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Ways of Connecting

Connections Between the Classroom and the World
Potsdam graduates will demonstrate an understanding of multiple worldviews and perspectives. In addition, they will apply their learning by integrating abilities, theories, and methodologies to grapple with complex problems. They will identify possible solutions and communicate their findings in forms appropriate to their disciplines.

Ways of Connecting

There are 3 courses (9 credits) required for Ways of Connecting, plus 2 requirements fulfilled in major. Information for each course, including Students Learning Outcomes, are detailed below.

Connecting through Language Other than English (CL-3 cr.)

(SUNY World Languages)
These courses examine salient structural linguistic components of a language other than English as well as key cultural features of other-than-English language communities. Courses will develop effective ways to communicate in that language and will significantly increase students’ understanding and appreciation of a diverse range of non-English language communities and their creative contributions.

CL Student Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Exhibit basic proficiency in the understanding and use of a world language. (Understanding)
  2. Demonstrate knowledge of the distinctive features of culture(s) associated with the language they are studying. (Applying)

Connecting Globally (CG-3 cr.)

(SUNY World History and Global Awareness)
This requirement engages students in the study of ideas, peoples, places, and/or life in specific global context(s) (not derived primarily from the United States) with a focus on the societies, civilizations, and/or cultural traditions in Africa, Asia, Oceania, the Americas, and/or Europe.

CG Student Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of this course, students:

  1. Explain key characteristics and concepts in global and/or cross-cultural context(s) that are explored in the course. (Understanding)
  2. Identify significant aspects of global and/or intercultural connections with political, historical, artistic, cultural, philosophical, economic, scientific, technological, and/or international components. (Applying)
  3. Analyze historical or contemporary global issues, discourses, narratives, and/or artistic expressions from more than one perspective. (Analyzing)
  4. Demonstrate competence in cross-cultural understanding through written, spoken, visual, or performed content appropriate to the discipline(s). (Understanding)

Connecting Clearly: Communication in the Major (CM-credits count in major)

(SUNY Information Literacy)
This requirement adopts a “communicating in the disciplines” model that transmits the skills required to both learn and create knowledge within the chosen academic field, and to develop a professional voice through opportunities to write and speak on substantive issues arising from the major. This requirement may be met by a single course covering both writing and speaking in the major, or by separate courses, one focusing on writing and the other on speaking, to be determined by the major department.

CM Student Learning Outcomes

At the completion of this requirement students:

  1. Identify at least two types of written and oral communication specific to their discipline. (Applying)
  2. Explain what sorts of rhetoric are generally considered effective within the types of discipline specific communication they are studying. (Evaluating)
  3. Explain what sorts of evidence are generally considered valid within the types of discipline specific communication they are studying. (Evaluating)
  4. Produce (and accept feedback on) substantive written and oral work of their own that applies the understanding they have gained through analysis of models of the types of discipline-specific communication. (Creating)

Connecting Theory to Practice through Applied Learning (CT-credits count in major)

(SUNY Applied Learning)
Connecting Theory to Practice through Applied Learning, which counts in the major, is a credit-bearing experience in which students learn by engaging in direct application of skills, theories, and models. Students apply knowledge and skills gained from traditional classroom learning to hands-on and/or real-world settings, creative projects or research, and then apply what they gained from their applied experience to their academic learning. The activity can be embedded as part of a course or can occur outside of the classroom.

CT Student Learning Outcomes*

At the conclusion of this experience, students:

  1. Identify the links between skills/theories/models of the discipline and practice. (Applying)
  2. Explain how they grew personally, professionally, and intellectually as a result of the applied experience. (Evaluating)

*Departments may elect to add additional criteria and student learning outcomes for the CT experience.