ACADEMICS

While committed to the same broad goals as the traditional American liberal arts college, Tusculum’s mission distinguishes it as a Civic Arts college.

THE COMMONS CURRICULUM

Introduction

While committed to the same broad goals as the traditional American liberal arts college, Tusculum’s mission distinguishes it as a Civic Arts college. In addition to graduating individuals who have the knowledge and skills necessary for continued learning, an education in the Civic Arts tradition seeks to graduate students who are prepared to participate in the public discourse that is at the heart of any democratic society and to strive for the continuous improvement of their communities and of the emerging global society.

Purpose

The Commons is rooted in the republican tradition of responsible and virtuous citizenship that informs modern pluralistic civil societies and in the Judeo-Christian tradition, with its emphasis on compassion for others and respect for the dignity and worth of all persons.

The Commons is designed

to be an integrated and coherent core curriculum that establishes intellectual common ground through a series of courses and experiences employing both theory and practice;
to incorporate innovative pedagogies that will develop students’ abilities as engaged learners in both the classroom and the community; and
to develop the knowledge, skills, perspectives, and practical wisdom crucial to effective citizenship. Most specifically, Tusculum seeks to graduate individuals who will become engaged in their communities in various ways and who will know how to most effectively achieve the common good and justice in a global context.

Rubrics

The highlighted version of the rubric is the most current version.

Analytical Reading Rubric [DOC] [Updated]
Analytical Reading Rubric [DOC]
Civility Rubric [DOC] [Updated]
Civility Rubric [DOC]
Computer Literacy Rubric [DOC] [Updated]
Computer Literacy Rubric [DOC]
Critical Thinking Rubric [DOC] [Updated]
Critical Thinking Rubric [DOC]
Ethics of Social Responsibility Rubric [DOC] [Updated]
Ethics of Social Responsibility Rubric [DOC]
Information Literacy Rubric [DOC] [Updated]
Information Literacy Rubric [DOC]
Public Speaking Rubric [DOC] [Updated]
Public Speaking Rubric [DOC]
Self-Knowledge Rubric [DOC] [Updated]
Self-Knowledge Rubric [DOC]
Writing Rubric [DOC] [Updated]
Writing Rubric [DOC]

Interactive Version of Commons Program Faculty Handbook

Use the mini-viewer below to browse the Commons Program Faculty Handbook, or click on the Handbook for an interactive experience.