Adult Degree Completion (ADC) Program General Education Program and Courses

1. Foundations (3 units)

An interdisciplinary study of contemporary issues of U.S. culture within the context of a group of adult learners who are beginning and resuming their academic education. Through this exploration students practice and refine foundational skills in critical thinking, reading, speaking, listening, and writing, and they integrate their personal and professional experience with their academic studies and goals. Students must complete this course at Dominican with a ‘C’ (2.0) or higher.

Course that Fulfills the Requirement

OR

For returning students: Other previously required Foundations course(s) at Dominican, such as SCS 3160, will be accepted only if students have already fulfilled the GE writing and public speaking requirements in effect at that time. If not, such courses taken before Fall 2016 will be accepted as elective units.

Course Learning Outcomes

The student will:

1. Demonstrate an interdisciplinary understanding of specific contemporary issues of U.S. culture
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between life experience and academic goals
3. Write university-level essays that include:
   • Specific, debatable theses;
   • Relevant, cogent, and valid supporting evidence;
   • Logical and coherent organization, including effective paragraphing and transitions;
   • Precise word choice and correctness in spelling, grammar, mechanics, and punctuation; and
   • Appropriate research methods and documentation.
4. Design a cogent oral argument suitable to the topic, purpose, and audience (being responsive to audience diversity)
5. Deliver effective, informative speeches
6. Critically evaluate content and delivery of peer oral speeches

2. Advanced Writing and Research (3 units)

Further development of competencies in critical thinking, expository writing, and research across the disciplines. Practice in identifying, summarizing, evaluating, and integrating information. Students must complete this course at Dominican with a ‘C’ (2.0) or higher. Prerequisite: passing HCS 3160 with a grade of ‘C’ (2.0) or higher.

Course that Fulfills the Requirement

Course Learning Outcomes

The student will:

1. Demonstrate continuing competency in the development of:
   • Specific, debatable these;
   • Relevant, cogent, and valid supporting evidence;
   • Logical and coherent organization, including effective paragraphing and transitions; and
   • Precise word choice and correctness in spelling, grammar, mechanics, and punctuation.
2. Use appropriate research methods and information sources.
3. Demonstrate critical thinking and analysis through such methods as summary, evaluation, and integration of research.
4. Apply standard documentation, such as APA, MLA, or CMS.

3. Mathematical Thinking and Quantitative Reasoning (3-4 units)

The primary goals of the Mathematical Thinking and Quantitative Reasoning Requirement are to help students develop certain general intellectual mathematical abilities and to see mathematics as an enriching and empowering discipline. Students will undertake practices that encourage independent exploration in mathematics, and that develop tenacity and confidence in their abilities to use mathematics.

Course that Fulfills the Requirement

Alternatively, Management majors may choose to meet the MT requirement by completing Intermediate Algebra with a grade of 'C' (2.0) or higher, followed by:

Alternatively, Psychology majors may choose to meet the MT requirement by completing Intermediate Algebra with a grade of 'C' (2.0) or higher, followed by:

Course Learning Outcomes

The student will:

1. Apply analytical and theoretical methods to solve mathematical problems.
2. Interpret and draw inferences from data, graphs, tables, or mathematical models.

4. Social Science (3 units)

The disciplines of social science investigate the thought and behavior of human individuals and groups as cultural contexts and social environments condition them. The aim of social science inquiry is to gather empirical evidence regarding, and to develop theories explaining, human thought, action, and interaction.

Courses that Fulfill the Requirement

Course Learning Outcomes

The student will:

1. Effectively communicate an understanding of the method(s) used by the particular social science under study
2. Articulate at least three theories used to understand human behavior in the social science discipline
3. Recognize themselves as citizens of diverse communities

5. Natural Science (3 units)

Scientific reasoning is distinguished by understanding and applying scientific method, laboratory techniques, mathematical principles, and experimental design to natural phenomena. The natural science requirement prepares students to (a) understand the role of empirical data in establishing scientific knowledge; (b) appreciate that, in addition to empirical evidence, science involves skepticism and rational arguments; that it is not opinion but is rather a reasoned consensus among informed experts which improves over time; and (c) comprehend several paradigmatic examples of the fundamental conceptual models in at least one of the disciplines of the natural sciences including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Geology.

To satisfy the General Education requirement in natural sciences ADC students are required to complete one course. ADC students can transfer in up to 3 units of either Biological or Physical Science, with or without a lab. ADC students who transfer without 3 units of Natural Science will select appropriate courses after consultation with their advisor.

Course that Fulfills the Requirement

Course Learning Outcomes

The student will:

1. Use (understand) the scientific method to carry out a quantitative experiment—develop a hypothesis and research protocol, analyze data, interpret and assess reliability of results, and draw reasonable conclusions
2. Communicate the result effectively in written and oral form including use of figures, graphs, and presentation software
3. Explain the method by which scientific theories and models evolve over time
4. Explain key scientific ideas covered in the class
5. Show the relevance of scientific findings to current social, political, and/or ethical issues.

6. Creative and Performing Arts (3 units)

The experience and growth of one's own creativity through the actual process of making art through studio work, creative writing, performing arts, visual arts, or music. The creative process should include the use of problem solving and methodology, personal experience, reflection, and invention.

Courses that Fulfill the Requirement

Course Learning Outcomes

The student will:

1. Identify important concepts and methods under study
2. Apply the above to the creation of works in the artistic genre
3. Engage in the creative process as an effective and imaginative problem-solving method, involving research, development and synthesis

7. Moral Philosophy/Ethics (3 units)

Practicing the art of clear and cogent reasoning in the critical analysis of various moral positions and arguments on a variety of contemporary ethical issues.

Courses that Fulfill the Requirement

Course Learning Outcomes

The student will:

1. Conduct analysis of contemporary ethical issues
2. Comprehend ethical method and theory
3. Make moral arguments that demonstrate awareness of and sensitivity to differing values and ethical perspectives

8. Religion (3 units)

Sustained engagement with the questions of God, social betterment, and individual human fulfillment through the study of Biblical literature, Christian theology and social justice ideals, and/or the world's major religious traditions.

Course that Fulfills the Requirement

Course Learning Outcomes

The student will:

1. Explain key features (e.g., scriptural contents and context, major historical events and their contexts, ritual practices, spirituality, ethical perspectives, theology, impact on culture) of the religion(s) being studied.
2. Analyze such features critically per at least one of the following:
   1. Their implication for dealing with problems in contemporary social life (e.g., sexual and gender issues, ecological issues, poverty, war, religious diversity, science and religion).
   2. Their impact on the student’s personal quest for meaning and spiritual well-being.
3. Express their knowledge in some effective written document (e.g., essay examination, research paper, reflection paper, journal).