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 - Case Studies
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Author(s): Elizabeth Hane Students work in small groups to analyze a conservation-focused case study from the National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science and present their proposed solution to the class. The assignment requires applying ecological concepts to real-world environmental problems, considering scientific, societal, and ethical perspectives, and conducting additional research. Groups will evaluate trade-offs inherent in conservation decisions and communicate their findings clearly through a presentation format of their choice. This task emphasizes collaboration, critical thinking, and the integration of ecological knowledge into practical problem-solving.
Outcome: Scientific Principles: Apply methods of scientific inquiry and problem solving to contemporary issues and scientific questions, Natural Science Inquiry: Demonstrate knowledge of basic principles and concepts of one of the natural sciences, Communication: Express oneself effectively in presentations, either in American English or American Sign Language, Ethical: Identify contemporary ethical questions and relevant positions, Social: Analyze similarities and differences in human social experiences and evaluate the consequences, Critical Thinking: Use relevant evidence gathered through accepted scholarly methods and properly acknowledge sources of information Method: Presentation, Case Study Characteristics: Collaborative, Experiential, Reflection Download Assignment for Conservation Biology - Case Studies
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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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Critical Thinking: An Introduction to Basic Logic and Reasoned Skepticism Final Project
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Author(s): Larry Torcello Students will design and complete a research-based project that applies critical thinking and skepticism to analyze a pseudoscientific claim. The purpose is to distinguish science from pseudoscience by investigating misinformation or disinformation, identifying logical fallacies, and presenting a reasoned philosophical argument supported by evidence.
Outcome: Communication: Express oneself effectively in common college-level written forms, Critical Thinking: Analyze or construct arguments considering their premises, assumptions, contexts, conclusions, and anticipating counterarguments, Critical Thinking: Reach sound conclusions based on logical analysis of evidence, Critical Thinking: Demonstrate creative or innovative approaches to assignments or projects Method: Project, Essay Characteristics: Writing Intensive, Reflection, Experiential, Collaborative Download Assignment for Critical Thinking: An Introduction to Basic Logic and Reasoned Skepticism Final Project
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Digital Volunteers for the Smithsonian
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Author(s): Juilee Decker
Students become digital volunteers for the Smithsonian by transcribing or reviewing historical documents or specimen records. They submit screenshots of their work and a 250-word reflection connecting their experience to museum functions and course readings. The assignment emphasizes attention to detail, digital literacy, and engagement with archival materials in a real-world context.
Outcome: Communication: Demonstrate comprehension of information and ideas accessed through reading, Communication: Express oneself effectively in common college-level written forms Method: Project Characteristics: Writing Intensive, Experiential Download Assignment for Digital Volunteers for the Smithsonian
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Environmental Disasters Essay
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Author(s): Christine Keiner, Richard Newman This assignment asks students to analyze how lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina, as discussed in Dave Philipps’ article on federal response improvements during Hurricane Harvey, connect to issues described in Jed Horne’s Breach of Faith. Students will select two lessons from Philipps’ list and examine how Horne portrays the affected groups, identifies responsibility for the problems, and relates these situations to key themes in Ted Steinberg’s Acts of God.
Outcome: Communication: Demonstrate comprehension of information and ideas accessed through reading Method: Essay Characteristics: Writing Intensive, Reflection Download Assignment for Environmental Disasters Essay
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Ethical Assignment Guidelines for General Education Assessment
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Author(s): General Education Ethical Faculty Team
The General Education Faculty Team for the Ethical Perspective developed a set of guidelines to help faculty align their course assignments to the university rubric. The guide also includes sample assignments from various disciplines/courses.
Outcome: Ethical: Identify contemporary ethical questions and relevant positions Method: Case Study, Debate Download Assignment for Ethical Assignment Guidelines for General Education Assessment
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Film Critique Assignment
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Author(s): Rebecca Scales
Students write two analytical film critiques (4–6 pages each) examining how selected World War I films interpret historical themes such as nationalism, class, gender, and the wartime experience. Critiques must analyze narrative structure, historical context, stylistic elements, and the director’s perspective, using assigned readings to support their arguments. Students are expected to develop a clear thesis and engage deeply with both the film and its broader historical significance.
Outcome: 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, Experiential Download Assignment for Film Critique Assignment
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GMO Debate
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Author(s): Dawn Carter
Students participate in a structured, role-based debate on genetically modified organisms (GMOs), representing diverse stakeholders such as scientists, farmers, industry leaders, and the general public. Each group researches their assigned perspective, prepares notes, and engages in a moderated class debate exploring the scientific, economic, ethical, and social dimensions of GMOs. The assignment includes preparatory readings, videos, and reflective writing.
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: Debate Characteristics: Collaborative, Experiential, Reflection, Writing Intensive Download Assignment for GMO Debate
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Group Inquiry Project (IMRaD)
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Author(s): Phil Shaw Students will work in groups to design and implement a primary research study that contributes to an ongoing academic conversation about writing practices, theories and beliefs. The purpose is to develop research and writing skills through collecting and analyzing primary data, synthesizing it with scholarly sources, and producing a formal report following IMRaD and APA conventions.
Outcome: Communication: Express oneself effectively in common college-level written forms, Communication: Revise and improve written products Method: Project Characteristics: Writing Intensive, Experiential, Collaborative, Reflection Download Assignment for Group Inquiry Project (IMRaD)
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