Program Assessment Plan
American University
SPA: Political Science - BA
SPA: Political Science - BA
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 Yes
assessment method?:
Learning Outcome: Knowledge
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key theories, concepts and issues surrounding the study of political institutions and processes
Outcome Year: 2012-2013
2013-2014
2014-2015
Start Date: 08/27/2012
Outcome Status: Active Learning Outcome
Assessment Plan
Assessment Method
Target
Schedule/Cycle
We will assess this measure via the new senior portfolios, approved in Spring 2014 by 75% of students will earn greater than a
the Senate Undergraduate Curriculum Committee, which will become mandatory for the mean score of 75% on assessment rubric
class of 2017-18 (i.e., when the class admitted in Fall 2014 become seniors). In the
meantime, we will highly encourage students to participate.
Measure Type:
Other
Active
Yes
Learning Outcome: Critical Thinking/Writing
Demonstrate critical thinking, written and oral communication skills
Outcome Year: 2012-2013
2013-2014
2014-2015
Start Date: 08/27/2012
Outcome Status: Active Learning Outcome
Assessment Plan
Assessment Method
Target
Schedule/Cycle
Students will submit a portfolio of their three best papers, from which we will select a
sample and assess evidence of competence in thinking and writing
Measure Type:
Other
75% of students will earn greater than a
mean score of 75% on assessment rubric
Portfolios will be reviewed at the end of
Yes
each academic year. Data from this review
will be analyzed by the Dept's Assessment
Committee.
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Active
Related Action Steps
* Supporting Assessment: Portfolio Review
Description: Development the mechanics/logistics for portfolio review for approximately 215 majors and communicate the expectations to students. Develop the rubric for
evaluating these portfolios.
Learning Outcome: Research Skills
Demonstrate competence in analyzing, interpreting and evaluating political science research
Outcome Year: 2012-2013
2013-2014
2014-2015
Start Date: 08/27/2012
Outcome Status: Active Learning Outcome
Assessment Plan
Assessment Method
Target
Schedule/Cycle
Active
Student poster presentations of original research in the GOVT 310: Intro to Political
75% of students will successfully meet the
Research course will be analyzed, by faculty judges, using a rubric to determine student learning outcome, earning more than 75%
competence in performing a literature review, crafting a study design and presenting
on each item on the evaluation rubric.
results from statistical analysis of actual data as well as student oral presentation skills
and the ability to connect classroom learning to "the practice of actual politics."
Measure Type:
Presentation
Faculty will judge the presentations each
Yes
semester and results will be analyzed by the
Dept's Assessment Committee.
Faculty meeting to review specific student work.
No schedule identified.
No target identified.
No
Measure Type:
Other
Related Action Steps
* Supporting Assessment: Poster Presentations of Original Research
Description: Revise rubric for evaluating poster presentations to add room for greater subtlety in assessment (i.e., moving from a 2 point scale to a 4 pt scale).
* Supporting Assessment: Poster Presentations of Original Research
Description: Discuss with faculty teaching 310 the challenges of presenting sufficient indication of literature review and qualification of claims in poster presentations, based on
sub-par performance of majors in these categories in Spring 2012.
Learning Outcome: Application to Actual Politics
Apply the knowledge and skills acquired in the major to the practice of actual politics
Outcome Year: 2012-2013
2013-2014
2014-2015
Start Date: 08/27/2012
Outcome Status: Active Learning Outcome
Assessment Plan
Assessment Method
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Target
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Schedule/Cycle
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Active
Assessment Plan
Assessment Method
Target
Schedule/Cycle
Active
We will use an assignment that asks students to apply theories and materials from
classroom context to an experience in their internship in the internship class (GOVT
391).
Measure Type:
Paper/Project
85% of students will meet or exceed the
expectations articulated in the rubric.
Data will be collected each semester.
Yes
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