University Assessment
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History B.A. Assessment Plan

Mission Statement

Upon completion of the requirements for the major, the undergraduate student in the Department of History will demonstrate competency in discipline-based content as well as research, analytical, writing & presentation skills in preparation for advanced degrees in graduate and professional schools or other history-related careers.

Program Outcomes

1. Students with one or more History courses in their senior thesis topic/area prior to completing will be able to demonstrate broader competency in the historical subject than students without such related background courses.

Student Performance Indicators

  • Students will complete culminating tasks (senior thesis) in History 499:
    - Write and submit a senior thesis under the supervision of their faculty advisor;
    - Present/defend their senior thesis during the Senior Thesis/Project Colloquium.

Assessment Method

  • The Undergraduate Advisor ensures that all students fulfill the requirements for the major:
    - Students' advisors will assess each senior thesis of student advisees using the departmentally approved rubric;
    - Faculty attending the thesis defense will rate student skills and presentations using a departmentally approved rubric.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. In the completion of the senior thesis, students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate research skills related to historical subject matter using bibliographic tools
  • Critically assess and question primary and secondary sources
  • Analyze within the cultural context
  • Write historical analyses
Student Performance Indicators
  • Students will complete culminating tasks (senior thesis) in History 499:
    - Write and submit a senior thesis under the supervision of their faculty advisor;
    - Present/defend their senior thesis during the Senior Thesis/Project Colloquium.
Assessment Method
  • The Undergraduate Advisor ensures that all students fulfill the requirements for the major:
    - Students' advisors will assess each senior thesis of student advisees using the departmentally approved rubric;
    - Faculty attending the thesis defense will rate student skills and presentations using a departmentally approved rubric.

2. Students will be able to demonstrate skill in oral participation and presentation of research analyses.

Student Performance Indicators
  • Students will present/defend their senior thesis/project research during the Senior Thesis/Project Colloquium.
Assessment Method
  • Faculty attending the thesis defense will rate student presentations using a departmentally approved rubric.