Download Department of History and Government Political Science

Department of History and
Government
Political Science
B.A. in Political Science
Program Code: 162
CIP Code: 45.1001
Program Quality Improvement Report 2009-2010
1
Student-Learning Outcomes
Program Learning Outcomes
Level of Thinking Skill
Students completing the baccalaureate program in
political science will demonstrate evaluation of
theoretical and practical matters in the field of political
science.
Evaluation
Students completing the baccalaureate program in
political science will exhibit an ability to evaluate U.S.
government and politics.
Evaluation
Students completing the baccalaureate program in
political science will exhibit an ability to evaluate
global politics.
Evaluation
Students completing the baccalaureate program in
political science will exhibit an ability to evaluate
scientific research and apply the scientific method.
Evaluation
Students completing the baccalaureate program in
political science will demonstrate analytical and critical
thinking skills.
Evaluation
Students completing the baccalaureate program in
political science will demonstrate effective writing
skills.
Application
Students completing the baccalaureate program in
political science will develop basic computer skills.
Application
Program Quality Improvement Report 2009-2010
2
Alignment of Student-Learning Outcomes
Cameron University Mission Statement
•
Political Science provides students with access to quality educational
opportunities in and out of the classroom, to include: internships, guest speakers,
independent and original research requirements, opportunities to engage in
professional conferences, and educational travel. We produce students who
think critically and are capable of answering both timeless questions and the
challenges of the 21st century.
•
The Political Science faculty create a student-centered environment that
combines innovative classroom teaching with experiential learning. We utilize
simulations and interview opportunities, require original research, excellent
writing and critical thinking, and offer opportunities for internship and travel to
deepen the student experience.
Program Quality Improvement Report 2009-2010
3
Alignment of Student-Learning Outcomes
Cameron University Mission Statement
•
We prepare students for success by emphasizing critical thinking, diligent
research, and strong writing. We encourage responsible citizenship not only
among our own majors, but as part of our general education mission. Life-long
learning is a necessary outcome of critical thinking, and while responsible
citizenship is a meaningful contribution to our world, we also emphasize
independent scholarship and thought, strong communication skills, to include
computer, oral and writing skills, so that our students have the tools necessary to
make a difference.
•
The Political Science Program is a driving force in the cultural life and economic
development of the region through sponsorship of Constitution Day, public policy
forums, election watches and commentary, world travel and through our
students’ knowledge base. We seek to expand students’ horizons, and provide
the tools necessary to achieve those far shores.
Program Quality Improvement Report 2009-2010
4
Alignment of Student-Learning Outcomes
Strategic Plan 2013
•
Goal One of the Strategic Plan is that Cameron University be the University of
Choice. This is consistent with the Political Science Goals which prioritize
experiential learning, evaluation, critical thinking and writing. Examples of this
include the degree of travel, exposure to national figures and the internships in
which our students engage.
•
Goal Two of the Strategic Plan is that Cameron University provides the College
Experience of Choice. We require that students work with faculty at the upper
division levels as well as experience the practical elements of the field, through
travel, conferences and electoral events. These requirements foster a sense of
community among the students, faculty and alumni and encourage attention to
cultural events in the wider community.
•
Goal Three of the Strategic Plan is that Cameron University be the Location of
Choice. Through an emphasis on research, writing and critical thinking, as well as
the sponsorship of public policy forums, conferences, and community electoral
events, we believe that our faculty and students will effectively expand the
number of educational, cultural, and social opportunities for the region.
Program Quality Improvement Report 2009-2010
5
Alignment of Student-Learning Outcomes
Strategic Plan 2013
•
Goal Four of the Strategic Plan is that Cameron University is the Partner of
Choice. The Political Science Program provides support for this goal through
internships, community events, charitable activities and our educational
emphases.
