2012-2013 Assessment ReportSchool of The Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences

Department: Sociology

Chair: Julie M. FordAssessment Coordinator: Elliot B. WeiningerDate of Presentation: October 1, 2013

What was assessed? Student learning outcomes list:Students will be able to:• *Apply sociological concepts and theories to

contemporary social issues.• Analyze how social institutions shape individual

experiences and opportunities.• Identify the causes and consequences of various

forms of social inequality.

What was assessed? Student learning outcomes list (cont.):Students will be able to:• Use quantitative data to calculate and interpret statistics to

effectively communicate sociological findings.• Select appropriate sociological research methods from the

quantitative and qualitative traditions to study social phenomena.

• Produce written work that effectively integrates sociological concepts or theories with empirical findings.

• Demonstrate mastery of ethical standards governing research with human subjects.

How was the assessment accomplished?• Student work assessed: What assignments in what courses-- tests,

products of student work, etc.?– Soc 100: Test Questions– Soc 300 (Theory): Test Questions

• Measurement strategy: scores, rubric, etc.– Soc 100: Ten multiple choice questions covering the application of key

concepts– Soc 300: Three essay questions covering the application of key concepts;

graded with rubric

• Sample size: n students (Is this a sample or all eligible students?)– Soc 100: 168 students (sample)– Soc 300: 22 students (sample)

Soc 100 Benchmark

At least 75% of students meet or exceed expectations (with “exceed” defined as 8+/10 correct, and “meet” defined as 7/10 correct).

Soc 100 Results

Exceeding Exceptations Meeting Expectations Approaching Expectations Not Meeting Expectations0.0%

10.0%

20.0%

30.0%

40.0%

50.0%

60.0% 57.1%

20.8%

13.1%

8.9%

Soc 100 Results

• 77.9% of students met or exceeded expectations. Benchmark met.

Soc 300 Benchmark

At least 75% of students meet or exceed expectations on at least two of the three essay questions, per the following definitions:

B+ or above: exceedsC+, B-, or B: meetsC- or C: approachesD+ or below: does not meet

Soc 300 Results

Met or Exceeded Expectations on 2+ Questions Did Not Meet or Exceeded Expectations on 2+ Questions0.0%

10.0%

20.0%

30.0%

40.0%

50.0%

60.0%

70.0%

59.1%

40.9%

Soc 300 Results

• 59.1% of students met or exceeded expectations. Did not meet benchmark.

Data-driven decisions: How the department has or plans to “close the loop” based on these results.

• Soc 300 has been revised to have greater emphasis on application (as opposed to just understanding) of key concepts through lectures, discussion, and practice questions.

What resources were used or have been requested to close the loop?

• None