Democracy as a Culture: Shaping Communities and Civic Life

Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

MAC Category: Civics and Community Competency (MCV)

• Critically analyze claims, arguments, artifacts or information.
• Construct coherent, evidence-based arguments.
• Evaluate key concepts, principles, arguments, and contexts in founding documents of the American Republic, including the United States Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and a representative selection of the Federalist Papers.
• Evaluate key milestones in progress and challenges in the effort to form a more perfect Union, including the arguments and contexts surrounding the Gettysburg Address, the Emancipation Proclamation, and the Letter from Birmingham Jail, as well as other texts that reflect the breadth of American experiences.

Course Specific SLOs

• Evaluate foundational democratic texts such as the Constitution and Federalist Papers
• Analyze key milestones such as the Gettysburg Address and Letter from Birmingham Jail
• Construct coherent, evidence-based arguments about democratic values
• Communicate in culturally-informed ways across U.S. communities
• Analyze ethical implications of democratic ideals in diverse cultural contexts

Course Grading Information:

Activity/Performance Measure	Percentage/Points
Exams (4)	40%
Quizzes and Assignments	25%
Group Project and Presentation	10%
Participation	25%

Grading Scale

Percentage	Letter Grade
93–100	A
90–92	A-
88–89	B+
83–87	B
80–82	B-
78–79	C+
73–77	C
70–72	C-
68–69	D+
63–67	D
60–62	D-
0–59	F

Attendance/Participation:

Regular attendance and active participation are required. Students are allowed three absences without penalty; additional absences will lower the final grade. Excessive absences may result in course failure. Tardiness and early departures count toward absences.

Course Materials Purchased by the Students:

Notebook (no electronic devices allowed in class)