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Students become digital volunteers for the Smithsonian by transcribing or reviewing historical documents or specimen records.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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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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Human Communication
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Author(s): Elizabeth Reeves Connor
Students deliver a 4–6 minute informative or persuasive speech on a human communication topic of their choice, supported by credible research and a formal preparation outline. The speech must be delivered extemporaneously and demonstrate clear organization, depth of content, and effective delivery. Visual aids are optional, and outlines must follow strict formatting and citation guidelines.
Outcome: Communication: Express oneself effectively in presentations, either in American English or American Sign Language, Communication: Express oneself effectively in common college-level written forms Method: Presentation Characteristics: Experiential, Reflection, Writing Intensive Download Assignment for Human Communication
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Kosovo Crisis Simulation
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Author(s): Benjamin Banta
This assignment asks students to critically reflect on the ethics of their role in an in-class simulation. We simulate the 1999 crisis in Kosovo, especially the months leading up to the NATO decision to begin airstrikes over Kosovo aimed at preventing the wider spread of ethnic cleansing by Serbian forces of the Kosovar Albanian population.
Outcome: Ethical: Identify contemporary ethical questions and relevant positions, Communication: Express oneself effectively in common college-level written forms Method: Essay Characteristics: Collaborative, Experiential, Reflection, Writing Intensive Download Assignment for Kosovo Crisis Simulation
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Lightbulb Case Study
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Author(s): Eric Hittinger
Students develop a financial model that calculates the Net Present Cost (NPC) of buying and operating an incandescent (the regular kind), compact fluorescent (CFL, the "swirly" kind), and an LED bulb and develop a summary of their model, including results and some discussion.
Outcome: Scientific Principles: Apply methods of scientific inquiry and problem solving to contemporary issues and scientific questions, Communication: Express oneself effectively in common college-level written forms Method: Case Study Characteristics: Writing Intensive Download Assignment for Lightbulb Case Study
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Literacy Narrative
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Author(s): David Martins
This multi-stage assignment invites students to reflect on their personal literacy development through storytelling, peer collaboration, and revision. Students describe key literacy events, analyze their own and classmates’ experiences, and craft a reflective narrative that explores how social, cultural, and linguistic factors shape learning. The final product is a polished essay that integrates personal insight with shared classroom perspectives.
Outcome: Communication: Revise and improve written products, Communication: Express oneself effectively in common college-level written forms Method: Essay Characteristics: Collaborative, Reflection, Writing Intensive Download Assignment for Literacy Narrative
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Mammoth De-extinction, GMO bananas, and Hydrofracking
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Author(s): Elizabeth Hane, Scott Franklin
In a final group presentation, students choose one of three case studies—mammoth de-extinction, GMO bananas, or hydrofracking—and present their conclusions based on scientific evidence and ethical considerations. Presentations address scientific questions, evaluate the credibility and bias of sources, and explain how the group reached its decision. Students are expected to engage critically with real-world environmental and biotechnological issues.
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, Communication: Express oneself effectively in presentations, either in American English or American Sign Language Method: Case Study, Essay, Presentation Characteristics: Collaborative, Experiential, Writing Intensive Download Assignment for Mammoth De-extinction, GMO bananas, and Hydrofracking
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Minimum Wage Law- A One Act Play
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Author(s): Jeff Wagner
Students write a one-act play in which they engage in a dialogue about the economic and social implications of minimum wage laws. The play must explore multiple perspectives, including arguments for and against removing the minimum wage, and reflect how the student’s thinking has evolved over the course. The format encourages critical thinking, creativity, and application of economic concepts in a real-world scenario.
Outcome: Social: Analyze similarities and differences in human social experiences and evaluate the consequences, Communication: Express oneself effectively in common college-level written forms Method: Essay Characteristics: Experiential, Reflection, Writing Intensive Download Assignment for Minimum Wage Law- A One Act Play
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