Program Quality Improvement Report 2009-2010
6
Alignment of Student-Learning Outcomes
School of Liberal Arts Mission
•
We offer a quality baccalaureate program in social science, which addresses all
areas of the field of Political Science. We work to further the general education
mission of the School through American Federal Government classes. We focus
on a student-centered academic environment as we guide students to the
highest possible standard of achievement, requiring reading, writing and critical
thinking, as a liberal education is the mark of a free person.
•
Faculty scholarship and classroom application of scholarship is a priority. In
addition, student clubs and numerous lectures, conferences and public forums,
have allowed us to develop partnerships with the community, which include:
academic conferences (OPSA), election forums, commentary and debates (KCCU
and local political parties), Constitution Day (DAR), and policy forums (local
business and civic leaders).
Program Quality Improvement Report 2009-2010
7
Alignment of Student-Learning Outcomes
Departmental Mission Statement
•
We support all the degree programs in Political Science, contribute to the degree
in Social Studies Education, and offer a broad array of required and elective
general education courses.
•
We engage energetically with students, other faculty, and the public as inspired
teachers and dedicated researchers committed to fostering scholarship, dialogue,
and service across the Cameron University community, Lawton/Fort Sill, and
Southwest Oklahoma through our classrooms, our extensive club sponsorship,
the sponsoring of public forums and travel.
•
We are passionate about political science, but our work crosses over into the
areas of philosophy, public administration, and sociology and we are able to bring
critical perspectives from those fields to all facets of our academic life. We have
formed partnerships with elected officials, other universities, and outside faculty
to achieve these goals.
Program Quality Improvement Report 2009-2010
8
Measures of Learning and Service Outcomes
Direct Measures
Fall 2009
Program Learning Outcomes
Level of Thinking
Skill
Direct Measures
Students completing the baccalaureate
program in political science will
demonstrate evaluation of theoretical and
practical matters in the field of political
science.
Evaluation
MFT and Portfolio
Students completing the baccalaureate
program in political science will exhibit an
ability to evaluate U.S. government and
politics.
Evaluation
MFT and Portfolio
Students completing the baccalaureate
program in political science will exhibit an
ability to evaluate global politics.
Evaluation
MFT and Portfolio
Students completing the baccalaureate
program in political science will exhibit an
ability to evaluate scientific research and
apply the scientific method.
Evaluation
MFT and Portfolio
Students completing the baccalaureate
program in political science will
demonstrate analytical and critical
thinking skills.
Evaluation
MFT and Portfolio
Students completing the baccalaureate
program in political science will
demonstrate effective writing skills.
Application
Portfolio
Students completing the baccalaureate
program in political science will develop
basic computer skills.
Application
Portfolio
Program Quality Improvement Report 2009-2010
9
Measures of Learning and Service Outcomes
Indirect Measures
Fall 2009
Program Learning Outcomes
Level of Thinking
Skill
Indirect Measures
Students completing the baccalaureate
program in political science will
demonstrate evaluation of theoretical and
practical matters in the field of political
science.
Evaluation
Student Survey
Students completing the baccalaureate
program in political science will exhibit an
ability to evaluate U.S. government and
politics.
Evaluation
Student Survey
Students completing the baccalaureate
program in political science will exhibit an
ability to evaluate global politics.
Evaluation
Student Survey
Students completing the baccalaureate
program in political science will exhibit an
ability to evaluate scientific research and
apply the scientific method.
Evaluation
Student Survey
Students completing the baccalaureate
program in political science will
demonstrate analytical and critical
thinking skills.
Evaluation
Student Survey
Students completing the baccalaureate
program in political science will
demonstrate effective writing skills.
Application
Student Survey
Students completing the baccalaureate
program in political science will develop
basic computer skills.
Application
Student Survey
Program Quality Improvement Report 2009-2010
10
Measures of Student-Learning Outcomes
- Strategies to Address Shortfalls •
Mid Review: Following the completion of six upper division classes in political
science, the relevant portfolio papers collected at that time will be
systematically assessed by the political science faculty.
