Core Curriculum Assessment Plan
Component V: Social Sciences
Courses in Component: ECON 2301, ECON 2302, GOVT 2301, GOVT 2302, HIST 1301, HIST 1302, PSYC 2301, SOCI 1301
Statement of Goals
The objective of the social and behavioral sciences is to increase students’ knowledge of how social and behavioral scientists discover,
describe, and explain the behaviors and interactions among individuals, groups, institutions, events, and ideas. Such knowledge will
better equip students to understand themselves and the roles they play in addressing the issues facing humanity.
Corresponding Courses in Core
Curriculum
PSYC 2301, SOCI 1301
HIST 1301, HIST 1302,
SOCI 1301
Exemplary
Educational
Outcome
1. To employ the appropriate
methods, technologies, and
data that social and
behavioral scientist use to
investigate the human
condition.
2. To examine social
institutions and processes
across a range of historical
periods, social structures,
and cultures.
Means of
Assessment
Benchmark
Criteria
Departmentally developed or
approved investigative project
70% of all students
successfully completing each
course will meet minimum
performance standard.
SOCI 1301
CTA (Watson-Glaser Critical
Thinking Appraisal)
HIST 1301-1302
Departmentally developed or
approved questions embedded
in an exam
CTA (Watson-Glaser Critical
Thinking Appraisal)
70% of all students
successfully completing each
course will meet minimum
performance standard.
SOCI 1301, GOVT 2301,
GOVT 2302
3. To use and critique
alternative explanatory
systems of theories.
GOVT 2301, GOVT 2302
4. To develop and
CTA (Watson-Glaser Critical
communicate alternative
Thinking Appraisal)
explanations or solutions for
contemporary social issues.
70% of all students
successfully completing each
course will meet minimum
performance standard.
70% of all students
successfully completing each
course will meet minimum
performance standard.
SOCI 1301, GOVT 2301,
GOVT 2302, HIST 1301,
HIST 1302
5. To analyze the effects of
historical, social, political,
cultural, and global forces
on the area under study
Departmentally developed or
approved questions embedded
in an exam
70% of all students
successfully completing each
course will meet minimum
performance standard.
GOVT 2301, GOVT 2302,
HIST 1301, HIST 1302,
SOCI 1301
6. To comprehend the origins
and evolution of the U.S. and
Texas political systems with a
focus on the growth of political
institutions, the constitutions of
the U.S. and Texas federalism,
civil liberties, and human rights
7. To understand the evolution
and current role of the U.S. in
the world.
Departmentally developed or
approved questions embedded
in an exam
70% of all students
successfully completing each
course will meet minimum
performance standard.
1. ECON 2301 - CBASE test
(College Basic Academic
Subjects Examination)
70% of all students
successfully completing each
course will meet minimum
performance standard.
HIST 1301, HIST 1302,
GOVT 2301, GOVT 2302,
SOCI 1301, ECON 2301
HIST 1301, HIST 1302,
SOCI 1301
8. To differentiate and analyze
historical evidence
(documentary and statistical)
and differing points of view.
PSYC 2301, SOCI 1301,
HIST 1301, HIST 1302
9. To recognize and apply
reasonable criteria for the
acceptability of historical
evidence and social research
2. Departmentally developed or
approved questions embedded
in an exam
Departmentally developed or
approved questions embedded
in an exam or project
1. ECON 2302 – CBASE test
(College Basic Academic
Subjects Examination)
2. CTA (Watson-Glaser
Critical Thinking Appraisal)
Departmentally developed or
approved questions embedded
in an exam or project
70% of all students
successfully completing each
course will meet minimum
performance standard.
70% of all students
successfully completing each
course will meet minimum
performance standard.
GOVT 2301, GOVT 2302,
ECON 2302
10. To analyze, critically
assess, and develop creative
solutions to public policy
problems.
1. ECON 2302 – CBASE test
(College Basic Academic
Subjects Examination)
70% of all students
successfully completing each
course will meet minimum
performance standard.
2. CTA (Watson-Glaser
Critical Thinking Appraisal)
GOVT 2301, GOVT 2302,
ECON 2301, ECON 2302,
SOCI 1301
PSYC 2301, SOCI 1301
BR/ 1-24-07
11. To recognize and assume
one’s responsibility as a citizen
in a democratic society by
learning to think for oneself, by
engaging in public discourse,
and by obtaining information
through news media and other
appropriate information sources
about politics and public
authority
12. To identify and understand
differences and commonalities
within diverse cultures.
3. Departmentally developed or
approved questions embedded
in the final exam
1. ECON – CBASE test
(College Basic Academic
Subjects Examination)
70% of all students
successfully completing each
course will meet minimum
performance standard.
2. CTA (Watson-Glaser
Critical Thinking Appraisal)
Departmentally developed or
approved questions embedded
in the final exam.
70% of all students
successfully completing each
course will meet minimum
performance standard.