Definitions

Outcome J: Knowledge of Contemporary Issues (Draft - 6/8/99)

Taxonomy Level:	Knowledge	Comprehension	Application	Analysis	Synthesis	Evaluation	Valuation
Bloom’s Definition:	Remembering previously learned information	Grasping the meaning of information	Applying knowledge to actual situations	Breaking down objects or ideas into simpler parts and seeing how the parts relate and are organized	Rearranging component ideas into a new whole	Making judgments based on internal evidence or external criteria	Sensitivity/willingness to receive (awareness w/o assessment, willingness to suspend judgment); Actively respond (comply, commit, internal satisfaction); Value (acceptance of worth, preference); Organize (when values conflict)
Verbs:	Arrange, define, describe, duplicate, identify, label, list, match, memorize, name, order, outline, recognize, relate, recall, repeat, reproduce, select, state	Classify, convert, defend, describe, discuss, distinguish, estimate, explain, express, extend, generalized, give example(s), identify, indicate, infer, locate, paraphrase, predict, recognize, rewrite, report, restate, review, select, summarize, translate	Apply, change, choose, compute, demonstrate, discover, dramatize, employ, illustrate, interpret, manipulate, modify, operate, practice, predict, prepare, produce, relate schedule, show, sketch, solve, use, write	Analyze, appraise, breakdown, calculate, categorize, compare, contrast, criticize, diagram, differentiate, discriminate, distinguish, examine, experiment, identify, illustrate, infer, model, outline, point out, question, relate, select, separate, subdivide, test	Arrange, assemble, categorize, collect, combine, comply, compose, construct, create, design, develop, devise, explain, formulate, generate, plan, prepare, propose, rearrange, reconstruct, relate, reorganize, revise, rewrite, set up, summarize, synthesize, tell, write	Appraise, argue, assess, attach, choose, compare, conclude, contrast, defend, describe, discriminate, estimate, evaluate, explain, judge, justify, interpret, relate, predict, rate, select, summarize, support, value	Accept, challenge, defend, respect, question, support, enjoy
Outcome Element: Ability to address the major socio-economic issues facing US and world	List and describe the major socio-economic issues; e.g., global warming; over population; depletion of natural resources; energy and water supplies; nuclear waste and proliferation; environmental pollution; disease; trade; human rights, etc. Have study abroad experience	Able to discuss, in-depth, several of these issues; summarize cogent aspects; recognize consequences; take and defend a position.	Able to examine a specific area, country or scenario relative to one or more of these issues; able to discuss implications.	Ability to analyze an issue from a "systems" perspective; develop a model or abstraction of the situation; make and defend simplifying assumptions; exercise model to draw inferences to assist in decision making.	Ability to design a system or strategy that addresses a particular issue in a given scenario or location. Ability to propose out-of-the-box alternatives; formulate alternative solutions.	Able to evaluate alternative solutions, or scenarios using a series of different measures –e.g., economic, quality of life; number of individuals affected; global ramifications; etc.	Accepts limitations of solutions; appreciation of differences between alternatives; understands the qualitative dimensions of the problems; can view from different perspectives.

Definitions	Knowledge	Comprehension	Application	Analysis	Synthesis	Evaluation	Valuation
Outcome Element: Ability to address political issues at nation, state and local levels.	Can list and describe major political issues at national, state and local levels. Can list major candidates – senators, representatives, governors, mayors and describe their positions on important issues..	Able to discuss in-depth major political issues at national, state and local levels. Can summarize essence of several issues; take and defend a position on them.	Able to examine the ramifications of one or more of these issues on a specific population or cohort.	Ability to analyze a political issue from a "systems" perspective; develop a model or abstraction of the situation; make and defend simplifying assumptions; exercise model to draw inferences to assist in decision making.	Ability to design a system or strategy that addresses a particular political issue relative to a given scenario or location.	Able to evaluate alternative political solutions, or scenarios using a series of different measures –e.g., economic, quality of life; number of individuals affected; political ramifications; etc.	Accepts limitations of political solutions; appreciation of differences between alternatives; understands the qualitative dimensions of the problems; can view from different perspectives.