Civic Engagement

Civic Engagement is the ability to contribute to the civic life and well-being of local, national, and global communities as both as social responsibility and a life-long learning process. Degree graduates will demonstrate the knowledge and civic values necessary to become informed and contributing participants in a democratic society.

The following course was used to assess Civic Engagement during the 2021-2022 and 2024-2025 academic years.

  • HUM 165 Controversial Issues in Contemporary American Culture

    Student Learning Outcomes

    Diversity in Civic Life: Students will recognize the value of diverse feelings, perspectives, life experiences, and the strength that such diversity brings to civic life.

    Method

    Writing Assignment Grading Rubric using scores for (a) thesis and (b) development.

    Criteria of Success

    At least 60% of students will develop a thesis that demonstrates the recognition of diverse perspectives and values in civic life.

    Results

    2021-2022:

    Thirty students developed an acceptable thesis (71%) and twelve students did not.

    2024-2025:

    Seventy-one students developed an acceptable thesis (75.5%) and twenty-three did not.

    Sample

    2021-2022:

    42 students out of 42 enrolled

    2024-2025:

    94 total

     Use of Results for Continuous Improvement

    2021-2022:

    In the future, faculty will provide exemplar models anonymously with the class.

    2024-2025:

    These results will guide future civic engagement assignments. Faculty will provide exemplar models anonymously. The exemplar will use the Aristotelian (classical) argument thesis, a straightforward, traditional way of writing a thesis.