1 Department of Communication Studies Student Outcomes Assessment Plan December, 2006 Communication Program Under the leadership of the Department of Communication Studies’ Student Outcomes Assessment Committee, the department approved five department­wide goals for the department in November 2005, consistent with the department’s mission and programs offered. Each of the undergraduate programs then selected two learning outcomes on which they will focus over the next three years. The goals and program outcomes are listed below. Goal 1 History/Theory: Understanding the historical development of theory and scholarship within the discipline/profession. 1a. Understand the diversity in and evolution of theories of human communication. 1b. Apply appropriate theories to interpret and analyze verbal, nonverbal, and mediated messages, texts, and/or interactions. Goal 2 Research Methods: Understanding appropriate methodologies to develop knowledge & to examine questions within the discipline/profession. 2a. Understand various research methods and their role in knowledge construction. 2b. Use ethical, logical, and evidential criteria in designing research and sharing research findings that link communication theory and practice. Goal 3 Ethics: Understanding the ethical/legal issues within the discipline/industry and adhering to its ethical standards. Understanding and exemplifying the values that individuals within the discipline/profession share. 3a. Develop, articulate, critically reflect on, and defend one’s ethical standards. 3b. Thoughtfully apply ethical standards to one’s communication with others, and in the treatment of participants in research studies. Goal 4 Culture: Understanding the interconnections among communication, community, and culture. 4a. Understand the interdependencies of culture and communication in dyads, groups, organizations, and communities. 4b. Identify and critically analyze communication rules and patterns in texts generated by diverse communities. Goal 5 Skills: Understanding and applying professional and personal skills in relevant contexts. 5a. Display oral and written communication skills by critically evaluating information, analyzing structure, synthesizing points of view, developing arguments, and supporting positions. 5b. Apply interpersonal, group, and organization concepts and theories to personal interaction.
2 In conjunction with the calendar guidelines specified by CHFA’s Student Outcome Assessment Committee, the program then came up with a plan for assessing the outcomes on the following timeline: Goal 1 will be assessed during the Fall, 2006, semester; goals 2 and 3 will be assessed during 2007; goals 4 and 5 will be assessed during 2008 (see planning grid in Appendix B). The program will use portfolio artifacts as a direct measure of the respective learning outcomes and a self­assessment measure (indirect measure) developed and pilot tested online this Spring with graduating seniors (cf. Appendix A). Electronic Media Program Under the leadership of the Department of Communication Studies’ Student Outcomes Assessment Committee, the department approved five department­wide goals for the department in November 2005, consistent with the department’s mission and programs offered. Each of the undergraduate programs then selected two learning outcomes on which they will focus over the next three years. The goals and program outcomes are listed below. Goal 1 History/Theory: Understanding the historical development of theory and scholarship within the discipline/profession. 1a. Understand the historical development of electronic media and media related industries. 1b. Understand theories that can be applied to electronic media content. Goal 2 Research Methods: Understanding appropriate methodologies to develop knowledge & to examine questions within the discipline/profession. 2a. Identify research methods used to analyze electronic media. 2b. Critically analyze the content of electronic media. Goal 3 Ethics: Understanding the ethical/legal issues within the discipline/industry and adhering to its ethical standards. Understanding and exemplifying the values that individuals within the discipline/profession share. 3a. Identify ethical frameworks that can be used when facing ethical dilemmas. 3b. Identify codes of conduct that govern the operation of electronic media industries. Goal 4 Culture: Understanding the interconnections among communication, community, and culture. 4a. Know and understand social roles filled by electronic media. 4b. Know and understand the relationship between media production and audience perceptions of media content. Goal 5 Skills: Understanding and applying professional and personal skills in relevant contexts. 5a. Have a basic working knowledge of audio and video production systems. 5b. Have a functional knowledge of language and syntax of audio and video.
