Standards for Civic Knowledge and Engagement Courses

MavEd Expectations: All MavEd courses must address the transferable learning outcomes and assess the transferable student learning outcomes using a common MavEd rubric embedded in Canvas, available for download into individual courses. In addition to these shared outcomes, courses approved in the Civic Knowledge and Engagement category must demonstrate the disciplinary expectations outlined below. These expectations provide guidance for course development and establish the minimum standards used by the Civic Knowledge and Engagement Subcommittee when reviewing proposals for MavEd approval.

MavEd Framework Requirements (p. 5-12): Courses aligned with individual and social responsibility outcomes provide opportunities for students to explore and develop a deeper understanding of their roles as responsible individuals and engaged members of society, while also simultaneously reinforcing skills from at least one fundamental skills area (e.g., oral communication).

• Writing. Students will focus on writing skills through an iterative process that includes drafting, receiving feedback, and revising their work. This process will constitute a significant portion of their overall effort and grade in the course, emphasizing the importance of continuous development and refinement in written communication.
• Oral Communication. Courses must include a minimum of two structured speaking assignments such as oral presentations, debates, or group projects with speaking components in which the speaking components represent significant effort and point total. Students must be given feedback and instruction related to the presentation of material. Mechanisms to ensure students reflect on their engagement with the fundamental skill must be included in the course.
• Quantitative Literacy. Courses must include at least three graded assignments representing a meaningful portion of the course grade that apply math concepts, interpreting data, or solving quantitative problems. Mechanisms to ensure students reflect on their engagement with the fundamental skill must be included in the course.
• Data Literacy. Courses must include a variety of assignments that individually or collectively represent significant effort and point total that emphasize data management (collecting, organizing, managing data), data visualization, and date interpretation). Students should use one or more data management visualization tools (e.g. Tableau, Excel, Google data studio, geographic information systems).

Civic Knowledge and Engagement (3 credits). Students will demonstrate an understanding of issues related to citizenship, community involvement, and ethical responsibility by critically analyzing diverse civic, governmental, and social systems and institutions.

Attributes of a Civic Knowledge and Engagement Course

A Civic Knowledge and Engagement course will:

• Examine issues related to citizenship, community involvement, civic responsibility, public life, or ethical engagement.
• Analyze civic, governmental, social, legal, educational, cultural, or community systems and institutions.

It will also incorporate at least one of the characteristics below:

• Civic Systems and Institutions: Understanding the roles, functions, and power dynamics of civic, governmental, legal, economic, educational, or social institutions.
• Public Issues and Community Challenges: Analyzing contemporary or historical public issues, community concerns, or societal challenges from multiple perspectives.
• Civic Responsibility and Ethical Engagement: Evaluating the responsibilities of individuals, organizations, and communities in addressing civic issues defining ethical standards, and contributing to the public good.
• Civic Participation and Collective Action: Examining the ways individuals and groups engage in civic life, influence public decision-making, and contribute to community change.

Civic Knowledge and Engagement Methods & Approaches

Students will use at least one of the following:

• Public Problem Analysis: Investigating public issues, community challenges, and societal concerns using evidence, multiple perspectives, and reasoned analysis.
• Policy Analysis: Evaluating public policies, their implementation, and their effects on individuals, communities, and society.
• Ethical Reasoning: Applying ethical frameworks and principles to analyze civic questions, public decisions, and issues of responsibility.
• Community-Based Inquiry: Examining community needs, assets, experiences, or challenges through engagement with community contexts, organizations, or stakeholders.
• Deliberation and Dialogue: Engaging with diverse perspectives through discussion, debate, negotiation, or collaborative problem-solving related to civic issues.
• Historical and Comparative Civic Analysis: Examining civic institutions, movements, or issues across different historical periods, cultures, or societies.