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Learning Outcomes:
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Upon successful completion of this course students should be able to:
Critical and Creative Thinking
recall and interpret information (identify subject/topic, main ideas, supporting ideas, and sequence);summarize information;make inferences;
- using prior knowledge,
- synthesizing information,
- evaluating information for accuracy, relevance, and importance,
- recognizing underlying assumptions (bias and tone),
- identifying purpose and audience;
compare and contrast;classify, define, and, draw conclusions;respond to information (create solutions, identify impact of solutions, modify solutions); andidentify and discuss examples of fact and opinion.
Speaking and Listening
ask questions to clarify meaning;demonstrate effective listening skills and respond appropriately to listener feedback;use voice and body language appropriately and effectively;provide useful input and feedback in a variety of situations (peer editing, group discussion, classroom participation, etc.);respond appropriately to thoughts, opinions, and work of others;paraphrase ideas;deliver an effective oral presentation to inform or persuade; andinterview and be interviewed for information.
Reading, Research, Reference
summarize, make inferences, draw conclusions and critically evaluate;use context clues and word structure analysis (i.e. prefix, suffix, root) to determine meaning;use a dictionary and a thesaurus to expand vocabulary and to learn homonyms, antonyms and synonyms;use in-book reference tools (index, table of contents, glossary);use skimming and scanning techniques;read to locate specific information;recognize point of view, illogical argument, fallacies, stereotypes, bias and propaganda;use reference materials (periodicals, encyclopedias, textbooks, catalogues, operating manuals, CD-ROMs, World Wide Web);develop skills in outlining and note taking; anddevelop search skills (Internet and library catalog searches).
Written Communication
use the steps of the writing process (prewrite, draft, revise, edit);gather ideas; define and narrow a topic; select, evaluate, and order material into an organized, paragraph, essay, summary, and report;adjust content and style of writing to suit purpose, audience, and situation;revise and edit work to improve content, organization, word choice, phrasing, grammar, sentence and paragraph structure, spelling, and punctuation;recognize and edit for clichés, jargon, slang, and wordiness;use complex and compound sentence structures;use parallel constructions and correct misplaced or dangling modifiers;develop advanced spelling strategies;review a book, movie, play, television program, documentary, or piece of music;produce writing on demand (e.g. business writing, LPI prep, GED prep, essays, exams);write expository (explanatory and persuasive) essays;identify, discuss and evaluate literary elements (plot, theme, character, setting, conflict) in works in various media (e.g. print, film, audio);analyze and respond to editorial comment, magazine articles, technical or investigative writing, or advertising;gather research and organize it into a research paper using an appropriate documentation style ( e.g. APA, MLA or Chicago); and,identify and avoid plagiarism.
Optional Learning OutcomesCo-operative Communication
establish co-operative working relationships with others;recognize and respect diversity and individual differences;recognize non-verbal cues;problem-solve; andchallenge assumptions and traditions constructively.
Media Literacy
identify and track a theme, topic, or specified content from a variety of media;interpret common graphics (graphs, charts, tables); andexhibit a critical awareness of media messages (e.g. TV ads, billboards, corporate sponsorship, videos, brochures, and pamphlets).
Computer Literacy
use appropriate computer hardware and peripherals (keyboard, mouse, printer, etc.);
use word processing software including spell check and thesaurus;move information between applications (e.g. word documents, spreadsheets, data bases, WWW); andcommunicate effectively using electronic mail.
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