•
Assignments: Throughout the semesters, students taking political science
classes are required to take a series of class-specific exams and writing
assignments that require the application of the class material. Through written
and oral feedback regarding students’ performance on these assignments, the
faculty minimizes potential shortfalls in student learning prior to graduation on
a systematic basis.
Program Quality Improvement Report 2009-2010
11
Measures of Student-Learning Outcomes
- Strategies to Address Shortfalls •
Student Survey: During an academic year, usually during the spring semester, a
survey to all political science majors is administered by the Political Science
faculty. In addition to inquiring about students’ knowledge regarding U.S.
Government, Comparative Politics, International Relations, and Research
Methods, the survey asks a range of other program-related closed and openended question that allows the faculty to detect potential student learning
shortfalls prior to graduation.
Program Quality Improvement Report 2009-2010
12
Priority Learning Outcomes
•
The Political Science program’s assessment plan is built around three priority
learning outcomes which are consistent with Cameron University’s Mission and
Strategic plan and an analysis of the consumer need and interest. The
prioritized program outcomes are:
•
•
•
Students completing the baccalaureate program in political science will
demonstrate evaluation in the field of political science.
Students completing the baccalaureate program in political science will
demonstrate analytical and critical thinking skills.
Students completing the baccalaureate program in political science will
demonstrate effective writing skills.
Program Quality Improvement Report 2009-2010
13
Report on actions from the three previously
chosen priority outcomes
•
•
The following priority-related measures, as agreed upon by the Political Science
faculty during the previous PQIR cycle, was implemented:
Concerning all three priority learning outcomes, the quantification of student
scores, via a rubric, on portfolio papers was used.
– 3 = exceeds expectations
– 2 = meets expectations
– 1 = does not meet expectations
– Each paper type in portfolio has specific set of criteria.
– The rubric was used by all political science faculty in evaluating the paper
portfolios and the results are presented later in the presentation.
Program Quality Improvement Report
2009-2010
14
Report on actions from the three previously
chosen priority outcomes
•
Concerning the third learning priority outcome, “References” was added as an
assessment criterion of the literature review.
– References - citing the scholarly research literature using the APSA citation
style.
– The addition of references was added to the scoring rubric for the literature
review paper and was scored by all political science faculty.
Program Quality Improvement Report
2009-2010
15
Report on actions from the three previously
chosen priority outcomes
•
Concerning all three priority learning outcomes, new criteria were established
in the assessment of the critical theory paper in the portfolio.
– Identification of the major arguments of the reading: Does the paper
successfully identify the major arguments of the text on the topic
assigned, both their conclusions and their reasons and supporting
arguments?
– Interpretive sensitivity and sophistication: Does the paper show
familiarity with the details of the text and care and nuance in interpreting
it?
– Understanding of the significance of the author in question concerning the
particular questions addressed in the assignment: Does the paper show
understanding of what is unique and important in the author’s approach to
the question being discussed?
– The new criteria for the critical theory paper were used in assessing the
student portfolios.
Program Quality Improvement Report
2009-2010
16
Report on Actions
- Student Learning Outcomes 2 and 3 1.
The newly implemented quantitative assessment index of
the portfolio papers for AY 2009-10, yield the following
mean scores:
Table 1: Mean Scores for Paper Portfolio
Paper
Mean Score
Research Paper
2.7
Literature Review
1.8
Critical Theory Paper
2.8
Journal Article
2.5
Argumentative Brief
2.7
Program Quality Improvement Report 2009-2010
Where:
3 = Exceeds expectations
2 = Meets expectations
1 = Does not meet expectations
17
Learning Outcome 1
PROGRAM GOAL: Students completing the baccalaureate program in the field of political science will demonstrate
higher order thinking skills
MEASUREMENT OF LEARNING OUTCOME
LEARNING
OUTCOME 1
Students
completing the
baccalaureate
program in
political science
will demonstrate
evaluation of
practical and
theoretical
matters in the
field of political
science.