3 In conjunction with the calendar guidelines specified by CHFA’s Student Outcome Assessment Committee, the program then came up with a plan for assessing the outcomes on the following timeline: Goal 1 will be assessed during the Fall, 2006, semester; goals 2 and 3 will be assessed during 2007; goals 4 and 5 will be assessed during 2008 (see Appendix C for planning grid). The program will use portfolio artifacts as a direct measure of the respective learning outcomes and a self­assessment measure (indirect measure) developed and pilot tested online this Spring with graduating seniors (cf. Appendix A). In addition, the program will continue to use a paper­ and­pencil self­assessment survey as an indirect measure for their majors. Mass Communication Program Under the leadership of the Department of Communication Studies’ Student Outcomes Assessment Committee, the department approved five department­wide goals for the department in November 2005, consistent with the department’s mission and programs offered. Each of the undergraduate programs then selected two learning outcomes on which they will focus over the next three years. The goals and program outcomes are listed below. Goal 1 History/Theory: Understanding the historical development of theory and scholarship within the discipline/profession. 1a. Identify the historical foundation upon which the profession of public relations has been built. 1b. Identify and discuss appropriate theories to explain and interpret the theoretical underpinnings of the practice of public relations. Goal 2 Research Methods: Understanding appropriate methodologies to develop knowledge & to examine questions within the discipline/profession. 2a. Identify appropriate research methods used in the practice of public relations. 2b. Demonstrate an understanding of communication methods used by public relations practitioners. Goal 3 Ethics: Understanding the ethical/legal issues within the discipline/industry and adhering to its ethical standards. Understanding and exemplifying the values that individuals within the discipline/profession share. 3a. Demonstrate knowledge of basic principles of the law of public communication. 3b. Provide analysis of an ethical practical case study. Goal 4 Culture: Understanding the interconnections among communication, community, and culture. 4a. Interview community members, analyze findings, identify problems and offer solutions. 4b. Gain a thorough understanding of the practice of global public relations, comparative media systems and technology. Goal 5 Skills: Understanding and applying professional and personal skills in relevant contexts.
4 5a. Gain a thorough working knowledge of the principles of design and layout of newspapers, newsletters and magazines. 5b. Publish news/feature stories prior to graduation. In conjunction with the calendar guidelines specified by CHFA’s Student Outcome Assessment Committee, the program then came up with a plan for assessing the outcomes on the following timeline: Goal 1 will be assessed during the Fall, 2006, semester; goals 2 and 3 will be assessed during 2007; goals 4 and 5 will be assessed during 2008 (see planning grid in Appendix D). The program will use portfolio artifacts as a direct measure of the respective learning outcomes and a self­assessment measure (indirect measure) developed and pilot tested online this Spring with graduating seniors (cf. Appendix A). The program also plans to also use an exit exam for their Public Relations students (direct measure currently under development & pilot testing). Graduate Program Under the leadership of the Department of Communication Studies’ Student Outcomes Assessment (SOA) Committee, the department approved five department­wide goals for the department in November 2005, consistent with the department’s mission and programs offered. Each of the undergraduate programs then selected two learning outcomes on which they will focus over the next three years. The goals and program outcomes are listed below. Goal 1 History/Theory: Understanding the historical development of theory and scholarship within the discipline/profession. 1a. Describe the field of communication in its breadth and variety. 1b. Understand theories to interpret and analyze verbal, nonverbal, and mediated messages, texts, and/or interactions. Goal 2 Research Methods: Understanding appropriate methodologies to develop knowledge & to examine questions within the discipline/profession. 2a. Understand research methods and their role and application in knowledge construction. 2b. Apply criteria in the design, implementation, and sharing of research projects. Goal 3 Ethics: Understanding the ethical/legal issues within the discipline/industry and adhering to its ethical standards. Understanding and exemplifying the values that individuals within the discipline/profession share. 3a. Use ethical procedures in conducting their research. 3b. Adhere to IRB standards for all research conducted. Goal 4 Culture: Understanding the interconnections among communication, community, and culture. 4a. Understand the role of culture in communication events. 4b. Identify and analyze the relationship of culture and communication in building communication communities.
5 Goal 5 Skills: Understanding and applying professional and personal skills in relevant contexts. 5a. Display written and oral communication skills by selecting, designing, and implementing research projects and presenting an argument and rationale for them. 5b. Apply communication concepts to specific contexts, situations, and interactants. In conjunction with the calendar guidelines specified by CHFA’s Student Outcome Assessment Committee, the departmental representative on the department’s SOA committee program then came up with a plan for assessing the outcomes on the following timeline: Goal 1 will be assessed during the Fall, 2006, semester; goals 2 and 3 will be assessed during 2007; goals 4 and 5 will be assessed during 2008 (see planning grid in Appendix E).
