*Worth 40% of your final course grade
The Civic Action Project (CAP) replaces traditional exams with hands-on community engagement activities that connect government concepts directly to your life, career, and community. Instead of memorizing information for tests, you'll experience how government actually works by engaging with it directly.
You'll choose from a menu of activities to earn 100 total points throughout the semester, with flexibility to select the combination that works best for your schedule, interests, and learning style. Note that the Planning Quiz does NOT count toward the 100 points!
Through the CAP, you will:
To ensure steady progress throughout our 8-week course:
| Checkpoint | Points Required | Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| Week 3 | Minimum 30 points | February 6 |
| Week 5 | Minimum 60 points | February 20 |
| Week 7 | All 100 points | March 6 |
In addition to the final submission date for the CAP, there are two CAP checkpoints throughout the semester. These checkpoints are meant to keep you on track and avoid a last minute rush of assignments and grading at the end of week seven. Feedback from students who have completed the CAP suggested that they would like concrete deadlines throughout the semester, so these checkpoints are meant to address that concern. If you fail to reach the point target of a checkpoint, those points are no longer available. For example, if you only earned 20 points by the end of week 3, you are 10 points shy of the 30 point target. Therefore, you would not be able to earn those 10 points throughout the rest of the semester. The second checkpoint is 60 points, which means the expectation is that you will earn 30 points between checkpoints one and two. If you fall short of 30 points during that period, you will only be awarded the points that you have earned between the checkpoints. Your total CAP score will be the sum of all three checkpoints. I have provided an example scenario below:
CAP Checkpoint Student Earns
30 15
60 25
100 30
= 70 CAP Points Total
Each submission must include:
Every activity has a detailed rubric associated with it - ALL ASPECTS OF THE RUBRIC MUST BE MET TO RECEIVE CREDIT! You can see the rubric requirements for the activities in the assignment instructions.
Activities will be assessed on:
Q: Can I complete activities with a partner? A: Some activities (like interviews) naturally involve others, but each student must submit individual work for full credit.
Q: What if I miss a checkpoint deadline? A: Contact me immediately to create a catch-up plan.
Q: Can I change my planned activities? A: Absolutely! You can adjust as your schedule and interests change.
Q: What if I can't attend government meetings due to work/family? A: Many activities can be done flexibly around your schedule. Contact me to discuss alternatives if needed.
Q: How do I know if my activity meets the requirements? A: Review the detailed instructions for each activity type, and don't hesitate to ask questions before starting.
Remember: The CAP is designed to enhance your learning while accommodating your busy life as a community college student. Plan strategically, start early, and don't hesitate to ask for help. This project will give you practical experience with government that goes far beyond what you could learn from textbooks alone.