Proposal for Designation of a Course as a Capstone Course or a Liberal
Arts Areas I, II, III Course
Western State Colorado University
Curriculum Committee
Prefix/Course Number:
Department/Program:
Course Title:
Number of Credits:
Number of Contact Hours:
Type of instructional activity (See Appendix IIA or B):
Originating Faculty Member(s):
Designation Proposed: [Mark with X]
___Capstone Course
___Liberal Arts Area I
___Liberal Arts Area II
___Liberal Arts Area III
1.
Designation as a Capstone Course:
If this course is proposed as a capstone course, please include how the course meets the following capstone criteria and
how the criteria will be assessed:
1) Students will demonstrate engagement with issues, challenges, ethical considerations, problem-solving techniques,
methods of deliberating and making decisions, proofs, and methods of communicating characteristics.
2) Students will demonstrate ability to write discipline-specific formats evaluated by the faculty for complexity of
understanding as well as content, organization, clarity of expression, and correctness.
3) Students will demonstrate ability to deliver oral presentations evaluated for complexity of understanding as well as
content, organization, clarity of expression, and fluency of presentation.
4) Students will demonstrate General Education essential skills as they pertain to the discipline.
2.
Designation as a Liberal Arts Area I, II, or III course.

All Liberal Arts Area I, II, and II courses must extend the development of the Essential Skills. Explain how
this course addresses the Essential Skills for General Education. It is recognized that not all courses will
address all skills.
Essential Skills
Reasoning
Understanding how the impact of issues and information
in the discipline relate to other disciplines and to society
Recognizing a problem, finding questions about the
problem, and identifying arguments about the problem
Using appropriate methods of reasoning to state and
support a position and to recognize other points of view
Considering different points of view and basic ideas in
those points of view
Drawing an appropriate conclusion based on reliable
evidence
Written Communication
Reading and writing in different disciplines using
vocabulary, formats, and documentation for that
discipline
Using a variety of research tools to select appropriate
primary and secondary sources
Applying knowledge of syntax, grammar, punctuation,
and spelling
Focusing on a main point
Speaking
Using speaking skills that are appropriate in both formal
and informal situations
Developing ideas according to the vocabulary and
formats of different disciplines
Developing speaking presentations that are appropriate
for a specific audience and purpose
Reading
Reading descriptive, persuasive, imaginative, and
technical writing
Researching topics and demonstrating learning about the
topics in a written report, oral presentations, and/or group
discussion
Finding main points in written material
Evaluating information, author's point of view, and other
points of view
Summarizing, paraphrasing, and citing written sources
Mathematics
Selecting data from information provided that are
relevant to solving a problem
Using various methods, such as algebraic, geometric,
numerical, graphical, or statistical reasoning to solve
problems within the discipline
Interpreting and drawing inferences from mathematical
models, such as formulas, graphs, and tables
Generalizing from specific patterns and phenomena to
more abstract principles
Proceeding from abstract principles to specific
applications
Representing mathematical information symbolically,
How the Proposed Course Meets the
Criteria
Essential Skills
How the Proposed Course Meets the
Criteria
graphically, numerically, and verbally
Estimating and verifying answers to mathematical
problems to determine reasonableness, comparing
alternatives, and selecting optimal results; recognizing
that mathematical and statistical methods have limitations
Technology and Information Literacy
Developing a working knowledge of different electronic
technologies and choosing appropriate technologies for
different tasks
Identifying the appropriate questions to find suitable
information and understanding the ways of using
information in different disciplines
Using sources from a variety of research tools, both print
and electronic, to find appropriate information
Evaluating print and electronic sources appropriate for
different needs and according to accepted methods in
various disciplines
Organizing information from a variety of sources for
practical application (essay, research paper, oral
presentation, etc.) and integrating information into a body
of knowledge
Citing sources appropriately and avoiding plagiarism

How does this course meet the goals of the proposed area of inclusion?
Area I Social Sciences Goals
Students will gain insight into the methods and reasoning of
the social sciences.
Students will understand how historical, political,
economic, cultural or social contexts shape the human
environment.
Students will understand how individuals relate to the social
world, past and present.
Area II Natural Sciences Criteria
Students will develop a clear understanding of the basic
scientific viewpoint.
How the Proposed Course Meets the Goals
Students will learn and use the scientific method.
Students will evaluate the impacts of science and technology on
society.
Students will increase their level of science literacy.
Area III Arts and Humanities Goals
How the Proposed Course Meets the Goals
Students will learn to approach problems with greater
awareness of their moral dimensions and ethical
consequences.
Students will recognize the different ways in which humans
have perceived their world.
Students will enhance their appreciation of the creative
world.
Students will explore fundamental questions of value,
meaning, and modes of expression and creativity.
Students will investigate the cultural character and
literatures of the human experience.
*If there are several course changes at one time from one department, only one set of signatures and recorded votes is
required.