6 Appendix A UNI Communication Studies Experience Survey As a graduating senior, your thoughts on UNI’s Communication Studies program are highly valuable. Information obtained from this survey will be used to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the Communication program at UNI, and is not meant to be an evaluation of your competencies and departmental performance. The information will be used to make any necessary changes to provide a quality program to future Communication Studies students. 1. Sex: ____ Female ____ Male 2. Age: ________ 3. Race/ Ethnicity: Black / African American Latino/a or Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native Other(specify) Asian or Pacific Islander Middle Eastern White / Caucasian 4. Number of Semesters at UNI: ________ 5. ACT Score Prior to Attending UNI: 6. Cumulative GPA: ________ 7. Major (check all that apply): General Communication Organizational Communication Political Communication Electronic Media Communication/Theatre Arts Education Interpersonal Communication Communication and Culture Public Relations Communication & Community 8. Second Major (if applicable) 9. Minor or external component area (if applicable) _________________________________ 10. Number of times you met with your academic advisor for: Academic Guidance: Career Guidance: 11. Which of the following best describes your future/goals (Select all that apply): Government / Politics Education / Teaching Organizational Administration Non­profit Organizations Marketing / Sales Performing Arts PR Practitioner Journalist Other(specify) 12. Have you attained post graduation employment? ___ Yes ___ No
Graduate School 7 If yes, state your job title and the name/location of the organization (optional): Job Title Name/Type of Organization Organization/Industry Type City and State Below is a series of statements regarding the theoretical and practical dimensions of various competencies address by courses in the Communication Studies Department. As you read each of these statements, please use the following scale to describe how you view your academic experience in the department: 1 = Strongly Disagree 2 = Disagree 3 = Undecided 4 = Agree 5 = Strongly Agree As a result of the coursework in my program: 1. I am confident that I can use my understanding of the discipline’s history to help make informed decisions in my career. 2. I see little value in accepting the perspective of diverse groups and cultures. 3. I would find it difficult to articulate my sense of ethics or ethical standards. 4. I found faculty to be available and willing to help students outside of class. 5. I lack a number of necessary group interaction skills. 6. Class sizes were seldom at optimal levels for effective student learning. 7. I am unsure how I would employ research methods in my career. 8. I found faculty to be accessible both inside and outside of class. 9. I have used various communication technologies for sharing meaning. 10. I would consider the department’s curriculum to be rigorous. 11. I feel confident that I could interpret data to address questions in an applied context. 12. I was fully aware of the various communication­related careers available. 13. I recognize the impact my moral and ethical decisions can have on others. 14. Faculty maintained high standards and expectations for student work. 15. I have applied ethical standards to the treatment of research participants. 16. I seldom received timely feedback on my performance in class. 17. When compared with graduates from other institutions, I would rate my quality of education high. 18. It is difficult to understand how systematic research could be used to develop communication theory. 19. I was given little information about participating in internships for my major. 20. I am not at all confident in my ability to be an active member of the community. 21. I found courses in the department to be intellectually challenging. 22. I have developed the skills to serve my role as a community member. 23. I was encouraged to be engaged in various out­of­class educational experiences. 24. I have developed the ability to clearly verbally present my ideas to others. 25. I question my ability to employ a systematic research method to analyze communication­ based problems. 26. I received high quality career advising from the departmental faculty. 27. I have difficulty embracing the cultural viewpoints of others. 28. I perceived a significant amount of overlap in course content across the department. 29. I can employ the necessary techniques for being an insightful consumer and producer of communication. 30. It was unclear how I could use my degree to sell myself to potential employers. 31. I have used knowledge about the discipline to address communication­based problems. 32. I needed to search for courses outside the department to receive intellectual stimulation. 33. I was often dissatisfied with the assistance I received from faculty outside of class. 1 2 3 4 5 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5
