Core Competencies
1. Demonstrate the ability to think critically
a) Identify the issue(s) clearly and effectively
b) Identify the key components and perspective(s) of subject
matter, both stated and unstated, and their relations to each other
and the issue
c) Integrate multiple perspectives and information to produce a new
and original whole
d) Assess the value and/or usefulness of information or ideas
e) Use information and relevant knowledge to construct a valid
argument or solution
2. Demonstrate proficiency in information literacy
a) Design a research objective appropriate to assignment
b) Locate needed information from a variety of sources
c) Critically evaluate information and sources
d) Situate primary sources in their historical context and
articulate their continued relevance
e) Integrate information to accomplish the planned objective
f) Use information ethically and legally
3. Demonstrate the ability to write
skillfully
a) Address assignment appropriately
b) Present well-defined claims
c) Compose well-organized work with logical flow
d) Use multiple, reliable sources, with researched support
correctly cited, to support claim
e) Use effective word choice, sentence variety and standard written
English competently
f) Reflect upon, evaluate, and revise one’s written work
4. Demonstrate skill in oral
presentation
a) Use evidence and research appropriate to topic and organize
the materials for presentation
b) Engage the audience, using language appropriate to audience and
assignment
c) Use appropriate and effective supplementary materials
d) Utilize appropriate volume, rate, and length relevant to
topic
5. Demonstrate the ability to use quantitative reasoning
in a variety of contexts
a) Differentiate among interpretations of quantitative
information, including causality and correlation
b) Interpret quantitative measures, including statistical
significance and descriptive statistics (mean, median, mode)
c) Utilize quantitative measures (electronic, graphical, tabular or
numerical) to make informed decisions in a variety of
contexts
Sample Rubrics for Assessment
Why use rubrics?
Rubrics are a convenient way of giving students
clear statements of your academic expectations of them. We
encourage you to use the rubrics that are appropriate to your
disciplinary perspectives. These
rubrics serve as guidelines; feel free to adjust them to meet
the needs of your courses.