Middle States Outcomes Assessment 1999

Department or Program: Women's Studies Minor

Goals

1. Acquire knowledge about the way that gender informs our social, economic, political

and cultural lives

2. Acquire a wider perspective on national and global issues

3. Develop an appreciation of the connection between education and social

responsibility

4. Develop an interdisciplinary, integrated approach to the entire undergraduate

educational process

G. C. P. Correlation

Students currently must take 9-12 hours of electives for this minor; most are approved for Parts 11 and III of the GCP

Means of Assessment

1. Student evaluations of Core courses (WS 201 Intro, WS 301 Feminist theory)

2. Exit questionnaires for graduating WS minors

3. Practica in Women's Studies--capstone project

Outcomes

1. Questionnaires show that students demonstrate a perspective that has broadened and

deepened

2. Questionnaires show that courses have been beneficial in helping students to perceive

their majors in varied, more complex ways

3. Students are considering MA programs in Women's studies or related fields; two are

working in feminist not-for-profit agencies

Use

1. Findings show that there is a lack of male students and faculty associated with the

courses and program, there is a persistence of negative stereotypes about "Women's Studies," and an invisibility of feminist issues in other disciplines.

2. The courses will be used to push back "comfort zones" so that there can be more

visible discussions taking place about gender, sexuality, and culture.