8 34. Faculty in the department challenged me to think critically about the subject. 35. I am unsure how theory can be used to address real­world problems across context. 36. I am unsure how to construct a framework for making ethical choices surrounding communication. 37. I am confident in my ability to communicate with people with different backgrounds, habits, values, appearances, and abilities. 38. I am confident in my ability to evaluate information, develop arguments, and support my positions. 39. I would use ethical standards for designing and presenting research project/campaign findings. 40. I am able to write effectively and clearly to express my ideas to others. 41. The faculty­to­student ratio in departmental courses helped my learning. 42. I would find it difficult to describe how various media and speech acts influence the communication process. 43. I would find it difficult to identify the possible consequences of unethical language use. 44. Faculty has done little to prepare me for my anticipated career path. 45. I struggle to effectively share my ideas with others. 46. Academic advising was highly effective. 47. I can use my understanding for how culture is communicated to integrate the perspectives of others. 48. Courses I needed to graduate were readily available each year. 49. I have thoughtfully applied ethical standards in my communication with others. 50. I can make logical judgments when assessing various forms of data. 51. The quality of instruction was generally poor across departmental courses. 52. I found it difficult to take desired courses because of the frequency of course offerings. 53. I have a limited concern about the role that diverse viewpoints and cultures can serve. 54. I have developed the necessary skills for succeeding in my chosen career path. 55. I value the high level of instruction I received from the departmental faculty. 56. I feel prepared to apply communication theories to better interpret and analyze communication interaction. 57. I received high quality academic advising from the department faculty. 58. I feel confident that I could defend the ethical choices that I make across a variety of contexts. 59. I feel qualified to research a topic in­depth using a variety of research methods. Larger Department Objectives 1. History/Theory 2. Research Methods 3. Ethics 4. Culture 5. Skills 6. Faculty Interaction 7. Advising/Department Resources 8. Intellectual Stimulation Reverse Coded 1 7 3 2 5 4 6 10 2 27 45 31 11 13 27 9 8 12 14 3 28 51 35 15 22 37 20 16 19 17 5 30 52 42 19 36 47 24 33 23 21 6 32 53
56 25 43 52 29 41 26 28 7 33 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 1 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 5 5 5 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 1 2 3 4 5 39 49 50 58 59 38 44 30 32 16 35 40 55 46 51 18 36 45 54 48 52 57 19 42 20 43 25 44 9 Section III: Summary Information 1. Please describe the circumstances that led you to choose a major in the Communication Studies Department? 2. What were the initial assumptions that you had regarding your major prior to undertaking coursework to complete your degree? Did you find these initial assumptions to be accurate? Why or why not? 3. Were there any unavailable resources (i.e., equipment, journals, etc.) that hindered your completion of requirements or assignments in your classes in the department? If yes, please list and describe? 4. Please offer any comments, suggestions, or concerns you have for improving our major(s), courses, and/or general department performance or procedures.
10 Appendix B Goal Goal I 2006 Communication Studies Outcomes Assessment Planning Grid – Communication Program Learning Outcome Where is the How will the When will the Who will assess outcome aligned in outcome be outcome be the outcome? the curriculum? assessed? assessed? History/Theory Understand the diversity in and evolution of theories of human communication. Apply appropriate theories to interpret and analyze verbal, nonverbal, and mediated messages, texts, and/or interactions. 48C: 006 Current and Historical Issues in Communication 48C: 123/124 Rhetorical or Communication Theory History/Theory Items on Department Student Outcome Survey Senior Portfolios 48C: 006 Current and Historical Issues in Communication 48C: 123/124 Rhetorical or Communication Theory History/Theory Items on Department Student Outcome Survey Senior Portfolios 48C: 080 Introduction to Research Methods 48C:180, 183, 189, or 135 Quantitative, Qualitative, or Rhetorical Research Methods OR Organizational Communication Assessment Research Methods Items on Department Student Outcome Survey Senior Portfolios 48C: 080 Introduction to Research Methods 48C:180, 183, 189, Research Methods Items on Department Student Outcome The survey will be conducted in the last week class of each semester. Examples of student portfolios, research papers, & projects will be collected by Senior Seminar faculty. The survey will be conducted in the last week class of each semester. Examples of student portfolios, research papers, & projects will be collected by Senior Seminar faculty. Survey respondents are students in the Senior Seminar class The survey will be conducted in the last week class of each semester. Examples of student portfolios, research papers, & projects will be collected by Senior Seminar faculty. The survey will be conducted in the last week class of each Survey respondents are students in the Senior Seminar class Examples are the portfolios, research papers of junior and senior students Survey respondents are students in the Senior Seminar class Examples are the portfolios, research papers of junior and senior students Goal II Research Methods Spring 2007 Understand various research methods and their role in knowledge construction. Use ethical, logical, and evidential criteria in designing Examples are the portfolios, research papers of junior and senior students Survey respondents are students in the Senior Seminar
