Students will understand the basic core concepts of the discipline.
Objective
Demonstrate Sociological Competency: Entry Level
Students who take introductory Sociology classes that are included in the SHSU Core Curriculum will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the basic core concepts of the discipline.
Indicator
Comprehension Of Basic Core Concepts
A sample of students enrolled in the three introduction-level sociology classes in the SHSU Core Curriculum (SOCI2319 in Component Area IV: Humanities and Visual and Performing Arts; and, SOCI1301 and SOCI1306 in Component Area V: Social and Behavioral Sciences) is chosen in the Spring semester for evaluation. Students responded to a five question evaluation instrument that measures their understanding of basic core concepts in Sociology. The selection of these indicators conforms to disciplinary standards for sociological research. This assessment was developed by the Department Undergraduate Committee and approved by the entire faculty.
Criterion
Comprehension Of Basic Core Concepts: Desired Results
At least 85% of evaluations should be rated 3 or better on the 5-point scale.
Finding
Comprehension Of Basic Core Concepts: Findings
Component Area IV: 16 sections 87.6% of students (550 of 631) performed satisfactorily.
Component Area V: 10 sections 87.1% of students (362 of 413) performed satisfactorily.
Action
Comprehend Basic Core Concepts: Action
In AY2013, the minimum criterion for this indicator was raised from 80% to 85% of students. The data indicate the desired result is exceeded regarding both component areas. The department will ensure that entry level students understand the basic core concepts of sociology.
Goal
Exit Level Sociological Competency
Students will understand, apply, and communicate the core concepts of the discipline.
Objective
Demonstrate Sociological Competency: Exit Level
Sociology majors who complete the Sociology Program will be able to apply and communicate the core concepts of the discipline in a capstone research paper.
Indicator
Sociological Papers
A sample of six student papers is selected from SOCI4399: Senior Seminar in Sociology in the Spring and Fall semesters for evaluation. The twelve papers are evaluated by the Department's Undergraduate Committee made up by the Director of Undergraduate Studies and other committee members appointed by the Chair. The papers are assigned a combined score from 1 to 5, where 1 is inadequate knowledge of sociology and 5 is excellent knowledge of sociology. Employing their professional expertise in Sociology, faculty assign a maximum of five points based on four criteria: use of the sociological perspective, demonstration/application of sociological theory, demonstration/application of appropriate sociological methods, and demonstation/application of the link between theory and methods. The selection of these indicators conforms to disciplinary standards for sociological research. This assessment was developed by the Department's Undergraduate Committee and approved by the entire faculty.
Criterion
Sociological Papers: Desired Results
At least 80% of papers should be rated 3 or better on the 5-point scale.
Finding
Sociological Papers: Findings
In AY 2013, 75.0% of papers were rated 3 or better on the 5-point scale. Of the four indicators that were assessed, the weakest one was demonstration/application of the link between theory and methods.
Action
Sociological Papers: Action
The data indicate that the desired result was not achieved. Those students who did not perform satisfactorily did not meet the minimum evaluative criteria regarding demonstration/application of sociological perspective, demonstration/application of sociological theory, demonstration/application of appropriate sociological methods, and/or demonstration/application of the link between theory and methods. The department will continue to address changes in curricula and teaching to reduce the percentage of students who do not meet the minimum criteria.