Civic & Community Responsibility Paper
The goal of this paper is to explore your personal definition of both civic and community responsibility. In 2-3 pages, explain what civic and community responsibility mean to you. Use the following guiding questions, though you are not required to answer all of them to receive full credit.
What does it mean to be an effective citizen in our society?
Why is active citizenship important?
What does it mean to be a civically engaged leader?
What does ethical community engagement look like? Unethical community engagement?
Who would you consider examples of civically engaged leaders? Why?
Who would you consider examples of community engaged leaders? Why?
How are you already an engaged citizen and community engaged leader?
How do you plan to be a civic and community engaged leader after completion of this course?
Use the activities from class and readings as a foundation for your paper. Full credit will be given to papers that use the readings as a foundation to fully explain your definition of civic responsibility and provide details on how you plan on engaging in citizenship after completion of the course.
View Rubric
Civic Responsibility Rubric
Civic Responsibility Rubric
Criteria Ratings Pts
Reflection
5 to >4 pts
Exemplary
Student thoroughly describes the many benefits of being a civically engaged leader, providing specific examples connected to various aspects of their identity, course content, and personal experiences. The reflection is coherent, persuasive, and thought-provoking without grammatical issues.
4 to >3 pts
Satisfactory
Student includes multiple examples of how being a civically engaged leader will benefit their future and includes some references to course content and experiences. Most grammatical/syntax issues are resolved.
3 to >0 pts
Needs Significant Improvement
Student includes a few examples of how being a civically engaged leader will be beneficial to their future but does not include any depth or critical thinking. Submission lacks coherence with some grammatical errors.
0 pts
Does not meet
/ 5 pts
Analysis of Knowledge
5 to >4 pts
Exemplary
Connects and extends knowledge (facts, theories, etc.) from one’s own academic study/personal experience/course content making relevant connections to civic engagement and to one’s own participation in civic life, politics, and government.
4 to >3 pts
Satisfactory
Details the connection between knowledge (facts, theories, etc.) from one’s own academic study/personal experience/course content to civic engagement and to tone’s own participation in civic life, politics, and government.
3 to >0 pts
Needs Significant Improvement
Provides few examples or little information on the connection between knowledge (facts, theories, etc.) from one’s own academic study/personal experience/course content to civic engagement and to one’s own participation in civic life, politics, and government.
0 pts
Does not meet
/ 5 pts
Diversity of Communities and Cultures
5 to >4 pts
Exemplary
Reflects on how own attitudes and beliefs are different from those of other cultures and communities. Exhibits curiosity about what can be learned from a diversity of communities and cultures.
4 to >3 pts
Satisfactory
Has awareness that own attitudes and beliefs are different from those of other cultures and communities. Exhibits little curiosity about what can be learned from the diversity of communities and cultures.
3 to >0 pts
Needs Significant Improvement
Expresses attitudes and beliefs as an individual, from a one-sided view. Is indifferent or resistant to what can be learned from diversity of communities and cultures.
0 pts
Does not meet
/ 5 pts
Civic Engagement Definition & Plan
5 to >4 pts
Exemplary
Provides a detailed definition of civic engagement, with multiple relevant activities and describing what they have learned about themselves as it relates to a reinforced and clarified sense of civic identity and continued commitment to public action.
4 to >3 pts
Satisfactory
Provides a clear definition of civic engagement and describes what they have learned about themselves as it relates to civic identity.
3 to >0 pts
Needs Significant Improvement
Provides vague details and few examples of their plan to engage in civic-engagement activities and does not connect experiences to civic identity.
0 pts
Does not meet
/ 5 pts
Method of Delivery
5 to >4 pts
Exemplary
The student creates a cohesive submission linking pictures, text, and previous experience. The reflection is coherent, persuasive, and thought-provoking without errors detracting from the overall experience.
4 to >3 pts
Satisfactory
Student demonstrates care while selecting and identifying elements within their submission. Overall submission is creative and speaks to a specific audience with thoughtfulness.
3 to >0 pts
Needs Significant Improvement
Student submission demonstrates the basic components of the assignment, but the overall submission lacks creativity or thoughtfulness related to intended audience and elements of digital literacy.
0 pts
Does not meet
/ 5 pts
