Program Outcomes
“The only impossible journey is the one you never begin.”
- Tony Robbins
Communication Competence
Learners will become effective communicators in their discipline.
Goal 1: I will explain, in Appendix 1 of my assignment, how I will use the literary theories of semiotics and utopian theory to write a modern-day myth on the topic of suicide.
Goal 2: I will create a modern-day myth dealing with an issue relevant in today's world that provides a solution and present it in a creative and relatable way through my writing.
For the Communication Competence Program Outcome, I have presented my Creative Project from HUM 130, Myth and Culture, which I took in the Summer of 2024. My project is titled “Rebecca’s Heart”. I picked this artifact because it showcases my ability to effectively reimagine society through myth and create a story that offers a solution to a contemporary issue. This program outcome relates to my future major in psychology by addressing a serious mental health issue that I would like to offer counsel in once I obtain my counseling license.
My first SMART Goal was to explain how I use the literary theories of semiotics and utopian theory in Appendix 1 of my assignment to write a modern-day myth on the topic of suicide. I accomplished this goal by explaining why I used a cardinal as a symbol in my story and why I chose to write the myth with a utopian mindset when choosing to address the sensitive topic of suicide. Suicide is something that affects not only those who choose to make this decision but also the loved ones they leave behind. I wanted to offer a solution for healing for those that are left behind and give them a positive way to reflect and grieve their loss. I also added a critical reflection at the end of my writing that gives suicide statistics and a statement detailing why I chose to tell the story the way that I did.
My second SMART goal was to create a modern-day myth dealing with an issue relevant in today's world that provides a solution, and present it in a creative and relatable way through my writing. I accomplished this goal by using the topic of suicide to create a myth, Rebecca’s Heart, that is named after someone who is dear to me that made this decision and loved ones behind to grieve. I took something that was familiar to me and thought of a way to heal that I could offer to others. The solution is simple, yet complex and it requires a change of perspective and opening a door to nature for healing and recovery.
What I gained from the project was that I can take a modern-day issue and address it in a creative way to solve a problem. This is something that I can use in the future, not only personally but also to reach others and inspire change and growth. What I can improve is fine-tuning the story. This is story is only the beginning, and I could go much deeper with it by possibly adding personal stories of loved ones who have been left behind that others can relate to. Rebecca’s Heart is a work that I am very proud of, and I have been able to share it with people already.
Creative Problem Solving
Learners will apply appropriate techniques to solving problems within their discipline.
Goal 1: I will research organic pest control methods and present six simple, safe ways to manage garden pests.
Goal 2: I will create a guide in the discipline of Horticulture that describes how edible landscaping can be used to promote health for everyone and fight food insecurities in impoverished areas.
For the Creative Problem-Solving Program Outcome, I have presented the research guide that I created from ENG 112, Writing/Research in the Disciplines, which I took in the Spring of 2024. My project is titled “Edible Landscaping: Food for Thought”. I picked this artifact because it shows my growth in the discipline of Horticulture. I was tasked with writing a creative guide in this discipline and using the language of horticulture with the project. I feel that the topic of edible landscaping is very creative, and I enjoyed researching all of the ways it can be helpful. This program outcome relates to my future major in psychology by using gardening as a creative yet therapeutic solution to food insecurity, that is a struggle for many people today. Even those not faced with food insecurity can benefit from gardening as it offers a way to be outdoors, and the end result is a sense of accomplishment. Gardening can be used as a way to heal from mental stress, and it is a great physical activity.
My first SMART Goal was to research organic pest control methods and present six simple, safe ways to manage garden pests. I accomplished this goal by locating trusted sources on the topic of edible landscaping such as the Farmer's Almanac website. I compiled simple tips such as encouraging helpful bugs to feel welcome in the landscape. Helpful bugs, like the assassin bug, will eat garden pests such as caterpillars and beetles. One way to make them feel welcome is to avoid spraying harmful chemicals on plants. I added these simple tips to my guide on edible landscaping to encourage others to use nature as a remedy for pests.
My second SMART goal was to create a guide in the discipline of Horticulture that describes how edible landscaping can be used to promote health for everyone and fight food insecurities in impoverished areas. I accomplished this goal by researching the basic ideas behind edible landscapes, which is not only to provide you with an abundant food source but can also serve as beautiful and unique ornamental designs for any yard or vacant space. By using certain vacant spaces to plant edible landscapes, we could help those struggling with food insecurities as well as clean up some of the rundown places in cities and towns. My simple guide contains these ideas as well as ways to maintain an edible landscape and more.
What I gained from the project was the excitement of providing a solution to food insecurity using something that I love, which is gardening. I am excited all over again after looking back on my research guide. What I can improve is being more detailed. There is so much to this guide that can be added, such as more choices for edibles and a more detailed maintenance plan. Although there are some improvements to be made, I am rather proud of my edible landscaping guide.
Understanding the Arts and Human Experience
The learner will apply the basic principles of interpretation and analysis to synthesize information.
Goal 1: In Art History, I will research the lives of Sofonisba Anguissola and Hieronymus Bosch, two artists who lived during the Renaissance period, and a write a 1500-word research paper discussing their influence in the art world.
