ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES IN GENERAL EDUCATION
WESTERN CIVILIZATION 2004-2005

The current assessment of western civilization is based upon best practices and the expertise of faculty from the departments of history, philosophy, fine arts, performing arts and geography all of whom offer courses in the core area of western civilization. 

General Education western civilization requirement: One course (3 credits) from an approved list of courses including FAR250-Art History I; FAR 251-Art History II; GEG 364-Geography of Europe; HIS 115-Foundations of Western Civilization; HIS 116-Europe since 1500; PHI 310-The History of Ethics; THA 317-History of the Theater: Ancient to Renaissance; THA 318-History of the Theater: Renaissance to Modern.

I.

 

Learning outcomes/objectives

 

A.

Students will demonstrate knowledge of the development of the distinctive features of Western civilization including history, institutions, economy, society, culture, etc.

 

 
  1. Students will understand and identify periods of cultural development and great works.
  2. Students will identify distinctive features of style, events and great works

 

B.

Students will relate the development of Western civilization to that of other regions of the world.

 

 
  1. Students will compare the evolution of intellectual, cultural and technological exchange of different regions.
  2. Students will understand the diffusion of ideas and culture of western civilization.

II.

 

Student Performance

 

 

Students enrolled in courses approved for western civilizations will either take objective examinations that demonstrate the objectives above or will produce written work to demonstrate knowledge of the learning objectives above.

III. 

 

Assessment Criteria/Standards

 

 

The objective exam questions will be combined and computed for an overall score.  They will be scored as follows:

100 - 80

 

: Exceeds the standard

79 - 70

 

: Meets the standard

69 - 60

 

: Approaches the standard

Below 60

 

: Below the standard

The written assignments will be evaluated according to the attached rubric.  They will be evaluated by two faculty members who not the instructors in the class that produced the work.

4

 

: Exceeds the standard

3

 

: Meets the standard

2

 

: Approaches the standard

1

 

: Below the standard

IV.

 

Students Assessed

 

 

All students enrolled in classes using the objective test will be assessed.  Students enrolled in classes using written work products will be randomly sampled for assessment with a target goal of 20% assessment.

 

V. 

 

Feedback

 

 

The results will be discussed at yearly meetings of the western civilization faculty and based upon the results, appropriate action will be taken.


WESTERN CIVILIZATION RUBRIC

 

4

Analysis and synthesis marked by distinctive use of detail to shape analysis
Exhibits insight as to interactions of distinctive features of western civilization
Understands distinctive features or components of western civilization within an appropriate temporal or spatial context
Recognizes salient features or components of western civilization, but without context

3

Exhibits insight as to interactions of distinctive features of western civilization
Understands distinctive features or components of western civilization within an appropriate temporal or spatial context
Recognizes salient features or components of western civilization, but without context

2

Understands distinctive features or components of western civilization within an appropriate temporal or spatial context
Recognizes salient features or components of western civilization, but without context

1

Recognizes salient features or components of western civilization, but without context