclusive learning experiences for diverse P-12 students. Candidates model and apply technology standards to engage and improve learning for P-12 students.

4. Professional Responsibility – Candidates are able to apply their knowledge of professional responsibility. Candidates engage in professional learning, act ethically, take responsibility for student learning and collaborate with others to work effectively with peers and diverse P-12 students and families.

History Learning Outcomes

1. Students will be able to frame meaningful questions for historical research
2. Students will be able to understand and apply key historical concepts, theories and methodologies
3. Students will be able to find and interpret primary sources
4. Students will be able to analyze and evaluate secondary sources
5. Students will be able to write effectively according to the standards of the historical profession
   1. Construct an effective argument in support of a thesis
   2. Cite sources in Chicago/Turabian format

Languages and Literatures Program Learning Outcomes

English

1. Analyze a text through close reading in order to produce a critical interpretation.
2. Synthesize and evaluate historical, cultural, generic, and formal contexts for literary and cultural texts.
3. Apply a variety of theoretical and critical methods.
4. Develop and present creative, critical, and cohesive arguments in multiple modes.

Spanish

1. Comprehend clearly articulated conversations on everyday topics in standard Spanish at the ACTFL Advanced level.
2. Speak standard Spanish in the range of Advanced-Mid to Advanced-High sublevels as defined by ACTFL.
3. Read non-technical texts at the Advanced level as defined by ACTFL.
4. Write about non-technical topics at the Advanced-Mid ACTFL sublevel. Recognize and identify main aspects of Hispanic culture in its diversity and the variety of its productions including those of Spain and Latin American countries, and Hispanic culture in the United States.

Writing

1. Critically evaluate writing projects in order to develop iterative drafting and revision processes and professional composition workflows.
2. Recognize and implement composition strategies across genres, media, discourse communities, and technologies.
3. Examine the interactions of writing and culture, particularly how language and composition inform our participation in personal, professional, and public activities and arenas.

Learning Outcomes for the Bachelor’s of Music

Music majors will successfully:

1. Work conceptually with the elements of music, including:
   1. Perform from musical notation at a high level of accuracy;
   2. Analyze music using theoretical skills, and historical/cultural contexts;
   3. Pass aural and piano proficiency exams; and
   4. Compose and/or arrange music.
2. Identify musical styles and the historical, cultural, and aesthetic forces that have shaped these styles.
3. Perform a wide selection of musical literature in at least one performance area both as an individual and in collaborative settings.
4. As applicable, incorporate technology in scholarly and performance activities.
5. Present and defend musical judgments as scholars, performers, and educators.

Learning Outcomes for the Minor in Music Education

In conjunction with completing the BM degree, Music Education students will successfully:

1. Practice and demonstrate vocal and instrumental pedagogy for age-appropriate development.
2. Rehearse and conduct music in a variety of genres and styles, and prescribe appropriate corrective strategies while detecting musical errors.
3. Develop age-appropriate assessment strategies that track student progress in music.
4. Administer a music program according to grade levels, purposes, and expectations of the music program.

Learning Outcomes for the Minor in Music

Music Minor students will successfully:

1. Work conceptually with the elements of music, including
   1. Understand fundamental concepts of music theory.
2. Discern basic procedures used to compose music.
3. Identify the initial development of musical styles and the historical, cultural, and aesthetic forces that have shaped these styles.

Learning Outcomes for the Minor in Performance

In conjunction with completing the BM degree, Music Performance students will successfully:

1. Acquire technical skills requisite for self-expression at a level appropriate for the performance area.
2. Fluently read music at sight demonstrating general musicianship and relevant standards of the profession.
3. Build a repertoire in the major performance area and perform in a variety of musical styles.
4. Work independently and collaboratively with others to prepare performances in all types of music and ensemble sizes.
5. Gain the fundamental principles of pedagogy specific to the performance area.
6. Work with foreign languages and diction (vocalists only).

The Music Program’s assessment module:

Learning Outcomes for the Junior and/or Senior Degree Recital(s) (a.k.a. capstone)

Music majors/minors completing Junior and/or Senior Recital(s) will successfully:

1. Work conceptually with the elements of music, including:
   1. Perform from musical notation at a high level of accuracy; and
   2. Analyze music using theoretical skills, and historical/cultural contexts.

2. Perform a wide selection of musical literature in at least one performance area as an individual, and perhaps in a collaborative setting for the recital.
3. Present and defend musical judgments as scholars and performers in the Recital Literature paper (Research and Literature).

