Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates earning a bachelor’s degree in environmental science and policy from Hood College:

1. Acquire basic knowledge of foundational concepts that encompass all areas of environmental science through:
   • Demonstrating basic knowledge in Environmental Science.
2. Developing skills to present written and oral reports that demonstrate scientific methodology through:
   • Preparing written reports of laboratory and field activities in discipline-appropriate format;
   • Organizing and deliver a formal oral presentation to convey and articulate results of a project; and
   • Demonstrating synthesis of ideas and experimental design in written format.
3. Develop skills to analyze and interpret scientific data through:
   • Choosing methods and statistics to analyze data;
   • Analyzing data acquired in the lab/field; and
   • Formulating conclusions based on data analysis.
4. Acquire technical skills in the lab/field through:
   • Performing basic laboratory/field techniques.

Graduates earning a bachelor’s degree in global studies from Hood College:

1. Explore cultures through an interdisciplinary lens through:
   • Critically examining a text, discourse, artifact, or institution of global significance in its historical, cultural, political, or economic context; and
   • Critically examining the process of globalization through the disciplinary lenses of the humanities, social sciences, and/or sciences.
2. Demonstrate competence in written communication with respect to the analysis of global issues and problems through:
   • Writing about global issues and problems with clarity;
   • Developing a thesis statement that responds to global issues and problems; 
   • Writing a literature review or critical essay using relevant literature;
   • Using appropriate citation format.
3. Demonstrate global language competency through:
   • Developing proficiency in the target language consistent with ACTFL Proficiency ratings in four modalities: speaking, listening, reading, and writing; and
   • Analyzing issues and problems related to globalization with respect to a specific region, country, or cultural group using a second-language.
4. Participate in an experiential learning activity emphasizing the complexity of global relations through:
   • Producing a reflection paper conveying the understanding of global affairs acquired through the internship and/or study abroad experience.

Graduates earning a bachelor's degree in political science from Hood College:

1. Understand the nature of political processes and institutions, both in the United States and internationally through:
   • Analyzing the development of the U.S. political system and debate the impact on current issues;
   • Comparing and contrasting different voting systems, political parties, and structures of government; and
   • Describing the evolution and role of political theory in politics.
2. Foster a sense of political efficacy by offer experiential learning experiences in and out of the classroom through:
   • Interpreting the key components of electoral, legislative and non-profit organizations;
   • Evaluate the impact of public policy on society; and
   • Identify and define different types of civic engagement and political participation.
3. Foster an appreciation for the historical obstacles faced by marginalized groups in accessing the political process in the U.S. and internationally through:
   • Identifying social and political hierarchies, and
   • Identifying strategies to combat political inequality.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of and exhibit specific skills in the design and conduct of political research through:
   • Differentiating between opinion and empirical research and using appropriate sources;
   • Designing and executing a political research project;
   • Utilizing and interpreting qualitative and quantitative data with appropriate documentation;
   • Organizing clear, cohesive written reports;
   • Delivering clear, concise and persuasive oral presentations;