Students progressing through the logic courses in our curriculum will develop a broad-based skills in critical thinking and formal logic.
Objective
262/362 Objective
Students will acquire a general understanding of the application of logic and critical thinking.
Indicator
262/362 Indicator
Embedded assessment of PHL 262 and PHL 362 courses to measure student learning as they progress through our curriculum.
Criterion
262/362 Progression
75% of students in each course will successfully answer at least 70% of the embedded questions.
Finding
PHL 262 Findings
73.8% of students surveyed correctly answered at least 70% of the embedded questions.
Finding
PHL 362 Findings
Results of PHL 362 assessment during 2006-2007.
Fall PHL 362: Contemporary Logic Unit III Exam
Here is the question relating to the Square of Opposition and Syllogistic Logic
16??????7. (a) Using the Traditional Square of Opposition how are contraries related? As part of the explanation, give an example of a pair of contrary statements. (b) In the Traditional Interpretation how are the A and I statements related? (c) Then explain how the Modern Interpretation of the Square of Opposition interprets the Universal Affirmative and Universal Negative statements and give an example of each. (d) Explain the impact of the Modern Interpretation on how contraries are understood.
RESULTS: The average score was 11.9 out of 16 possible points with a range from 16 to 6. That translates to 74% as the average score. The data was not reported in a manner that allows direct correlation to the criterion--the faculty member did not gather the correct data, so no conclusions can be drawn.
Action
PHL 362 Action
The philosophy program plans to rework the criteria and evaluation for 2007-2008 to ensure that the data provides a more direct indication of whether or not the criteria are met.
Action
262 Assessment
Philosophy Program response to 2006-2007 assessment of PHL 262 and PHL 362.
Goal
Increase Faculty Size
Increase the number of full-time faculty members that are part of the Philosophy Program.
Objective
Hire a new philosopher
The Philosophy Program seeks the addition of at least one full-time faculty member whose expertise will allow for expanded course offerings to students. In particular, the program seeks an expert in ethics/social policy.
Indicator
Faculty Hiring
Successful negotiation of a contract with a new full-time faculty member.
Criterion
Faculty Hiring
A new full-time faculty member is successfully hired into the Philosophy Program.
Finding
Faculty Hiring
The Philosophy Program was successful during its job search. Diana Buccafurni signed a contract accepting a full-time position at SHSU for the 2007-2008 academic year. She is an expert in medical ethics, specifically organ donation and transplant ethics.
Action
Faculty Hiring
In an effort to ensure the stability and continued long-term development of the Philosophy Program, the program seeks to transition one of its full-time lecturer positions to a tenure-track position.
Goal
PHL 261/364/365 Progression
Students progressing through the introduction and history of philosophy courses in our curriculum will develop a broad-based knowledge of metaphysics, epistemology, and moral theory.
Objective
PHL 261/364/365
Students will a acquire general competence in and knowledge of metaphysics, epistemology, and moral theory. This objective relates to the progression of students through the philosophy degree. The program is attempting to measure the success of students in the introductory course, then evaluate the acquisition of advanced knowledge in the upper-level courses.
Indicator
PHL 261/364/365
Embedded assessment of PHL 361, PHL 364, and PHL 365 courses to measure student learning as they progress through our curriculum.
Criterion
PHL 261/364/365 Progression
75% of students in each course will successefully answer at least 70% of the embedded questions.
Finding
PHL 261-365 Findings
The Philosophy Program failed to achieve this goal. Less than 56% of PHL 261 students and 71% of PHL 365 students met our criterion for success.
Not all faculty reported data for all sections of PHL 261.
Finding
PHL 261-364 Findings
The Philosophy Program met its goal. 85% of PHL 261 students successfully completed at least 70% of the embedded questions concerning ancient philosophy. 95% of PHL 364 students successfully completed the embedded questions concerning ancient philosophy. Not all faculty reported data for all sections of PHL 261.
Finding
PHL 261-365 Findings
The Philosophy Program failed to achieve this goal. Less than 56% of PHL 261 students and 71% of PHL 365 students met our criterion for success.
Not all faculty reported data for all sections.
Action
PHL 261 Actions
Instructors in PHL 261 have been asked to review their course content concerning Hobbesian political philosophy. During Fall 2007, the program members will work with each other to identify and implement best practices.
Action
PHL 364/364 Actions
Instructors in PHL 365 have been asked to review their course content concerning Hobbesian political philosophy. During Fall 2007, the program members will work with each other to identify best practices for implementation during Spring 2008.
Action
Emphasize Assessment Responsibilities
The Philosophy Program must work to ensure that all faculty collect appropriate date for all sections of courses included in our assessment.