Mathematics Program Learning Outcomes

1. Students will be able to communicate mathematics:
   1. Using proper symbol usage.
   2. Using appropriate graphics.
   3. Using appropriate technology.
2. Students will be able to demonstrate:
   1. Mathematical reasoning ability.
   2. Mathematical computation ability.
   3. The ability to read mathematical literature.
   4. The ability to apply technology to mathematical problems.
3. Students will be able to translate:
   1. From abstract mathematical objects to real-world situations and events.
   2. From real-world situations and events to abstract mathematical objects.

Philosophy and Religion Program Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate knowledge of major concepts, theories and historical movements/figures in philosophy and/or religion.
2. Understand, apply and evaluate ethical, philosophical and/or religious concepts, theories and frameworks in thinking, dialogue and writing.
3. Analyze and interpret primary and secondary texts.
4. Generate/construct meaningful questions in dialogue, writing and/or research.
5. Construct and write an effective argument in support of a thesis.

Physical Education & Human Performance Department Program Learning Outcomes

Community Health and Wellness majors will

1. Develop health and wellness-related knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors that promote individual and community well-being.
2. Students will recognize health and wellness objectives in society and utilize resources to create and address specific needs.
3. Create healthy relationships that contribute to an increase in mutual respect and shared responsibility.

Exercise Science majors will

1. Describe and apply physiological, psychological, biomechanical, nutritional and motor learning principles and theories related to skillful movement, physical activity and fitness.
2. Be proficient in addressing and modifying health behaviors and risk factors, conducting fitness assessment and designing individual and group exercise and fitness programs for apparently healthy, increased risk, and clinical populations.
3. Be able to read, comprehend, and critique published research.
4. Gain experience in the use of technology and equipment for assessment and exercise.
5. Effectively communicate, both orally and in writing, to diverse audiences about the different sub-disciplines of exercise science.

Physical Education PK-12 majors will

1. Demonstrate personal competence in teaching movement concepts and motor skills for a variety of physical activities using effective teaching strategies.
2. Create and use appropriate assessments and provide feedback to evaluate student learning and achievement of instructional goals and objectives.
3. Plan sequential instructional plans to align with lesson and unit objectives that are standards based and address the needs of all students.
4. Use a variety of strategies to modify and deliver lessons to meet the needs of diverse and special needs students.
5. Demonstrate competence in designing and implementing lessons to teach healthy behaviors for lifelong habits.

Physics Department Program Learning Outcomes

Physicists are renowned for the power of their problem-solving capabilities. To prepare our students to become successful problem-solvers in the fields of engineering and physics, we have established the following learning outcomes for our students related to scientific problem-solving:

1. Students will demonstrate proficiency in mathematics and computer programming. In addition, students will demonstrate a proficiency in the mathematical concepts needed for a proper understanding of physics.
2. Students will demonstrate knowledge of classical mechanics, electromagnetism, optics, electronics, thermal physics, modern physics and quantum mechanics, and be able to apply this knowledge to analyze a variety of physical phenomena. 
3. Students will show that they have learned laboratory skills that enable them to take measurements in a science laboratory and analyze the measurements using methods that produce valid conclusions.            
4. Students will be capable of oral and written scientific communication, and will prove that they can think critically and work independently. 

Success in just about any environment also requires attention to professional and interpersonal skills reflected in the outcomes below. These skills balance, complement and strengthen student core science and mathematical skills. Graduates from our program should be able to:

1. Critically assess their current state of knowledge and expertise, and develop, implement and refine a plan to acquire new knowledge for specific scientific goals and in pursuit of new intellectual interests
2. Communicate effectively via oral, visual and written formats to diverse STEM audiences.
3. Use the appropriate tools and requisite media literacy to acquire, assess and analyze data and information from diverse sources.
4. Participate effectively in multidisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary teams.

