University Studies Program
U.S. and Wyoming Constitutions (V)
(June 17, 2002)
(updated January 9, 2003)
Definition:
U. S. and Wyoming constitutional studies examine various governmental systems and the
contexts within which those systems exist.
Rationale:
In order to prepare students to be active citizens, a university education should provide
graduates with an understanding of the history, cultural context, and principles of the
institutions by which they are governed. Wyoming state statutes require this study and
the University Studies Program endorses its importance for developing a responsible
citizenry.
Outcomes:
1. Students will demonstrate the ability to analyze and evaluate the formal and informal
principles, processes, and structures of the U.S. and Wyoming constitutions and political
systems.
2. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the historical development and cultural
context of these constitutions and political systems.
3. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the relationship between understanding of the
institutions by which they are governed and their roles as responsible citizens.
Criteria for Accrediting V Courses:
1. V courses will be offered at the lower division level.
2. While V courses will most commonly be housed in the departments of History,
Political Science, and Economics, courses fulfilling the V criteria may be delivered by
any department or college.
3. Embeddable components of the USP may be considered for V courses on a case-bycase basis.
4. How the V outcomes are included in a proposed V course syllabus must be clearly
delineated (reflected in the course purpose, objectives, tentative course schedule, and
course assessments).
Fulfilling the Requirement:
Students will normally fulfill the V requirement by successfully completing one V
approved lower division course. The requirement may also be satisfied by completing a
departmental examination or by combining transfer credit for a course in American
government with the completion of an examination covering the Wyoming constitution.
Program Assessment:
The University Studies Program encourages a variety of assessment techniques both for
individual courses and for the program as a whole. Assessment techniques may include:
1. Student portfolios that include works from V courses as a part of a larger portfolio that
will include student work in other USP core areas.
2. Written course exams
3. Examination of student presentations by other faculty who teach V courses.
Process:
Using the University Studies Program criteria and outcomes, a sub-committee of three
selected from the membership of the University Studies Committee will evaluate each
course submitted for credit within the U.S. and Wyoming Constitutions category (V) and
will make recommendations to the full committee.
University Studies Program
Criteria Review Sheet
U.S. and Wyoming Constitutions (V)
In order to prepare students to be active citizens, a university education should provide
graduates with an understanding of the history, cultural context, and principles of the
institutions by which they are governed. Wyoming state statutes require this study and
the University Studies Program endorses its importance for developing a responsible
citizenry.
1. Students will demonstrate the ability to analyze and evaluate the formal and
informal principles, processes, and structures of the U.S. and Wyoming
constitutions and political systems.
2. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the historical development and
cultural context of these constitutions and political systems.
3. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the relationship between understanding
of the institutions by which they are governed and their roles as responsible
citizens.
Course Prefix & Number:
Credit Hours:
Course Title:
Please attach a detailed course syllabus that includes the objectives or outcomes for the
course and the means to assess the extent that students reach them.
List any prerequisites:
1.
Using information from the syllabus, please describe how this course meets the
learning goals (outcomes) and criteria for the V category.
A. How will students demonstrate the ability to analyze and evaluate the
formal and informal principles, processes, and structures of the U.S. and
Wyoming constitutions and political systems?
B. How will students demonstrate an understanding of the historical
development and cultural context of these constitutions and political
systems?
C. How will students demonstrate knowledge of the relationship between
understanding of the institutions by which they are governed and their
roles as responsible citizens.
D. How are the V outcomes included in the proposed V course syllabus
clearly delineated (reflected in the course purpose, objectives, tentative
course schedule, and course assessments)?
2.
Explain how the assessment method(s) used for this course demonstrate student
achievement of the learning outcomes for the V category. Explain how this
assessment might provide information that can be used to improve
accomplishment of desired learning outcomes.
3.
Does this course include an embedded USP component?
A. If yes, which embeddable component is included, and are the outcomes of
the embedded component appropriately addressed in the course proposal?
4.
What other factors should the committee consider?