CURRICULUM
AREA OR TARGET
AUDIENCE
All political
science courses.
Measurements
MFT (direct),
Portfolio (direct),
Student Survey
(indirect),
Experiential
Applications
(indirect)
Methods used to
determine validity
of measurement
instruments
Methods used
to determine
reliability of
measurements
Content and face
validity
Established
measures and
intercoder
reliability
Program Quality Improvement Report 2009-2010
Schedule for
measurements
Spring Semester
18
Display of Assessment Data
Major Field Test (MFT)
•
Political Science majors take the MFT in Political Science during the
senior year. To demonstrate satisfactory performance on the MFT
regarding evaluation in the field of political science, the program
objective stipulates that Cameron University institutional mean score
should be within one standard deviation of the national institutional
mean score on the MFT assessment indicators. Six students took the
MFT in the 2010 spring semester.
Portfolio
•
Political Science majors turn in a series of papers as they proceed
through the program. To demonstrate satisfactory performance
regarding evaluation in the field of Political Science, the Political Science
faculty has agreed on a set of paper-specific criteria that are widely used
in the discipline. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches are used
to evaluate the relevant student papers.
Program Quality Improvement Report 2009-2010
19
Display of Assessment Data
Student Survey
•
During the Spring semester of 2010, Political Science majors, consisting
of sophomores, juniors, and seniors, evaluated their own perception of
knowledge regarding some of the major sub-fields in Political Science
(i.e. U.S. Government and Politics, Comparative Politics, and
International Relations).
Program Quality Improvement Report 2009-2010
20
Display of Assessment Data
Measurement
Participants
MFT
6
Paper Portfolio Papers
23
Literature Review
Research Papers
Journal Article
Critical Theory
Argumentative Brief
Student Survey
Note:
4
4
7
3
5
16
Literature Reviews (Concepts of Political Science, PS 2113)
Research Papers (Research Methods in Political Science, PS 2793)
Journal Article Critiques (upper-division international relation/ comparative politics course)
Critical Theory (upper-division political theory course)
Argumentative Briefs (upper-division American government course)
Program Quality Improvement Report 2009-2010
21
Analysis of Assessment Data
Figure 1: 2006-10 Major Field Test Mean Score Comparison
- Overall Knowledge 162
160
158
156
154
152
150
148
146
144
142
Cameron University
Mean
National Institutional
Mean
2006-07
2007-08
2008-09
2009-10
Program Quality Improvement Report 2009-2010
22
Analysis of Assessment Data
Figure 2: 2006-10 Major Field Test Mean Score Comparison
- U.S. Government and Politics 60
Cameron
University Mean
National
Institutional Mean
55
50
45
2006-07
2007-08
2008-09
2009-10
Program Quality Improvement Report 2009-2010
23
Analysis of Assessment Data
Figure 3: 2006-10 Major Field Test Mean Score Comparison
- Comparative Politics Cameron
University Mean
60
National
Institutional
Mean
55
50
45
2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10
Program Quality Improvement Report 2009-2010
24
Analysis of Assessment Data
Figure 4: 2006-10 Major Field Test Mean Score Comparison
- International Relations 60
Cameron
University
Mean
55
National
Institutional
Mean
50
45
2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10
Program Quality Improvement Report 2009-2010
25
Analysis of Assessment Data
Figure 5: 2006-10 Major Field Test Mean Score Comparison
- Political Thought 55
Cameron
University Mean
50
45
National
Institutional
Mean
40
35
30
2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10
Program Quality Improvement Report 2009-2010
26
Analysis of Assessment Data
Figure 6: 2006-10 Major Field Test Mean Score Comparison
- Methodology 80
Cameron
University
Mean
75
70
65
National
Institutional
Mean
60
55
50
45
2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10
Program Quality Improvement Report 2009-2010
27
Trend Analysis of Assessment Data
MFT Scores
•
For the past four years, the Cameron University mean scores regarding the
overall knowledge of political science have consistently stayed well above the
national institutional mean and always within the required one standard
deviation. Moreover, the overall trend indicate improvement from 149.0 for
AY 2006-07 to 157.0 for AY 2009-10. These results indicate that Political
Science majors at Cameron University are well above the National
Institutional mean scores at 150.0 for AY 2009-10.
