Analyzing Hate Speech Laws
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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 Download Assignment for Analyzing Hate Speech Laws
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Applied Calculus Sample Problems
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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 Download Assignment for Applied Calculus Sample Problems
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Article Critique
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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 Download Assignment for Article Critique
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Challenging Students to Think Critically
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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 Download Assignment for Challenging Students to Think Critically
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Chemistry Calculations
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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 Download Assignment for Chemistry Calculations
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Chemistry Questions
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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 Download Assignment for Chemistry Questions
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Comics Essay
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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 Download Assignment for Comics Essay
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Comparing Architecture, Sculpture, and Portraits
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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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Conflicting Values and Ethical Problems
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Author(s): Christine Keiner
In this writing assignment, students critically analyze an editorial related to environmental ethics—such as waste, agriculture, or fossil fuels—by exploring conflicting values and worldviews. They engage with multiple credible sources, including course texts and peer-reviewed research, to construct a counterargument and propose a resolution grounded in shared values. The assignment emphasizes ethical reasoning, critical thinking, and persuasive communication.
Outcome: Ethical: Identify contemporary ethical questions and relevant positions Method: Essay Characteristics: Writing Intensive, Reflection Download Assignment for Conflicting Values and Ethical Problems
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Conservation Biology Project
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Author(s): Kaitlin Stack Whitney
Students choose between creating a zine, writing a traditional research paper, or designing a game—each focused on a conservation-related topic of their choice. All project formats require research, synthesis of ideas, and an annotated bibliography using credible sources. The assignment emphasizes creativity, critical thinking, and the development of communication skills tailored to different audiences and media.
Outcome: Critical Thinking: Demonstrate creative or innovative approaches to assignments or projects, 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: Project Characteristics: Writing Intensive, Reflection, Experiential, Collaborative Download Assignment for Conservation Biology Project
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