ST U D E N T O U T C O M ES ASSESSM E N T A N T H R O P O L O G Y
M A R C H 2009
University of Northern Iowa
Department of Sociology, A nthropology and C riminology
Bachelor of A rts: A nthropology
Departmental Philosophy of Student O utcomes Assessment: A nthropology
The Student Outcomes Assessment Plan for the Anthropology Program is designed to help
Anthropology faculty identify strengths and weaknesses in the overall program on the basis of
student achievement. The Student Assessment Plan centers on evaluating skills and perspectives
that are not easily evaluated through successful course completion alone. These include skills
and understandings that have applications related both to responsible living and to success in the
working world, regardless of whether or not the student plans a career in anthropology. Our plan
helps to guide us as we make program changes to enhance the learning of our students.
T arget O utcomes and Competencies for A nthropology
O U T C O M E I.
A nthropology students will understand the nature of the
anthropological perspective including the history, theory and methods of the four major
sub-fields (C ultural A nthropology, L inguistic A nthropology, A rchaeology and Biological
A nthropology).
Competency 1.1
Be familiar with major anthropological theories and historical figures in:
Cultural Anthropology, Linguistic Anthropology, Archaeology, Biological Anthropology.
Competency 1.2
Be able to understand cultural relativism and the holistic perspective.
Competency 1.3
Have experience with the methods of anthropological research.
Competency 1.4
Be able to explain to an individual who has not studied archaeology why
the common practice of collecting artifacts found in the woods is wrong from a scientific, ethical
and often legal perspective.
Competency 1.5
human species.
Be able to articulate evolutionary change as it relates to the origin of the
Competency 1.6
Be able to give specific examples of how differences in communication
patterns can lead to cross-cultural misunderstanding or hostility.
O U T C O M E I I.
A nthropology students will be able to apply the anthropological
perspective to a critical understanding of themselves and the world in which they live.
Competency 2.1
Be able to articulate how studying anthropology has increased awareness
RIKRZWKHVWXGHQW¶V beliefs and behaviors are shaped by culture.
Competency 2.2
Be able to discuss how culture, biology and the environment interact in
shaping human behavior.
Competency 2.3
behavior.
Be critical when it comes to interpreting generalizations about human
Competency 2.4
Be able to relate and critically apply anthropological knowledge in a
variety of situations outside of the classroom.
O U T C O M E I I I.
A nthropology students will be able to relate A nthropology to their
career and future goals.
Competency 3.1
Be able to explain to their prospective employers with confidence how
what they have learned in anthropology will help them do an excellent job.
Competency 3.2
To be well prepared to pursue graduate-level training.
Competency 3.3
goals.
To be able to use their anthropological knowledge to clarify their career
O U T C O M E I V.
A nthropology students will possess the capability to conduct library
research, to communicate verbally and to write in the form according to the standards of
the discipline.
Competency 4.1
audiences.
Be able to produce a written document for a variety of appropriate
Competency 4.2
Be able to use a variety of library resources (both print and electronic) that
can be used to research anthropological topics.
Competency 4.3
Be able to orally present research or ideas comfortably and competently.