Mission

The purpose of the division of arts and sciences is to enhance in students wisdom and faith through teaching how to think critically, communicate effectively, and apply aesthetic sensibility.

General Education Objectives

Students will:

1. Communicate effectively using appropriate rhetorical skills that are reflective of God’s redemptive purpose.

2. Acquire and critically analyze and evaluate written, oral and visual communication.

3. Critique diverse cultures in light of a biblical worldview.

4. Formulate and apply logical research, including scientific and quantitative reasoning, to support life-long learning.

5. Appraise various cultural contributions of art, music, literature and other humanities to the shaping of human thought.

6. Apply stewardship principles that glorify God through managing one’s well-being and resources.

7. Incorporate a technological awareness to facilitate learning and communication.

Analysis of Evidences

The sampling of assessment annotations gathered indicates that information literacy goals (reflected in objectives 1, 2, and 4) are being met in a wide variety of courses at this time. When student performance on information literacy related activities did not meet the expected standard, professors were able to either enact or plan action steps to enhance student performance in that and future course sections. The department chair will continue to monitor assessments in this area to assure that the department continues to build on this existing foundation.  The Comprehensive Outcomes Assessment Plan does show departmental weaknesses in monitoring objectives 6 and 7. Since the stewardship principles of objective six are most prominent in the areas of mathematics and physical education, the department chair will communicate with professors in that area to gather more assessment annotations from those courses. The department chair will open conversations with the department to determine if technology related objectives should remain within the arts and sciences department or should be moved to the professional departments where those skills can be taught within the context of students' professions.