Student Learning Outcomes

ART

Art, B.A.

  1. Students in all programs demonstrate mastery of practical and conceptual knowledge of the visual arts (appropriate to the degree program).
  2. Students in all programs demonstrate abilities to: carry out scholarly and disciplined inquiries in the visual arts; and participate actively in discourse analyzing critical issues in the field.      
  3. Students in all programs demonstrate an ability to engage with Los Angeles as a major cultural and international center of visual arts and related industries.
  4. Students are qualified for admission into programs of advanced study and/or entrance into professional careers.
  5. Students in all programs demonstrate understanding of diverse cultural traditions and aesthetic values embodied in the visual arts, past and present.    
  6. Students in all programs demonstrate abilities to develop collegial relationships and work collaboratively with faculty and students. 
  7. Students in all programs demonstrate understanding of their roles and responsibilities to participate actively and ethically in multicultural societies.  
  8. Students in all programs demonstrate abilities to: negotiate complex visual landscapes; derive meaning from the visual arts; and pursue creative endeavors throughout their lives.

Art, M.A.

In addition to the above, graduates demonstrate the ability to produce and present an original body of work through disciplined inquiry and discourse analyzing issues in a particular area of the visual arts.

Art, M.F.A.

(Concentrations in Studio Arts or Design): In addition to SLOs for BA Art: 

  1. Graduates demonstrate the ability to produce and present a significant body of work through disciplined inquiry and rigorous discourse analysis that makes a contribution to the field (studio arts or design).
  2. Graduates in Studio arts adopt the identity and attitude of a professional artist working to produce art of high quality for public exhibition and presentation; or 
  3. Graduates in Design adopt the identity and attitude of a professional designer working as a leader in design industries. 
  4. Graduates demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and contribute to the vitality of the visual arts and design communities.  

 

COMMUNICATION

Communication, B.A.

  1. Knowledge:
    1. Critical understanding of theory, methodology, and application
    2. Ability to explain key concepts and foundations of the field
    3. Understanding of the key patterns of communication in dyadic, group, organizational, public, media, and cultural contexts
  2. Proficiency:
    1. Demonstrated ability to evaluate salient communication issues (analytical skills)
    2. Demonstrated ability to speak and write clearly in public and academic forums (performance skills)
    3. Demonstrated ability to critically analyze the content of communication as part of quantitative and qualitative research (critical thinking)
    4. Demonstrated ability to develop practical or innovative solutions to social conflict (practical/creative thinking)
  3. Engagement:
    1. Demonstrated ability to identify communication challenges for living in a globalized world
    2. Demonstrated appreciation of human diversity and intersectionality in the world
    3. Cultivated interest in knowing about other cultures
    4. Refined interest in the fight for social justice
  4. Professional Development:
    1. Demonstrated awareness of the ways people in different cultures and socio-organizational contexts make sense of life, communicate and conduct business
    2. Apply communication skills to career goals
    3. Demonstrated ability to read and write about social interactions
    4. Enhance teamwork capacity
  5. Transformation:
    1. Demonstrated ability to analyze the connections between the interdisciplinary theoretical learning and human experiences in everyday life, in written and oral forms
    2. Demonstrated ability to educate others about the complexity of communication in personal and public life
    3. Development of a learning plan for self-directed life-long learning

Communication Studies, M.A.

  1. Recognize the diversity of communication as a (inter)disciplinary field
    1. Identify distinguishing characteristics and key foci of various subfields of communication
    2. Understand how various subfields of communication inform, relate to, and differ from each other
  2. Understand foundational communication theories
    1.  Articulate the similarities, differences, and interactions of communication theories from both the humanities and social science perspectives
    2.  Demonstrate knowledge of the various approaches to and influences on the field of communication
  3. Conduct original and ethical research
    1.  Ask socially relevant and culturally significant research questions
    2.  Collect, analyze, and interpret research data using various approaches and methodologies
    3.  Critically assess and evaluate the quality and arguments of previous research
    4.  Present research to diverse audiences using effective written and oral communication
  4. Sharpen critical reading, thinking, and writing skills
  5. Engage a sense of personal and social responsibility based in communication research
    1. Understand how effective communication can be used to improve relationships, organizations, presentation of self, and bring about social change
    2. Apply communication theory and research to current social and cultural issues
  6. Develop competencies as instructors in higher education
    1. Design effective communication courses and course materials
    2. Utilize critical pedagogical practices
    3. Choose assessment measures, examples, and readings that are relevant and culturally responsive
  7. Engage a sense of personal and social responsibility based in communication research
    1. Understand the necessary preparation to pursue advanced scholarly research and writing in doctoral programs in their chosen area of interest
    2. Know which scholars and programs will provide the best mentorship and advanced education to further students’ goals in the academic profession
  8. Work in the private and public sectors including business, non-profit, educational, and governmental organizations
    1. Conduct applied research in an area of interest related to the public and private sectors that will strengthen and expand students’ professional knowledge and expertise
    2. Pursue external opportunities such as internships and fellowships that will enhance students’ skills and marketability in a prospective profession

ENGLISH

English, B.A.

