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A searchable database of innovative assignments aligned with RIT’s General Education Learning Outcomes. Curated by RIT faculty, these assignments span a variety of disciplines and teaching approaches, offering inspiration and practical tools to enhance student learning.

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An Introduction to Macromolecules

Author(s): Sandra Connelly

Students will create a 7–10 minute instructional video explaining the role of macromolecules in a chosen organism (prokaryote or eukaryote) and how these molecules contribute to its functionality. The purpose is to demonstrate understanding of macromolecules by teaching the concept to a 6th-grade audience in an engaging, accessible way.

Outcome: Natural Science Inquiry: Demonstrate knowledge of basic principles and concepts of one of the natural sciences, Critical Thinking: Demonstrate creative or innovative approaches to assignments or projects

Method: Project

Characteristics: Collaborative, Experiential

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Analyzing Hate Speech Laws

Author(s): Colin Mathers

Students analyze and compare hate speech laws in France and the United States through the lens of major legal cases and philosophical frameworks. They apply Rawlsian and Utilitarian ethical theories to evaluate legal protections against hate speech and develop their own reasoned position. The assignment culminates in drawing a parallel between hate speech regulation and another ethical issue.

Outcome: Ethical: Identify contemporary ethical questions and relevant positions

Method: Essay

Characteristics: Writing Intensive, Reflection

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Applied Calculus Sample Problems

Author(s): General Education Math Faculty Team

Sample math problems designed by a team of RIT faculty members, address fundamental constructs in RIT Applied Calculus course and include limits, differentiation, and integration.

Outcome: Mathematical: Perform college-level mathematical operations or apply statistical techniques, Mathematical: Comprehend and evaluate mathematical or statistical information

Method: Problem Set

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Article Critique

Author(s): Sarah Thompson

Students select and critique a recent scholarly article in art history, analyzing the author’s argument, use of evidence, and methodological approach. They develop their own perspective in response, supported by critical reasoning and comparison to other scholarly work. The assignment includes peer review and revision to strengthen analytical and writing skills.

Outcome: Communication: Express oneself effectively in common college-level written forms, Communication: Revise and improve written products, Critical Thinking: Analyze or construct arguments considering their premises, assumptions, contexts, conclusions, and anticipating counterarguments

Method: Essay

Characteristics: Writing Intensive, Collaborative, Reflection

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Challenging Students to Think Critically

Author(s): Mark Baskin

Guidelines for developing assignments that encourage critical thinking. Document outlines several components along with example prompts/assignment descriptions that can help guide faculty in developing their own assignment.

Outcome: Critical Thinking: Analyze or construct arguments considering their premises, assumptions, contexts, conclusions, and anticipating counterarguments, Communication: Express oneself effectively in common college-level written forms

Method: Project

Characteristics: Writing Intensive, Reflection, Experiential

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Chemistry Calculations

Author(s): Joe Lanzafame

This assignment engages students in applying solubility rules and stoichiometric calculations to design a method for separating metal ions in solution. Students must justify their choice of precipitating agent, calculate the mass required for selective precipitation, and evaluate the efficiency of their separation strategy. The task reinforces quantitative reasoning and critical thinking in a real-world chemistry context.

Outcome: Natural Science Inquiry: Demonstrate knowledge of basic principles and concepts of one of the natural sciences

Method: Problem Set

Characteristics: Experiential

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Chemistry Questions

Author(s): William Butler

This assignment assesses students’ understanding of fundamental chemistry concepts through a series of multiple-choice questions. Topics include mole-to-mass conversions, empirical formulas, stoichiometry, and identification of chemical versus physical changes. The questions are designed to reinforce quantitative reasoning and conceptual application in general chemistry.

Outcome: Natural Science Inquiry: Demonstrate knowledge of basic principles and concepts of one of the natural sciences

Method: Problem Set

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Climate Change Essay

Author(s): Eric Hittinger

Students will write an essay analyzing and critiquing different conceptual frameworks for addressing climate change, such as economic, precautionary, and social welfare approaches. The purpose is to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each perspective and argue for the most compelling approach to guide policy and decision-making.

Outcome: Communication: Demonstrate comprehension of information and ideas accessed through reading

Method: Essay

Characteristics: Writing Intensive, Reflection

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Comics Essay

Author(s): Daniel Worden

Students write an analytical essay exploring a topic related to comics culture, combining close reading of visual and textual elements with scholarly research. They may focus on a comic, artist, genre, or formal feature, and are encouraged to include images and cite at least three academic sources. Essays may be written in prose or comics form and begin with a proposal to guide development.

Outcome: Critical Thinking: Use relevant evidence gathered through accepted scholarly methods and properly acknowledge sources of information, Communication: Express oneself effectively in common college-level written forms

Method: Essay

Characteristics: Writing Intensive, Reflection, Experiential

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Comparing Architecture, Sculpture, and Portraits

Author(s): Sarah Thompson

Sample comparative essay prompts from different exams analyzing major works of architecture, sculpture, and portraiture from different historical periods and cultures. Each prompt asks students to interpret visual and structural elements to draw conclusions about religious practices, cultural values, or artistic traditions. Essays require close visual analysis and the use of specific examples to support arguments.

Outcome: Global: Examine connections among the world’s populations, Artistic: Interpret and evaluate artistic expression considering the cultural context in which it was created, Communication: Express oneself effectively in common college-level written forms

Method: Essay

Characteristics: Writing Intensive, Reflection

Download Assignment for Comparing Architecture, Sculpture, and Portraits

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