Political Science and International Relations Program Learning Outcomes

Creates political knowledge

1. Develops a [workable and relevant] research design
   1. Formulates a puzzle
   2. Formulates a doable research question
   3. Formulates propositions/hypotheses
2. [Competently] uses quantitative methods
   1. Matches quantitative analysis techniques with available data and research question
   2. Describes the limits of quantitative methods
   3. Demonstrates the use of quantitative methods
   4. Gathers quantitative data in a form that can be used by statistical software
3. [Competently] uses qualitative methods
   1. Matches qualitative analysis techniques with available data and research question
   2. Describes the limits and of qualitative methods
   3. Demonstrates the use of qualitative methods
   4. Gathers data using interviews

Effectively communicates political knowledge

1. Effectively expresses ideas in a written form 1. Persuasively advocates for a particular viewpoint in an opinion piece
   1. Differentiates between two policies to identify the more effective one
   2. Employs political terminology
   3. Gathers, organizes and evaluates political information
2. Produces an annotated bibliography
   1. Produces a literature review that includes at least two schools of thought
   2. Develops a working knowledge of political theories 

Defines and describes the basics of political systems

1. Defines the basics of democracies, non-democracies
   1. Defines and describes Democracy
   2. Defines and describes Authoritarianism
   3. Defines and describes Hybrid regimes
2. Defines and describes the basics of the U.S. political system
   1. Defines and describes core concepts such as: the three branches of government, checks and balances, the rule of law, etc.
   2. Describes the original plan of government laid out in the Constitution and the Federalist Papers, and explains the development of presidential power, the process of polarization in both Congress and the electorate, the politicization of the courts and other political trends.
3. Defines and describes processes of development in underdeveloped states

Defines and describes the basics of political institutions

1. Evaluates and compares the role of different actors in the political process
   1. State actors
   2. Non-state actors
   3. Citizens’ involvement
   4. IO’s influence on domestic politics
2. Evaluates the branches of the U.S. government
   1. Discusses the strengths, weaknesses and implications of the selection process for those serving in each branch
   2. Produces a literature review that includes at least two schools of thought
   3. Develops a working knowledge of political theories
3. Evaluates and compares the branches of different government systems
   1. Compares executive institutions across states
   2. Compares legislatures institutions across states
   3. Compares judiciary institutions across states

Psychology Program Learning Outcomes

1. Scientific Information Literacy
   1. Locate relevant source material to address psychological phenomena
   2. Understand concepts and scientific findings from empirical or relevant sources
2. The Methods and Approaches of Psychological Science
   1. Use scientific reasoning to integrate evidence to explain complex psychological phenomena
   2. Effectively evaluate, design, and/or conduct psychological research
   3. Understand ethical practices for the psychology profession
3. Effective Communication
   1. Demonstrate clear and concise written communication to address specific audiences (e.g., lay, peer, professional) using appropriate APA style
   2. Deliver clear and concise oral presentations to address specific audiences and within appropriate parameters (e.g., time limit)

Sociology and Criminology Program Learning Outcomes

1. Apply critical thinking and sociological principles to understand the social world.

   1. Describe key concepts, theories, and applications

   2. Demonstrate Sociological information literacy

   3. Interpret (or design and conduct) basic sociological research (including research ethics)

2. Communicate effectively

   1. Apply effective oral communication skills for different purposes.

   2. Apply effective written communication skills for different purposes

3. Work effectively in collaboration with others.

4. Leverage technologies ethically to complete tasks.

Theatre Program Learning Outcomes

The goal of the Theatre program at Hastings College is to mentor and prepare artist-scholars who appreciate and understand the relationship between theatre and society. Each major will have a first-year assessment through an audition, a mid-major assessment in the Theatre History or Theory course which must be passed for the student to remain a major, and a final assessment with the Capstone Project which must be satisfactory completed for the student to graduate with a Theatre major. Theatre majors also have postgraduate training opportunities in professional theatre and academia. Theatre majors and minors are expected to actively participate in all major productions and to attend strikes for all productions. Failure to participate will result in the student’s being dropped as a departmental major or minor.

The Theatre program expects that upon graduation all majors will be able to:

• Demonstrate proficiencies in one or more area-specific skills: acting, directing, design, technical theatre, management, playwriting or dramaturgy.
• Analyze and interpret dramatic literature and the methods by which the literature are realized for production.
• Engage in the collaborative communication and processes necessary to the creation of theatre.

Visual Arts Program Learning Outcomes

1. Student demonstrates technical fluency in handling of designated materials and media.
2. Student demonstrates an intentional design process and synthesis of concept and research.
3. Student produces work that demonstrates an informed aesthetic sensibility.
4. Student effectively communicates (through visual, oral & written means) conceptual processes that are contextually relevant.
5. Student cultivates a robust creative practice
6. Student effectively communicates (through visual, oral & written means) conceptual processes that are contextually relevant.