  1. Literary Coverage
    1. Students will demonstrate familiarity with the major writers, historical periods, and genres of British and American literature, and demonstrate an awareness of the connection between texts and their historical and cultural context.
  2. Literary Analysis
    1. Students will demonstrate the ability to analyze and interpret a text with attention to its genre, formal and rhetorical features, and historical and cultural contexts
  3. Theory and critical perspectives
    1. Students will understand the history of critical theory and demonstrate the ability to apply theoretical approaches to texts.
  4. Linguistics
    1.  Students will demonstrate knowledge of the grammatical structure of English and recognition of standard and nonstandard varieties.
  5. Rhetoric, research and writing
    1. Students will understand the writing process and use their understanding  of audience, purpose, form, and other rhetorical concepts to produce rhetorically and stylistically effective writing. Additionally, students will demonstrate the ability to conduct research in the field and effectively incorporate this research into their analysis and writing

English, M.A.

Students will:

  1. Develop an understanding and appreciation of the power and beauty of written expression through the study of representative literary texts from diverse periods, genres, and cultures
  2. Practice textual analysis with confidence and skill
  3. Develop a multicultural understanding of their own and other cultures, past and present, through the historically contextualized study of language and literature
  4. Be aware of the evolving roles of literature, aesthetics, and critical theory
  5. Be able to develop and support original perspectives with precision, express themselves effectively and with clarity, and engage in constructive dialog with an awareness of multiple perspectives
  6. Be able to conduct research in the field
  7. Develop solid reading, writing, and critical thinking skills

LIBERAL STUDIES

Liberal Studies, B.A.

Students will:

  1. Develop an understanding and appreciation of the power and beauty of written expression through the study of representative.
  2. Practice textual analysis with confidence and skill.
  3. Develop a multicultural understanding of their own and other cultures, past and present, through the historically contextualized study of language and literature.
  4. Be aware of the evolving roles of literature, aesthetics, and critical theory.
  5. Be able to develop and support original perspectives with precision, express themselves effectively and with clarity, and engage in constructive dialog with an awareness of multiple perspectives.
  6. Be able to conduct research in the field
  7. Develop solid reading, writing, and critical thinking skills

MODERN LANGUAGES & LITERATURES

Chinese, B.A.

  1. Demonstrate their ability to handle successfully a variety of predictable and concrete oral exchanges necessary for survival in the target culture (e.g., personal information covering self, family, home, daily activities, interests and personal preferences, as well as physical and social needs, such as food, shopping, travel and lodging).
  2. Demonstrate their ability to read and write short, simple communications, compositions, descriptions, and requests for information that are based on personal preferences, daily routines, common events, and other topics related to personal experiences and immediate surroundings.
  3. Perform (a) and (b) in culturally appropriate ways.
  4. Demonstrate their understanding and ability to discuss cultural similarities and differences between Chinese or Japanese culture and the students' own or American culture.
  5. Be able to understand and analyze major literary works in the socio-historical contexts of the literary production, and to explain the authors of the texts.
  6. Demonstrate familiarity with library and information technology as part of a well-rounded education in the humanities, and exploit such technology to find resources in the target language.

French, B.A.

  1. Demonstrate the ability to communicate successfully with native speakers of the target language in a large range of contexts, both personal and professional, and to present their point of view in a comprehensible, organized, and culturally appropriate manner.
  2. (b)   Be able to write clearly, coherently and accurately on a variety of subjects -- personal experience or reflection; cultural, linguistic, or literary analysis -- and to use a variety of discourse types, including expository and argumentative essays on academic topics.
  3. Be able to understand spoken and visual messages, live or in recordings or videos, and to summarize and discuss such messages or respond to them in an interactive context.
  4. Be able to read and discuss texts ranging from advertisements and newspapers to business correspondence and literary masterpieces, understanding both the explicit and implicit messages of such texts, and demonstrating the ability to discuss the ideas in these texts and their own interpretation of them.
  5. Demonstrate a familiarity with the main periods, authors, and developments in French and Francophone or Spanish and Spanish American literatures, and the ability to summarize and analyze literary texts.
  6. Be able to examine the larger question of how language functions as a communicative system and a social construct, and the role of the target language in the world.
  7. Demonstrate familiarity with library and information technology as part of a well-rounded education in the Humanities, and exploit such technology to find resources in the target language.

