Gallaudet University Program Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
PROGRAM / STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (SLOs)CAS / American Sign Language, BA /
- SLO 1:Demonstrate theoretical and analytical knowledge (4) of American Sign Language linguistics and literature.
- SLO 2:Demonstrate theoretical and analytical knowledge of the role of American Sign Language in education, politics and media (3).
- SLO 3:Produce college level American Sign Language and English texts (1) that demonstrate knowledge of, critical inquiry (2) into, key concepts in the American Sign Language discipline incorporating principles of academic integrity (5).
- SLO 4:Analyze the importance of the American Sign Language expert as a system change agent (3) and apply this in practice inside and outside the classroom utilizing effective leadership, advocacy, language planning, and collaboration to influence change (5) on the individual, group, and organizational and systemic levels.
- SLO 5:Demonstrate preparation for future career employment in the field of American Sign Language (1, 4).
American Sign Language, MA-SLED /
- SLO 1: Demonstrate theoretical knowledge and display competence in classroom settings regarding methodological and socio-political issues involved in sign language teaching, curriculum development and assessment.
- SLO 2: Produce graduate level Sign Language and English texts that demonstrate knowledge of and critical inquiry into key concepts in the Sign Language Teaching field.
- SLO 3: Recognize the importance of the Sign Language teacher as a system change agent and apply this in practice utilizing effective leadership, advocacy, consultation, and collaboration to influence change on the individual, group, and organizational and systemic levels.
- SLO 4: Demonstrate preparedness to seek and obtain employment as a teaching professional in the field of Sign Language education.
Art /
- SLO 1: Provide evidence of creative and technical critical skills in art and media design via their portfolio and exhibits.
- SLO 2: Explain in writing and ASL the purpose and creative process of art/media design through their artist statement.
- SLO 3: Demonstrate ability to critique theirs and others’ art/media design projects in writing and ASL.
- SLO 4: Demonstrate ability to revise theirs and others’ art/media design projects in response to self-analysis and critical/technical feedback.
- SLO 5: Analyze the ethical responsibility of art and artists.
Biology /
- SLO 1: Demonstrate knowledge of current theories of biology and concepts basic to biology, including: Levels of complexity (molecular/cellular through population/communities/ecosystems); biological principles and processes; connections among concepts across disciplines (physical sciences, mathematics, social sciences).
- SLO 2: Demonstrate critical thinking skills through: Identifying appropriate questions, issues or problems to be explored; analyzing, interpreting and evaluating evidence; constructing well-supported, clearly articulated arguments and conclusions.
- SLO 3: Demonstrate information literacy and research skills through effective use of: Sources of information in biology including published literature and scientific databases; computer applications to acquire and analyze experimental data and develop graphic models.
- SLO 4: Demonstrate experimental research methods including: Scientific methods and instrumentation; safe and appropriate use of laboratory equipment; experimental design; data analysis; familiarity with professional standards in science.
- SLO 5: Demonstrate effective communication with varied audiences and media by: Providing clear structure and transitions; demonstrating substantial understanding via research, credible sources and supporting evidence; demonstrating audience-appropriate purpose, agenda, language and style.
- SLO 6: Demonstrate preparation for future career and educational goals by: awareness of personal competencies (strengths and weaknesses); ability work in a team to accomplish a goal; understanding professional and ethical behavior.
Chemistry /
- SLO 1: Evaluate current literature by writing article reviews. Article reviews must reflect appropriate grammar, critical thinking, and awareness of the current research areas.
- SLO 2: Write a lab report that will reflect an understanding of the theories, a clear understanding of the procedures, an interpretation of the data, and a reasonable conclusion based on a critical analysis of the data.
- SLO 3: Give at least two presentations (currently this occurs in pharmacology and biochemistry). One of the presentations can include the sharing of their internship experience during one of the majors meeting. Presentations must demonstrate organization, appropriate content, appropriate communication skills, timing, and creativity.
- SLO 4: Able to analyze/evaluate data correctly. Students will be able to design the procedure of at least one experiment based on the knowledge they have acquired in their courses.
- SLO 5: Critically evaluate materials from the current research literature. This will be evaluated by the use of article reviews. Students must be able to identify reliable resources for a topic, collect information relevant to the topic and to assess the usefulness of the information.
- SLO 6: Demonstrate knowledge of chemistry and related fields in the various areas of chemistry (Inorganic, organic, analytical, and physical and one additional career oriented course of chemistry) as well as in physics and mathematics. The knowledge will be measured by tests, assignments, group projects and skill demonstration in labs.
- SLO 7: Able to identify and apply the math approach needed for solving chemistry and physics problems. This will be by use of word problems on tests and homeworks, and analysis of data.
- SLO 8: Able to use appropriate software to assist in their analysis of data. They will show skills in the use of a graphing program and at least 2 other programs before graduation. Evidence of these skills will be assessed via appropriate use in lab reports and homeworks.
Communication Studies /
- SLO 1: Acquire knowledge in the field of communication studies.
1.2 Explain and apply the major theoretical communication perspectives.
1.3 Explain the major fundamental values of the discipline and their value in life in the community, workplace, family, and civic participation.
