ࡱ> 352 9 bjbj 0(hh9|| \hhhhhhh /hh0hhhh$hh| : Political Science Department 2007-2008 Assessment Report Goal II of our Program Goals is for "students to acquire a knowledge of the discipline of political science and an ability to think critically and analytically in their perceptions of the political world". The Learning Objective for this goal is for students to "demonstrate their general knowledge of political science, have an acquaintance with the methods of political inquiry, and have the ability to employ certain concepts in analyzing and thinking about politics at all levels of government." Our desired Learner Outcome to assess this goal and objective is for all Political Science majors to take the Senior Seminar course and research, write and defend their paper in class before faculty and students. For the Fall 2007 semester, we had 11 students enrolled in the Senior Seminar (POLS 600). Ten of these students completed the course work and seminar paper. Ten presented their research to the faculty and their peers and received passing grades. (These papers are on file in the department.) All of the seniors who graduated in the Spring 2008 completed the Senior Seminar and received passing grades in the course. In addition, five of nine graduating seniors completed a Senior Survey and Exit Interview with the Department Chair. Some of the answers are summarized below: Speaking specifically of your classes as a ڶ political science major: how have they prepared you for your immediate future? For later in life? - They challenged me to write on a broad range of issues such as IR, Constitutional law, and minority politics. This will provide a well-rounded and wide knowledge base from which I will use to teach my students. - Critical thinking and classroom problem solving skills will be a great attribute in any future employment. - All of my classes required intensive reading and critical thinking. Washburn recommends these skills as being vitally important to success in law school. As for later in life, the more in tune you are to active thinking, the better you are prepared for any field. - I feel that I am more than adequately prepared for what is ahead. I have devoted a lot of time to developing my reading, writing, speaking, and thinking skills. I do not feel like I am at a disadvantage to compete at the next level. Political science has definitely broadened my understanding of law, government, politics, and society. What do you consider the strengths of the ڶ Political Science Department? - I think that the Political Science Department is strong in its open door policy with professors. I always felt welcome to seek advice on any matter such as a paper or pointers on graduate school. Also, I think that the professors are very student oriented; they are here to teach and make sure you get your moneys worth. I know that the internship program is very strong and have spoken to others about their high level of satisfaction. Lastly, I was very happy with the range of classes. - Although small, the faculty in the department was quite diverse in political views, teaching styles, and personalities. The department never failed to offer additional opportunities for students to advance and excel in different areas. Also, the pre-law and internship opportunities were quite helpful to interested students based on my perception. Goal III of our Program Goals is for students to "possess a knowledge and an awareness of the workings of the political world in applied political settings". The Learning Objective for this goal is for students to "participate in activities that will provide the opportunity to learn about the world of practical politics". Our desired Learner Outcome to assess this goal and objective is for students to attend public symposia and lectures on politics and to participate in some of the following opportunities: Model UN, election workshop, internship program, practical politics course, and cooperative education. We had twenty students participate in Model UN and attend two conferences (St. Louis and New York) where they won four different outstanding delegate/delegation awards. Six students served as interns in Washington DC and two in Topeka. One student served as a delegate to the 50th Annual Academy Assembly at the US Air Force Academy. Five students were inducted into Pi Sigma Alpha, the political science honors society. Some of the events students could attend included two department Career Day panels and the Constitution Day Celebration featuring the Kansas Attorney General, a federal judge, and the County District Attorney. Students also engaged in events sponsored by the Political Science Club, the Democratic Socialists, and the College Democrats. Senior Survey responses to the following question included: What experiences have you undergone as a ڶ political science major which you believe will affect your prospects for success in your initial activities after graduating and in those activities which you expect to engage beyond that point. - Developed leadership skills through College Dems that have helped in managing problems. I would assume this would assist me in the future. - One major experience was through the Election course. It allowed me to experience working with a candidate. - opportunities by individual professors to assist with and publish articles - As I'm interested in practicing law, I was looking for classes that would incorporate politics and public speaking. My two years at Model UN, my internship and Political Simulations taught me more than most of my classes put together. I actually got to see the theory discussed in class put into practice. The Department will continue to require Political Science majors to complete the Senior Seminar with a Senior paper. It will also continue to conduct surveys and exit interviews with graduating seniors in order to identify department strengths and areas for improvement. Based on feedback from last year, the Department is working to offer a varied class schedule and to provide better pre-law and graduate school advising. 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