Saint Louis University
College of Arts & Sciences
Student Learning Outcomes Assessment Report
Annual Report June 1, 2010 to May 31, 2011
WOMEN’S AND GENDER STUDIES
1. Program objectives
 Learn the core issues, key terms, and foundational concepts in Women’s and Gender Studies.
 Appreciate the ways in which in which feminist epistemologies enhance our understanding of
social issues.
 Know the key authors and core characteristics of various feminist theories.
 Understand the intersections of gender/sexuality, race/ethnicity, class, and other relations of
power and how they are reflected in the diversity of women’s experiences.
 Gain familiarity with the interdisciplinary research methodologies in Women’s and Gender
Studies.
 Explore the range of feminist activism in different cultural contexts.
2. Learning outcomes
 Use feminist concepts and ideas to analyze how culture and social institutions shape
possibilities for justice in everyday life.
 Place key figures and their theories within the history of feminist thought.
 Use intersectional theories and concepts to analyze a range of experiences, cultures, or
situations and/or to participate in community action or service.
 Apply the research skills and methodologies needed to carry out a substantial research or
activist project.
 Engage in a feminist activist project.
3. None. We are currently developing an assessment plan which we will begin implementing in
the Fall 2011-12 semester.
4. We are now working on a comprehensive assessment plan which will build upon some things
that we are already doing, such as assessing the Senior Capstone projects. We anticipate that
additional assessment tools may include a service learning reflection instrument, pre- and postin-class surveys, a comparison of students’ critical reflections over the course of a semester,
qualitative student evaluations of their learning, and focus groups with graduating seniors.
5. Not applicable.
6. Not applicable.
7. We will begin implementing the data gathering portion of our assessment plan in the Fall of
2011-12. Then beginning in May, 2012, the core faculty will meet at the end of each academic
year and review the assessment data, discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the program,
determine how the weaknesses will be addressed, and agree on ways to implement changes in the
coming academic year.