1.4 Use appropriate conventional and evolving technologies in public, professional, and interpersonal contexts.
1.5 Discuss the presence and implications of additional factors that affect communication, including, among other things: culture, gender, group composition, sexual orientation, leadership, nonverbal communication, family background, situation, environment, and conflict.
- SLO 2: Employ critical thinking skills about communication interaction.
2.2 Suggest ways to make communication more effective in various contexts: interpersonal communication, group communication, organizational communication, public communication, mass communication, gendered communication, intercultural communication, computer -mediated communication, leadership communication.
- SLO 3: Explain the concepts of diversity and cross-cultural communication situations and contexts.
3.2 Appraising the effects of diversity and cross-cultural communication in various contexts.
- SLO 4: Perform effectively as a public presenter.
4.2 Tailor topic/presentation examples to the audience’s needs/expectations.
4.3 Meet the time expectations given when invited to present.
4.4 Meet the purpose and expectations given when invited to present.
4.5 Clearly organize, sign, and present ideas.
4.6 If needed, work with interpreters in advance to be sure they are aware of communication preferences and needs and the needs/preferences of the audience.
- SLO 5:Perform effectively as a practitioner of interpersonal communication.
5.2 Synchronize verbal and nonverbal communication to reduce possible confusion.
5.3. Demonstrate active listening and appropriate responses to the verbal and nonverbal communication of other(s) in the one-on-one or small group communication process.
- SLO 6:Evaluate the benefits and effects of mass communication channels and sources.
6.2 Describe the functions of mass communication channels and sources in society.
6.3 Analyze the benefits and negative effects of mass communication channels and sources in society.
- SLO 7:Demonstrate appropriate behavior in Communication Studies courses, projects, and activities.
7.2 Apply signed, written, visual and electronic communication skills in Communication Studies courses, projects, and activities. 7.3 Solve real and hypothetical communication problems.
7.4. Demonstrate initiative in Communication Studies courses, projects, and activities.
Deaf Studies, BA /
- SLO 1: Demonstrate knowledge of the multiplicity of deaf people’s lives within the United States & internationally
- SLO 2: Engage in critical inquiry into changing ideological construction of deaf people, sign language, and normalcy from cultural, geographical, sociological & human rights perspectives.
- SLO 3: Develop research skills to produce & to present effective written & signed research projects using various media in academic discourse related to the interdisciplinary field of Deaf Studies, incorporating principles of academic integrity.
Deaf Studies, MA /
- SLO 1: Acquire knowledge and develop methods of critique and research relating to the historical, cultural and linguistic dimensions of Deaf communities.
- SLO 2: produce graduate level ASL and English texts that demonstrate knowledge of, and critical inquiry into, key concepts of Deaf studies.
- Cultural Studies SLO 1: Work toward individual, institutional and ideological change through leadership, advocacy, and dissemination of new perspectives on Deaf communities and signed languages.
- Cultural Studies SLO 2: Be prepared to undertake further work in research, teaching, or related scholarly and creative activities in higher education.
English /
- SLO 1: Write for various purposes, settings, and audiences in diverse media and genres.
- SLO 2: Analyze, interpret, critique, and evaluate texts from multiple perspectives.
- SLO 3: Research effectively using a variety of research strategies, evaluate and synthesize primary and secondary materials appropriately and ethically, and use appropriate documentation.
- SLO 4: Describe and compare diverse literatures (including major writers, genres, periods, and techniques of writing) situated within cultural, linguistic, and historical practices.
- SLO 5: Apply and evaluate theoretical approaches in the analysis of literary works.
General Studies Requirement /
- SLO 1: Language & Communication—Students will use American Sign Language (ASL) and written English to communicate effectively with diverse audiences, for a variety of purposes, and in a variety of settings.
- SLO 2: Critical Thinking—Students will summarize, synthesize, and critically analyze ideas from multiple sources in order to draw well-supported conclusions and solve problems.
- SLO 3: Identity & Culture—Students will understand themselves, complex social identities, including deaf identities, and the interrelations within and among diverse cultures and groups.
- SLO 4: Knowledge & Inquiry—Students will apply knowledge, modes of inquiry, and technological competence from a variety of disciplines in order to understand human experience and the natural world.
- SLO 5: Ethics & Social Responsibility—Students will make reasoned ethical judgments, showing awareness of multiple value systems and taking responsibility for the consequences of their actions. They will apply these judgments, using collaboration and leadership skills, to promote social justice in their local, national, and global communities.
History /
- SLO 1: Demonstrate understanding of some significant historical concepts, events, people, and themes (Knowledge & Inquiry)
- SLO 2: Demonstrate understanding of how historians think and approach the past using debate or argument (Knowledge & Inquiry)
- SLO 3: Apply historical methods to historical problems, including how changes occurred over time, in research, writing and presentation (Critical Thinking, Knowledge & Inquiry)
- SLO 4: Articulate understanding of diversity within and among past cultures and societies (Identity & Culture, Ethics & Social Responsibility)
- SLO 5: Demonstrate the application of historical approaches to historical issues and problems in written English and American Sign Language (Language and Communication)
- SLO 6: Demonstrate ability to contextualize and evaluate primary source evidence (Critical Thinking)
Honors /
- SLO 1: Use and apply and excel in conventions of academic and professional discourse best demonstrated in their Capstone experience.
