Middle States Outcomes Assessment 1999

Department or Program: American Studies

Goals

1. Introduce basic approaches to study in the field

2. Encourage cross-cultural awareness

3. Increase self-awareness within the American culture

G.C.P. Correlation

1. Develop critical thinking

2. Develop written expressiveness

3. Heighten socio-ethical understanding

Means of Assessment

1. Write essay examinations on central problems in the field

2. Complete projects that develop independent exploration

3. Participate in capstone seminar

Outcomes and Uses

This program relies upon inter-departmental cooperation that has lagged because of other demands upon departments. Only three courses in our college catalog are designated as American Studies and these are not offered in a regular sequence. At present, no formal leadership guides the program or correlates the results of its means of assessment. Quite Possibly, the program would borrow its results from departments that contribute to the program.