Political Science
Assessment Summary for 2004-2005:
This year we assessed 2 papers from each of 18 student portfolios, using a 4-point scale (exceeds expectations, meets expectations, partially meets expectations, and fails to meet expectations) across seven dimensions: shows solid grasp of topic; uses evidence appropriately; uses social science concepts; demonstrates awareness of alternative theories/explanations; demonstrates knowledge of criticisms of categories, concepts, theories; presents material in logical sequences; writes clearly and correctly. 67% of students met or exceeded expectations based on portfolios. We assessed 5 internship papers on a 3-point scale, examining students knowledge of the organization's purpose and relationship to broader processes of government and politics; knowledge of the organization's rules, procedures and practices; knowledge of how citizens, clients, constituencies gain access to the organization and its resource; knowledge of contributions and impacts of organization and limits of organization in solving problems, meeting needs, organizing public life; critical thinking and writing including use of social science concepts, alternative explanations, evidence in support of assertions, clear and correct writing. All were acceptable overall and they generally showed improvement over last year, reflecting emerging changes in the content of the internship in relation to program mission.
Assessment Plan for Political Science (revised 2005)
Department Chair
Margaret Kahn
310 French Hall
(810) 762-3470
pegkahn@umflint.edu