The curriculum of North Carolina Wesleyan University is designed around the belief that the liberal arts constitute the foundation of a just and democratic society. The Wesleyan Core empowers students by fostering their breadth of knowledge, developing their critical and analytical reasoning skills and promoting their ability to make sound judgments that are historically, ethically and scientifically informed. It emphasizes students’ ability to synthesize knowledge from various disciplinary perspectives and diverse cultures. Upon graduation, students demonstrate skills in critical thinking, creative and digital communication, ethical, historical and analytical reasoning, collaborative and independent problem-solving and transcultural literacy. The University considers these competencies as indespensable to students’ intellectual and personal growth.
INTENDED STUDENT OUTCOMES
CRITICAL THINKING: Students will analyze information and ideas carefully and logically in the context of the discipline and/or develop reasoned solutions to problems.
QUANTITATIVE AND SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS: Students will gain competence in mathematical problem-solving, analytical reasoning and the theory and application of scientific methods.
READING COMPREHENSION: Students will comprehend, analyze and synthesize course materials. This includes developing the ability to read at the college level.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATION: Students will reflect on complex topics and synthesize their own and others’ ideas in formal, clearly written and well organized Standard Edited English, tailored to an intended audience.
SPOKEN COMMUNICATION: Students will apply public speaking practices and/or create presentations based on their own thoughts and/or research.
ETHICAL AND HISTORICAL REASONING: Students will be able to articulate their own moral reasoning in response to past and/or current issues arising in social life while cultivating an ethical framework that includes consideration for people whose traditions and values differ from students’ own backgrounds.
INFORMATION LITERACY: Students will develop an understanding of information retrieval tools and practices, as well as hone their ability to evaluate and synthesize information ethically.
Unless otherwise specified, transferred credits may be used to fulfill the general requirements at the Registrar’s discretion.
