Program Assessment Plan
American University
CAS: Religious Studies - BA
CAS: Religious Studies - BA
Contact Person for Amy Oliver
Assessment:
Primary Department: Philosophy/Religion
Learning Outcome: General Literacy in the Study of Religion
Students (A) should show that they are aware of the history of one or more religious traditions and (B) should be able to identify different approaches to studying religions.
A-1. Locates a particular topic within its historical context.
A-2. Explains the imporant ideas within a religious tradition and shows knowledge of the main texts and practices of a religious tradition.
B-1. Demonstrates awareness of different approaches to the study of religion.
B-2. Identifies and explains the conceptual tools that are used to study a religion.
Outcome Year: 2012 or prior
2012-2013
2013-2014
2014-2015
Start Date: 11/01/2011
Outcome Status: Active Learning Outcome
Assessment Plan
Assessment Method
Target
Schedule/Cycle
Using the guidelines attached in the documents tab, faculty analyzed presentations of six at least 70 percent will show proficiency in Hoping to repeat in 2014 when we have a
students majoring in this new major, Religious Studies.
oral presentation.
larger sample.
Measure Type:
Presentation
Active
Yes
Learning Outcome: Formal Argumentation Skills
Students should show that they can formulate and develop analytical arguments when writing on topics related to religious studies.
1. Clearly states the thesis of own essay.
2. Recognizes and studies different beliefs and/or practices in shaping own arguments about one or more religions.
3. Presents textual evidence from different time periods and/or religious traditions in support of own arguments.
4. Constructs sound and persuasive arguments.
Outcome Year: 2012 or prior
2012-2013
2013-2014
2014-2015
Start Date: 11/01/2011
Outcome Status: Active Learning Outcome
Assessment Plan
Assessment Method
12/03/2014 2:43 PM
Target
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Schedule/Cycle
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Active
Assessment Plan
Assessment Method
Target
Schedule/Cycle
Active
Written evaluation by department faculty of final papers in Religious Studies.
75% of papers will demonstrate learning
outcomes.
every year
Yes
Schedule/Cycle
Active
Measure Type:
Final Paper/ Final Project
Learning Outcome: Research Skills
Students should be able to conduct their own research projects using library and online resources.
1. Conceives of own topic to research outside of class.
2. Uses online resources to identify and locate relevant scholarly books and articles.
3. Distinguishes between primary and secondary sources.
4. Compiles the results of own research into a comprehensive report.
Outcome Year: 2012 or prior
2012-2013
2013-2014
2014-2015
Start Date: 11/01/2011
Outcome Status: Active Learning Outcome
Learning Outcome: Communication Skills
Students should be able to present complex concepts and arguments effectively in the classroom.
1. Clearly identifies and communicates the central ideas of own presentation.
2. Presents arguments orally in a clear and straightforward manner.
3. Listens and responds carefully and thoughtfully to questions about own presentation.
4. As an audience member, poses incisive questions about the material that has been presented.
Outcome Year: 2012 or prior
2012-2013
2013-2014
2014-2015
Start Date: 11/01/2011
Outcome Status: Active Learning Outcome
Assessment Plan
Assessment Method
Target
Using the guidelines attached in the documents tab, faculty analyzed presentations of six At least 70 percent of the students will show We hope to repeat this assessment in 2014
proficiency.
with a larger sample of students.
students majoring in this new major, Religious Studies. Presentations in the capstone
course, RELG 330, were used.
Measure Type:
Presentation
Related Courses
- RELG-330 - Approaches to Studying Relig
12/03/2014 2:43 PM
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Yes