Personal and social values

The integration paper is an opportunity for you to present a clear picture of how you integrate or plan to integrate what you believe (your values, mission, worldview) with how you live in light of vocation and your personal mission.

Throughout the course you will read, write, and reflect on your “Soul Models,” personal values, life-shaping experiences, personal strengths, personal mission statement, and global issues facing your chosen career field. This paper should be a synthesis of things you have already been writing about throughout the course.

The integration paper must include the four parts of the SAU concept (below). As you write each section of the paper, don’t simply answer the questions provided below, but construct a well-rounded “philosophy” that encompasses your personal mission and addresses each of these

I. A Community of Learners
Consider what being a part of “a community of learners” means. Describe those who have been the most influential people in your life or your “Soul Models.” How are you contributing to the “community of learners” and how do you plan to contribute in the future?

II. Lifelong involvement in the study and application of the liberal arts / worldview
Discuss your education, major, or field of study at SAU and how it has helped shape your view of the world and who you are in the world. You may wish to include other worldviews and how they complement or complicate your faith. How do you plan to continue your study and application of the liberal arts?

III. Jesus Christ as my perspective for learning: spiritual journey / how I see the world
Reflect on who Jesus is and has or hasn’t been to you. Include one or two key events or happenings in your life which have influenced who you are and how you see the world. How do you plan to nurture your spiritual development on the journey ahead?

IV. Critical participation in the contemporary world: calling / vocation
What gives life meaning to you? What is the life you want to have? Do the two connect with each other? How are you participating in the contemporary world already? What are your plans to integrate critical participation with your calling / vocation?

Each of the four (4) sections above should comprise at least two (2) double-spaced pages. A proper introduction and conclusion should also accompany a well-written paper for a completed project of approximately ten (10) pages in length. The paper must follow formal style guidelines APA

To clarify, I would expect to see at least two citations per section (a total of eight citations). This would equal out to one per page. Also, I would like to see the use of at least four references overall (our two textbooks, the Starbucks article, and a dictionary website). Keep in mind the quality of your outside source. Typically, websites ending with “edu” and “org” are acceptable. I would also accept a dictionary site, like Merriam-Webster.com, as ONE of the outside sources. Do not use Wikipedia, Ask Jeeves or other similar sites. Be cautious when using websites ending in “dotcoms.” some are fine – others would not be considered appropriate for a 400-level college course.

This is a typical requirement for final papers in courses I have taught. This assignment is worth 100 points and comprises almost one-third of your course grade. This paper is intended to be a mixture of academic discussion and personal reflection. Note that each element of the rubric states that the student “effectively demonstrates an understanding of this aspect of the SAU concept (this is the academic discussion piece) AND personal perspective (personal reflection). You may find it helpful to consider the following outline (or something similar). This reflects Bloom’s Taxonomy. Let’s consider a possible outline for the first portion of the SAU Concept, “Community of Learners.”

1. Begin by providing, in your own words, your knowledge and comprehension of the SAU value of “community of learners.”  What does a “community of learners” mean? This is most likely where you would provide your citations.
2. Next move to some analysis and evaluation. What are the qualities of a community of learners? How does your cohort fit this understanding? Any way it deviates from your understanding of the community of learners? You might also provide a citation here.
3. Finally, move to application and synthesis. What has been your role in this community? How have you contributed to the community of learners? At SAU? In our personal life? Your professional life (current and future)? What are your goals for continuing to practice this value after graduation? This is where you would provide some concrete examples.