Weber State University   

English

Assessment Plan

1. Focus Groups

Group I: made up of declared English majors and minors currently enrolled in the program.

Group II: made up of 1997, 1998 and 1999 graduates of the program.

Outcomes to be Assessed:

• A commitment to life-long reading and learning;
• An appreciation that English follows the Liberal Arts tradition which is based on the notion, that, in a world of ideas, a person is not free or liberated from the bonds of ignorance if he/she makes decisions based upon closed-minded habits, prejudices, or unconscious emotions that preclude critical thinking;
• An appreciation of the contribution that clear, analytical thinking makes to the maintenance and enlightenment of our society.

Assessment Deadline: mid-April

2. Exit Interviews

Selection: Random sample of students graduating in May, 2000. Sample will reflect the percentages of students in each strand of the program.

Outcomes to be Assessed:

• English Major and Minor
  • An acquaintance with various facets of both the traditional and the emerging canons.
  • Historical knowledge of selected literacy periods.
  • Recognition and appreciation of a range of rhetorical strategies and theories.
  • Understanding of the basic nature of language, its structure, and its uses.
  • Familiarity of a range of critical approaches and their applications in literary study.
  • Ability to write competently and confidently in a range of rhetorical and expressive genres.
  • Commands effective research skills, in both print and non-print sources.
  • Ability to approach literary texts critically, analytically and appreciatively.
  • Control of the conventions of standard written English.
  • Demonstrates good oral and presentation skills.
• Additional Outcomes for the Technical Writing Emphases
  • Communication of scientific and/or technical information effectively through writing.
  • Ability to read a scientific and/or technical document analytically and objectively.
  • Knowledge of proper editing skills.
  • Ability to communicate and work effectively in a team.
  • Has a working knowledge of business documents and design.
  • Demonstrates the use of computer technologies in written, oral and visual communication.
• Additional Outcomes for English Teaching Majors and Minors
  • Demonstrates skills and knowledge of methods and theories for teaching writing.
  • Demonstrates skills and knowledge of methods and theories for teaching literature.
  • Demonstrates knowledge of the writing process.
  • Demonstrates an acquaintance and working knowledge of resources for teachers of English/Language Arts.
  • Demonstrates an understanding of the influence of media and technology in contemporary culture.
  • Demonstrates a knowledge of the field of Adolescent Literature.
  • Demonstrates a knowledge of the concepts of multicultural approaches to teaching literature.
• Final Question for All Students
  • Is there anything you would like to add to this interview? Recommendations? Cautions? General remarks that would help the English faculty improve its work and dealings with students?

Assessment Deadline: by April 21, 2000

Exit Interview Form Link

Mission Statement / Student Learning Outcomes / Curriculum Grid / Enrichment Activities / Results of Assessment / Contact Person