University Studies Goals
The four goals of university studies is Inquiry and Critical Thinking, Communication, The Diversity of Human Experience, and Ethics and Social Responsibility. The purpose for freshman inquiry (FRINQ) forms the foundation for the University Studies program. This year-long sequence of courses introduces students to Portland State's general education goals and to the opportunities available in university life. FRINQ courses are interactive and theme-based, with each theme exploring topics and issues using an interdisciplinary approach to show how they can be understood from different perspectives. Faculty members from various disciplines teach courses as a team. Each faculty member is paired with an upper division student, or peer mentor, who leads the smaller mentor inquiry sessions. Classes include lecture and group dialogue on course content, student-led discussions based on homework assignments, and creative opportunities to challenge and expand thinking.
Information from: http://www.pdx.edu/unst/university-studies-goals AND http://www.pdx.edu/unst/university-studies-program-overview
Picture from: Google Images
Inquiry & Critical Thinking:
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Students will learn various modes of inquiry through interdisciplinary curricula—problem-posing, investigating, conceptualizing—in order to become active, self-motivated, and empowered learners.
Communication:
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Students will enhance their capacity to communicate in various ways—writing, graphics, numeracy, and other visual and oral means—to collaborate effectively with others in group work, and to be competent in appropriate communication technologies.
The Diversity of Human Nature:
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Students will enhance their appreciation for and understanding of the rich complexity of the human experience through the study of differences in ethnic and cultural perspectives, class, race, gender, sexual orientation, and ability.
Ethics and Social Responsbility:
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Students will expand their understanding of the impact and value of individuals and their choices on society, both intellectually and socially, through group projects and collaboration in learning communities.
