Learning Outcomes

3-2 Engineering

Successful graduates of the 3-2 Engineering program will be able to

• apply the principles of engineering math and science to problems in engineering.
• design and conduct experiments, as well as analyze and interpret data.
• design, build and test a system, component, or process to meet required needs.
• integrate computer-based engineering tools into engineering practice. 
• communicate effectively and function on multi-disciplinary teams.

Accounting

Successful graduates of the Accounting major will be able to

• classify, categorize, and develop financial statements that are relevant to a reporting entity and also faithfully represent what really existed or happened in order to facilitate decision-making.
• compile, present, and analyze financial statements and information that is comparable, verifiable, timely, and understandable for potential investors, lenders, owners and the general public in order to facilitate decision-making.
• demonstrate understanding of the regulatory and professional standards and pronouncements relevant to accounting and be able to interpret and apply that authoritative guidance appropriately in specific contexts.

As a major within the Economics and Business Department, graduates of this major will also be able to:

• Assemble, analyze, and evaluate quantitative and qualitative information relevant to businesses and the economy, and communicate its significance for an organization’s decision-making.
• Use economic reasoning to explain how changing market conditions and government policies affect households, organizations, and society as a whole. 
• Demonstrate technical competence appropriate for employment in accounting, business, economics, and/or finance.
• Present and defend judgments about the role in the marketplace of stewardship and virtues such as wisdom, courage, moderation, and justice.
• Explain the implications of their Christian worldview and faith for the practice of accounting, business, economics, and/or finance.

Art

Successful graduates of the Visual Arts program at Gordon College will be able to

• cultivate the discipline of curiosity and design thinking.
• make artwork in a variety of visual media with creative expression and technical skills.
• articulate the conceptual and historical relevance of their own work.
• analyze and interpret visual arts products in the traditional Western, non-Western, and contemporary art cultures.
• explore the connection between creativity, visual art, and the Imago Dei.
• discern their vocational callings within the discipline of visual arts.

Biblical Studies

Successful graduates of the Biblical Studies major will be able to

• demonstrate knowledge of the Old and New Testament texts and their interrelationship with the cultural, geographical, historical, and political contexts surrounding those texts.
• state the central doctrines of the Christian faith and describe the rich history and complexity of thought and diversity of practices within major Christian traditions.
• engage in respectful and substantive theological discussions with those whom they encounter within the Church, in the academy, and in the wider public arena.  
• demonstrate the research skills necessary for biblical and theological interpretation. 
• communicate their increasingly refined and coherent hermeneutic for addressing the biblical text as it speaks to their 21st-century world. 
• articulate their understanding of the vital importance of submission to the authority of the living Word of God.

Biochemistry

Successful graduates of the Biochemistry major will be able to

• understand, examine, and be able to articulate content from the breadth of biological topics, ranging from subcellular to biosphere systems, including organisms in all domains of life. 
• demonstrate an ability to manipulate and use equipment and techniques to analyze and collect data from molecular to ecological scales. 
• design, execute and communicate an empirical research study in the biological sciences.
• critically evaluate empirical literature within the biological sciences, identifying strengths and weaknesses of experimental approaches, methodologies, and justifications.
• demonstrate the skills required to present a research project in oral and written formats in a professional forum.
• analyze connections between human health and well-being through the biological sciences (e.g., nutrition, disease, illness, environmental sustainability, and stewardship).
• articulate an understanding of the relationship and integration of the biological sciences to the Christian faith, particularly pertaining to controversial topics.

Biology (Bachelor of Arts / Science)

Successful graduates of the Biology major will be able to

• understand, examine, and be able to articulate content from the breadth of biological topics, ranging from subcellular to biosphere systems, including organisms in all domains of life.
• demonstrate an ability to manipulate and use equipment and techniques to analyze and collect data from molecular to ecological scales.
• be able to design, execute, and communicate an empirical research study in the biological sciences.
• be able to critically evaluate empirical literature within the biological sciences, identifying strengths and weaknesses of experimental approaches, methodologies, and justifications.
• demonstrate the skills required to present a research project in oral and written formats in a professional forum.
• analyze connections between human health and well-being through the biological sciences (e.g., nutrition, disease, illness, environmental sustainability, and stewardship).
• articulate an understanding of the relationship and integration of the biological sciences to the Christian faith, particularly pertaining to controversial topics.

