General Education Learning Goals

Frostburg State University’s Goals for General Education reflect the mission of the University and its Undergraduate Institutional Learning Goals through a focus on four specific areas of learning.

1. CORE SKILLS
You will become proficient in reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills necessary for effective communication. You will also develop quantitative literacy, technology literacy, and information literacy.

You will

• demonstrate foundational skills in the comprehension and interpretation of information in written and oral forms;
• communicate information and ideas effectively;
• understand and apply mathematical reasoning to solve quantitative problems and to evaluate quantitative information and arguments;
• use technological resources as appropriate to access and communicate relevant information.

2. LIBERAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS OF INQUIRY, CRITICAL THINKING, AND SYNTHESIS
You will develop the foundational skills necessary to acquire knowledge in the humanities, the natural sciences, the social sciences, and the arts, which collectively embody the human cultural heritage. You will be introduced to critical thinking.

You will

• demonstrate foundational abilities to apply different methods of inquiry from various perspectives and disciplines to gather information;
• comprehend and use various fundamental research methods to evaluate information critically;
• use problem-defining and problem-solving skills by synthesizing core concepts within and across disciplines;
• demonstrate sustained intellectual curiosity through exploration of emerging issues.

3. VALUES AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
You will develop the foundational skills necessary to critically explore, evaluate, and define your values and become responsible citizens in a complex and changing society.

You will

• Demonstrate respect and tolerance for other cultures and societies;
• Make personal judgments based on ethical considerations and societal values;
• Exhibit civic responsibility and leadership;
• Understand the purpose and value of community service in advancing society.

4. APPRECIATION OF CULTURAL IDENTITIES
You will gain insight into the ways cultural identities and experiences shape individual perspectives of the world and influence interactions with people from different backgrounds.

You will

• Demonstrate the fundamental knowledge, skills, and attitudes essential for communicating and cooperating effectively with people of diverse backgrounds;
• Demonstrate an awareness of the cultural and social exercise of power;
• Recognize and appreciate arguments supporting perspectives different from your own.