Closing the loop 2007

Student Learning Outcome Assessed:

Demonstrate the ability to apply religious and ethical values and beliefs to life

Desired Outcome:

Students would demonstrate their understanding of approaches to using the Bible as a tool for reflection on social ethics in order to reach a decision about one’s stance on that issue. They would also demonstrate their ability to articulate how they might act to achieve a stated ethical goal.

Data Collection:

Collect and review term papers for majors at end of course. The evaluation would consist of judging how able the student is in utilizing the content of the course to produce an effective paper and how much that paper reveals the student’s ability to utilize the Bible as a tool for reflection on social ethics.

Interpretation of the Data:

Copies of term papers from RLS305: The Peaceable Kingdom revealed: Some students offered no concrete evidence of impact positive or negative of government actions on issues of social justice. Some students have little insights gained from their readings or the Bible Other provided good examples of inequality between individuals using a variety of sources Some students forget that money isn’t only problem for human dignity when one is very poor Some student papers illustrate more tolerance than others

Changes to implement:

Need to find a way of putting the assignment that does more to encourage a constructive dialog between Catholic social teaching and other religious perspectives on social justice.