•
Except for Political Thought, a challenging and complex subject matter for
students across the country, the remaining Political Science sub-field
categories, including U.S. Government and Politics, Comparative Politics,
International Relations, and Methodology, reiterate the previous patterns and
clearly illustrate that Cameron University Political Science majors remain
superior to their counterparts at the national institutional level.
Program Quality Improvement Report 2009-2010
28
Trend Analysis of Assessment Data
Paper Portfolio
• Literature Review: Incorporated into the PQIR paper portfolio during the AY of
2008-09, the literature review shows that students are generally able to pose a
research question, evaluate the literature and the relevant theoretical context,
and point to further research. Some improvement could be sought in
synthesizing the selected scholarly books and articles in terms of identifying
common and contrasting themes or schools of thought.
• Research Paper: Over the past five years, the research papers have continued
to consistently improve in terms of students’ capacity to satisfactorily review
the literature, discuss the research question and hypothesis, establish a
coherent research design, and present the findings in a coherent fashion.
Some improvements could be sought in the area of discussing the relevant
theoretical context as it relates to the selected research topic.
Program Quality Improvement Report 2009-2010
29
Trend Analysis of Assessment Data
Paper Portfolio (continued)
•
Journal Article Critique: During the previous five years, the journal article
critiques have consistently improved in the students’ ability to satisfactorily
analyze the author’s thesis, the main arguments used by the author to
support them, and the strengths and weaknesses of the article. While the
critical evaluation of the selected journal articles has improved compared to
previous years, there is still some room for improvement.
•
Critical Theory Paper: Over the past two years, the papers have consistently
improved, illustrating the students’ ability to identify the major arguments of
the reading, demonstrate interpretive sophistication, and show what is
unique and significant about the author in question. As with the journal
article reviews, critical evaluation of the selected theory articles has improved
and it has now reached a level that is consistently acceptable across all the
papers.
Program Quality Improvement Report 2009-2010
30
Trend Analysis of Assessment Data
Table 2: 2007-10 Student Survey of Political Science Majors
N = 12 (2007-08)
N = 26 (2008-09)
N = 16 (2009-10)
My knowledge concerning U.S.
government and politics has increased.
My knowledge concerning global issues
has increased.
My knowledge concerning the research
process in political science has increased
Strongly
Agree
Agree
Neither
Agree/
Disagree
Disagree
Strongly
Disagree
67.00%
(8)
33.00%
(4)
0.00%
(0)
0.00%
(0)
0.00%
(0)
76.90%
(20)
23.10%
(6)
0.00%
(0)
0.00%
(0)
0.00%
(0)
2008-09
62.50%
(10)
31.25%
(5)
6.25%
(1)
0.00%
(0)
0.00%
(0)
2009-10
67.00%
(8)
16.50%
(2)
16.50%
(2)
0.00%
(0)
0.00%
(0)
57.70%
(15)
30.70%
(8)
11.60%
(3)
0.00%
(0)
0.00%
(0)
56.25%
(9)
31.25%
(5)
12.50%
(2)
0.00%
(0)
0.00%
(0)
42.00%
(5)
42.00%
(5)
16.00%
(2)
0.00%
(0)
0.00%
(0)
38.40%
(10)
46.20%
(12)
7.70%
(2)
7.70%
(2)
0.00%
(0)
62.5%
(10)
37.5%
(6)
0.00%
(0)
0.00%
(0)
0.00%
(0)
Program Quality Improvement Report 2009-2010
2007-08
31
Trend Analysis of Assessment Data
Figure 7: 2007-10 Student Survey of Political Science Majors
- Knowledge of U.S. Government and Politics Increased 90
80
Strongly
Agree
70
Agree
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
2007-08
2008-09
2009-10
Program Quality Improvement Report 2009-2010
32
Trend Analysis of Assessment Data
Figure 8: 2007-10 Student Survey of Political Science Majors
- Knowledge of Global Issues Increased -
Program Quality Improvement Report 2009-2010
33
Trend Analysis of Assessment Data
Figure 9: 2007-10 Student Survey of Political Science Majors
- Knowledge of Research Process Increased -
Program Quality Improvement Report 2009-2010
34
Trend Analysis of Assessment Data
•
Student Survey
•
•
•
•
Utilizing the Student Surveys for Political Science for AYs 2007-08 and
2009-10, fifty-four majors, consisting of sophomores, juniors, and
seniors, evaluated the program very favorably. Reiterating the trends
established by the respective MFT categories, the student survey results
indicate:
Knowledge concerning U.S. politics/government
• Remained steady across the Strongly Agree and Agree categories
combined at 100 percent.