11 research and sharing research findings that link communication theory and practice. or 135 Quantitative, Qualitative, or Rhetorical Research Methods OR Organizational Communication Assessment Survey Senior Portfolios 48C:004 Interpersonal Communication 48C:006 Current and Historical Issues in Communication 48C:080 Introduction to Research Methods Ethics Items on Department Student Outcome Survey Senior Portfolios 48C:004 Interpersonal Communication 48C:006 Current and Historical Issues in Communication 48C:080 Introduction to Research Methods Ethics Items on Department Student Outcome Survey Senior Portfolios 48C:004 Interpersonal Communication 48C:006 Current and Historical Issues in Communication 48C:151/153 Intercultural or Gender Issues or 48C:134 Organizational Cultures and Communication Culture Items on Department Student Outcome Survey Senior Portfolios semester. Examples of student portfolios, research papers, & projects will be collected by Senior Seminar faculty. class The survey will be conducted in the last week class of each semester. Examples of student portfolios, research papers, & projects will be collected by Senior Seminar faculty. The survey will be conducted in the last week class of each semester. Examples of student portfolios, research papers, & projects will be collected by Senior Seminar faculty. Survey respondents are students in the Senior Seminar class The survey will be conducted in the last week class of each semester. Examples of student portfolios, research papers, & projects will be collected by Senior Seminar Survey respondents are students in the Senior Seminar class Examples are the portfolios, research papers of junior and senior students Goal III Ethics Spring 2007 Develop, articulate, critically reflect on, and defend one’s ethical standards. Thoughtfully apply ethical standards to one’s communication with others, and in the treatment of participants in research studies. Goal IV Spring 2008 Examples are the portfolios, research papers of junior and senior students Survey respondents are students in the Senior Seminar class Examples are the portfolios, research papers of junior and senior students Culture Understand the interdependencies of culture and communication in dyads, groups, organizations, and communities. Examples are the portfolios, research papers of junior and senior students
12 48C:004 Identify and Interpersonal critically analyze Communication communication 48C:006 Current and rules and patterns in Historical Issues in texts generated by Communication diverse 48C:151/153 communities. Intercultural or Gender Issues or 48C:134 Organizational Cultures and Communication Culture Items on Department Student Outcome Survey Senior Portfolios faculty. The survey will be conducted in the last week class of each semester. Examples of student portfolios, research papers, & projects will be collected by Senior Seminar faculty. Survey respondents are students in the Senior Seminar class Examples are the portfolios, research papers of junior and senior students Goal V Skills Spring 2008 Display oral and written communication skills by critically evaluating information, analyzing structure, synthesizing points of view, developing arguments, and supporting positions. Apply interpersonal, group, and organization concepts and theories to personal interaction. 48C:001 Oral Communication 48C:004 Interpersonal Communication 48C:011/071 Oral Interpretation or Public Speaking 48C:195 Senior Seminar in Communication 48C: 080 Introduction to Research Methods 48C:180, 183, 189, or 135 Quantitative, Qualitative, or Rhetorical Research Methods OR Organizational Communication Assessment 48C:001 Oral Communication 48C:004 Interpersonal Communication 48C:011/071 Oral Interpretation or Public Speaking 48C:195 Senior Seminar in Communication 48C: 080 Introduction to Research Methods 48C:180, 183, 189, or 135 Quantitative, Qualitative, or Skill Items on Department Student Outcome Survey Senior Portfolios Skill Items on Department Student Outcome Survey Senior Portfolios The survey will be conducted in the last week class of each semester. Examples of student portfolios, research papers, & projects will be collected by Senior Seminar faculty. Survey respondents are students in the Senior Seminar class The survey will be conducted in the last week class of each semester. Examples of student portfolios, research papers, & projects will be collected by Senior Seminar faculty. Survey respondents are students in the Senior Seminar class Examples are the portfolios, research papers of junior and senior students Examples are the portfolios, research papers of junior and senior students
13 Rhetorical Research Methods OR Organizational Communication Assessment
14 Appendix C Communication Studies Outcomes Assessment Planning Grid – Electronic Media Program Goal Learning Outcome Goal I History/Theory 2006 Students shall understand the historical development of electronic media and media related industries. Students shall understand theories that can be applied to electronic media content. Goal II Research Methods Spring 2007 Students shall be able to identify research methods used to analyze electronic media. Students shall be able to critically analyze the content of electronic media. Where is the outcome How will the aligned in the outcome be curriculum? assessed? When will the outcome be assessed? Who will assess the outcome? 48J:002 Mass Comm & Society 48E:139 Electronic Media Industries Survey questions 15, 26, 27, & 31­ 33. Student portfolios The last week class of each semester Survey respondents are students in the Senior Seminar class 48E:021 Electronic Media Literacy 48E:121 Electronic Media & Culture 48E:141 Electronic Media: Process & Effects 48E:123 Television Form, Content, Criticism Survey questions 23, 25, 28, & 8­ 14. Student portfolios, research papers, & senior projects The survey will be conducted in the last week class of each semester. Examples of student portfolios, research papers, & senior projects will be collected by individual instructors as appropriate. Survey respondents are students in the Senior Seminar class 48E:121 Electronic Media & Culture 48E:141 Electronic Media: Process & Effects 48E:123 Television Form, Content, Criticism Survey questions 24, 25, & 