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.
A.
B.
II.
Learning outcomes/objectives
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
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.
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
79 - 70
69 - 60
Below
60
: Exceeds the standard
: Meets the standard
: Approaches the standard
: 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
3
2
1
: Exceeds the standard
: Meets the standard
: Approaches the standard
: 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