The integration of writing as a stimulus for critical thinking has taken hold throughout the country in programs ranging from colleges of arts & sciences to colleges of engineering.
The basic idea is that critical thinking engages students with problems that require "questioning assumptions, integrating knowledge, and applying these assumptions and knowledge to solve a problem" (as Gunnin and Bernhardt have explained in their article "Writing, Critical Thinking, and Engineering Curricula").
What is gtPathways?
gtPathways is a set of general education courses that the state guarantees to transfer. Receiving institutions shall apply guaranteed general education courses to a student's general education or major requirements. Approved courses in gtPathways are not based on course equivalencies but meet content and competency criteria.
Competencies for Colorado
- Civic Engagement Competency assured by gtPathways (PDF File)
- Creative Thinking Competency assured by gtPathways (PDF File)
- Critical Thinking Competency assured by gtPathways (PDF File)
- Diversity and Global Learning Competency assured by gtPathways (PDF File)
- Information Literacy Competency assured by gtPathways (PDF File)
- Inquiry and Analysis Competency assured by gtPathways (PDF File)
- Oral/Presentational Communication Competency assured by gtPathways (PDF File)
- Problem Solving Competency assured by gtPathways (PDF File)
- Quantative Literacy Competency assured by gtPathways (PDF File)
- Written Communication Competency assured by gtPathways (PDF File)
- Statewide Transfer Policy (PDF File)
- GT Matrix of Required Content Criteria and Competencies with Student Learning Outcomes (PDF File)
For more information regarding gtPathways, students and parents can refer to The introduction to gtPathways, Colorado's Guaranteed Transfer Program for General Education (CDHE Online).
Colorado State University Policies
- All University Core Curriculum (AUCC) Policy: "Courses must include at least 25 percent of final grade based on written work (some of which must be in the form of out-of-class papers)."