Weber State University   

Political Science

Results of Assessment

2002-2003 (submitted 10/15/03)

This past year we assessed items 1 and 6 from our assessment plan. This was done in two ways: 1) through a qualitative exit interview, where graduating seniors were asked to comment in writing on how well they thought the department provided them with the knowledge specific to items 1 and 6; 2) samples of student work were collected from various courses in an attempt to measure how well the department is doing with respect to items 1 and 6.

The exit interview provided us with the following information: students gave the department an above average rating (slightly better than an 8 out of 10 average) on items 1 and 6. No student gave the department a less than above average rating with respect to either item 1 or 6.

The samples of student work came from all course levels and included both objective exams and essay assignments. As would be expected, student work in the upper division courses reflected a much higher level of understanding of the particular sub-field being studied. The evidence for this is seen most clearly in comparing essays from the lower division courses with those from the upper division courses. This is due in part to more sophisticated and specific assignments in the upper division courses which allow students to demonstrate a higher level of understanding of specific topics within the discipline of political science.

We will assess items 2 and 3 in 2003-2004:

Mission Statement / Student Learning Outcomes / Curriculum Grid / Assessment Plan / Contact Person