Program Assessment Plan
American University
SOC/SPA: Political Communication - MA
SOC/SPA: Political Communication - MA
Contact Person for Kimberly Cowell-Meyers
Assessment:
Primary Department: Government
Does 2014 report reflect No
changes in your LOs? :
Are there any changes in your No
assessment method?:
Learning Outcome: Research Skills
Demonstrate research skills (quantitative and qualitative research methods, survey research, interviews, focus groups) used in understanding and developing political communication.
Outcome Year: 2012-2013
2013-2014
2014-2015
Start Date: 05/14/2012
Outcome Status: Active Learning Outcome
Assessment Plan
Assessment Method
Target
Schedule/Cycle
Active
90% of students will be able to demonstrate The GOVT 629 and COMM 531 are offered Yes
Students will write a research paper that demonstrates the use of three research
methodologies used in political communication. Students will also be able to situate their these skills in these two exercises.
every spring semester.
projects within the context of previous literature on the subject.Each capstone will begin
with a discussion of the communication theory used to frame their research. ( Each paper
will be judged by a panel of 2-3 outside faculty. (Required course: GOVT-629,
Capstone)
Students will produce a communications plan in COMM 531 that demonstrates their
ability to conduct research their understanding of the correct use of research, media and
outreach in developing and evaluating a communications plan.
Measure Type:
Final Paper/ Final Project
Learning Outcome: Communication Skills
Demonstrate the ability to think analytically and write strategically.
Outcome Year: 2012-2013
2013-2014
2014-2015
Start Date: 05/14/2012
Outcome Status: Active Learning Outcome
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Assessment Plan
Assessment Method
Target
Schedule/Cycle
Given a scenario/case study students will construct a political communication plan that
includes an analysis of possible alternative plans and approaches. (Required course:
COMM-531, Political Communication)
Active
Yes
Learning Outcome: Understanding and application of strategic components of political communication
Develop an understanding of the strategic components essential to political communication, such as researching audiences, creating messages, targeting constituencies, and building outreach campaigns
through media and other channels of communication.
Outcome Year: 2012-2013
2013-2014
2014-2015
Start Date: 05/14/2012
Outcome Status: Active Learning Outcome
Assessment Plan
Assessment Method
Target
Schedule/Cycle
1. Given a scenario/case study students will construct a political communication plan that
includes an analysis of possible alternative plans and approaches. (Required course:
COMM-531, Political Communication)
Active
Yes
Learning Outcome: Application of communication theories to political events and development of strategies
Apply communication theories and concepts to individual political events to put them into a larger context and devise strategies and analysis based on theoretical and conceptual frameworks.
Outcome Year: 2012-2013
2013-2014
2014-2015
Start Date: 05/14/2012
Outcome Status: Active Learning Outcome
Assessment Plan
Assessment Method
Target
Schedule/Cycle
Students will write a campaign plan or lobbying plan for legislation that demonstrates
the ways that political science and communication are used together in political
communication. (One of these courses is required to be selected as part of the degree
program: GOVT-520, Advanced Studies in Campaign Management, or GOVT-523,The
Art and Craft of Lobbying)
Measure Type:
Paper/Project
Active
Yes
Learning Outcome: Write campaign or lobbying plan
Write a campaign or lobbying plan for an actual candidate or piece of legislation before Congress, identifying evidence, key arguments, and recommending the most effective and ethical approaches to
their subject.
Outcome Year: 2012 or prior
2012-2013
12/15/2014 12:49 PM
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Page 2 of 3
2013-2014
2014-2015
Start Date: 05/14/2012
Outcome Status: Active Learning Outcome
Assessment Plan
Assessment Method
Target
Schedule/Cycle
Students will write a campaign plan or lobbying plan for legislation that demonstrates
the ways that political science and communication are used together in political
communication. (One of these courses is required to be selected as part of the degree
program: GOVT-520, Advanced Studies in Campaign Management, or GOVT-523,The
Art and Craft of Lobbying)
Measure Type:
Paper/Project
12/15/2014 12:49 PM
Generated by TracDat a product of Nuventive.
Active
Yes
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