The Sociology BA Program provides students with the tools to be able to communicate scientifically
Objective
Communication Tools
The Sociology Program provides students with the scientific tools to be able to communicate the results obtained through the application of the core concepts of the discipline of Sociology
Indicator
Two Sociological Papers--Communication
Two sociological papers written by each graduating student during the Spring semester of his/her senior year are selected. They are evaluated by a three Faculty Member committee appointed by the Chair. The papers are assigned a combined score from 1 to 5 where one is inadequate knowledge of Sociology and 5 is excellent knowledge of Sociology. Employing their professional expertise in Sociology, Faculty assign a maximum of two points for the theories presented in the papers, a maximum of two points for the methodology employed in the papers, and a maximum of one point for the articulation of the papers. The selection of this indicator responds to disciplinary standards and conforms to contemporary techniques of evaluation research. It was developed in a meeting of the entire faculty in which various options were discussed and critically reviewed.
Criterion
Desired Results--Communication
At least 80% of papers should be rated 3 or better on the 5 point scale. One point may be given for the articulation of the ideas.
Finding
Communication Component
92% of students writing samples earned a rating of 3 or better and satisfied the communication requirement.Those who did not perform satisfactorily had problems expressing sociological knowledge using technical terms and analytical definitions in a coherent way.
Action
Communication Component
The Department will assign better quality readings in required courses and increase the number of readings in all courses. Quality and quantity of sociological readings should allow students to have a better understanding of how to articulate sociological knowledge. Furthermore, during the school year students with written communication problems will be encouraged to use available academic resources such as the Writing Center. They will also be encouraged to note how technical terms and expressions are written in journal articles and books
Goal
Apply Core Concepts
The Sociology BA Program provides students with advanced scientific tools so students are able to apply core concepts.
Objective
Apply Core Concepts
Students who complete the Sociology Program will be able to apply the core concepts of the discipline using appropriate methodology.
Indicator
Two Sociological Papers--Methodology
Two sociological papers written by each graduating student during the Spring semester of his/her senior year are selected. They are evaluated by a three Faculty Member committee appointed by the Chair. The papers are assigned a combined score from 1 to 5 where one is inadequate knowledge of Sociology and 5 is excellent knowledge of Sociology. Employing their professional expertise in Sociology, Faculty assign a maximum of two points for the theories presented in the papers, a maximum of two points for the methodology employed in the papers, and a maximum of one point for the articulation of the papers. The selection of this indicator responds to disciplinary standards and conforms to contemporary techniques of evaluation research. It was developed in a meeting of the entire faculty in which various options were discussed and critically reviewed.
Criterion
Desired Results--Methodology
At least 80% of papers should be rated 3 or better on the 5 point scale. Two points can be given for methodology.
Finding
Methodology Component
92% of students writing samples earned a rating of 3 or better and satisfied the methodology requirement.Students that did not performed well had an inadequate knowledge of methodology. It appears that they could not understand items past a very basic understanding of the subject matter.
Action
Methodology Component
The Department will assign better quality methodology-based reading in appropriate courses.This action is carried out in order to address the fact that students who do not perform well do seem to have problems understanding past basic methodological concepts.
Goal
Understand Core Soc Concepts
The Sociology BA Program teaches students the basic theoretical or core concepts of Sociology.
Objective
Understanding Core Concepts
The Sociology BA program students will demonstrate competence in understanding of the theory or core concepts of the discipline of Sociology.
Indicator
Two Sociological Papers--Theory
Two sociological papers written by each graduating student during the Spring semester of his/her senior year are selected. They are evaluated by a three Faculty Member committee appointed by the Chair. The papers are assigned a combined score from 1 to 5 where one is inadequate knowledge of Sociology and 5 is excellent knowledge of Sociology. Employing their professional expertise in Sociology, Faculty assign a maximum of two points for the theories presented in the papers, a maximum of two points for the methodology employed in the papers, and a maximum of one point for the articulation of the papers. The selection of this indicator responds to disciplinary standards and conforms to contemporary techniques of evaluation research. It was developed in a meeting of the entire faculty in which various options were discussed and critically reviewed.
Criterion
Desired Results--Theory
At least 80% of papers should be rated 3 or better on the 5 point scale. Two points may be given in theory.
Finding
Theory Component
92% of students' writing samples earned a rating of 3 or better and satisfied the theory requirement.Those who did not perform satisfactorly did not complete most of the assigned readings. It is felt that students should complete more assigned readings.
Action
Theory component
The Department will assign more theory-based readings in required courses. Also, during the semester and in required theory-based courses, faculty will check that students complete reading assignments. This action is carried out in order to address the fact that students who do not perform well do not read enough sociological theory.