Program Assessment Plan
American University
SIS: International Affairs: Comparative Regional Studies - MA
SIS: International Affairs: Comparative Regional Studies - MA
Contact Person for Randolph Persaud
Assessment:
Primary Department: Comp/Regional Studies
Learning Outcome: Schools of Thought
Describe and distinguish among the major schools of thought in international relations and comparative politics, and be able to apply these theories to explain international, regional, and country specific
phenomena.
Outcome Year: 2012 or prior
2012-2013
2013-2014
2014-2015
Start Date: 06/30/2010
Outcome Status: Active Learning Outcome
Assessment Plan
Assessment Method
Target
Schedule/Cycle
Direct Measure--Substantial Research Papers (SRP).
Faculty members will supervise the SRP research using a rubric or specific criteria.
Evaluations will be reported under:
1) distinction
2) pass
3) fail
Measure Type:
Final Paper/ Final Project
80% to attain "pass with minor revisions"
Annual--SRP guidelines to be reviewed
Yes
based on results. Review to be conducted by
an SRP Committee, in consultation with
student representatives.
Direct Measure--Focus Groups.
Comparative and Regional Studies Students Association regularly met with faculty for
Interviews and Feedback regarding their Learning Experiences and their ability to
demonstrate this learning outcome.
Measure Type:
Focus Group
Through the focus groups and interviews
determine that 80% of the focus group
students can demonstrate a core competency
in achieving the learning outcome, or
describing and distinguishing among the
major schools of thought in international
relations and comparative politics, and be
able to apply these theories to explain
international, regional, and country specific
phenomena.
Direct Measure - Evaluate comprehensive final exam grades for the Theories of
80% of students attain a grade of B+ or
Comparative and International Studies course (which is required for all CRS students) to higher.
determine whether students adequately comprehend the theoretical literature underlying
their program of study.
Measure Type:
Quiz/ Exam
12/12/2014 3:07 PM
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Active
Yes
Theories of Comparative and International Yes
Studies is offered each fall, so exam scores
will be evaluated for the previous academic
year.
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Related Action Steps
* Supporting Assessment: Direct Measure - Focus Groups of CRS Students Association
Description: Through interviews conducted by faculty of current students in the CRS Students Association, faculty were able to determine that over 80% of these focus groups
students could meet this learning outcome of describing and distinguishing among the major schools of thought in international relations and comparative politics,
and are able to apply these theories to explain international, regional, and country specific phenomena.
Learning Outcome: Research Projects
Develop and execute research projects that integrate theory and empirics, and develop analytical skills.
Outcome Year: 2012 or prior
2012-2013
2013-2014
2014-2015
Start Date: 06/30/2010
Outcome Status: Active Learning Outcome
Assessment Plan
Assessment Method
Target
Schedule/Cycle
Active
Direct Measure--Substantial Research Papers (SRP).
Faculty members will supervise the SRP research using a rubric or specific criteria.
Evaluations will be reported under:
1) distinction
2) pass
3) fail
Measure Type:
Final Paper/ Final Project
80% to attain "pass with minor revisions"
Annual--SRP guidelines to be reviewed
Yes
based on results. Review to be conducted by
an SRP Committee, in consultation with
student representatives.
Direct Measure - Evaluated Papers for Demonstrated Economic Skills.
Assessed completed academic papers by faculty to determine demonstrated economic
skills.
Measure Type:
Paper/Project
Students demonstrate a proficient level of
economics skills in their written research
work and feel comfortable utilizing and
critically evaluating economic analysis.
Yes
Learning Outcome: Related Field
Attain in-depth substantive knowledge in a "related field."
Outcome Year: 2012 or prior
2012-2013
2013-2014
2014-2015
Start Date: 06/30/2010
Outcome Status: Active Learning Outcome
Assessment Plan
Assessment Method
12/12/2014 3:07 PM
Target
Generated by TracDat a product of Nuventive.
Schedule/Cycle
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Active
Assessment Plan
Assessment Method
Target
Schedule/Cycle
Active
Direct Measure--Substantial Research Papers (SRP).
Faculty members will supervise the SRP research using a rubric or specific criteria.
Evaluations will be reported under:
1) distinction
2) pass
3) fail
Measure Type:
Final Paper/ Final Project
80% to attain "pass with minor revisions"
Annual--SRP guidelines to be reviewed
Yes
based on results. Review to be conducted by
an SRP Committee, in consultation with
student representatives.
Beginning AY 2013-2014, CRS students who wish to design their own related field must
complete a Self-Designated Related Field form (attached) in consultation with the
Program Director and the CRS Graduate Advisor. The related field portion of the
curriculum complements students' regional focus by allowing them to study an issue area
in detail. The new process for declaring self-designed related fields ensures that students
discuss the rationale for their decision with the Program Director as well as formulate a
program of study.
Measure Type:
Other
All students who choose to pursue a related
field not on the official CRS list will
complete the Self-Designated Related Field
form.
Yes
Related Documents:
CRS Self-Designed Related Field Approval Form (09-2013).pdf
Learning Outcome: Convey Knowledge
Develop their oral and analytical skills so they can clearly and effectively convey their knowledge.
Outcome Year: 2012 or prior
2012-2013
2013-2014
2014-2015
Start Date: 06/30/2010
Outcome Status: Active Learning Outcome
Assessment Plan
Assessment Method
Target
Direct Measure - Evaluated Papers for Demonstrated Economic Skills.
Assessed completed academic papers by faculty to determine demonstrated economic
skills.
Measure Type:
Paper/Project
Students demonstrate a proficient level of
economics skills in their written research
work and feel comfortable utilizing and
critically evaluating economic analysis.
Schedule/Cycle
Yes
Learning Outcome: Foreign Language
Speak, write, and read a foreign language at a level that allows research and effective communication.
Outcome Year: 2012 or prior
2012-2013
2013-2014
2014-2015
Start Date: 06/30/2010
12/12/2014 3:07 PM
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Active
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Outcome Status: Active Learning Outcome
Assessment Plan
Assessment Method
Target
Schedule/Cycle
Active
Test by AU's Language Resource Center; test by accredited language instructor; prior
degree in language.
Measure Type:
Quiz/ Exam
100% certified as proficient.
Every three years--faculty review and
consultation with Language Resource
Center.
Yes
Learning Outcome: Professional Skills
Develop the skills to function effectively in a professional and/or academic environment consistent with the student's knowledge and training.
Outcome Year: 2012 or prior
2012-2013
2013-2014
2014-2015
Start Date: 06/30/2010
Outcome Status: Active Learning Outcome
Assessment Plan
Assessment Method
Target
Internship.
80% must receive positive evaluation from Every four years--Faculty consultation with Yes
internship sponsor. Positive means a score SIS Internship Office and CRS; Focus
Group Meeting with students every two
of 3 and above in a range from 1-5.
years.
Measure Type:
Final Paper/ Final Project
Through the CRS Student Association we were able to determine that many of our
students came to our program with policy-oriented aspirations.
Measure Type:
Focus Group
12/12/2014 3:07 PM
Schedule/Cycle
We aim to assist our students to develop the
skills to function effectively in a
professional and/or academic environment
consistent with the student's knowledge and
training.
Generated by TracDat a product of Nuventive.
Active
Yes
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