Liberal Arts Essentials Assessment Plan
Course: PHIL 331
Writing Unit:
Instructor:
Methods: Essay, LAE Course Evaluation Form
LAE Category: Moral Inquiry
Goal: Muskingum students will demonstrate knowledge of physical wellness and of ethical and spiritual
concepts.
Learning Objective: Objective B: Students will demonstrate an ability to assess ethical and moral issues in
society critically.
First Evidence Stream:
A. Student work examined
List the tasks used to measure the objective (e.g., exams, research project/paper assignments, presentation or
class assignment) and attach a copy of each along with the Departmental plan.
First Evidence Stream
All the tests in the course are essay or short answers. The final exam (or last midterm) of the semester will
include the following question:
 Consider a controversial issue regarding environmental policy.
 Select two distinct environmental theories to support opposing judgments on the policy issue.
 Justify the claim that one of the approaches is superior by formulating a well-reasoned argument.
B. Scoring Criteria
Briefly explain the criteria used to evaluate student performance in relation to the learning objective (i.e.,
what constitutes advanced, proficient, partially proficient, not proficient, etc.) Attach copies of
measurement instrument or rubric.
Approved 9/2011
Examination Rubric
Objective
Student explains the
arguments for two
contrasting
judgments on a
policy issue, by using
two distinct
environmental
theories to support
the judgments.
4
Student explains the
arguments for two
contrasting
judgments on a
policy issue, by
using two distinct
environmental
theories to support
the judgments.
3
Student explains the
arguments for two
contrasting
judgments on a
policy issue, but
with some omissions
in the environmental
theories used to
support the
judgments
Student justifies the
claim that one of the
two theoretical
approaches is
superior.
Student justifies the
claim that one of the
two theoretical
approaches is
superior by
formulating a
coherent argument
with explicit
reasons.
Student justifies the
claim that one of the
two theoretical
approaches is
superior by
formulating an
argument with some
omissions or flaws
in reasoning.
2
Student’s
explanation of the
arguments involves
significant
omissions and errors
regarding the ethical
theories. For
example, if one
approach is
explained, the other
is omitted. Or, if
both approaches are
explained, there are
significant content
errors.
Student justifies the
claim that one of the
two theoretical
approaches is
superior by
formulating an
argument with
significant
omissions or flaws.
1
Student does not
explain the ethical
theories.
Student does not
formulate an
argument about
which approach is
superior.
Score: +_______/8
 Exceeds Expectations: 7-8
 Meets Expectations: 5-6
 Fails to Meet Expectations: 4 and below.
Second Evidence Stream

The LAE assessment tool will be used.
 Exceeding expectations will be defined as a student giving an average score across the four questions
of 3.68 – 5.00.

 Meeting expectations will be defined as a student giving an average score across the four questions of
2.33 - 3.67.

 Failing to meet expectations will be defined as a student giving an average score across the four
questions of 1 – 2.32.
Approved 9/2011
Example of First Stream of Evidence:
Philosophy 331 Final: Tuesday May 4, 8:30. This test is worth 100 points. Answer this question in your
bluebooks.
The nene (Hawaiian goose) is the state bird of Hawaii and is one of at least twenty-nine threatened and
endangered species on Hawaii. Much of the original decline of the nene resulted from overhunting, the
conversion of former goose habitat to agriculture, and introduction of the rat and mongoose to the islands.
Despite a fifty-year recovery effort, the nene is still on the edge of extinction, and there are no known selfsustaining populations on the island. Is it worth continuing the effort to establish the nene?
On the negative side is the observation that much of the original and prime nene habitat has been lost from
the islands. Further, the nene seems to capitalize on nonnative exotic plants. The problem is that virtually all
goose populations in North America are managed by providing food (grasses or agricultural crops) and the
Hawaiian agencies do not want this—they want exotic/non-native plants removed and not increased. There
are at least twelve other bird species even more endangered than the nene, and the islands’ biodiversity
might benefit from the recovery efforts for these species too (which would require introducing non-native
species). The supporters of the nene argue that some fifty years of effort in saving these birds would be
wasted if support for the nene were withdrawn. If efforts are stopped now, other threatened birds might be
impacted as well.
Make an argument in favor of the goose preservation, at the expense of native plant life. Then make an
argument against the goose preservation, in favor of the native plant life. For each argument use one of the
following environmental ethics’ philosophies: Regan’s animal rights position, Leopold’s land ethic, Taylor’s
biocentrism, Russow’s approach to species protection. (Obviously you can’t use the same one twice). After
you have made the arguments for both sides, pick the one that you think does the best job in arriving at the
best solution. The key to doing well on this essay is showing that you comprehend the theories that you are
using. NOTE: The exam begins at 8:30. You should spend approximately 30 minutes on this exam. It is
expected that you will write about four to five blue paragraphs maximum.
Approved 9/2011