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Assessment (HC)

Religion Rubric

Religion Department Four-Year Library-Skills Rubric

  Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4
Research Questions Students learn how to find and use library resources and evaluate models of high quality research questions in various disciplines. They begin to develop their own critical questions from a limited number of sources. Often, students’ research questions are chosen from a list of approved topics. Students learn how to find and use library resources and evaluate models of high quality research questions in various disciplines. They begin to develop their own critical questions from a limited number of sources. Often, students’ research questions are chosen from a list of approved topics.  Students create their own research questions from a larger set of sources and learn about the various theoretical approaches taken in the study of religion. Students begin considering their own voice and how to articulate their ideas about religion.    Students hone their ability to produce critical questions from an expanding number of sources, including research in digital archives and databases in other libraries. They determine which sources shall be at the focus of their research projects and understand the context of those sources. These sources shall be utilized to effectively answer their research questions.  They develop an historiographic understanding of scholarship on religion through such critical sources as literature reviews. Students further develop their voice in terms of articulating their own approach to the study of religion.

Students successfully produce critical research questions and capably answer those questions using a variety of sources (primary and secondary). Students critique and analyze their own questions, revealing original conclusions that add to the larger body of knowledge in religious studies.  Students critically and creatively interpret religious movements, sacred texts, ideas, and practices in a responsible manner.

Concentration A: Students effectively study religious traditions and the textual, historical, sociological and cultural contexts in which they develop with a critical voice.

Concentration B: Students effectively and critically respond to literary expressions, visual imagery and other forms of representation in the study of religion.
Concentration C: Students effectively and critically explore larger social issues as related to religious traditions. 
Primary Sources Students differentiate between primary (in translation) and secondary sources and begin analysis. Students effectively use library catalogs and databases to identify and locate primary sources.  Students effectively use both analog and digital sources and can recognize the advantages/limitations of each. Students make use of the TriCo system and ILL to acquire sources for their senior thesis and other projects.  They can identify the editions and translations of texts which are most appropriate for their purposes.  Students identify and analyze relevant primary sources, understand their context, and effectively incorporate them into their senior thesis and other research projects.  The primary source shall be carefully analyzed in its scholarly context, particularly for Concentrations A and C; Concentration B successfully analyzes other forms of religious representation. 
Secondary Scholarship Students realize the difference between authoritative reference works and those designed for a general audience without subject expertise. Students read and develop a familiarity with a broader range of secondary scholarship and varying disciplinary approaches. They make use of subject encyclopedias, dictionaries, and other summary materials to find background information on their interests, and more importantly, discover recommended sources for further reading and consideration.  Students deepen their knowledge through topic specific reference guides and in-depth evaluations of major issues in the field. They make use of interdisciplinary materials to uncover deeper concepts and debates about various topics of interest. They understand scholarship as a dialog and make use of cited references to identify key researchers working on a topic.  Students utilize the theory, methods, and approaches found in secondary scholarship in their own research. They present their research within the larger context of this scholarship and add to such debates within the field(s). They are adept at using secondary sources for the advancement of their research and effectively critique these sources. Concentration B students are skilled at examining other forms of religious representation and understand the debates surrounding these modes of expression. 
Responsible Use of Sources Students understand the definition of plagiarism and its features, the basic principles of copyright, and the proper use of citation in their scholarly work.  Students cite and accurately use research materials. They employ citation managers to organize, store, and share references.  Students understand their role within a greater community of researchers and further develop their citation skills, making careful use of footnotes and endnotes to add to scholarly debates and conversations.  Students effectively, responsibly, and clearly participate as junior scholars in both a local and global academic community. They understand the ways in which scholarship is created, disseminated, and utilized which in turn, informs the production of their own scholarship. They have honed their citation skills, understand fair use and copyright, and provide access to their finished works. 
Library Services Students recognize that they may receive assistance by contacting their personal librarian or through the Research Help Desk. Students successfully learn to use the TriCo library catalog and website, and can request materials from inside and outside the system.   Students can identify appropriate subject librarians for courses they are taking and seek assistance with research projects. Students delve deeper into the variety of resources and services in the TriCo system and beyond.  They learn to expand their intellectual opportunities through both physical collections as well as digital ones.  Students effectively consult with the subject librarian for religion and make use of library guides prepared for classes to identify and access materials. Students have some idea of their senior thesis topic and have considered various strategies for research planning. They are familiar with specialized research sources for religion including handbooks and commentaries. Students work closely with the Religion librarian as they develop their senior thesis. Students hone their research plan and consult the librarian throughout the research process. This includes defining subject areas, search strategies, connections between fields, and resource assessment. The successful completion of the senior thesis marks a thorough understanding of the materials chosen, and an independent addition to the scholarly debates surrounding those materials.