Knowledge concerning global issues
• Increased across the Strongly Agree and Agree categories combined
from 83.5 in AY 2007-08 percent to 87.5 percent in AY 2009-10
Knowledge concerning research process
• Increased across the Strongly Agree and Agree categories combined
from 84.0 percent in AY 2007-09 to 100.0 percent in AY 2009-10
Program Quality Improvement Report 2009-2010
35
Action Plan
1.
Although we do not have sufficient faculty to offer our courses on a shorter
rotation (as several respondents to the Student Survey requested especially in
regards to the Research Methods in Political Science - PS 2793), we plan to
further strengthen students’ evaluation in the field of Political Science and
especially with respect to global issues. Accordingly, we continue to plan the
establishment of a Model UN club over the next 12-18 months. No additional
human/fiscal resources are required to implement this action.
2.
Recognizing the relatively minor weaknesses in regards to the paper portfolio,
the Political Science faculty will continue its efforts to refine the specific
paper criteria and clearly convey those to the students. No additional
human/fiscal resources are required to implement this action.
Program Quality Improvement Report 2009-2010
36
Learning Outcome 2
PROGRAM GOAL: Students completing the baccalaureate program in political science will demonstrate a high level of
analytical and critical thinking skills.
MEASUREMENT OF LEARNING OUTCOME
LEARNING
OUTCOME 2
Students
completing the
baccalaureate
program in
political science
will demonstrate
analytical and
critical thinking
skills.
CURRICULUM
AREA OR TARGET
AUDIENCE
Upper-division
political science
courses
Measurements
Methods used to
determine validity
of measurement
instruments
Methods used
to determine
reliability of
measurements
MFT (direct) and
Portfolio (direct)
Content and face
validity
Established
measures and
intercoder
reliability
Program Quality Improvement Report 2009-2010
Schedule for
measurements
Spring Semester
37
Display of Assessment Data
Major Field Test (MFT)
•
Political Science majors take the MFT in Political Science during the
senior year. To demonstrate satisfactory performance on the MFT
regarding analytical and critical thinking, the program objective
stipulates that Cameron University institutional mean score should be
within one standard deviation of the national institutional mean score on
the MFT assessment indicators. Six students took the MFT in the 2010
spring semester.
Portfolio
•
Political Science majors turn in a series of papers as they proceed
through the program. To evaluate satisfactory performance regarding
analytical and critical thinking, the Political Science faculty focuses on
measurements that are part of each portfolio paper and derives an
overall qualitative and quantitative assessment of the papers
accordingly.
