Center for Civic Excellence Course Idea Proposals

The Center for Civic Excellence invites interdisciplinary faculty groups to propose ideas for new courses that its Curriculum Committee could consider adding to the new general education curriculum for AY 2027-28. Submissions are open between Tuesday, September 1, and Monday, September 14, 2026. A second round of course idea proposals will be solicited in April 2027 for AY 2028-29.

A proposal identifies a promising intellectual focus and related topics that could be developed into a CIVC course. This is not a formal course proposal or the type of general education designation request USU has used in the past. Therefore, proposals should not include a syllabus or fully developed curriculum. Rather, faculty groups should submit a concise explanation of the idea and purpose of the course as outlined in the proposal form (see Proposal Guidelines below). All proposals should reflect a careful understanding of the Civic Center's program and designation learning outcomes and their associated assessment rubrics. The learning outcomes and assessment rubrics can be found on pages 18-36 of the Civic Center's Assessment Plan.

In this proposal cycle, the Curriculum Committee is especially seeking a large number of proposals for courses that will fulfill the nine credits of Communication Literacy/Humanities required in the new general education curriculum. The Civic Center needs to offer several additional courses on enduring questions about the human condition and civic life that have shaped American society and the modern world.

Selected course ideas, or a combination of multiple proposals, will be developed into new courses by the Civic Center's Curriculum Committee. Interdisciplinary faculty design teams will then develop the courses and syllabi under the direction of the Civic Center's Administrative Team. Submission of an idea does not guarantee that it will be developed or approved.

Proposals must be submitted via Coursedog using the New General Education Course Idea Proposal form. In Coursedog, select New Proposal → New General Education Course Idea Proposal from the drop-down menu. Because access to Coursedog is limited to administrators, please ask a department administrator from the academic unit of any member of the proposing group to submit the proposal on behalf of the group.

Proposal Guidelines

1. General Education Designation

Identify the general education designation area the proposed course would fulfill.

2. Central Course Idea

Describe the central topic, question, problem, or area of inquiry students would explore. Explain why the course would be appropriate for the Civic Center's general education curriculum and how it would advance the Civic Center's program learning outcomes (see page 7 of the Assessment Plan). (Approximately 200 words)

3. Relationship to Existing Curriculum

Explain how the proposed course would be distinct from and complement existing CIVC general education courses. (Approximately 100 words)

4. Value to Students

Explain how the course would benefit students across a wide range of majors, backgrounds, and educational interests. Describe how it would advance the Civic Characteristics program learning outcomes (see page 7 of the Assessment Plan) and help students develop durable intellectual, professional, and/or civic skills. (Approximately 100 words)

5. Working Titles

Provide two or three student-facing working titles for the proposed course.

6. Catalog Descriptions

Provide two or three possible student-facing catalog descriptions. Each should be no more than 40 words, consistent with USU Catalog guidelines, and clearly communicate the course's central focus, what students would explore, and its relevance or value to students.

7. Faculty Proposers and Possible Design Team

Please identify faculty from various programs and departments who are interested in contributing to the development and instruction of this potential course. These faculty should be able and willing to affiliate with the Civic Center as Civic Teaching Fellows and teach the course during AY 2027-28 or AY 2028-29. The Civic Center's Curriculum Committee and Administrative Team will make final decisions regarding faculty participating in designing new courses.