Business Administration

Successful graduates of the Business Administration major will be able to

• identify the roles accounting, finance, management, marketing and economics play in running a business.
• organize and interpret the basic financial data of a for-profit enterprise.
• interpret investment, financing and governance decisions of corporations.
• analyze the development, pricing, promotion and distribution of products and services to customers and demonstrate an understanding of core marketing concepts through case study methodology.
• explain managerial planning, organizing, controlling and leading from both a rational and interpretive perspective.
• evaluate different approaches to strategy formation and ethical decision-making in business.

As a major within the Economics and Business Department, a graduate of this major will also be able to

• assemble, analyze, and evaluate quantitative and qualitative information relevant to businesses and the economy, and communicate its significance for an organization’s decision-making,
• use economic reasoning to explain how changing market conditions and government policies affect households, organizations, and society as a whole, 
• demonstrate technical competence appropriate for employment in accounting, business, economics, and/or finance,
• present and defend judgments about the role in the marketplace of stewardship and virtues such as wisdom, courage, moderation, and justice, and
• explain the implications of their Christian worldview and faith for the practice of accounting, business, economics, and/or finance.

Christian Ministries

Successful graduates of the Christian Ministries major will be able to

• engage in respectful and substantive theological discussions spanning issues and Christian perspectives on faith and life. 
• contribute to the study of Christian ministries by utilizing a practical theology research methodology. 
• describe the nature, purpose, and ministries of the church. 
• navigate the process of discerning an ecclesiastical calling. 
• identify issues concerning personal ethics, character, spiritual conscience, and the decision-making process of the person as minister. 
• demonstrate the research skills of hermeneutics necessary for biblical and theological interpretation. 
• demonstrate the method of theological reflection as an instinctive mode of response in matters of faith and life as well as ministry practices. 
• articulate a theology of evangelism, discipleship, and spiritual formation that is faithful to the Scriptures in content and consistent with the historic Christian heritage. 
• construct theological responses to questions inherent to contemporary culture. 
• compare and contrast various visions of leadership in Christian and corporate contexts. 
• communicate clear ideas for specified audiences using different presentation mediums.
• demonstrate the ability to integrate theoretical frameworks into a ministry context through a practicum experience.

Communication Arts

Successful graduates of the Communication Arts major will be able to

• create messages: Create effective visual, oral, and written communication messages appropriate to the audience, purpose, and context, 
• use technology: Employ communication tools and technologies to enhance message creation and dissemination,
• understand theory: Explain communication theory and apply it to their lives and vocational paths,
• analyze media: Engage in critical communication research and evaluate the persuasive power of communication,
• value difference: Design and employ communication strategies that embrace difference and value human flourishing in a digital age,
• impact society: Exhibit the ability of communication strategies and practices to influence public discourse and social change, and
• live ethically: Demonstrate the distinctiveness of Christ-centered communication and its impact on ethical communication practices.

Communication Science Disorders

Successful graduates of the Communication Science Disorders major will be able to

• classify and integrate information from biology, acoustics, language science, cognitive science, human development, and psychology to demonstrate core competencies in understanding the science of human communication,
• identify and distinguish disorders of human communication,
• apply critical thinking and written and oral communication abilities within the contexts of physical, biological, cognitive, linguistic, and social sciences, and
• recognize contemporary issues in health care and education and incorporate professional ethics, cultural competence for professional interactions in a diverse society, evidence-based decision-making, regulatory and institutional aspects of the provision of services

Computer Science

Successful graduates of the Computer Science major will be able to

• work collaboratively on technical projects.
• apply sound software development principles to a project.
• write non-trivial programs in several programming languages.
• learn and use new programming languages.
• identify and apply appropriate data structures and algorithms when solving problems.
• make appropriate decisions about ethical issues such as privacy.
• take security implications into consideration as part of designing a system.

