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. Uses knowledge of students to meet needs. Learner Development — Uses data about students and their development to adjust teaching and build on student strengths resulting in student learning. 

2. Uses accurate content and academic vocabulary. Content Knowledge — 
   Communicates accurate content, uses academic vocabulary correctly, provides relevant opportunities for students to demonstrate understanding and uses knowledge of common misconceptions to create accurate understanding in the content area.

3. Uses classroom assessment. Assessment — Uses classroom formative and summative assessments that match objectives and inform instructional decisions to guide implementation of differentiated instructional strategies to include designing and/or adapting interventions as a result. 
4. Uses  professional communication. Leadership and Collaboration — Demonstrates professional oral, written and electronic communication, responds to people, problems and crises effectively and communicates with families through a variety of means (i.e. notes home, e-mails or websites, phone calls, conferences, meetings).

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. Students will analyze a text through close reading in order to produce a critical interpretation.
2. Students will synthesize and evaluate historical, cultural, generic and formal contexts.
3. Students will apply a variety of theoretical and critical methods.
4. Students will develop and present creative, critical 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.
5. Recognize and identify main aspects of Hispanic culture in its diversity and the variety of its productions including that of Spain and Latin American countries, and Hispanic culture in the United States.
   1. Recognize and identify literary language and select Hispanic literary and filmic works and place them in their literary and cultural context.
   2. Recognize and formulate responses to the social values of the cultures being studied and be able to draw reasoned comparisons to their own culture on topics important to the cultures being studied.
   3. Research literary and cultural topics and report findings.
   4. Obtain skills to help them qualify for professional work in various areas or be prepared to attend graduate school.

Publishing

1. Understand the basic process of publishing a book, including the duties of various job specialties (such as acquisitions editor, copy editor and typesetter), and be able to plan out the workflow of a project.
2. Understand and use standard copy editing and proofreading marks and distinguish between different editing styles.
3. Understand the basic conventions of page layout and text, including hierarchy, consistency and fonts.
4. Have basic competency with the industry-standard software for copy editing and production (currently Microsoft Word and Adobe InDesign).
5. Demonstrate effective written communication and an advanced understanding of English grammar and syntax.

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

PK-12 Physical Education and Health

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

Exercise Science Program Learning Outcomes

1. The student will describe and apply physiological, psychological, biomechanical and motor learning principles and theories related to skillful movement, physical activity and fitness. 
2. The student will evaluate, design, and implement individual and group exercise and fitness programs for apparently healthy, increased risk, athletic, and clinical populations. 
3. The student will be proficient in addressing and modifying health behaviors and risk factors, conducting fitness assessments and writing appropriate exercise prescriptions to maintain positive lifestyle behaviors.
4. The student will be able to read, comprehend and critique published research.
5. The student will demonstrate competence as a leader of health and fitness programs in a university, corporate, commercial and/or community setting. 

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. Use scientific reasoning to interpret psychological phenomena.
   1. Describe key concepts, themes and applications.
   2. Demonstrate psychology information literacy.
   3. Interpret, or design and conduct, basic psychological research.
2. Apply ethical standards to evaluate psychological science and practice.
   1. Incorporate sociocultural factors in scientific inquiry.
3. Demonstrate effective oral and written communication for different purposes

Sociology and Criminology Program Learning Outcomes

1. Apply sociological principles to understand the social world.
   1. Interpret, or design and conduct, basic sociological research
   2. Use the Sociological Imagination to critically evaluate explanations of human behavior and social phenomena
   3. Identify and describe the influence of social structure, culture, and interaction in social phenomena
   4. Apply sociological theories to understand social phenomena

2. Demonstrate effective oral and written communication for different purposes.

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 carefully-crafted material practices.
2. Student produces work which displays intentional engagement of professional material practices.
3. Student produces work which is visually engaging.
4. Student proficiently communicates conceptual processes and ideas.
5. Student demonstrates intentional, competent integration of concept and research.
6. Student demonstrates appropriate dedication toward fostering a cohesive body of work.