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Outcomes Assessment for Political Science

Political Science majors will...

• Understand the nature of politics, public values, and the institutions and processes of politics in their various forms.
• Understand and be able to interrelate the leading theories, literature, and approaches in the subfields of American Government, political theory and methods, international relations, and comparative politics.
• Be able to analyze and formulate effective argumentation in written and oral forms, including
  
  • The ability to appreciate and accommodate diverse political ideas
  • The ability to collect and critique information in ideas of others in support of original arguments.
    
• Appreciate the knowledge and civic responsibilities required for effective participation in political life.

MEASUREMENTS

• Degree Program profiles
• "Imbedded Skills" curriculum analysis
• Alumni Surveys
• Senior Survey
• Senior Focus Group
• External reviews
• Placement data
• LSAT scores
• Advanced Writing Assessment (Pol S 395)

CHANGES BASED ON RESULTS 1994-2004

• Orientation course added, introducing students to discipline, career applications, and degree program opportunities.
• Pol S 495 was changed from a “Senior Seminar” to “Capstone Project in Political Science” to provide additional opportunities for students to participate in service learning and research experiences.
• Added Pol S 491x “Senior Thesis” introduced to provide opportunities for advanced research for students intending to pursue graduate study. Course is proposed as permanent offering for 2005-07 catalog.
• Added Pol S 395, “Advanced Writing in Political Science” as a major requirement to evaluate students’ research and/or argumentative writing skills within the major.
• Participation in internships increased from 21% to 39% in cohorts studied.
• Participation in study abroad programs increased from 7% to 22% in cohorts studied.
• Four year graduation rate among Pol S graduates entering ISU as freshmen (regardless of major at entry) increased from 36% to 54% in cohorts studied.
• Placement of Political Science graduates significantly broadened in scope in cohorts studied, with a significant decrease in private sector employment and gains in public and non-profit sector employment.

Martix (PDF)

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