Learning Foundations Course Proposal

Learning Foundations

The Learning Foundations course serves as an introduction to several key parts of the general education experience at CSB/SJU.  It is writing intensive, but also introduces students to information literacy and begins the process of experiencing and reflecting on the interconnected nature of a liberal arts education.

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In the Integrations Curriculum a course can be designated as either:

1. A Way of Thinking, AND/OR
2. A Thematic Encounter or Thematic Focus
3. CSD: Identity or CSD: Systems, OR
4. INTG 100: Learning Foundations (LF), INTG 205: Transfer Seminar, or INTG 300: Learning Integrations (LI), OR
5. Theological Explorations (TE) or Theological Integrations (TI).

Any course carrying one of the above designations may also have one engagement^, (except for TE, CSD: I, LF, and LI, which cannot carry engagements):

1. Artistic engagement (AR)
2. Experiential engagement (EX)
3. Global engagement (GL)*

Any course may satisfy the Quantitative Reasoning (QR) skill requirement.

Any course (except courses that fulfill Theological Explorations, Theological Integrations, Learning Foundations, or any course with a THEO course number) may also satisfy the Benedictine Raven (BN).

Any course except INTG 100 Learning Foundations, CSD:I, INTG 105 College Success, and INTG 300 Learning Integrations may satisfy the WR designation.**

^Semester-length study abroad courses may carry both GL and EX.

*Classes entering the Fall of 2020 and 2021 are waived from the GL and BN requirements.
**For classes entering in Fall 2022 onward.

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Learning Outcomes

Write 1

Students demonstrate awareness of the context and purpose of their writing, which is to make an evidence-based argument.  They organize in a manner that is generally effective given the purpose.  They use appropriate content to develop and support their ideas.  There may be errors in syntax and mechanics, but not enough to pose a significant barrier to understanding.   

Information Literacy 1

Students demonstrate the ability to access appropriate information through basic search strategies.  They cite sources appropriately and articulate the value of accurate citations.  Their papers are free of plagiarism.

Metacognition 1

Students begin to identify their intellectual abilities and dispositions.  They recognize that there are different problem-solving processes and learning strategies.

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Please note:

A.  The committee understands that some courses may still be in development. Prompts that ask for examples of assignments seek information about the spirit of what students will do and instructors are not bound to the specific details (e.g. writing prompts) provided.

B.  The committee includes faculty from a variety of disciplines. Please remember to briefly explain disciplinary terms, contexts, and/or texts to allow all the members of the committee to best understand how your responses address the question.

C.  As you are answering these questions, please keep in mind that students will need to produce work to assess their fulfillment of the related learning outcomes if applicable.

Go to the Integrations Curriculum - Faculty Resources course to review resources, such as:

• Teaching Guidelines,
• Reflection Prompts and Rubrics, and
• Sample Assignments & Activities.

Meeting Common Elements

Learning Foundations courses also include several required Common Elements.  While these are not learning goals, they are necessary to ensure a high-quality general education experience.