QEP Impact Report
Anthropology & Sociology
Western Carolina University
Contact: Kathleen M. Brennan, kbrennan@wcu.edu
The Department of Anthropology and Sociology submitted its QEP proposal in May of 2012. Currently,
the department is in the process of formally incorporating the plan into the department curriculum and
fine-tuning the methods that will be used to assess student proficiency in attaining plan outcomes. While
many students majoring in the department’s programs are already participating in the types of
engagement experiences outlined in the department QEP proposal, participation will officially become
mandatory for students who declare the major under the 2013-2014 academic catalog, which will list the
engagement experience as a major requirement. The departmental curriculum committee is in the process
of including this major requirement in the academic catalog. The primary ways for fulfilling the
engagement experience include faculty mentored research, a practical work experience, or international
travel.
The objectives of the QEP align well with the existing objectives of the degree programs offered by the
department, including: (1) Understanding core concepts and theoretical perspectives, (2) Integration of
theoretical perspectives and methods, (3) Proficiency in oral and written communication, and (4)
Professional development. Implementing the QEP will enhance the already occurring departmental
regional engagement by providing faculty and students with formalized pathways for fulfilling our
mission and allowing a means to formally assess the degree and effectiveness of engagement for our
students. The degree to which our students achieve department learning educational goals and outcomes
will be assessed in a variety of ways. Below, I briefly address how we will formally assess two QEP
outcomes, “Integrate Information from a Variety of Contexts” and “Solve Complex Problems.”
Integrate Information from a Variety of Contexts
In order to satisfy this outcome, students must be able to discuss the core concepts and theoretical
perspectives in anthropology or sociology, apply theoretical perspectives and methods to the study of
anthropology or sociology, and communicate within the context of anthropology or sociology. Methods
of assessing whether these educational goals and learning objectives have been met will include analysis
of data from the in-house exit exam required of all seniors prior to graduation and analysis of a random
sampling of applicable student works required for each of the primary means of fulfilling the engagement
experience. These works comprise research and reflective papers, journals, PowerPoints, oral
presentations, and/or evaluations by external supervisors. The departmental assessment committee is in
the process of adjusting the currently existing in-house exit exam in order to make it reflect the desired
outcomes. This committee is also developing guides for specific works to assess students’ degree of
proficiency in meeting this outcome.
Solve Complex Problems
In order to satisfy this outcome, students must be able to apply theoretical perspectives and methods to the
study of anthropology or sociology and communicate within the context of anthropology or sociology.
Methods of assessing whether these program educational goals and learning objectives have been met
include analysis of a random sampling of applicable student work required for each of the primary means
of fulfilling the engagement experience. These works comprise research and reflective papers,
PowerPoints, oral presentations, and/or evaluations by external supervisors. The departmental assessment
committee is in the process of developing guides for specific works to assess students’ degree of
proficiency in meeting this outcome.