Vital Past Evaluation Rubric

Courses with VP designation address all of the learning outcomes.

Learning Outcome	Unsatisfactory	Satisfactory	Exemplary
Identify, analyze, and contextualize primary sources.	Sample is unsatisfactory if either of the following is true: student does not understand what a primary source is. student cannot place the primary source into larger context.	Writing sample illustrates that the student recognizes the relationship between primary source materials and interpretations of the past in a broader context.	Writing sample illustrates that student can use primary source material(s) to develop interpretations of the past in a broader context.
Identify and critique secondary, scholarly arguments about the past.	Writing sample is unsatisfactory if either of the following is true: student does not understand what a secondary source is. student is unable to articulate the strengths and weaknesses of a secondary source.	Writing sample illustrates that student understands what a secondary scholarly argument about the past is and that some scholarly arguments about the past are better grounded in evidence than others.	Writing sample illustrates that student can recognize a secondary scholarly argument about the past and discuss its strengths and weaknesses.
Develop and defend an analytical or interpretive argument about the past.	Writing sample is unsatisfactory if either of the following is true: student cannot make an analytical or interpretive argument about the past. student is unable to marshal evidence to support an analytical or interpretive argument.	Writing sample illustrates that student is able to make an analytical or interpretive argument about the past that requires more evidence.	Writing sample illustrates that student can make a convincing analytical or interpretive argument about the past that is grounded in evidence.
Recognize that differences separate people past and present, though all people share a common humanity.	Writing sample is unsatisfactory if either of the following is true: student does not understand that particular cultural practices, assumption, or ideas (etc.) are historically situated. student believes that current cultural practices, assumptions, or ideas (etc.) are universally true and applicable for all times.	Writing sample illustrates that student recognizes the historic specificity of a particular cultural practice, assumption, or idea (etc.).	Writing sample illustrates that student understands the historic specificity of a particular cultural practice, assumption, or idea (etc.) and is able to explain why these prevailed in the time period in question.
Evaluate the reliability of evidence about the past.	Writing sample is unsatisfactory if the student believes that all evidence is created equal.	Writing sample illustrates student recognizes that some historical evidence is stronger than others.	Writing sample illustrates student understands how to weigh the merits of historical evidence and that evidence about the past is limited in scope.