Learning Outcomes 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-2022 Target cours(s) for Assessment Data & Rubrics*
Critical and Analytical Thinking   x x x x LS 401, Senior Project.Critical and analytical thinking will be assessed using the following criteria: •Consideration of various perspectives. •Discussion of critical assumptions, contrary findings, and alternative interpretations. •Cautious conclusions and discussion of their implications.Students will perform at an acceptable level or higher.
Team Work and Collaboration     x x x LS 401, Senior ProjectGroup project and copies of student self-assessment and instructor’s assessment that gage the student’s ability to:•Actively participate in the task or project to accomplish a common goal.•Adjust to unforeseen circumstances.ORRough draft, comments from peer-review workshop, and revision plan based on suggestions given during peer-review. These items will be used to access the students’ ability to:•Offer constructive, specific and accurate feedback.Students will perform at an acceptable level or higher.
Analytical Writing x x x x x LS 401, Senior Project.Papers will be assessed holistically for argumentation (structure, development), research (integration, citation format), and style (clarity, mechanics). Students will perform at an acceptable level or higher.
Application of natural sciences to problems of natural resource and environmental management     x x x Paper or Project from any 300-or 400-level Natural Science Course Option. •Explains thoughts thoroughly using correct terminology.•Communicates ideas clearly and concisely.•Demonstrates knowledge of scientific language. Students will perform at an acceptable level or higher.
Application of social sciences to problems of natural resource and environmental management     x x x Paper or Project from any 300-or 400-level PublicPolicyCourse Option. Demonstrates an understanding of the processes of public policy decisions, including the relationship between scientific research and environmental policy.Students will perform at an acceptable level or higher.
Undergraduate Research x x x x x LS 401, Senior Project.Depth and breadth of research will be assessed using the following criteria: •A well-defined question. •Description of the context and existing information about an issue. •Adequate references, including original sources, alternative perspectives, and criticism. Students will perform at an acceptable level or higher.

 

*Assessment will be performed by a committee made up of at least two members of the Liberal Studies Advisory Committee. Assignments will be graded as: Unacceptable (0), Marginal (1), Acceptable (2), Excellent (3).