Economics

Successful graduates of the Economics major will be able to

• use mathematical methods of optimization and graphical analysis to explain the behavior of firms and households and interpret the practical implications of the models’ results.
• apply the leading models of macroeconomics to explain both long-term economic growth and short-term fluctuations. Offer interpretations for prominent examples of past growth and recent fluctuations, including their implications for households, financial decision-makers, and public policy.
• understand and apply the primary models of at least two fields of applied economics, and use the models to analyze quantitative data and evaluate policy recommendations. 
• design a statistical test to estimate the causal relationship (if any) between two or more economic variables, and conduct the test using statistical software.
• synthesize existing knowledge about an economic policy, and present evidence-based conclusions about the policy’s consequences (both intended and unintended).

As a major within the Economics and Business Department, a graduate of this major will also be able to:

• assemble, analyze, and evaluate quantitative and qualitative information relevant to businesses and the economy, and communicate its significance for an organization’s decision-making.
• use economic reasoning to explain how changing market conditions and government policies affect households, organizations, and society as a whole. 
• demonstrate technical competence appropriate for employment in accounting, business, economics, and/or finance.
• present and defend judgments about the role in the marketplace of stewardship and virtues such as wisdom, courage, moderation, and justice.
• explain the implications of their Christian worldview and faith for the practice of accounting, business, economics, and/or finance.

Education

Successful graduates of majors in the Education department will be able to

• demonstrate sound knowledge and understanding of the subject matter and the pedagogy it requires by consistently engaging students in learning experiences that enable them to acquire complex knowledge and subject-specific skills.
• prepare and teach well-structured lessons with objectives, student engagement strategies, pacing, sequence, activities, materials, resources, technologies and grouping. 
• make adjustments to practice by organizing and analyzing results from a variety of assessments, determining progress and identifying and implementing interventions and enhancements for students. 
• meet the diverse needs of students including English language learners, struggling students and high-achieving students
• create and maintain a safe learning environment that includes rituals and routines and appropriately manage a small group of students. 
• use teaching strategies to communicate high expectations for all learners 
• reflect on the effectiveness of lessons, units, and interactions with students and with colleagues to gain insight for improved practice and student learning. 
• demonstrate professional standards of communication, writing and behavior.
• professionally and appropriately articular and demonstrate implications for their Christian worldview and faith in teaching practices across varied educational settings.

English Language and Literature

Successful graduates of the English Language and Literature major will be able to

• use critical reading strategies to understand texts, generate inquiry, and integrate their own ideas with those of others in oral and written expression.
• employ flexible strategies for writing and revising, critique their own and others' work, and respond appropriately to varied rhetorical situations and audiences.
• demonstrate a knowledge of the major traditions of literature written in English and an appreciation for the diversity of literary and social voices within -- and sometimes marginalized by -- those traditions. 
• articulate a clear understanding of how critical, social, cultural, and historical contexts shape, and are shaped by, texts.
• communicate an awareness of literature’s power to transform our understanding of ourselves, of others, and of the diverse and broken world represented in literary texts. 
• apply the critical skills and creative sensibilities of a humanities education to a variety of professional contexts.

Finance

Successful graduates of the Finance major will be able to

• demonstrate competency in financial statement analysis, risk management, stock and bond valuation, capital budgeting and working capital management.  
• articulate the functions of financial markets and institutions in the economy including the roles that commercial banks, investment banks, other financial institutions and the markets for financial assets play in raising capital.
• demonstrate a solid understanding of the characteristics of major asset classes and develop investment strategies to meet specific investment objectives
• identify, assess and propose strategies to mitigate various risks against financial losses through appropriate insurance mechanisms.
• analyze real-life personal financial challenges and apply suitable financial tools and mechanisms to address specific financial needs.  
• apply common modeling tools used in financial decision-making while understanding the value and limitations of such tools/techniques and the importance of good stewardship and ethics in sound financial management.

As a major within the Economics and Business Department, graduates of this major will also be able to:

• assemble, analyze, and evaluate quantitative and qualitative information relevant to businesses and the economy, and communicate its significance for an organization’s decision-making.
• use economic reasoning to explain how changing market conditions and government policies affect households, organizations, and society as a whole. 
• demonstrate technical competence appropriate for employment in accounting, business, economics, and/or finance.
• present and defend judgments about the role in the marketplace of stewardship and virtues such as wisdom, courage, moderation, and justice.
• explain the implications of their Christian worldview and faith for the practice of accounting, business, economics, and/or finance.