27 Student portfolios, research papers, & senior projects Survey respondents are students in the Senior Seminar class 48E:121 Electronic Media & Culture 48E:141 Electronic Media: Process & Effects 48E:123 Television Form, Content, Criticism Survey questions 20 & 22 Student portfolios, research papers, & senior projects The survey will be conducted in the last week class of each semester. Examples of student portfolios, research papers, & senior projects will be collected by individual instructors as appropriate. The survey will be conducted in the last week class of each semester. Examples of student portfolios, research papers, & senior projects Examples are the portfolios, research papers of junior and senior students Examples are the portfolios, research papers of junior and senior students Survey respondents are students in the Senior Seminar class Examples are the portfolios, research papers of junior and senior
15 will be collected by individual instructors as appropriate. students The survey will be conducted in the last week class of each semester. The exam samples from the Ethics class The survey will be conducted in the last week class of each semester. The exam samples from the Ethics class Survey respondents are students in the Senior Seminar class Goal III Ethics Spring 2007 Students shall be able to identify ethical frameworks that can be used when facing ethical dilemmas. Students shall be able to identify codes of conduct that govern the operation of electronic media industries. Goal Learning Outcome Goal IV Culture Spring 2008 Students shall know and understand social roles filled by electronic media. Students shall know and understand the relationship between media production and audience perceptions of media content. 48C:128 Ethics Communication 48E:195 Senior Seminar: Electronic Media 48C:128 Ethics Communication 48E:195 Senior Seminar: Electronic Media Survey questions 29 & 30 Examples of test items Survey questions 29 & 30 Examples of test items The students taking the exams Survey respondents are students in the Senior Seminar class The students taking the exams Where is the outcome aligned in the curriculum? How will the outcome be assessed? When will the outcome be assessed? Who will assess the outcome? 48E:021 Electronic Media Literacy 48E:121 Electronic Media & Culture 48E:141 Electronic Media: Process & Effects 48E:123 Television Form, Content, Criticism 48E:021 Electronic Media Literacy 48E:121 Electronic Media & Culture 48E:141 Electronic Media: Process & Effects 48E:123 Television Form, Content, Criticism Survey questions 8­13 The survey will be conducted in the last week class of each semester. Survey respondents are students in the Senior Seminar class Survey questions 14, 20, 25, & 28 The survey will be conducted in the last week class of each semester. The examples will be collected by individual instructors as appropriate. Survey respondents are students in the Senior Seminar class Examples of student projects or research papers Examples from students taking those classes
16 Goal V Skills Spring 2008 Students shall have a basic working knowledge of audio and video production systems. Students shall have a functional knowledge of language and syntax of audio and video. 48E:003 Introduction to Electronic Production 48E:112 Multimedia Production, or 48E:011 Audio Production, or 48E:013 Video Production 48E:003 Introduction to Electronic Production 48E:071 Beginning Writing for Electronic Media 48E:112 Multimedia Production, or 48E:011 Audio Production, or 48E:013 Video Production Survey The survey will be questions 16­19, conducted in the last & 21 week class of each semester. Examples of student portfolios and audio/video/multimedia projects Survey respondents are students in the Senior Seminar class Survey questions 19 & 21 Survey respondents are students in the Senior Seminar class The survey will be conducted in the last week class of each semester. Students in Senior Seminar, and production classes Examples of student portfolios and Students in audio/video/multimedia Senior Seminar, projects and production classes
17 Appendix D Communication Studies Outcomes Assessment Planning Grid – Mass Communication Program Goal Learning Outcome Goal I History/Theory 2006 To identify the historical foundation upon which the profession of public relations has been built. To identify and discuss appropriate theories to explain and interpret the theoretical underpinnings of the practice of public relations. Where is the How will the outcome aligned in outcome be the curriculum? assessed? Exam and 48P:005 Principles portfolio of Public Relations 48J:002 Mass Communication & Society When will the outcome be assessed? Who will assess the outcome? 48P:188g Public Relations: Cases and Studies class Students will take exam and present portfolio. Department End of Semester Student Outcome Survey Exam and portfolio 48J:002 Mass Communication & Society 48P:188g Public Relations: Cases and Studies class Department End of Semester Student 48P:005 Principles Outcome Survey of Public Relations Exam results will be standardized by multiple choice answers. Student portfolios will follow standard criteria. Students will take exam and present portfolio. Exam results will be standardized by multiple choice answers. Portfolio will follow standard criteria. Goal II Methods To identify appropriate Spring research 2007 methods used in the practice of public relations. To demonstrate an understanding of communication methods used by 48P:005 Principles Exam of Public Relations 48P:188g Public Relations: Cases and Studies class Exam results will be standardized by multiple choice answers. 48P:188g Public Relations: Cases and Studies class Student portfolios will follow standard criteria.
