Magis Common Core Curriculum Plan Creighton University Common Undergraduate Core Curriculum Task Force Proposed April 9, 2013 1 | P a g e TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER 1: OVERVIEW .......................................................................................................................................... 4 SECTION 1.1 PREAMBLE ................................................................................................................................................................ 4 SECTION 1.2 FRAMEWORK ........................................................................................................................................................... 5 Subsection 1.2.a Development of the Magis Common Core Curriculum .......................................................... 5 Subsection 1.2.b Three-tier structure ............................................................................................................................ 7 Subsection 1.2.c Magis Common Core Curriculum requirements ....................................................................... 9 SECTION 1.3 OVERSIGHT ............................................................................................................................................................ 14 SECTION 1.4 ASSESSMENT PLAN .............................................................................................................................................. 15 Subsection 1.4.a Assessment and the mission of Jesuit higher education..................................................... 15 Subsection 1.4.b The nature and purpose of assessment .................................................................................... 16 Subsection 1.4.c Course assessment ............................................................................................................................ 18 Subsection 1.4.d Program assessment........................................................................................................................ 19 Subsection 1.4.e Assessment standards ..................................................................................................................... 21 SECTION 1.5 COURSE APPROVAL AND REVIEW ..................................................................................................................... 22 Subsection 1.5.a Course approval ................................................................................................................................ 22 Subsection 1.5.b. Course review .................................................................................................................................... 24 CHAPTER 2: COMPONENTS (13 COMPONENTS, 35 HOURS) ................................................................... 26 SECTION 2.1 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................................................... 26 SECTION 2.2 FOUNDATIONS (6 COMPONENTS, 15 HOURS) ................................................................................................. 27 Subsection 2.2.a Contemporary Composition (3 hours) ...................................................................................... 27 Subsection 2.2.b Critical Issues in Human Inquiry (3 hours) ............................................................................ 29 Subsection 2.2.c Oral Communication (1 hour) ...................................................................................................... 32 Subsection 2.2.d Mathematical Reasoning (2 hours) ........................................................................................... 35 Subsection 2.2.e Philosophical Ideas (3 hours) ....................................................................................................... 37 Subsection 2.2.f The Christian Tradition (3 hours) .............................................................................................. 39 SECTION 2.3EXPLORATIONS (6 COMPONENTS, 17 HOURS) ................................................................................................. 41 Subsection 2.3.a Ethics (3 hours) ................................................................................................................................. 41 Subsection 2.3.b Global Perspectives in History (3 hours) ................................................................................. 44 Subsection 2.3.c Literature (3 hours) ......................................................................................................................... 46 Subsection 2.3.d The Biblical Tradition (3 hours) ................................................................................................. 48 Subsection 2.3.e Understanding Natural Science (2 hours) .............................................................................. 50 Subsection 2.3.f Understanding Social Science (3 hours) ................................................................................... 53 SECTION 2.4 INTEGRATION (1 COMONENTS, 3 HOURS) ....................................................................................................... 56 Subsection 2.4.a Intersections (3 hours) ................................................................................................................... 56 CHAPTER 3: DESIGNATED COURSES (5 COURSES, 0 ADDITIONAL HOURS) ...................................... 59 SECTION 3.1 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................................................... 59 SECTION 3.2 DESIGNATED ETHICS ........................................................................................................................................... 60 SECTION 3.3 DESIGNATED ORAL COMMUNICATION.............................................................................................................. 63 SECTION 3.4 DESIGNATED STATISTICAL REASONING ........................................................................................................... 65 SECTION 3.5 DESIGNATED TECHNOLOGY ................................................................................................................................ 67 SECTION 3.6 DESIGNATED WRITTEN COMMUNICATION ...................................................................................................... 69 CHAPTER 4: ASSESSMENT RESOURCES .......................................................................................................... 72 SECTION 4.1 COMMON CORE CURRICULUM LEARNING OBJECTIVES .................................................................................. 72 SECTION 4.2 ASSESSMENT RUBRICS ........................................................................................................................................ 82 Subsection 4.2.a ULO 2: Thinking Critically ............................................................................................................. 82 Subsection 4.2.b ULO 3A: Ignatian Values: Theological Dimensions ............................................................. 87 Subsection 4.2.c ULO 3B: Ignatian Values: Philosophical Dimensions .......................................................... 90 Subsection 4.2.d ULO 3C: Ignatian Values: Humanistic Dimensions .............................................................. 92 2 | P a g e Subsection 4.2.e ULO 3D: Ignatian Values: Scientific Dimensions .................................................................. 95 Subsection 4.2.f ULO 3E: Ignatian Values: Service & Justice Dimensions ..................................................... 98 Subsection 4.2.g ULO 4: Communicating Clearly & Effectively ....................................................................... 101 Subsection 4.2.h ULO 5: Reflecting Deliberatively ............................................................................................... 105 Subsection 4.2.i ULO 6: Working Effectively across Diversity ......................................................................... 108 3 | P a g e CHAPTER 1. OVERVIEW 1.1 Preamble The Magis Common Core serves as the cornerstone of Creighton University education, laying a shared foundation for all undergraduate students in order to shape responsible citizens of the global community. In the Jesuit tradition, Magis is “the more”, aspiring toward excellence. As Catholic, the Magis Common Core provides a framework to challenge students to pursue truth in all forms through the living tradition of the Catholic Church. As Jesuit, the Magis Common Core is deeply rooted in Ignatian values and the Jesuit intellectual tradition, engaging students through intimate learning communities in critical dialogue about the ultimate questions of life. The components that constitute the Magis Common Core are intentionally selected to provide a congruous liberal educational experience for all undergraduate students. Students across all colleges and schools interact, challenge ideas, and gain a deeper appreciation for diverse perspectives and experiences, thus promoting a culture of inquiry and mutual respect. A variety of course delivery methods, including distance education, are designed to foster student engagement. The Magis Common Core promotes students’ ethical reasoning and critical thinking, and prepares students to respond to life’s challenges with discerning intelligence and thoughtful reflection. Committed to the inherent worth and dignity