Japanese, B.A.

  1. Demonstrate their ability to handle successfully a variety of predictable and concrete oral exchanges necessary for survival in the target culture (e.g., personal information covering self, family, home, daily activities, interests and personal preferences, as well as physical and social needs, such as food, shopping, travel and lodging).
  2. Demonstrate their ability to read and write short, simple communications, compositions, descriptions, and requests for information that are based on personal preferences, daily routines, common events, and other topics related to personal experiences and immediate surroundings.
  3. Perform (a) and (b) in culturally appropriate ways.
  4. Demonstrate their understanding and ability to discuss cultural similarities and differences between Chinese or Japanese culture and the students' own or American culture.
  5. Be able to understand and analyze major literary works in the socio-historical contexts of the literary production, and to explain the authors of the texts.
  6. Demonstrate familiarity with library and information technology as part of a well-rounded education in the humanities, and exploit such technology to find resources in the target language.

Spanish, B.A.

  1. Demonstrate the ability to communicate successfully with native speakers of the target language in a large range of contexts, both personal and professional, and to present their point of view in a comprehensible, organized, and culturally appropriate manner.
  2. (b)   Be able to write clearly, coherently and accurately on a variety of subjects -- personal experience or reflection; cultural, linguistic, or literary analysis -- and to use a variety of discourse types, including expository and argumentative essays on academic topics.
  3. Be able to understand spoken and visual messages, live or in recordings or videos, and to summarize and discuss such messages or respond to them in an interactive context.
  4. Be able to read and discuss texts ranging from advertisements and newspapers to business correspondence and literary masterpieces, understanding both the explicit and implicit messages of such texts, and demonstrating the ability to discuss the ideas in these texts and their own interpretation of them.
  5. Demonstrate a familiarity with the main periods, authors, and developments in French and Francophone or Spanish and Spanish American literatures, and the ability to summarize and analyze literary texts.
  6. Be able to examine the larger question of how language functions as a communicative system and a social construct, and the role of the target language in the world.
  7. Demonstrate familiarity with library and information technology as part of a well-rounded education in the Humanities, and exploit such technology to find resources in the target language.

Spanish, M.A.

  1. Are able to understand and use correctly a wide range of target-language vocabulary/terminology inherent to the study of literary works, literary analysis, and linguistic theory;
  2. Understand and are able to discuss main literary works in the target language as related to historical periods and key cultural issues in both Spain and Latin America;
  3. Have acquired a global view of the foundations of Hispanic literary history and its development;
  4. Understand and are able to explain linguistic processes as related to the target-language variation at the regional, social and stylistic level, as well as its historical development from Latin, using appropriate terminology and relevant examples.

MUSIC

Music, B.A.

  1. The ability to perform on their instrument or voice with technical proficiency and sufficient artistry to perform a variety of appropriate repertoire. 
  2. Rudimentary knowledge of the MIDI protocol and the ability to use basic computer technology for music notation, music example realization (sequencing), recording, and research. 
  3. The ability to comprehend all aspects of music theory, including analysis, part-writing, ear-training, and sight-singing. 
  4. The ability to comprehend all aspects of music history including all historical periods, genres, and styles. 
  5. Knowledge of music literature from a variety of times and places representative of the western European tradition. 
  6. Knowledge of the literature and stylistic characteristics of various world musics (i.e., music from diverse cultures and styles). 
  7. The ability to play the keyboard with sufficient technique to perform scales, chord progressions, score reading, and simple accompaniments. 
  8. The ability to perform on their instrument or voice. The ability to comprehend all aspects of music.

Music, B.M.

  1. The ability to perform on their instrument or voice with technical proficiency and sufficient artistry to perform a variety of appropriate repertoire. 
  2. Rudimentary knowledge of the MIDI protocol and the ability to use basic computer technology for music notation, music example realization (sequencing), recording, and research. 
  3. The ability to comprehend all aspects of music theory, including analysis, part-writing, ear-training, and sight-singing. 
  4. The ability to comprehend all aspects of music history including all historical periods, genres, and styles. 
  5. Knowledge of music literature from a variety of times and places representative of the western European tradition. 
  6. Knowledge of the literature and stylistic characteristics of various world musics (i.e., music from diverse cultures and styles). 
  7. The ability to play the keyboard with sufficient technique to perform scales, chord progressions, score reading, and simple accompaniments. 
  8. The ability to perform on their instrument or voice. The ability to comprehend all aspects of music.