Department Student Outcome Survey End of Semester 48C:180, 183, 189 or 135 Quantitative, Qualitative, or Rhetorical Research Methods, Exam and portfolio survey or ethnography Department End of Semester 18 public relations practitioners Goal III 48P:182 Public Relations Campaign Methods Student Outcome Survey Ethics To demonstrate knowledge of basic principles Spring 2007 of the law of public communication. To provide analysis of an ethical practical case study. 48C:005 Principles Mass of Public Relations communication 48J:132 Mass Communication Law & Ethics 48J:132 Mass Communication Law & Ethics law and ethics exam 48J:132 Mass Communication Law and Ethics class Students will be graded by standardized grading procedure. End of semester Department Student Outcome Survey 48J:132 Mass Case study Communication analysis Law & Ethics Case studies will be evaluated by Professor End of Semester 48P:188g: Public Relations: cases and Studies Portfolio Department Student Outcome Survey 48P:188g Public Relations: Cases and Studies— Portfolios end of semester Student portfolios will follow standard criteria.
19 Goal Goal IV Learning Outcome Where is the outcome aligned in the curriculum? How will the outcome be assessed? When will the outcome be assessed? Who will assess the outcome? Oral presentations Written paper from narrative data 48J:007 Reporting Professor Methodologies evaluates and Sources – Oral Presentations— Middle of Semester Culture To interview community members, Spring 2008 analyze findings, identify problems and offer solutions 48P:170 Global Public Relations 48P:188 Public Relations: Cases & Studies Department Written papers Student Outcome throughout Survey semester To gain a 48J:132 Mass thorough understanding Communication Law & Ethics of the practice of global public relations, comparative media systems and technology. Professor 48P:170 Global establishes Public Relations – criteria and Country report – evaluates through semester­ ­­ international case studies­­ End Competitive international case of semester Country report analyzing media system philosophies studies Department Student Outcome Survey Goal V Skills Spring 2008 To gain a thorough working knowledge of the principles of design and layout of newspapers, newsletters and magazines. 48P:173 Public Relations Writing 48P:190 Public Relations Management 48J:071 Newswriting for Print Media 48J:172 Editing and Design 48P:197 Internship Magazine project with students’ own storied, Photos, layout and advertisements. Portfolio To publish news/feature 48J:071 Newswriting for Print Media Stories Portfolio Department Student Outcome Survey 48J:172 Magazine Directed by project­­End of professor Semester 48P:188g Public Relations: Cases and Studies­­­ Portfolio­­­ End of Semester 48J:071 Newswriting for Print Media and Student portfolios will follow standard criteria Evaluated by the Professor
20 stories prior to graduation. 48P:172 Public Relations Writing Department ­­­Throughout the Student Outcome Semester Survey 48P:188g ­­ Portfolio Criteria for Skills Portfolio Evaluation: 1) Writing Quality 2) Layout/Design 3) Organization 4) Comprehensiveness/Range of Materials ­­­ theory ­­­­ research methods ­­­­ all other materials 5) Publication 6) Creativity 7) External recognition
Student portfolios will follow standard criteria 21 Appendix E Communication Studies Outcomes Assessment Planning Grid – Graduate Program Goal Learning Outcome Where is the How will the outcome aligned outcome be in the assessed? curriculum? When will the outcome be assessed? 48C: 201 Introduction to Graduate Study and Research 48C/E: 224 Communication Theories History/Theory items on pre­test and post­test Class papers throughout the e semester in both 201 and 224. Pre­test during the 48C: 201 course; Post test; papers within the class; reflective piece at the end of the semester 48C: 224 Communication Theories class; application in research papers and theses. Papers will be evaluated during class Check for application of theories in research papers and theses 48C: 201 Introduction to Communication Students will need to Throughout the apply their various classes. knowledge of theory In the application Who will assess the outcome? Goal I History/Theory 2006 Students shall demonstrate their understanding of the historical development of theory and scholarship within the discipline/profession Students shall understand theories to interpret and analyze verbal, nonverbal, and mediated messages, texts, and/or interactions Goal II Pre­test will be in the first two weeks of the semester in 48C:201; Post­ test just prior to graduation; papers in the 4i8C/E:224 classes. A CD with the major papers will be collected and burned on a CD and retained in the department for perusal by Graduate Faculty History/theory Students in the items will be Communication discussed and Theories classes explained in will complete the papers in the papers. Examples courses, are found in the Research papers papers and in and theses will be discussions in checked for class. A copy of appropriate the papers will be application of collected in theoretical Spring 2006 and principles in the burned to a disc project. for further Pre­ and post tests analysis by have questions Graduate faculty. devoted to his area Comprehensive exams also allow students to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of history and theory. Research Methods Students shall understand research methods and their Faculty in research methods classes.
