M.A. History graduates will use the knowledge and skills obtained in their studies to enhance and improve their performance in their present employment, continue advanced studies toward other degrees, or move into other historical fields, such as teaching, public history, or writing.
Objective
Research And Analysis
M. A. History students will demonstrate competence in applying research methodologies; qualitative and quantitative analysis; literature review; and use of traditional and digital resources. The History Department will prepare its graduates to publish in their respective fields.
Indicator
Thesis, Major Research Project, And Comprehensive Exams
All M.A. History graduates will demonstrate depth and breadth of knowledge as they 1) successfully complete a Masters' Thesis or a major research paper for the required research seminar and 2) successfully pass written and oral exams in three field areas. This will be assessed by a survey of written examinations and oral examination reports.
Criterion
Research Project
All M.A. History students will achieve Good or Better ratings by a panel of history faculty on Master's Theses or research papers based upon primary historical sources.
Criterion
Written And Oral Examinations
All M.A. graduates will achieve passing or passing with distinction ratings on a written examination that covers three content areas. A panel of at least three graduate faculty will assess the quality of the written examinations to determine student mastery of the major historical themes and historiography within each of the three field areas. Students failing to demonstrate the required level of content mastery will be allowed, after consultation with the graduate committee and history chair, to retake the written exams. A second failure will result in termination from the program. Students successfully completing the written examinations will then take an oral examination before a panel of three graduate faculty members who will assess student mastery of the history and historiography in each of the three field areas. Students must pass or pass with distinction each content area. Students who fail to demonstrate sufficient competency in any of the three field areas will be allowed, after consultation with the examination committee and the departmental chair, to retake that portion of the oral examination that was not satisfactorily completed. A second failure will result in termination from the program.
Finding
Comprehensive Exam Success Rates
In the fall of 2009, the history department administered 7 comprehensive examinations to prospective MA graduates. Of those 7, one student failed sections of his first exam. According to policy, he rescheduled a second attempt. He passed. All 7 received degrees
In the spring of 2010, the history department administered 8 comprehensive exams. Of the 8 candidates, two failed portions of their exams and rescheduled for the fall of 2010. One student, who passed his comps, scheduled a defense of his thesis for fall 2010. Thus, 5 students graduated.
Faculty identified two likely areas of difficulty in the comprehensive examination process: articulation and historiography. To address these issues, the department encouraged students to engage in a dry-run, or mock orals exam to receive criticism and advice about their articulation. Additionally, the department offered students a brief written instructional guide to comps alerting them to the need for historiographical competence in their examination fields.
Additionally, in this cycle, 2 of these students completed theses, both receiving marks of "excellent".
Huntsville, Texas, Sam Houston College, and the Local Response to the War in Vietnam.
The Battle of Campbell's Station and its essential Role in the Knoxville Campaign During the American Civil War, November 1863.
In sum, history department awarded 12 Master's degrees for the year 2009-10.
Indicator
Student Presentations
Graduate students will gain knowledge and skills to present scholarly research in non-classroom professional venues.
Criterion
Student Presentations
In any two year period, at least 5 graduate students will present scholarly research in non-classroom professional venues.
Finding
Student Presentations
At the end of the two academic years 2008-9 and 2009-2010, 7 History graduate students presented research in non-classroom professional venues.
Action
Degree Requirements
While the writing performance of graduating MA students proved satisfactory, the comprehensive exam performance was uneven. The department will meet during the 2010-11 academic year to review the situation and to craft proposals for a comps preparation document and possibly comps preparation workshops for students taking comprehensive exams.
Objective
Advanced Degree Programs
M.A. History graduates will gain the requisite academic skills to pursue other degrees, such as the Ph.D., the J.D., and the M.L.S.
Indicator
Promoting Advanced Degrees
The History Department will encourage study beyond the M.A. and will monitor the number of students who pursue advanced or specialized degrees at other Universities.
Criterion
Advanced Degrees
In any two-year period at least three history graduates will be admitted into terminal degree programs.
Finding
Advanced Degree Matriculations
In 2009-10 graduates of the history department went 1 each on to history doctoral studies, political science masters studies, and law school. Additionally, two previously matriculated students successfully completed history doctoral studies at their degree granting institutions.
Action
Advanced Degrees
In light of increasing success in this area, the department proposes to amend this Criterion to one student per academic year admitted into terminal degree programs.