History

Successful graduates of the History major will be able to

• critically read and analyze primary and secondary historical texts.
• demonstrate basic research skills and information literacy and will write an analytical paper that explores a historical research question developed by the student.
• demonstrate effective oral communication skills.
• critique and evaluate the work of historians as well as their student peers.
• implement criticism of their own work provided by student peers and instructors into a revised final product.

International Affairs

Successful graduates of the International Affairs major will be able to

• will demonstrate knowledge of the history, structure, and operation of the international system
• will demonstrate knowledge of the political systems of various countries throughout the world
• be able to analyze and evaluate international economic activity between countries
• be able to express and assess Christian understandings of world politics
• be able to analyze critically
• research effectively, and write cogently

Kinesiology

Successful graduates of the Kinesiology major will be able to

• demonstrate knowledge of human movement and its relationship to physical activity, health and disease. 
• demonstrate knowledge of anatomical structures and/or anatomical physiology.
• demonstrate proficiency in skills related to the process of dissection.
•  explain how changes in anatomy and disruptions in physiological function are associated with pathology and disease. 
• demonstrate proficiency in the utilization of technologies, equipment and instrumentation to measure and assess human performance.
• critically read, assess, and understand scientific literature including graphical and tabular.
• apply knowledge and skills to practical experiences in the field(s) of exercise science, health and wellness, and physical rehabilitation.
• articulate and apply a Christian worldview to the redemption of disordered movement and medical service.

Linguistics

Successful graduates of the Linguistics major will

• interpret the richness and diversity of the world’s languages.
• explain how language is a fundamental part of being human, both connecting and dividing different people groups.
• delineate the fundamental concepts of morphology, syntax, phonetics, phonology, and semantics.
• examine various languages using the fundamental concepts of morphology, syntax, phonetics, phonology, and semantics.
• explicate how languages change over time.
• specify how differences between languages can affect second-language acquisition.
• demonstrate how linguistic concepts and tools apply to their future careers.

Mathematics

Successful graduates of the Mathematics major will be able to

• articulate the mathematical aspect of God’s creation.
• solve complex mathematical problems.
• apply quantitative reasoning and mathematical theories to a variety of situations.
• form and test mathematical conjectures.
• write cogent mathematical arguments.

Music (Bachelor of Arts)

Successful graduates of the Music major will be able to

• aurally and visually identify patterns in music at the micro and macro levels.
• perform fluently from standard notation.
• analyze and identify compositional processes and techniques appropriate to varying styles and genres.
• communicate knowledge of musical and stylistic characteristics appropriate to era, genre and culture.
• perform appropriate ensemble literature on a major instrument with technical accuracy and expressiveness.
• perform appropriate solo literature on a major instrument with technical accuracy and expressiveness.
• evaluate and assess musical performances and creative works.
• perform on a keyboard instrument proficiently.
• perform vocally with proficiency.

Music Education (Bachelor of Music)

Successful graduates of the Music Education major will be able to

• aurally and visually identify patterns in music at the micro and macro levels.
• analyze and identify compositional processes and techniques appropriate to varying styles and genres.
• communicate knowledge of musical and stylistic characteristics appropriate to era, genre and culture.
• apply self-regulated learning to prepare and perform appropriate solo literature on a major instrument, with technical accuracy and self-expression
• make interpretive decisions based on appropriate analysis of context and expressive intent. 
• perform appropriate ensemble literature on a major instrument with technical accuracy and expressiveness.
• evaluate and assess musical performances and creative works / Judge musical performances and works for expressive and technical quality.
• perform on a keyboard instrument proficiently.
• demonstrate a rudimentary capacity to improvise and compose music.
• perform vocally with proficiency.

