IUPUI PRINCIPLES OF UNDERGRADUATE LEARNING

May 7, 1998 (Approved FC980507); Revised January 10, 2006

Core Communication and Quantitative Skills

[Definition:] The ability of students to express and interpret information, perform quantitative analysis, and use information resources and technology--the foundational skills necessary for all IUPUI students to succeed.

[Outcomes:] Core communication and quantitative skills are demonstrated by the student’s ability to

a.   express ideas and facts to others effectively in a variety of formats, particularly written, oral, and visual formats;

b.   comprehend, interpret, and analyze ideas and facts;

c.   communicate effectively in a range of settings;

d.   identify and propose solutions for problems using quantitative tools and reasoning;

e.   make effective use of information resources and technology.

Critical Thinking

[Definition:] STILL PENDING - The ability of students to use a wide range of cognitive skills to reach informed decisions.

[Outcomes:] Critical thinking is demonstrated by the student’s ability to

a.    use acquired knowledge to understand new concepts;

b.    apply knowledge to practical situations and make informed decisions;

c.    analyze complex concepts logically and from multiple perspectives;

d.     synthesize information and arrive at reasoned conclusions;

e.     evaluate the logic, validity, and relevance of data and conclusions.

Integration and Application of Knowledge

[Definition:] The ability of students to use information and concepts from studies in multiple disciplines in their intellectual, professional, and community lives.

[Outcomes:] Integration and application of knowledge are demonstrated by the student’s ability to

a.     enhance their personal lives;

b.     meet professional standards and competencies;

c.     further the goals of society; and

d.   work across traditional course and disciplinary boundaries.

Intellectual Depth, Breadth, and Adaptiveness

[Definition:] The ability of students to examine and organize disciplinary ways of knowing and to apply them to specific issues and problems.

[Outcomes:] Intellectual depth, breadth, and adaptiveness are demonstrated by the student’s ability to

a.   show substantial knowledge and understanding of at least one field of study;

b.    compare and contrast approaches to knowledge in different disciplines;

c.     modify one's approach to an issue or problem based on the contexts and requirements of particular situations.

Understanding Society and Culture

[Definition:] The ability of students to recognize their own cultural traditions and to understand and appreciate the diversity of the human experience.

[Outcomes:] Understanding society and culture is demonstrated by the student’s ability to

a.     compare and contrast the range of diversity and universality in human history, societies, and ways of life;

b.     analyze and understand the interconnectedness of global and local communities; and

c.     operate with civility in a complex world.

Values and Ethics

[Definition:] The ability of students to make sound decisions with respect to individual conduct, citizenship, and aesthetics.

[Outcomes:] A sense of values and ethics is demonstrated by the student’s ability to

a.   make informed and principled choices and to foresee consequences of these choices;

b.   explore, understand, and cultivate an appreciation for beauty and art;

c. understand ethical principles within diverse cultural, social, environmental and personal settings.