Goal 2: In Art History, I will compare and contrast "The Chess Game" by Sofonisba Anguissola and "The Garden of Earthly Delights" by Hieronymus Bosch and demonstrate the knowledge that I have gained in the course by using art terminology.
For the Understanding the Arts and Human Experience Program Outcome, I have presented my final project from ART 114, Art History Survey 1, which I took in the Fall of 2024. My project is titled “Renaissance Masters – A Comparative Analysis of Sofonisba Anguissola and Hieronymus Bosch. I picked this artifact because it demonstrates my growth in the subject of art history. This final project demonstrates my ability to analyze artwork from artists of different backgrounds and discover their differences and similarities using the language of art. This program outcome relates to my future major in psychology because it requires in-depth interpretation and analysis. We are all like the chosen artists in my artifact. We each have our own unique backgrounds and differences. Bringing to light what sets people apart is a valuable part of counseling psychology and helping a person see this within themselves offers them hope. I want to offer that kind of hope to others.
My first SMART Goal was to research the lives of two artists who lived during the Renaissance period. I accomplished this goal by researching the lives of Sofonisba Anguissola and Hieronymus Bosch, two artists who lived during the Renaissance period and writing a 1500-word research paper discussing their influence on the art world. In a time where women were not allowed to be paid for their work as artists, Sofonisba Anguissola did not let that stop her. She created a name for herself and was even advised by the popular Michelangelo. In contrast, Hieronymus Bosch grew up in a family of artists, so he needed a way to stand out. He made a name for himself by creating paintings that provided the ultimate conversation piece. He is known for triptych religious paintings that even a non-religious person would appreciate for their wildly fantastic scenes. My appreciation for these artists is shown in my project by presenting their lives and accomplishments.
My second SMART goal was to compare and contrast works by Sofonisba Anguissola and Hieronymus Bosch and demonstrate the knowledge that I have gained in the course by using art terminology to showcase my growing appreciation for the arts. I accomplished this goal by choosing my favorite painting by Sofonisba Anguissola and Hieronymus Bosch and describing them. I chose “The Chess Game” by Anguissola because of her use of light and dark in the painting to highlight and soften the features of subjects. The objects in her painting are also something to marvel at because they look so real.
I also chose to analyze a painting called “The Garden of Earthly Delights” by Bosch because I had never seen anything like it before. He also used light and dark in his paintings, but light is demonstrated in the first section of his triptych not only with its brighter appearance, but the message in it. As you look at each piece of the set, you see the end result of a dark world. His attention to detail as he takes the ideas in his mind and turns them into scenes and characters is unreal. Sofonisba Anguissola and Hieronymus Bosch offered something that was needed at the time, although what they offered was different for each of them. Anguissola presents her skill in providing lifelike portraits while Bosch takes us on a trip to the world of the weird and wacky. They are both unforgettable in their own ways, although no one would forget Bosch’s work if they ever studied it.
What I gained from the project was an appreciation for the skilled artists of the Renaissance period. I also fell in love with the very peculiar works of Hieronymus Bosch. What I can improve in the future is to go into more detail about the people and things that I describe in my next writing assignments. There are so many things about these artists' lives and their skill that should have been said. I enjoyed this project, however, and I am proud to present their artwork as part of my artifact.
Social Scientific Literacy
The learner will apply the basic principles of mathematics and/or scientific inquiry to identify, interpret, and evaluate and solve problems.
Goal 1: In Psychology, I will learn how information is stored in long-term memory and provide at least two visual examples to explain in a PowerPoint presentation.
Goal 2: In Psychology, I will gather and analyze information on the topic of memory and present my findings in an 11 slide PowerPoint presentation with at least three sources.
For the Social Scientific Literacy Program Outcome, I have presented my PowerPoint Presentation from PSY 150, General Psychology, which I took in the Spring of 2024. My project is titled “Memory Presentation”. I picked this artifact because it demonstrates my ability to interpret basic principles of psychology. This program outcome relates perfectly with my future major in psychology by introducing me to the language of psychology and the importance of memory in our daily lives. Understanding how memory works and being able to offer a simple explanation is a valuable skill when counseling others.
My first SMART Goal was to learn how information in stored in long-term memory and provide at least two visual examples to explain in a PowerPoint presentation. I accomplished this goal by researching long-term memory and I found that it is stored a lot like how we store items we are deciding to keep or get rid of. I imagine memories being placed in boxes labeled keep very briefly, keep short-term, and keep forever. Understanding what long-term memory is and how it works is important for everyone, even if you are not using it to address certain deficiencies of mental health that might be evaluated by psychologists. By understanding the basic process, it can help us choose positive life experiences over negative ones to store in our memory bank.
My second SMART goal was to gather and analyze information on the topic of memory and present my findings in an 11 slide PowerPoint presentation with at least three sources. I accomplished this goal by providing a simple PowerPoint about memory, specifically long-term memory. My PowerPoint included great visuals, such as a piggy bank to represent a memory bank. In my presentation, I explain what explicit and implicit memories are and I also describe how memories are stored.
What I gained from the project was a deeper understanding of memory and how it works that I can use in the future. This project could have been improved by properly citing sources on my reference slide at the end and going much deeper into the subject of long-term memory and providing a lot more information. I have since learned more about citing sources and become better at providing more information, so I do see growth in those areas of my studies.