- SLO 2: Analyze, synthesize, and evaluate multiple perspectives and facts, ideas, and interpretations from various sources- particularly academic and professional sources.
- SLO 3: Use and understand knowledge and modes of inquiry of humanities, social sciences and natural sciences at an advanced undergraduate level.
- SLO 4: Develop dispositions and abilities conducive to strong cognitive skills.
- SLO 5: demonstrate professional behavior consistent with expectations of graduate schools or professional employers.
Information Technology / New program as of Fall 2013. SLOs pending
International Studies (WLC) /
- SLO 1: Use ASL and written English to communicate information effectively in the field of International Studies with diverse audiences, for a variety of purposes, and in a variety of settings.
- SLO 2: Demonstrate basic to intermediate proficiency in a written foreign language
- SLO 3: Demonstrate basic to intermediate proficiency in a foreign sign language.
- SLO 4: Summarize, synthesize, and critically analyze ideas from the multiple disciplines involved in this major in order to draw well-supported conclusions related to the International Studies field and to their area of interest in particular.
- SLO 5: Describe similarities and differences among the political, historical, economic, cultural, and social situations of Deaf and hearing individuals in their international area of interest, as well as similarities and differences between their own Deaf community and one or more Deaf communities abroad.
- SLO 6: Describe and apply basic research methodology from more than one of the fields included in this major in order to gather, evaluate, interpret, and report information in their area of interest.
- SLO 7: Gain perspective on their role as citizens of the world by demonstrating (1) an awareness of the consequences that their own community’s or their own country’s actions have had or currently have on other communities across the world, and (2) as citizens of the world, they should be able to guide their actions in ways that are consistent with promoting the wellbeing of the larger global community.
Linguistics, MA /
- SLO 1: Accuracy and automaticity of foundational knowledge: Accurate and automatic explanation of foundational concepts in the program’s core areas of phonology, generative linguistics and cognitive linguistics
- SLO 2: Ability to identify generalizations: Ability to identify and describe recurring patterns in linguistic data.
- SLO 3: Intermediate theoretical awareness: Ability to identify claims made in the sign language linguistics literature and articulate their primary, “trademark features”.
- SLO 4: Ability to clearly present linguistic information: Clear presentation of material in ASL and written English, demonstrating how such material relates to critical issues in linguistics and the Deaf communities.
- SLO 5: Ethical conduct as students and student researchers: Demonstrating academic integrity and responsible conduct in their research practices with transparency and respect to the communities involved
Linguistics, PhD /
- SLO 1: Specialized knowledge: Demonstration of in-depth familiarity with current literature relevant to their chosen topic of research (or that of a PhD level course)
- SLO 2: Critical evaluation: Ability to critically compare and evaluate claims from the linguistics literature and argue for or against them in a coherent manner.
- SLO 3: Formulation of research questions: Ability to independently formulate clear and tractable research questions related to their individual projects, and develop a systematic and culturally responsible plan for answering them, including identification of data needed to further the investigation.
- SLO 4: Independent research [added Fall 2013]: Ability to undertake linguistic research at an advanced level with minimal guidance from their advisor.
- SLO 5: Dissemination and communication: Ability to communicate information about sign language linguistics competently and respectfully to the field, the Deaf communities and the greater public.
- SLO 6: Ethical conduct as researchers: Demonstration of academic integrity and responsible conduct in their research practices with transparency and respect to the communities involved
Math /
- SLO 1: Demonstrate competence in discussing mathematical and statistical concepts in writing and in American Sign Language.
- SLO 2: Demonstrate an understanding of the analytical foundations of the core fields of Algebra, Calculus, Geometry, and Statistics.
- SLO 3: Demonstrate competence in the computational techniques of Calculus, Statistics, and Linear Algebra.
- SLO 4: Demonstrate an understanding of the fields of Mathematics and Statistics by exploring their applications, history, and career opportunities.
Philosophy /
- SLO 1: Intelligently discuss important philosophical problems and theories.
b)Describe significant attempts to answer these questions (i.e., theories, particular philosophers’ responses).
c)Discuss shortcomings in these attempted answers and how they might be debated.
- SLO 2: Demonstrate sophisticated critical thinking skills.
b)Evaluate arguments, judging the quality of the reasoning/information and raising specific objections.
c)Provide compelling reasons in support of opinions, avoiding common argument flaws and thoughtfully responding to objections
d)Solve problems logically and innovatively
- SLO 3: Actively engage with debates and developments in the history of philosophy.
b)Critically engage with complex primary source texts.
- SLO 4:Perform high-quality independent philosophical research.
b)Integrate material from relevant, diverse, high quality sources to apply to the question.
c)Present arguments that build on other authors’ work, but also include original analysis.
d)Apply a – c to create a substantial scholarly product which explores a student-selected philosophical topic.