Music, M.A.

Students will demonstrate:

  1. The ability to perform on their instrument or voice with technical proficiency and sufficient artistry to perform a variety of appropriate repertoire.
  2. Rudimentary knowledge of the MIDI protocol and the ability to use basic computer technology for music notation, music example realization (sequencing), recording, and research.
  3. The ability to comprehend all aspects of music theory, including analysis, part-writing, ear-training, and sight-singing.
  4. The ability to comprehend all aspects of music history including all historical periods, genres, and styles.
  5. Knowledge of music literature from a variety of times and places representative of the western European tradition.
  6. Knowledge of the literature and stylistic characteristics of various world musics (i.e., music from diverse cultures and styles).
  7. The ability to play the keyboard with sufficient technique to perform scales, chord progressions, score reading, and simple accompaniments.
  8. Knowledge of the literature and stylistic characteristics of various world musics (i.e., music from diverse cultures and styles).
  9. The ability to play the keyboard with sufficient technique to perform scales, chord progressions, score reading, and simple accompaniments.

Music, M.M.

Students will demonstrate:

  1. The ability to perform on their instrument or voice with technical proficiency and sufficient artistry to perform a variety of appropriate repertoire.
  2. Rudimentary knowledge of the MIDI protocol and the ability to use basic computer technology for music notation, music example realization (sequencing), recording, and research.
  3. The ability to comprehend all aspects of music theory, including analysis, part-writing, ear-training, and sight-singing.
  4. The ability to comprehend all aspects of music history including all historical periods, genres, and styles.
  5. Knowledge of music literature from a variety of times and places representative of the western European tradition.
  6. Knowledge of the literature and stylistic characteristics of various world musics (i.e., music from diverse cultures and styles).
  7. The ability to play the keyboard with sufficient technique to perform scales, chord progressions, score reading, and simple accompaniments.
  8. Knowledge of the literature and stylistic characteristics of various world musics (i.e., music from diverse cultures and styles).
  9. The ability to play the keyboard with sufficient technique to perform scales, chord progressions, score reading, and simple accompaniments.

PHILOSOPHY

Philosophy, B.A.

Knowledge Outcomes:

  1. Knowledge of some of the major philosophical texts in the history of Western philosophy.
  2. Knowledge of contemporary philosophical methods.
  3. Knowledge of some of the main currents and issues in contemporary philosophy for example, in metaphysics, epistemology, logic, philosophy of language, philosophy of mind, philosophy of science, philosophy of law, ethics, political philosophy, and aesthetics.
  4. Knowledge of the fundamentals of logic and critical thinking.

Ability Outcomes:

  1. The ability to understand, analyze, and critically evaluate complex arguments and theories.
  2. The ability to identify and critically evaluate the underlying presuppositions of methodologies, theories, and arguments in various areas, e.g., science, law, religion, and public policy.
  3. The ability to develop reasoned support for one's own opinions on theoretical and practical matters.
  4. The ability to interpret and explicate texts from different cultural and intellectual contexts.
  5. The ability to explain, both orally and in writing, difficult ideas in a clear, informed, effective, and coherent manner.
  6. The ability to write an essay satisfying the terms of the assignment, with a recognizable thesis and a coherent supporting argument.
  7. The ability to interpret and explicate texts from different cultural and intellectual contexts.
  8. The ability to explain, both orally and in writing, difficult ideas in a clear, informed, effective, and coherent manner.
  9. The ability to write an essay satisfying the terms of the assignment, with a recognizable thesis and a coherent supporting argument.
  10. The ability to apply the above philosophical skills in new contexts.
  11. The ability to apply some of the philosophical skills listed above to one's own life, in self-reflection and life-long learning.

Philosophy, M.A.

Knowledge and ability outcomes for students in the M.A. program are similar in kind to those for students in the undergraduate program.

  • Deeper knowledge of philosophical texts and methods of inquiry.
  • More advanced knowledge of and facility in logic.
  • The ability to explain philosophical ideas at an appropriate level for students in introductory philosophy courses.
  • The skills and knowledge necessary to complete a thesis or comprehensive examinations

TELEVISION, FILM, & MEDIA STUDIES

TV and Film, B.A.

