Advanced students in Communication Studies must learn and be able to elucidate the theoretical concepts essential for mastery of the field.
Objective
Understanding Of Theory
Graduate students will be able to understand the applicable theories of communication and related fields. Examples of these theories include, but are not limited to, expectancy violations theory, social penetration theory, relational dialectics theory, social judgment theory, cognitive dissonance theory, standpoint theory, and face-negotiation theory.
Indicator
Understanding Of Theory
We will measure this goal with an annual evaluation of a sample of student papers assigned in graduate courses. The first component of this rubric is Evidence of Understanding of the Applicable Theory or Theories (see Supporting Document attached). The scale for measuring this degree objective will be the same throughout the department's set of objectives for MA students.
Criterion
Understanding Of Theory
An average score of 4 out of a possible 5 is the criterion for satisfying the target outcome. This average will be taken over all student papers and all reviewers.
Finding
Understanding Of Theory
The mean student score for understanding of theory was 4.0 (see Supporting Document attached).
Indicator
Mastery Of Written Communication
The second component of this rubric is Control of the Mechanics of Written Composition (see Supporting Document attached). The 5-point scale for measuring this degree objective will be the same throughout the department's set of objectives for MA students.
Criterion
Mastery Of Written Communication
An average grade of 4 out of a possible 5 is the criterion for satisfying the target outcome. This average will be taken over all student papers and all reviewers.
Finding
Mastery Of Written Communication
The mean student score for mastery of written communication was 3.8 (see Supporting Document for Understanding of Theory).
Action
Understanding Of Theory
Although student scores met the criteria for understanding of theory and for mastery of written communication, it is clear that the faculty needs to address the higher writing expectations for graduate students. It will do so by developing and implementing a set of writing guidelines for graduate students.
Goal
Research Literacy
To understand, assess, and report the results of communication research
Objective
Research Literacy
Graduate students will be able to understand, assess, and report the findings of communication research.
Indicator
Research Literacy
We will measure this goal with an annual evaluation of a sample of student research literature reviews assigned in appropriate graduate courses. The first component of this rubric is Evidence of Understanding of the Applicable Theory or Theories including the Effective Connection of Theory or Theories to Communication Behavior (see Supporting Document for Goal 1 Indicator 1).
Criterion
Research Literacy
An average grade of 4 is the criterion for satisfying the target outcome. This average will be taken over all literature reviews and all reviewers.
Finding
Research Literacy
The mean student score for research literacy was 3.8 (see Supporting Document attached).
Indicator
Mastery Of Written Composition
We will measure this goal with an annual evaluation of a sample of student research literature reviews assigned in graduate course. The second component of this rubricis Control of the Mechanics of Written Composition (see Supporting Document for Goal 1 Indicator 2).
Criterion
Mastery Of Written Composition
An average grade of 4 is the criterion for satisfying the target outcome. This average will be taken over all literature reviews and all reviewers.
Finding
Mastery Of Written Composition
The mean student score for mastery of written composition was 3.2 (see Supporting Document attached for Research Literacy).
Action
Research Literacy
As in Goal 1, the faculty will develop and implement a set of writing guidelines for graduate students.