ACPHS General Education

Foundational Literacies

Defined As:

Literacy

1. Produce and analyze written language in English within the conventions and genres of a particular discipline. 
   1. Utilize grammar, writing conventions, and discipline-specific genre to facilitate and convey meaning. 
   2. Create purpose-driven compositions, taking into account diverse audiences. 
   3. Demonstrate use of the writing process including pre-writing, drafting, and revision. 
   4. Selectively incorporate and correctly attribute other peoples’ ideas and writing. 
   5. Identify the thesis or purpose of a text 
   6. Critically evaluate how statements within a text support an argument and are related to and build on one another via overall structure, textual features, and discipline-specific genre. 

Numeracy

2. Use numbers and other symbols to understand and express quantitative relationships, employ quantitative methods, and draw inferences from mathematical models. 

2.1 Provide accurate explanations of information presented in mathematical forms. 

2.2 Competently convert relevant information into appropriate mathematical forms (e.g., equations, graphs, diagrams, tables, words).  

2.3 Complete calculations to comprehensively solve problems. 

2.4 Use the quantitative analysis of data as the basis for judgments, drawing reasonable and appropriate conclusions from this work.

Scientific Literacy

3. Use the scientific method to acquire new knowledge: to include identification of a problem statement, formulation and testing of a hypothesis, identification and control of variables, experimentation design, and interpretation of data generating evidence-based conclusions to include potential future directions.

3.1 Utilize relevant observations for problem investigation. 

3.2 Construct an appropriate method of inquiry, developing a detailed hypothesis to include pertinent facts, considering multiple points of view.

3.3 Explain the purpose of the experiment, stating the materials required to complete the procedure. 

3.4 Review experimental variables and controls choosing modifications as appropriate for experimentation performed. 

3.5 Collect, review and analyze evidence to reveal important patterns, differences or similarities related to hypothesis.  

3.6 Review results relative to the hypothesis with consideration for further/future experimentation. 

3.7 Extrapolate conclusions from generated data, considering opposing viewpoints and related outcomes that are identifiable.

Information Literacy

4. Determine the nature and extent of information need; find, access and critically evaluate information to accomplish a specific purpose and use information in an ethical and legal manner. 

4.1 Define the scope of the information need.

4.2 Identify relevant key concepts or main ideas related to information need and identify the different types and formats of information sources, employing good judgment in the selection and use of sources. 

4.3 Determine appropriate keywords and related search terms, developing and executing effective search strategies using appropriate tools. 

4.4 Apply appropriate criteria to evaluate the reliability, relevance, authority, and accuracy of information found and critically evaluate the creators of sources, including tone, subjectivity, and biases. 

4.5 Acknowledge the original ideas of others through proper attribution and citation.

Technological Literacy

5. Apply appropriate computing tools and electronic resources to address specific tasks related to data storage, presentation of information, and organization.

5.1 Select the most appropriate tool(s) and technology to address a specific task. 

5.2 Describe the basic security issues with various types of information, information use, and information devices.  

5.3 Use online and electronic resources to communicate and collaborate. 

5.4 Use technological resources and applications to support personal, academic, and professional productivity.  

5.5 Use technology to create presentational content that is equally accessible.

Cultural Literacy

6. Explain the diversity within and among cultures and human experiences and summarize its impact on the individual and society. 

6.1 Demonstrate and explain the need for further study of other cultures by creating and seeking answers to additional pertinent questions.

6.2 Describe own cultural rules and biases and both identify and articulate the value in bringing new perspectives to those rules and biases.

6.3 Analyze intellectual, emotional, and material elements important to members of at least one other culture.

Social Justice, Equity, and Responsibility Literacy

7. Describe how social structures produce inequalities in group outcomes, and identify, evaluate, and consider how various policies and practices alter these outcomes. 

7.1 Describe how various elements inherent to one’s own culture and to other cultures have historically been privileged or undervalued.   

7.2 Analyze at multiple levels (e.g., individual, group, community) the impact of history, culture, institutions, practices or policies on diversity and equity issues. 

7.3 Analyze the impact of potential equity strategies on affected groups in relation to a specific equity issue. 

7.4 Explain the potential for the power of diversity to serve as a source of creativity, innovation, and productive collaboration. 

Civic Literacy

8. Analyze complex issues that have public consequences, participate in democratic discourse, and identify opportunities to help individuals and improve public policy. 

8.1 Analyze knowledge (facts, theories, etc.) from an academic study/ field/discipline, making relevant connections to civic engagement that has public consequences. 

8.2 Communicate in meaningful public discourse (i.e., debate, lobby, advocate), showing ability to express, listen to, and take into account ideas and messages based on others' perspectives. 

8.3 Identify intentional ways to participate in civic contexts and structures and begin to reflect or describe how these actions may benefit individual(s) or communities. 

Oral-Visual Communication Literacy

9. Produce and interpret spoken language and embodied communication, including prepared presentations and extemporaneous speech designed to increase knowledge, foster understanding, or promote change in the audiences’ attitudes, values, beliefs, or behaviors.

9.1 Develop an organizational pattern that enhances the cohesion of the message. (i.e., specific introduction and conclusion, sequenced material within the body, and transitions)  

9.2 Choose language that is imaginative, accessible (e.g., translating jargon), and inclusive.  

9.3 Project confidence via delivery techniques (e.g., volume, eye contact, hand gestures, facial expressions, posture, movement, expressiveness, and speed). 

9.4 Use visual communication that supports the effectiveness of the message (e.g., slides data visualization, diagram, photograph, illustration).  

9.5 Practice active listening (e.g., attentiveness, open-mindedness, and literal/critical comprehension) during oral presentations, performances, and/or groupwork.

Defined as:

Competencies

Critical Thinking and Creative Problem Solving

10. Identify and evaluate ideas and information to devise innovative ways to address complex problems. Formulate responses to make informed, rational, and responsible decisions through the application, synthesis, or repurposing of knowledge to implement solutions.

10.1 Describe the problem and assess information from multiple sources.

10.2 Develop an objective and comprehensive analysis, considering assumptions and biases.  

10.3 Create a novel idea, question, approach, or product to address the problem.  

10.4 Resolve problems by applying logical reasoning to determine appropriate pathways for effective solutions.

Values and Ethical Decision-Making

11. Identify ethical problems and apply ethical principles, value statements, and other relevant considerations and skills (e.g., critical thinking) in order to act prudently in a diverse society.

11.1 Analyze core beliefs and their origins at the individual and/or group level. 

11.2 Identify questions about ethical/moral issues or value judgments questions when presented in a complex, multilayered context.

11.3 Apply principles to the solution of an ethical/moral issue or question.

11.4 Evaluate responses to ethical/moral issues or questions (objections, responses to objections, assumptions, implications).

Collaboration

12. Work effectively with others towards a common goal by engaging diverse perspectives and building consensus.

12.1 Explain how social and professional roles create distinct perspectives and priorities that shape our approaches to collaboration.

12.2 Integrate social skills (active listening, empathy, self-awareness, tactfulness) to cultivate an inclusive environment where people are comfortable sharing and discussing disparate viewpoints.

12.3 Integrate decision-making processes and conflict management strategies to negotiate solutions that satisfy disparate interests.