BCAcademicCatalog2016

GENERAL EDUCATION AT BLUEFIELD COLLEGE

MISSION The purpose of the general education program at Bluefield College is to energize a Christian academic community where students are invited to pursue the Good, the True, and the Beautiful. Shared Outcomes • Students develop a broad base of knowledge in the sciences and the liberal arts, in quantitative reasoning, and in the appropriate application of modern technology. • Students are able to effectively communicate their ideas verbally and in writing. • Students demonstrate the skill and disposition to think critically. • Students are able to contemplate and reflect on the aesthetic elements of their environments. • Students are able to think and act creatively. • Students are able to recognize the benefits of lifelong physical and emotional well- being. Specific Outcomes • Students are familiar with the biblical narrative. • Students are able to integrate their growing faith and knowledge. • Students demonstrate the emergence of virtues and a sense of calling consistent with a commitment to lifelong learning and Christian service. • Students appreciate the unity of knowledge and develop respect for all humanity within the diversity of cultures. CONFIDENT COMMUNICATOR The Bluefield College Quality Enhancement Plan is distinctive because it incrementally highlights writing-intensive classes at every level in every discipline, progressing students toward greater precision of expression and comprehensiveness of argument from freshman to senior. These courses incorporate a pedagogical method which intentionally instructs students in techniques to hone their writing, reading, and critical-thinking skills so that graduates will be confident communicators. Nearly all courses at Bluefield College, regardless of subject matter, will include the same learning objective: students will demonstrate proficiency in Confident Communicator skills, a proficiency of increasing complexity from 1000- to 4000-level courses with specific measurable student learning outcomes. Goal 1: Develop an assessment process that will measure student writing ability incoming and at the conclusion of each year of matriculation at Bluefield College. Goals 2: Establish a Freshman writing program that will lay a firm foundation for writing fundamentals in the English Composition sequence and be reinforced in the other classes the students take during their first year. Goal 3: Implement a writing in the disciplines program that will reinforce basic writing proficiencies learned during the freshman year while incrementally increasing instruction and expectations, sophomore through senior years.

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