Music Performance (Bachelor of Music)

Successful graduates of the Music Performance major will be able to

• aurally and visually identify patterns in music at the micro and macro levels.
• analyze and identify compositional processes and techniques appropriate to varying styles and genres.
• communicate knowledge of musical and stylistic characteristics appropriate to era, genre and culture.
• apply self-regulated learning to prepare and perform appropriate solo literature on a major instrument, with technical mastery and self-expression.
• make interpretive decisions based on appropriate analysis of context and expressive intent.
• demonstrate an understanding of the repertory in their major performance area and the ability to perform from a cross-section of that repertory.
• perform appropriate ensemble literature on a major instrument with technical accuracy and expressiveness.
• evaluate and assess musical performances and creative works / Judge musical performances and works for expressive and technical quality. 
• communicate knowledge and skill to work as a leader and in collaboration on matters of musical interpretation in a variety of settings.
• communicate familiarity with appropriate pedagogical techniques for applied lessons in their major performance area. 
• perform on a keyboard instrument proficiently.
• demonstrate a rudimentary capacity to improvise and compose music.
• perform vocally with proficiency.

Philosophy

Successful graduates of the Philosophy major will be able to

• analyze philosophical arguments using the fundamentals of formal and informal reasoning.
• critically read and analyze philosophical traditions including the ideas, arguments, and figures associated with those traditions.
• investigate the implications of the philosophical analysis for developing a coherent Christian worldview.
• analyze and critique contemporary issues through the lens of various philosophical traditions.

Physics (Bachelor of Arts / Science)

Successful graduates of the Physics major will be able to

• demonstrate an understanding of core areas of physics including mechanics, electricity and magnetism, and thermal and statistical physics. 
• demonstrate understanding of related mathematics (through Differential Equations) and computer science (Python). 
• demonstrate effective laboratory techniques. 
• show evidence of the capability of acquiring and interpreting quantitative data in core areas of physics.

Political Science

Successful graduates of the Political Science major will be able to

• express and assess their understanding of politics from a Christian perspective that encompasses a global scope.
• analyze critically, research effectively, write cogently and speak clearly about basic political questions.
• describe the major forms of government in the world, primary political theories, and common social science methods.
• engage in a variety of vocations in pursuit of a just political order.

Psychology

Successful graduates of the Psychology major will be able to

• articulate the major diagnostic criteria for psychological diagnosis, the major treatments, or the major theories that underlie those treatments.
• explain the role probabilistic thinking plays in social science research.
• design, execute, and write up an empirical research study according to the publication manual of the American Psychological Association.
• critically evaluate empirical literature within the social sciences.
• to articulate how a sub-area within psychology can be integrated with the Christian faith.
• demonstrate the skills required to present a research project in a professional public forum.

Social Welfare

Successful graduates of the Social Welfare major will be able to

• demonstrate ethical and professional behavior.
• engage diversity and difference in Social Welfare practice.
• advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice.
• engage in practice-informed research and research-informed Social welfare practice.
• engage in Social Welfare policy practice.
• engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
• assess individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
• intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
• evaluate Social Welfare practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

Theatre Arts

Successful graduates of the Theater Arts major will 

• produce theatrical work with creative expression and technical skills. Demonstrate skill in all aspects of theatrical production including acting, design, directing, writing, and technical production
• analyze and participate in technical production and performance in multiple areas 
• analyze and interpret theatrical products in traditional Western, non-Western, and contemporary cultures
• explore, discern, and carry out their vocational callings within the discipline of theater ––prepared for graduate study and/or beginning professional work in theater.

 

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Core Curriculum

Learning outcomes for the core curriculum have been developed to align with the objectives that guided the creation of the core curriculum. Below, the objectives are presented in bold text followed by the core learning outcomes.

Students will gain knowledge of God’s character and purposes as revealed in Scripture and understood in the life of the church. 

1.1 Students will demonstrate an awareness of the cultural, geographical, historical, and political contexts of the Bible and how these contexts inform their understanding of Scripture.
1.2 Students will recall key historical figures and events in Scripture and their roles in the meta-narrative of God’s redemptive plan. 
1.3 Students will apply biblical wisdom to contemporary moral issues.
1.4 Students will explain the central doctrines of the Christian faith and describe the rich diversity of thought and practice within major Christian traditions.
1.5 Students will identify a particular doctrine from their own Christian tradition and its contribution to the wider development of the Christian tradition. 
1.6 Students will commit significant parts of Scripture to memory as a means of embodying truth in the life of the Church.
1.7 Students will reflect theologically on matters of faith and life. 
1.8 Students will participate in theological dialogue marked by respectful listening and response.

