The Faculty of Pacific Lutheran University establishes the
educational philosophy that shapes and supports the curriculum and
programs of study. This philosophy is reflected in statements of
educational goals, objectives and principles. Of particular
significance to all students are statements about learning objectives,
general education and writing throughout the curriculum.
Integrated Learning Objectives (ILOs)
The Integrative Learning Objectives (ILOs) provide a common
understanding of the PLU approach to undergraduate education. These
objectives offer a unifying framework for understanding how our
community defines the general skills or abilities that should be
exhibited by students who earn a PLU bachelor’s degree. Therefore, they
are integrative in nature. The ILOs are intended to provide a
conceptual reference for every department and program to build on and
reinforce in their own particular curricula the goals of the General
University Requirements. They also assist the university in such
assessment-related activities as student and alumni surveys. Not all
ILOs are dealt with equally by every program, much less by every
course. The ILOs do not represent, by themselves, all of our
understanding of education. Rather, they are a part of a more complex
statement of educational philosophy.
The ILOs are meant to serve as a useful
framework that unifies education throughout the University, while
disciplinary study provides students with the knowledge and
understanding of a field that will allow them to function effectively
in their chosen area.
These four statements describe the knowledge base expected of all PLU graduates:
- A broad knowledge of the basic liberal arts and sciences.
- An understanding of the interconnections
among these basic liberal arts and sciences that provide the broad
framework for living with the complexities of life.
- An in-depth knowledge of a specified area of knowledge designated as a major within the university.
- An understanding of the interconnections
among the basic liberal arts and sciences and the in-depth knowledge of
her/his specified major area.
In addition to the knowledge base described above, and an
awareness of how different disciplinary methodologies are used, every
student at Pacific Lutheran University is expected to develop the
following abilities:
Critical Reflection
- Select sources of information using appropriate research methods, including those employing technology, and make use of that information carefully and critically.
- Consider issues from multiple perspectives.
- Evaluate assumptions and consequences of different perspectives in assessing possible solutions to problems.
- Understand and explain divergent viewpoints on complex issues,
critically assess the support available for each, and defend one's own
judgments.
Expression
- Communicate clearly and effectively in both oral and written forms.
- Adapt messages to various audiences using appropriate media, convention or styles.
- Create symbols of meaning in a variety of expressive media, both verbal and nonverbal.
Interaction with Others
- Work creatively to identify and clarify the issues of concern.
- Acknowledge and respond to conflicting ideas and principles, and identify common interests where possible.
- Develop and promote effective strategies and interpersonal relationships for implementing cooperative actions.
Valuing
- Articulate and critically assess one's own values, with an awareness of the
communities and traditions that have helped to shape them
- Recognize how others have arrived at values different from one's own, and consider their views charitably and with an appreciation for the context in which they emerged.
- Develop a habit of caring for oneself, for others, and for the environment.
- Approach moral, spiritual, and intellectual development as a life-long process of making informed choices in one's commitments.
- Approach one's commitments with a high level of personal responsibility and professional accountability.
Multiple Frameworks
- Recognize and understand how cultures profoundly shape different assumptions and behaviors.
- Identify issues and problems facing people in every culture (including one's own), seeking constructive strategies for addressing them.
- Cultivate respect for diverse cultures, practices, and traditions.
Adopted by the Faulty Assembly, November 11, 1999
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