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Questions (FAQ)
Rationale: Compliance with SACS Recommendation and state core curriculum mandates.
Policy: Core Competencies
To assure that each student develops basic intellectual competencies of computer literacy and oral communication, Texas Woman's University requires that each student (1) pass a designated computer science course or competency examination in computer literacy, and (2) pass a designated speech course or document successful completion of two or more evaluated oral presentations.
Implementation
Who and When: Students entering TWU in Fall 2005 and thereafter (effective with new catalog)
How:
Departments need to add these competencies to core requirements on degree plans – and assure that students meet the requirements.
Departments should decide what courses in the major – if any – might be used to establish completion of the oral communication competency and submit syllabi for those courses to the Core Curriculum Task Force this spring. The introductory speech course should also submit a syllabus for review for acceptance as meeting this competency.
The Department of Math and Computer Science will develop a computer literacy competency test to be available Fall 2005; students will be able to receive tutoring and take the test in the new Math and Technology Success center.
The introductory computer science course – or other technology courses – should submit their syllabi for review for acceptance as meeting this competency.
Transfer students who have completed introductory courses in speech and computer science are assumed to have met these requirements.
Computer literacy defined (Texas Core definition):
Use computer-based technology in communicating, solving problems, and acquiring information (use of appropriate software for given task)
Have an understanding of the limits, problems, and possibilities associated with the use of technology (able to articulate technology limits in writing or oral presentation).
Have the tools necessary to evaluate and learn new technologies as they become available. (able to articulate criteria used to evaluate new technology; able to develop approaches to new technology independently).
Oral Communication defined (Texas Core definition):
SPEAKING: Ability to communicate orally in clear, coherent, and persuasive language appropriate to purpose, occasion, and audience; experience in making presentations to small groups, to large groups, and through the media.
