Course Level Distinctions

100 Level Courses - Students are introduced to a topic, methodology or knowledge base and demonstrate initial levels of knowledge and comprehension. Specifically, they:

• Practice critical thought - question everything
• Begin to move from being directed to self-directed, not passive recipients.
• Take information from source(s) without any interpretation/evaluation. Viewpoints of experts are taken as fact, without question. (SLO 2 - Knowledge and Skill - Introduce)
• Reformulates a collection of available ideas. (SLO 4 Communication)
• Considers new directions or approaches without going beyond the guidelines of the assignment (SLO 5 Cultural & Aesthetic - Introduce)
• Understandably articulates ideas or thinking in a spoken, visual or auditory format.

200 Level Courses - Students build on introductory knowledge of a topic or discipline or profession to demonstrate the ability to:

• State a general conclusion that, because it is so general, also applies beyond the scope of the inquiry findings.  Relates conclusion(s) considering multiple perspectives. (SLO 2 - Critical Thinking - Develop 3)
• Acknowledge (mentions in passing) alternate, divergent, or contradictory perspectives or ideas. Contrasts conclusions based on multiple points of view and acknowledges complex situations. (SLO 1 - Critical Self-Awareness, 2 - Introduce)
• Recognize new perspectives about own cultural rules and biases (e.g. not looking for sameness; comfortable with the complexities that new perspectives offer.) (AACU Intercultural Knowledge & Competence Rubric - Knowledge, level 3)
• Experiment with creating a novel or unique idea, question, format, or product. (AACU Creative Thinking Value Rubric , Innovative thinking, milestone 2)

300 Level Courses - Students have acquired an adequate general knowledge in the area to pursue some study in depth with the proper methodological tools. Specifically, students:

• Takes into account complex issues. Contrasting' points of view are acknowledged. (SLO1 - Critical Self-Awareness - 4 Develop)
• Organizes evidence to reveal important patterns, differences, or similarities related to focus. (SLO 2 - Knowledge & Skill, 4 Develop)
• States a conclusion focused solely on the inquiry findings. Describes ideas and explains complex
  situations and evidence. Interprets conclusion(s) utilizing multiple perspectives. (SLO 2 - Knowledge & Skill, 4 Develop)
• Articulates the role of culture and faith within the topic, discipline or profession.
• Conduct study and research independent of the professor working alone or with peer groups.

400 Level Courses - Advanced courses, practicums, seminars or internships emphasizing student:

• Performing initial aspects of a profession

• Conducting research that states a conclusion that is a logical extrapolation from the inquiry findings. Independently synthesizes ideas reflecting on complex situations and evidence. Draws conclusion(s) using multiple perspectives. (SLO 2 - 5 mastery)
• Organizing and synthesizing evidence to reveal insightful patterns, differences, or similarities related to focus. (SLO 2 - 5 mastery)
• Constructing and evaluating divergent perspectives to complex situations within systems. Incorporates alternate, divergent, or contradictory perspectives or ideas fully. Student assess multiple and conflicting positions to create a personal worldview. (SLO 1 - 5 mastery)

500 Level Courses - Masters level courses emphasizing students:

• Conducting analyses of need and problems in their fields and devise solutions using innovative practices or ideas. (descriptor in Graduate SLO 2)

• Acknowledging of their worldview or viewpoints and how that may influence their conduct in their graduate education and professional practices. (descriptor in Graduate SLO 5 descriptor 2)
• Participating in research or elements of research and communication of findings to the public they serve.
• Leading independent research or specific investigation of issues or problems in their discipline including demonstrating the ability to work and communicate collaboratively with other professionals or the public.