To graduate students who are prepared to enter the media marketplace
Objective
Writing Skills
MCM graduates will demonstrate appropriate writing skills with emphasis given to grammar, structure, organization, clarity, fluency, and style.
Indicator
Assessment By Writing Skills Exam
Students in MCM 132 will be tested to assess development of their writing skills over the course of the semester. The initial test will be an essay administered at the beginning of the term, which will be followed by a second essay at the close of the semester. This procedure will allow instructors to assess improvement in writing skills. Students will be expected to demonstrate improvement in grammar, structure, organization, clarity, fluency, and style. A rubric has been developed to assess change in writing performance.
Criterion
Writing Skills Exam
At least 75% of students in various sections of MCM 132 will show improvement in their writing skills.
Finding
Writing Skills Assessment
The initial student essay was written and assessed by instructors at the beginning of the term. The follow-up writing assignment was administered at the close of the semester; and instructors compared the two. It was determined by faculty that 75 percent of students in the various sections of MCM 132 showed improvement in their writing. Unfortunately, although improvement was observed, writing skills of grammar, structure, organization, clarity, fluency, and style continue to be weaknesses.
Action
Continued Assessment Of Writing Skills
The MCM Department will continue to monitor and evaluate the writing skills of beginning students. In Fall 2010-11, faculty will seek to determine specific strengths and weaknesses in student writing, so that subsequent teaching can address these areas with a more nuanced and targeted approach. Additionally, students with observed weaknesses will be encouraged to visit the SHSU Writing Center for individual tutoring in the writing process.
Objective
Computer Literacy Skills
MCM graduates will demonstrate computer literacy skills including database manipulation and web-related research techniques.
Indicator
Assessment By Information Analysis Tests
MCM majors will demonstrate professional skills related to use of computer software, data base manipulation techniques and Web-related research techniques in MCM 330.
Criterion
Class Project In MCM 330
At least 75% of MCM students in various sections of MCM 330 (Information Analysis) will score 75 (out of 100) or better on a class project that requires use of database management, electronic document retrieval and other web-based information-gathering techniques.
Finding
Assessment Of Computer Literacy Skills
Students have demonstrated computer literacy skills by performing at the prescribed levels of achievement on Project I, a research paper about the students' career choices. This project was completed at mid-term of the Spring 2010 semester and required students to demonstrate skills in electronic data retrieval, information-gathering techniques, database management, and using various computer software. In each of three sections of this course, at least 75% of the students scored 75 or better (out of 100 possible points). Weaker areas emerging from the project include inability to organize information gathered from online and traditional sources and lack of skill involving critical assessment of online materials.
Action
Continued Assessment Of Computer Literacy Skills
MCM Department faculty will continue to monitor and evaluate the computer literacy skills of MCM students through assessment of the MCM 330 course. To address the weaknesses, faculty will emphasize conventional writing structures that require students to produce a thesis and supportive evidence (thereby helping students learn to make sense of the materials they have gathered). Faculty will also develop a course unit for MCM 330 that focuses specifically on critical assessment and evaluation of online sources.
Goal
Knowledge Of Media Law & Ethics
To graduate students who understand the basic concepts of media law and ethics
Objective
Knowledge Of Specific Legal Concepts & Theories
MCM graduates will demonstrate knowledge and skills to use specific concepts and theories to First Amendment, copyright, privacy and libel issues.
Indicator
Assessment By Exit Exam--Media Law & Ethics
Graduating seniors will take an exit exam that measures their knowledge of the First Amendment, copyright, privacy and libel. The exam tested students on specific case law and on general principles related to the First Amendment, copyright, privacy and libel. The test consisted of 33 multiple-choice or true false or matching questions. Questions addressed specific precedent cases (Johnson v TX) and more general legal issues (First Amendment and emerging journalistic practice).
Criterion
Exit Exam -- Media Law & Ethics
At least 75% of the graduating seniors will score 75 or better (out of 100) on the Mass Media Law & Ethics Exit Exam.
Finding
Assessment Of Knowledge Of Media Law
Students have demonstrated knowledge of media law (First Amendment, copyright, privacy, and libel) by scoring at the prescribed achievement levels on the Media Law and Ethics exit exam. This exam is administered at the close of the term, and for the past two semesters, at least 75% of the students have scored 75 or better (out of 100 possible points).
Action
Continued Assessment Of Knowledge Of Media Law
MCM faculty will continue to monitor and evaluate student knowledge of media law and address student weaknesses including First Amendment implications, copyright law, privacy issues, and libel laws. The Exit Exam remains a valid procedure for monitoring strengths and weaknesses in learning.
Goal
Global Media Systems And Information Economies
To graduate students who are familiar with global media systems and information economies
Objective
Knowledge Of Specific Global Concepts & Theories
MCM graduates will demonstrate knowledge and skills to use specific concepts and theories to assess global media systems and information economies.
Indicator
Assessment By Exit Exam --Global Media
Graduating seniors will take an exit exam that measures their knowledge of concepts and theories used to appraise global media systems and information economies.
Criterion
Exit Exam -- Global Media
At least 75% of the students will score 75 or better (out of 100) on the Global Media Exit Exam.
Finding
Assessment Of Global Media Concepts
Students have demonstrated knowledge of global media concepts, practices, and theories by scoring at the prescribed achievement levels on the Global Media exit exam. This exam is administered at the close of the term, and for the past two semesters, at least 75% of the students have scored 75 or better (out of 100 possible points). Identified weaknesses include failure of students to read carefully in order to analyze readings.
Action
Continued Assessment Of Global Media Concepts
MCM faculty will continue to monitor and evaluate student knowledge of global media concepts, practices, and theories through administration of the Global Media exit exam. Additionally, faculty will provide experiences to develop skills to effectively analyze the texts and practices of media institutions, especially those impact politics, economy, and the everyday lived experiences of audience members.