MLO 4 Philosophical Analysis

MLO 4: PHILOSOPHICAL ANALYSIS

Ability to understand why and how beliefs, values, assumptions, and communication practices interact to shape ways of being and knowing.

What does this mean?

Philosophical analysis enables us to understand and assess human ways of knowing, being, and valuing. Our assumptions and beliefs about what counts as knowledge, the nature and purposes of life, right and wrong, good and bad profoundly affect how we choose to live our lives. Philosophical analysis provides the tools to identify, understand, and evaluate these assumptions and beliefs.

Criteria for Assessment

Does the portfolio demonstrate the ability to identify at least three different ways of knowing and their underlying assumptions and beliefs?

Does the portfolio demonstrate the ability to self-reflexively and respectfully evaluate these ways of knowing?

Does the portfolio demonstrate the ability to explain interactions among ways of knowing, being, and valuing within their sociohistorical contexts?

Does the portfolio include a detailed epistemological, ontological, and ethical analysis of a significant contemporary issue or problem?

Pathways
Course-based Assessment

HCOM 301 - Ways of Knowing
HCOM 404 - Restorative Justice
HCOM 405 - Philosophy and Sexualities
HCOM 406 - Philosophy According to the Movies

Independent Assessment

Students submit research project: an analytical paper (15-25 pages) fulfilling the above criteria. Accompanying materials of a visual, oral or multimedia nature may be used in this paper.

For further information, please see Procedures for Independent Assessment.

MLO 4: Philosophical Analysis Assessment Standards
(A level of 3 is necessary to fulfill the built-in assessment).

5. Exemplary
The portfolio meets all of the criteria stated above. A philosophical analysis is applied to a significant contemporary problem or issue. Its epistemological, ontological, and ethical components are explained and incorporated throughout. Three different ways of knowing are applied to the problem or issue and their specific, significant beliefs, values, assumptions, and communication practices are identified and analyzed for their impact on the problem-solving process. The analysis is self-reflexive and respectful of divergent perspectives and epistemologies on their own terms. A proposal to better understand or resolve the significant problem or issue is made based on these epistemological approaches and their attendant ways of being and valuing. Written projects are focused, well organized, and skillfully presented according to the applicable writing conventions. Errors in spelling, punctuation, mechanics, and usage are rare.

4. Very Good
The portfolio meets all of the criteria stated above. A philosophical analysis is applied to a significant contemporary problem or issue. Its epistemological, ontological, and ethical components are explained and generally incorporated throughout. Three different ways of knowing are applied to the problem or issue and most of their specific, significant beliefs, values, assumptions, and communication practices are identified and analyzed for their impact on the problem-solving process. The analysis is self-reflexive and largely respectful of divergent perspectives and epistemologies on their own terms. A proposal to better understand or resolve the significant problem or issue is made based on these epistemological approaches and their attendant ways of being and valuing. Written projects are focused, well organized, and competently presented according to the applicable writing conventions. Errors in spelling, punctuation, mechanics, and usage do not impede understanding.

3. Satisfactory
The portfolio meets most of the criteria stated above. A philosophical analysis is applied to a significant contemporary problem or issue. Its epistemological, ontological, and ethical components are explained and generally incorporated throughout. Three different ways of knowing are applied to the problem or issue and several of their specific, significant beliefs, values, assumptions, and communication practices are identified and analyzed for their impact on the problem-solving process. The analysis is somewhat self-reflexive and largely respectful of divergent perspectives and epistemologies on their own terms. A proposal to better understand or resolve the significant problem or issue is made based on these epistemological approaches and their attendant ways of being and valuing. Written projects are focused, adequately organized, and competently presented according to the applicable writing conventions. Errors in spelling, punctuation, mechanics, and usage do not impede understanding.

2. Needs Improvement
The portfolio meets some of the criteria stated above. A philosophical analysis is applied to a significant contemporary problem or issue. Its epistemological, ontological, and ethical components are explained yet remain unincorporated throughout the analysis. Three or fewer different ways of knowing are applied to the problem or issue and some of their specific, significant beliefs, values, assumptions, and communication practices are identified and analyzed for their impact on the problem-solving process. The analysis is largely respectful of divergent perspectives and epistemologies on their own terms. A proposal to better understand or resolve the significant problem or issue is made but may need to be connected to the epistemological approaches and their attendant ways of being and valuing. Written projects may need more focus, better organization, or refined presentation according to the applicable writing conventions. Errors in spelling, punctuation, mechanics, and usage impede understanding.

1. Needs Considerable Improvement
The portfolio meets a few of the criteria stated above. A philosophical analysis is applied to an unclearly stated problem or issue. Its epistemological, ontological, and ethical components may need greater explanation and may need to be incorporated into the analysis. Three or fewer different ways of knowing are applied to the problem or issue and some or a few of their specific, significant beliefs, values, assumptions, and communication practices are identified and analyzed for their impact on the problem-solving process. The analysis needs greater attention to self-reflexivity or to respect divergent perspectives and epistemologies on their own terms. A proposal to better understand or resolve the significant problem or issue is either absent or is made but needs to be connected to the epistemological approaches and their attendant ways of being and valuing. Written projects need more focus, better organization, or refined presentation according to the applicable writing conventions. Errors in spelling, punctuation, mechanics, and usage impede understanding.