Program Assessment Plan
American University
SIS: International Affairs: International Economic Relations - MA
SIS: International Affairs: International Economic Relations - MA
Contact Person for Arturo Porzecanski
Assessment:
Primary Department: Intl Econ Rel.
Does 2014 report reflect No
changes in your LOs? :
Are there any changes in your Yes
assessment method?:
Learning Outcome: Facts and Concepts in International Trade & Finance
Students shall master basic facts and concepts in international trade and financial relations.
Outcome Year: 2013-2014
2014-2015
Start Date: 08/26/2013
End Date: 05/08/2015
Outcome Status: Active Learning Outcome
Assessment Plan
Assessment Method
Target
Schedule/Cycle
Active
Examine random sample of capstone papers from SIS 665 (International Trade and
Investment Relations) and final exams from SIS 666 (International Monetary and
Financial Relations).
Measure Type:
Final Paper/ Final Project
At least 70% satisfactory or better using
rubric that looked at knowledge of basic
facts, mastery of relevant policy debates,
measured as "poor," "satisfactory," or
"excellent."
We started this in Spring 2012, and will
continue in 2012-13 academic year.
No
Quiz given at the start of the first day of class, and identical quiz again at the end of the
last day of class, to see what progress students have made during the semester. Students
take the quiz on a no-name, anonymous basis on both occasions, and they are not told on
the first day of class that they will be retaking the same quiz at the end of the semester.
Measure Type:
Quiz/ Exam
Every semester starting with Spring 2014
All students in the core IER class
semester.
"International Economics," SIS-616,
regardless of whether they are IER students
(usually about one-third of the class) or from
other programs. Two sections of SIS-616
are offered in both the Fall and Spring
semesters.
Yes
Related Action Steps
* Supporting Assessment: Evaluation of capstone papers and final exams
Description: We discussed the importance of students' drawing out broader implications of policy issues and cases, broadening their understanding of major policy debates, and
developing a deeper understanding of the literature.
On monetary and financial relations, we agreed faculty teaching 666 would try to evaluate critical thinking skills in the final exam and make sure opportunities for
students to develop those skills are present in the classroom. In our discussion of the course and its results, we also agreed it would be useful to give students an
opportunity to use their quantitative skills in classes beyond their required methodology courses. Professor Tuomi, who teaches 666, agreed to add a research
assignment that would give students a chance to use quantitative analysis.
We agreed on a few other changes as a result of this process. First, we agreed to change objective 4 to two objectives. One would focus on mastery of basic facts, and
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the other will be "Demonstrate critical thinking about central policy debates."
Learning Outcome: Major Schools of Thought in International Economics
Students shall become able to describe and distinguish among the major schools of thought in international economics and international political economy.
Outcome Year: 2012 or prior
2012-2013
2013-2014
2014-2015
Start Date: 11/17/2010
End Date: 09/30/2013
Outcome Status: Active Learning Outcome
Learning Outcome: Research Projects
Students shall develop and execute research projects that integrate theoretical insights and empirical evidence, primarily through analytical and writing skills.
Outcome Year: 2012 or prior
2012-2013
2013-2014
2014-2015
Start Date: 11/17/2010
End Date: 09/30/2013
Outcome Status: Active Learning Outcome
Assessment Plan
Assessment Method
Target
At least 70% of students achieve
Direct measure: SRP papers.
Faculty members will review the SRPs each spring using a rubric of specific criteria, and "satisfactory" or better.
scores of "excellent," "satisfactory," and "poor."
Measure Type:
Written Assignment
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Schedule/Cycle
Active
This was active in 2009-2010. It may be
No
revisited in future. We collected data in
spring, and discussed results then, and in
September program meeting, where we
determined adjustments to the curriculum to
improve areas where we were weak.
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Assessment Plan
Assessment Method
Target
Schedule/Cycle
The assessment activity we are conducting for AY 2012/13 is to read and evaluate the
four Practicum Reports that were presented to our practicum sponsors in April 2013, as
part of a new capstone experience available to candidates for the M.A. degree -- an
alternative to their writing an SRP (Substantial Research Paper).
The full-time faculty will read the Practicum This is our first time and we shall discuss
how often to do this.
reports and evaluate them along the
following lines:
Active
Yes
1) In what ways and to what extent were the
learning objectives of the IER Program
advanced, met and/or demonstrated by these
reports?
2) In what ways and to what extent were the
learning objectives of the IER Program NOT
advanced, met and/or demonstrated by these
reports?
Practica are led by faculty mentors who hold class sessions weekly. Students also
3) How does the faculty intend to use our
participate in hands-on workshops designed to enhance their project management, client findings to improve future practicum written
relations, oral presentation and writing skills. In addition to sharing the findings with
presentations, by making changes to other
their clients, students present their reports at the SIS Practica Symposium each semester. elements of the IER program (e.g., prior
course content and class assignments)?
Measure Type:
Final Paper/ Final Project
Since this is such a new activity and
assessment, we do not yet have the
benchmark or goal that we would like to
reach in order to know that the learning
outcome has been met, but we expect that
this initial assessment exercise will enable
us to develop concrete targets for next year.
The Practicum is designed to give second-year master's students real world experience in
project management and consulting while preparing them for post-graduate careers.
Students work in teams with expert clients including U.S. and international government
agencies, non-profit organizations and businesses to conduct policy and program
analysis. Students draw on their substantial research, as well as qualitative and
quantitative skills, to prepare final oral and written analysis and recommendations.
Indirect measure: Feedback from Zoomerang survey of graduating students.
No target identified.
Measure Type:
Survey
Data will be collected each May, and results No
will be discussed by faculty in the
September field meeting, where we will
determine adjustments to the curriculum to
improve areas where results are weak.
Related Courses
- SIS-673- - Comparative Political Economy
Learning Outcome: Speaking Skills
Students shall develop speaking skills so they can clearly and effectively convey their knowledge.
Outcome Year: 2012 or prior
2012-2013
2013-2014
2014-2015
Start Date: 11/17/2010
End Date: 09/30/2013
Outcome Status: Active Learning Outcome
Assessment Plan
Assessment Method
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Target
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Schedule/Cycle
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Active
Assessment Plan
Assessment Method
Target
Schedule/Cycle
Active
We wanted to see the average score in each We will hold this research conference each No
Graduate Student Research Conference
spring.
Beginning in Spring 2011, we invited IER students to present a major research paper to a category to be about 3 (out of 5).
panel of five IER faculty members. Each student had 10 minutes to present, followed by
10 minutes of Q&A. The faculty scored each presentation on a scale of 1-5 (1 is the
lowest, 5 is the highest) in the following categories: ability to succinctly state the
research question; clear explanation of key findings; persuasiveness about academic
significance and/or policy relevance of findings; professional quality of presentation
(appropriate dress, oral delivery and articulation, visual aids); ability to answer questions
directly and thoughtfully.
Measure Type:
Other
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