Students will gain knowledge and pursue attitudes of stewardship of God's creation in all its complexity, coherence, and beauty.

2.1 Students will be able to identify some of the central principles of creation as discovered by the natural sciences, mathematics, or computer science.
2.2 Students will be able to identify some of the strengths and limitations of scientific methods.
2.3 Students will be able to discuss some common themes observed within the diversity of creation.

2.4 Students will be able to discuss the proper place of the scientific enterprise within a Christian worldview.

2.5 Students will be able to assess some of the impacts of human activity on nature and evaluate proposed remedies to detrimental effects.

Students will gain knowledge of various perspectives on human nature and will pursue an understanding of humankind as created, fallen, and redeemed.

3.1 Students will examine their beliefs and articulate a more coherent and viable understanding of humankind as created, fallen, and redeemed. 
3.2 Students will be able to compare and contrast the Christian worldview of human nature with differing worldviews. 
3.3 Students will examine diverse and even conflicting perspectives on complex subjects within natural and human systems.

Students will gain the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to engage with local and global cultures to pursue shalom throughout a diverse world. 

4.1  Students will be able to identify historical racial inequities and their intergenerational transmission in the United States
4.2  Students will be able to describe God’s reconciling work bringing shalom throughout a diverse world.
4.3  Students will be able to evaluate the participation of communities of Christians in pursuing shalom.
4.4  Students will be able to articulate the influence of their cultural and social contexts on their self-understanding.
4.5  Students will be able to demonstrate intercultural competence for local and/or global engagement.
4.6  Students will be able to recognize cultural differences.
4.7  Students will be able to compare and contrast the literature of two or more diverse cultures.
4.8  Students will be able to exchange personal and cultural information with members of a foreign-based culture group.
4.9  Students will demonstrate how language both shapes and is shaped by culture.

Students will gain an understanding of diverse ways of knowing about nature, humankind and God, and an ability to draw on multiple disciplinary perspectives when confronting complex problems.

5.1 Students will be able to identify and compare different ways of knowing about nature, humankind, and God and the relations between them.
5.2 Students will be able to discuss how different disciplinary perspectives might be brought to bear on complex problems. 
5.3 Students will discuss complex problems to examine different conceptions of the relations between God, humankind, and nature.

Development of Christian character, moral discernment and civic responsibility

6.1 Students will explain the strengths and limitations of both a Christian moral framework and the social sciences in promoting moral discernment, individual flourishing, and the common good.
6.2 Students will recognize, articulate, and apply a Christian moral framework for their engagement in social, political, and/or economic structures.
6.3 Students will explain the strengths and limitations of particular political and/or economic structures in promoting individual flourishing and the common good.
6.4 Students will articulate the relationship of a Christian moral framework, as well as other philosophical frameworks, to historical or contemporary social, political, and/or economic structures.

Practice of Critical Thinking

7a.1 Students will construct a clear and insightful problem statement with evidence of all relevant contextual factors. 
7a.2 Students will propose solutions/hypotheses that are sensitive to the ethical, logical, and/or cultural dimensions of the problem. 
7a.3 Students will practice articulating arguments in written form. 

Practice of Quantitative Reasoning

7b.1 Students will provide accurate explanations of information presented in mathematical forms and make appropriate inferences based on that information. 
7b.2 Students will select quantitative information that is relevant to an argument, present it in an effective format, and draw accurate conclusions from it. 

Practice of Oral communication

7c.1 Students will engage in oral discourse, discussion, and debate throughout various coursework. 
7c.2 Students will use oral and written communication to express ideas and understandings throughout various coursework. 

Development of aesthetic sensibilities and practices

8.1 Students will identify and discuss foundational elements of artistic form and expression which create aesthetic experiences.
8.2 Students will engage with works of art as receivers and/or creators.
8.3 Students will discuss the meaning and value of creative expression within historical and/or cultural contexts.

Habits of physical, emotional, and spiritual health and wellness

9.1 Students will practice habits of physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness.