Objectives

Program-Wide Learning Objectives

The GCSP program-wide learning objectives are centered around five of the affective functional competencies (AFCs) that have been proposed at UMBC for assessing applied learning experiences: Ethics and Integrity, Innovative Leadership, Teamwork, Resilience and Adaptability, and Self Awareness. Three additional AFCs are particularly related to specific program areas and are included in those subsections (Critical Agency (for the Research program area); Social Responsibility (Service); and Intercultural Development and Perspective (Global Perspectives)).

The six core objectives of the GCSP are:
  • Integrity: Identify and be able to elaborate on and justify core beliefs and values; act consistently in accordance with those beliefs and values across contexts; regard themselves as accountable for those actions.
  • Perspectivism: Seek out and fairly consider ethical perspectives and concepts other than own, and ensures these perspectives and concepts appropriately inform their own actions and views.
  • Realistic vision: Be imaginative in thinking about alternatives to the way things are, while being sensitive to the constraints of the real world.
  • Being a team member: Identify strengths and weaknesses of all members of a partnership or collaboration; empower group members to use their strengths, and support weaker team members. Both assign and accept duties and roles intelligently and flexibly.
  • Persistence: Confront difficulties resolutely, and persevere in trying to manage them. Reframe failures and mistakes as learning opportunities, and does not allow them to become disabling or discouraging. Follow through on commitments.
  • Flexibility: Adapt quickly and thoughtfully to unexpected changes and developments and accommodate them fluidly in plans and projects. Incorporate new information to progress toward intended outcomes.

More information about the Program’s Learning Objectives can be found in GCSP Learning Objectives – Table (PDF).