  1. Students will demonstrate creative skill sets in the production of audio/video and writing for media (Skills).
  2. Students will critically analyze contemporary media productions, practices, and impacts (Skills).
  3. Students will know the structure, fundamental professional practices, and established professional standards of contemporary media industries (Knowledge).
  4. Students will develop the skills for effective career building self presentation in their professional interactions, communications, negotiations, and collaborations in media industries (Skills).
  5. Students will know the industrial, historical and aesthetic components of media production (Knowledge).
  6. Students will develop a greater appreciation for the necessity of collaboration, as well as the collaborative ethics of professional media production (Attitudes).
  7. Students will have a greater appreciation for the social responsibilities of contemporary media, including responsibilities engaging notions of identity, ethics, politics and culture (Attitudes).

Journalism, B.A.

  1. Students will demonstrate creative skill sets in the production of audio/video and writing for media (Skills).
  2. Students will critically analyze contemporary media productions, practices, and impacts (Skills).
  3. Students will know the structure, fundamental professional practices, and established professional standards of contemporary media industries (Knowledge).
  4. Students will develop the skills for effective career building self presentation in their professional interactions, communications, negotiations, and collaborations in media industries (Skills).
  5. Students will know the industrial, historical and aesthetic components of media production (Knowledge).
  6. Students will develop a greater appreciation for the necessity of collaboration, as well as the collaborative ethics of professional media production (Attitudes).
  7. Students will have a greater appreciation for the social responsibilities of contemporary media, including responsibilities engaging notions of identity, ethics, politics and culture (Attitudes).

TV and Film, M.A.

  1. Students will demonstrate creative writing skills in the production of projects, screenplays and/or scholarly essays (Skills).
  2. Students will gain competence as potential researchers and scholars in the field, whether in doctoral study or other research-based positions (Skills).
  3. Students will demonstrate advanced abilities to employ critical theories and insights in analysis of contemporary media productions, practices and impacts (Skills).
  4. Students will know the industrial, historical and aesthetic components of television and film production (Knowledge).
  5. Students will have a greater appreciation for the social responsibilities of contemporary media, including responsibilities engaging notions of identity, ethics, politics and culture (Attitudes).

MFA in Television, Film & Theatre (Joint Degree Program w/ Theatre & Dance)

  1. Identify, analyze and differentiate historical, theoretical and current industry practices in television, film and theatre.
  2. Conceptualize, prepare and present completed creative projects in television, film and theatre.
  3. Appraise, compare, critique historical, theoretical, conceptual and actual practices of artists, movements, events, productions, evolving technology and innovative business practices in television, film and theatre via written and oral presentations.
  4. Construct and evaluate collaborative creative projects in television, film and theatre in relationship to professional expectations in these fields via written, oral and media presentations.
  5. Generate and critique individual creative projects in television, film and theatre in relationship to professional expectations in these fields via written, oral and media presentations
  6. Generate a culminating creative Thesis Project and critical Project Report that interprets, articulates and demonstrates all of the above listed PLOs

THEATRE & DANCE

Theatre, B.A.

  1. Develop a structured approach to the use of languages in writing for and about performance.
  2. Demonstrate knowledge and processes such as performing, playwriting, directing, design, management and technical     operations related to stage productions. 
  3. Demonstrate knowledge of the historical and cultural dimensions of performance, including the works of leading playwrights, performers, choreographers, directors, designers, and philosophers, past and present
  4. Examine, identify and apply contemporary theories and practices of performing arts.
  5. Make informed assessments of quality in performance material and works. 
  6. Develop a clear understanding of the collaboration between performance, spectator and production
  7. Develop effective skills in verbal and visual communication. 
  8. Demonstrate competence in the skills necessary to produce performance at a professional level.
  9. Demonstrate skills in current technologies as these relate to performance, communication and research.

MFA in Television, Film & Theatre (Joint Degree Program w/ Television, Film and Media Studies)

  1. Identify, analyze and differentiate historical, theoretical and current industry practices in television, film and theatre.
  2. Conceptualize, prepare and present completed creative projects in television, film and theatre.
  3. Appraise, compare, critique historical, theoretical, conceptual and actual practices of artists, movements, events, productions, evolving technology and innovative business practices in television, film and theatre via written and oral presentations.
  4. Construct and evaluate collaborative creative projects in television, film and theatre in relationship to professional expectations in these fields via written, oral and media presentations
  5. Generate and critique individual creative projects in television, film and theatre in relationship to professional expectations in these fields via written, oral and media presentations
  6. Generate a culminating creative Thesis Project and critical Project Report that interprets, articulates and demonstrates all of the above listed PLOs

Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies

Women's Gender and Sexuality Studies, B.A.