Program Quality Improvement Report 2009-2010
38
Learning Outcome 2
Measurement
Participants
MFT
6
Paper Portfolio Papers
23
Literature Review
Research Papers
Journal Article
Critical Theory
Argumentative Brief
Note:
4
4
7
3
5
Literature Reviews (Concepts of Political Science, PS 2113)
Research Papers (Research Methods in Political Science, PS 2793)
Journal Article Critiques (upper-division international relation/ comparative politics course)
Critical Theory (upper-division political theory course)
Argumentative Briefs (upper-division American government course)
Program Quality Improvement Report 2009-2010
39
Trend Analysis of Assessment Data
Figure 2: 2006-10 Major Field Test Mean Score Comparison
- Critical and Analytical Thinking 90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Cameron University
Mean
National Institutional
Mean
2006-07
2007-08
2008-09
2009-10
Program Quality Improvement Report 2009-2010
40
Trend Analysis of Assessment Data
MFT Scores
•
For AYs 2008-09 and 2009-10, the Cameron University mean scores regarding
analytical and critical thinking were within one standard deviation of the
National Institutional mean. Similar to the previous MFT measurements, the
analytical and critical thinking skills of Political Science majors for AY 2009-10
at 78 are well above the National Institutional mean score of 69.2.
Portfolio
• Overall, the portfolio papers including the literature reviews, research papers,
journal article reviews, critical theory papers, and argumentative briefs
indicate that Cameron Political Science majors are able to critically analyze
complex subject matters in the various sub-fields of Political Science. While
performance levels have clearly increased, some improvement could be
sought in the area of critically evaluating the major arguments, especially in
relation to the journal article reviews and critical theory papers.
Program Quality Improvement Report 2009-2010
41
Action Plan
1.
Recognizing the relatively minor weaknesses in regards to the specific aspects
of critical thinking as they relate to the paper portfolio, the Political Science
faculty will continue its efforts to refine the specific paper criteria and clearly
convey those to the students. No additional human/fiscal resources are
required to implement this action.
Program Quality Improvement Report 2009-2010
42
Learning Outcome 3
PROGRAM GOAL: Students completing the baccalaureate program in political science will demonstrate a high level of
writing skills.
MEASUREMENT OF LEARNING OUTCOME
LEARNING
OUTCOME 3
Students
completing the
baccalaureate
program in
political science
will demonstrate
effective writing
skills.
CURRICULUM AREA
OR TARGET
AUDIENCE
Concepts of Political
Science (PS 2113)
Measurements
Methods used to
determine validity
of measurement
instruments
Methods used
to determine
reliability of
measurements
Portfolio
Face validity
Intercoder
reliability
Schedule for
measurements
Spring Semester
Research Methods
(PS 2793)
Upper-division
political science
courses (comparative
politics, international
relations, American
government, and
theory)
Program Quality Improvement Report 2009-2010
43
Trend Analysis of Assessment Data
Portfolio
•
Overall, the portfolio papers including the literature reviews, research papers,
journal article reviews, critical theory papers, and argumentative briefs
indicate that Cameron Political Science majors demonstrate effective writing –
a critical skill that has also improved over the years.
Program Quality Improvement Report 2009-2010
44
Trend Analysis of Assessment Data
Measurement
Participants
Paper Portfolio Papers
23
Literature Review
Research Papers
Journal Article
Critical Theory
Argumentative Brief
Note:
4
4
7
3
5
Literature Reviews (Concepts of Political Science, PS 2113)
Research Papers (Research Methods in Political Science, PS 2793)
Journal Article Critiques (upper-division international relation/ comparative politics course)
Critical Theory (upper-division political theory course)
Argumentative Briefs (upper-division American government course)
Program Quality Improvement Report 2009-2010
45
Action Plan
1.
The Political Science faculty’s will continue its successful efforts to teach
effective writing skills. No additional human/fiscal resources are required to
implement this action.
Program Quality Improvement Report 2009-2010
46
Published information on graduates
Academic Year 09-10
Entered Graduate School
Working In Discipline
Other
1
1
Summer 2009
Fall 2009
Spring 2010
2
3
Total
2
4
Program Quality Improvement Report 2009-2010
1
47