SUNY Potsdam
Student Learning Outcomes Assessment Plan
(Revised 03/01/2013)
Department/Program Name: ANTHROPOLOGY
Date Submitted: 25 July 2013
Academic Year this plan will take effect: 2013-2014
Department/Program Mission Statement: The mission of the Anthropology
Department at SUNY Potsdam is to provide students with knowledge of the five fields of
anthropology and to give them practical experience in communities so that they can
approach the world professionally and anthropologically.
Department Assessment Coordinator or Faculty Member Completing this Form:
Alan Hersker, Associate Professor / Chair
Intended Student Learning Outcome #1
Demonstrate fundamental anthropological knowledge. This will assess student mastery
of the key concepts in each of the subfields of anthropology (archaeology, biological,
cultural, linguistics, applied) as well as the ability to integrate the subfields. Students will
explain the significant theoretical perspectives in the history of anthropological thought
and demonstrate an understanding of the anthropological research in a topical or
geographic area.
Connection to University/Dept. Mission/The Potsdam Graduate
This fundamental knowledge is critical to understanding anthropology as a science and a
humanity and is, clearly, foundational to the appreciation of and respect for cultural
differences.
Measurable Criteria and Assessment Method(s)
learning outcome
Define the key concepts in the topical
subfields of anthropology
Explain the significant theoretical
perspectives in the history of
anthropological thought
Demonstrate an understanding of the
anthropological research in a topical or
geographic area
Integrate two or more anthropological
subdisciplines


data source
standardized objective questions
from final exams in ANTH 201,
202, 203, 204
final exam / paper in ANTH 391

annotated bibliography in ANTH
305

standardized objective questions
from final exams in ANTH 201,
202, 203, 204
1
SUNY Potsdam
Student Learning Outcomes Assessment Plan
(Revised 03/01/2013)
Intended Student Learning Outcome #2
Access anthropological data and information. This will assess student ability to use
using anthropological databases, library catalogs, publications, data sets and other
sources and to gather and analyze data using appropriate technology.
Connection to University/Dept. Mission/The Potsdam Graduate
This learning outcome assesses information literacy skills as well as those research skills
required in graduate school and professional environments. Key to this learning outcome
is the ability to critically evaluate the data and information sources, explicit goals of both
the university and Potsdam Graduate mission statements.
Measurable Criteria and Assessment Method(s)
learning outcome
use appropriate anthropological databases,
library catalogs, publications, data sets
and other sources (including visual data in
maps, charts, graphs)
gather and analyze data using appropriate
technology (for example, digital recorder,
total station, Excel, GIS, NVivo, SPSS)


data source
annotated bibliography in ANTH
305
demonstration of original individual
research submitted as a requirement
for ANTH 480 (e.g., 400-level
research paper; poster for Learning
& Research Fair; presentation at
NEAAs)
Intended Student Learning Outcome #3
Apply anthropological knowledge. This outcomes assesses student ability to apply
knowledge to solve practical or theoretical problems. Students will be evaluated based on
their ability to craft a research question and design a study to gather and analyze data to
answer that question. Additionally, because a cross-cultural understanding of the human
condition is foundational to anthropology, students will be required to produce a
reflexive evaluation of an interaction with members of a culture other than their own.
Connection to University/Dept. Mission/The Potsdam Graduate
The ability to put knowledge to use is key to becoming an anthropologist and an engaged
global citizen. It gives students the ability to not only understand our rapidly changing
world but to adapt to and change it.
Measurable Criteria and Assessment Method(s)
learning outcome
produce a reflexive evaluation of an
interaction with members of a culture
other than their own
design a study that uses anthropological

data source
practicum presentation in ANTH
480

grant proposal in ANTH 393
2
SUNY Potsdam
Student Learning Outcomes Assessment Plan
(Revised 03/01/2013)
method and theory to gather primary data
to address a contemporary issue or client’s
need
interpret qualitative & quantitative data


lab exercises from ANTH 202 &
ANTH 203
lab exercises from ANTH 201 &
ANTH 204
Intended Student Learning Outcome #4
Disseminate anthropological knowledge. This will assess student ability to present
anthropological information appropriately and effectively in a professional setting such
as an academic conference or the Learning & Research Fair.
Connection to University/Dept. Mission/The Potsdam Graduate
This explicitly addresses the General Education focus on speaking and writing and the
corresponding components in the Potsdam Graduate.
Measurable Criteria and Assessment Method(s)
learning outcome
construct well-crafted documents and

presentations that effectively
communicate professional and
anthropological information
data source
demonstration of original individual
research (e.g., 400-level research
paper; poster for Learning &
Research Fair; presentation at
NEAAs)
3