Weber State University   

Political Science

Results of Assessment

2003-2004 (submitted 05/26/04)

This past year we assessed items 2 and 3 from our assessment plan (Students should have a basic knowledge of the methods, approaches, or theories used in accumulating and interpreting information applicable to the discipline of political science; and Students should have a basic knowledge of the dynamics of politics and power at work in the modern world). These two items were assessed using an "embedded assessment." Students taking our Senior Seminar were assigned a seminar paper that asked them to select a topic dealt with the concept of power as understood within the discipline of political science. They were also asked to include a "methods" section in their paper where they would describe the method utilized in their paper. These items were assessed separately (and a part from the grade-based assessment of the paper).

With respect to item # 2 - methodology - just over 30% of the students scored a 4 or higher (on a 5 point scale). A majority of the students scored a 2 or lower. With respect to item # 3 - dynamics of politics and power - over 35% of the students scored a 4 or higher. Slightly less than 50% scored a 2 or lower.

When the department faculty meet to discuss these results we will need to consider whether these results are acceptable and if not, how to improve them.

We will be assessing items 4 and 5 in 2004-2005.

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