22 Spring role and application 2007 in knowledge construction. Students shall be able to apply criteria in the design, implementation, and sharing of research projects. Goal III Studies 48C: 224 Communication Theory 48C: 282 Seminar in Communication Education 48C: 236 and other research courses Various other classes in the core and electives. Thesis or research projects. Comprehensive exams. in class research and application papers Students will need to apply theories as the foundation for their research projects and theses Research courses (48C: 236, etc.) 48C: 224 Communication Theories Various research papers in Program of Study courses. Comprehensive exams. Thesis or research paper Research classes. Projects and papers in 48C: 224. Comprehensive exams. Research projects and theses. papers in the Research Methodologies classes In the final projects In the research papers and/or theses for the completion of the IRB training and research projects. 48C: 282 Seminar in Communication Education includes a case study application and discussion. Post­test looks at ethics in research and application. Final projects for the degree require that the student follow IRB policies and procedures and the advisor, committee/readers as well as the IRB committee oversee all work to ensure ethical needs are met. Throughout the Program of Study, but especially in final projects in Research courses and Communication Theory. Comprehensive exam questions. Thesis or research project. Faculty writing/reviewing comprehensive exam questions. Faculty serving on thesis and research paper committees. Projects required Throughout all classes in the core Faculty teaching the classes Randomly
Course instructors. Comprehensive exam writers. Thesis committee. Readers for research projects. Ethics Use ethical research methods and adhere Most classes pay In­class papers and some attention projects. to ethics. Class discussions of 23 Spring to IRB standards for 2007 all research conducted. 48C: 224 have a unit on ethical applications. 48C: 282 Seminar in Communication has one night devoted to ethical perspectives of the professions. Ethics will be covered in most graduate core courses as well as electives within the area of emphasis. 48C: 224 Communication Theory 48C: 2XX Research Methods and most other courses in the electives and core require research to be completed according to specific principles. IRB requirements are introduced. Students must complete IRB test and achieve certification for knowledge of the history and requirements. They cannot complete research or receive IRB permission until such certification is achieved. (Faculty, too, must complete this certification process.) ethical dilemmas. Class discussions of ethical perspectives and responsibilities.48C: 201 has a unit on Institutional Review Board rational and requirements. Methods classes have IRB requirements. 48C: 282 Seminar in Communication Education has a specific activity devoted to ethics in the classroom. Adherence to IRB policies, procedures, and guidelines. Completion of these or research project that is carefully read by advisor and committee to ensure compliance. Methods classes require application of ethical perspectives and principles. Pre­ and post­tests address aspects of ethics and electives. During the Methods classes. Final research papers and theses must comply with federal and UNI standards and are carefully screened before the project receives official approval. selected papers will be saved and burned on a CD for future analysis Research projects and theses will be available for faculty review. Research projects and theses will be carefully monitored by advisors and committee members to ensure adherence to the ethical principles required for use of human participants in all research. This process, along with advisor and committee oversight reinforces compliance with ethical needs and requirements. Graduate faculty has access to final projects and can access all of them to determine compliance.
24 Goal Goal IV Spring 2008 Learning Outcome Where is the outcome aligned in the curriculum? Culture How will the outcome be assessed? When will the outcome be assessed? Who will assess the outcome? Students shall demonstrate an understanding of the role of culture in communication events. 48C: 201 Introduction to Graduate Study and Research 48C: 224 Communication Theories Research courses Culture items on post­test and graduate survey prior to graduation. Papers and activities in various courses. Throughout program of study in various papers and projects. Survey at the time of graduation. Faculty in various courses. Identify and analyze the relationship of culture and communication in building communication communities. 48C: 224 Communication Theories. Research Courses 48C: 282 Seminar in Communication Education Projects designed to look at communication and culture. Application activities in 48C: 224 and 48C: 282 During classes in Program of Study. Graduation survey. Examples of papers collected in target classes. Course instructors. Papers may be collected and stored on a CD. Faculty will analyze survey information and make available to Graduate faculty. Students shall display written communication skills by selecting, designing, and implementing research projects and presenting an argument and rationale for them. Most courses in program of study. Research project and theses Successful completion of papers. Successful defense of thesis and research projects. Throughout Program of Study. Thesis prospectus defense. Research project explanation and acceptance. Course instructors. Thesis committee. Project readers Apply communication concepts to specific contexts, situations, and interactants. Most courses in the program of study. Successful completion of course research projects. Successful completion of theses and research projects. Graduation survey. Throughout courses in program of study. Examples of papers from class projects will be collected. Research Course instructors. Thesis committee. Project readers. Samples will be collected and stored in department.
Goal V Skills Spring 2008 25 projects and theses.