Moorpark College General Education Philosophy Statement and Student Learning Outcomes

An Associate Degree signifies more than an accumulation of units; it signifies the successful completion of a pattern of learning experiences designed to develop certain capabilities and insights that lead to the fulfillment of individual human potential. Therefore, in addition to the Basic Requirements for graduation relating to units, residency, and competency in reading, written expression, and mathematics, students must also satisfy General Education requirements as required by Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations and by Ventura County Community College District Governing Board Policy.

The philosophy underlying “general education” is that no discipline is an isolated endeavor; instead, each relies upon and contributes to a common body of knowledge, ideas, intellectual processes, cultural traditions, and modes of perception. One’s understanding of a specific subject area is greatly enhanced and enriched by knowledge in and experience with other disciplines. Thus, the General Education requirements are designed to introduce students to the variety of means through which people comprehend the modern world and fulfill their potential and, in so doing, serve family, community, and society.

The General Education requirements reflect the conviction that those who receive a degree must possess in common certain basic principles, concepts, and methodologies both unique to and shared by the various disciplines. College-educated persons must be able to use their knowledge to evaluate and appreciate the physical environment, the culture, and the society in which they live. In addition, they must have a good self-understanding and the capacity to adapt to an ever-changing and global environment through an ongoing intellectual curiosity and commitment to life-long learning.

Upon successful completion of all of the General Education requirements, students will be able to:

• Understand the modes of inquiry and critique used in the natural, social, and behavioral sciences and the humanities.
• Understand and appreciate the role of culture and the arts in society and in one’s personal life.
• Think logically and communicate effectively.
• Understand and adopt the concepts of personal health and fitness to enhance the quality of life.
• Recognize the multitude of diversities in the physical and human environments and how these diversities impact individual and society.
• Understand the connections among the various disciplines.
• Use a variety of means to find information, examine it critically, and apply it appropriately.
• Work ethically and effectively with others.
• Apply the skills necessary for successful living in an ever-changing and global environment.
• Become productive workers and life-long learners

Students earning an Associate Degree in general education will complete the Moorpark College Institutional Student Learning Outcomes.

General Education Subject Area and Student Learning Outcomes

The General Education (GE) requirements reflect the conviction that those who receive a degree must possess in common certain basic principles, concepts, and methodologies both unique to and shared by the various disciplines. College-educated persons must be able to use their knowledge to evaluate and appreciate the physical environment, the culture, and the society in which they live. In addition, they must have a good self-understanding and the capacity to adapt to an ever-changing and global environment through an ongoing intellectual curiosity and commitment to life-long learning. (Title 5; Section 55601).

Natural Sciences

Courses in the natural sciences are those which examine the physical universe, its life forms, and its natural phenomena. To satisfy the General Education requirement in Natural Sciences, a course shall be designed to help the student develop an appreciation and understanding of the scientific methods, and encourage an understanding of the relationships between science and other human activities. This category would include introductory or integrative courses in astronomy, biology, chemistry, general physical science, geology, meteorology, oceanography, physical geography, physical anthropology, physics, or other scientific disciplines.

Upon successful completion of the Natural Science general education requirement, students will:

• demonstrate an understanding of the way that the sciences describe the universe and the nature of scientific inquiry (scientific paradigms and methods).
• formulate an appropriate hypothesis to explain provided and/or acquired observations.
• distinguish between relevant and irrelevant evidence to evaluate a scientific question.
• demonstrate an understanding of how theories and scientific findings affect future research, as well as society. 

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Courses in the social and behavioral sciences are those which focus on people as members of society. To satisfy the general education requirement in Social and Behavioral Sciences, a course shall be designed to develop an awareness of the method of inquiry used by the social and behavioral sciences. It shall be designed to stimulate critical thinking about the ways people act and have acted in response to their societies and an appreciation of how societies and social subgroups operate. This category would include introductory or integrative survey courses in cultural anthropology, cultural geography, economics, history, political science, psychology, sociology, or related disciplines.

Upon successful completion of the Social and Behavioral Sciences general education requirement, students will demonstrate an understanding of:

• perspectives, theories, methods, and core concepts within the social sciences or behavioral sciences.
• major problems and issues in their historical, contemporary, geographical contexts or future implications.
• the contributions and perspectives of diversity among individuals and/or cultures.

Arts and Humanities 

Courses in the humanities are those which study the cultural activities and artistic expressions of human beings. To satisfy the general education requirement in the humanities, a course shall be designed to help the student develop an awareness of the ways in which people throughout the ages and in different cultures have responded to themselves and the world around them in artistic and cultural creation and help the student develop aesthetic understanding and an ability to make value judgments. Such courses could include introductory or integrative courses in the arts, foreign languages, literature, philosophy, and religion.

Upon successful completion of the Arts and Humanities general education requirement, students will:

• demonstrate an understanding of major concepts, themes, and imagery found in the arts and humanities and recognize the aesthetic qualities and processes that characterize works of the human intellect and imagination throughout time and/or across cultures.
• develop their intellect, imagination, sensibility, and sensitivity through the study of the arts and humanities.
• critically analyze or produce cultural or artistic works with informed appreciation. 

Language and Rationality

Courses in Language and Rationality are those which develop for the student the principles and applications of language toward logical thought, clear and precise expression and critical evaluation of communication in whatever symbol system the student uses. 

English Composition - courses fulfilling the written composition requirement shall be designed to include both expository and argumentative writing. 

Upon successful completion of the English Composition general education requirement, students will:

• produce writing that is focused on a thesis or central idea, and fully developed and supported, and that conforms to the conventions of standard written English.

Communication and Analytical Thinking - courses fulfilling the Communication and Analytical Thinking requirement include oral communication, mathematics, logic, statistics, computer languages and programming, and related disciplines.

Upon successful completion of the Communication and Analytical Thinking general education requirement, students will:

• effectively research, develop, and orally present informative and persuasive messages that adapt to the unique demands of their audience and situation.

        OR

• evaluate texts drawing inferences from evidence, distinguishing fact from opinion, assessing reasoning, and effectively communicate their conclusions orally or in writing.
• apply formal systems of reasoning in solving problems or analyzing arguments.
• express results or conclusions using a formal language.

Health and Kinesiology

Courses in Health and Kinesiology should help students develop the understanding and the skills necessary to maintain a healthful life.

Upon successful completion of the Health and Kinesiology requirements, students, through appropriate physical activity and/or expression, will:

• demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles and techniques for the restoration, maintenance and development of health, well-being, and longevity.

Ethnic/Gender Studies

Courses in Ethnic and Gender Studies should help students develop an awareness of the diverse historical roots and an appreciation of the cultural contributions of minorities and women; lead to an understanding of the causes and consequences of socioeconomic inequality based on race, sex or ethnicity; and explore ways of eliminating such inequities.

Upon successful completion of the Ethnic/Gender Studies graduation requirement, students will:

• analyze major social issues as they vary by race, ethnicity, class, sexual orientation, religion, or gender.
• analyze how the contributions and perspectives within cultures vary by: including but not limited to race, ethnicity, class, sexual orientation, religion, or gender.