Students who take introductory sociology classes will gain basic knowledge of social life, social change, and the causes and consequences of human behavior as they acquire the sociological perspective.
Students who take introductory sociology classes that are included in the SHSU Core Curriculum will be able to demonstrate their understanding of the basic core concepts of the discipline and the sociological perspective.
Indicator
Comprehension Of Basic Core Concepts
A sample of students enrolled in all of the three introduction-level sociology courses 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. Employing an extra credit opportunity format, students responded to a five question evaluation instrument for the Component Area V courses (see Attachment #1) and a ten question evaluation for the Component Area IV course (see Attachment #2) to measrue 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
Desired Result: Comprehension Of Basic Core Concepts
At least 85% of participating students should have at least 3 correct answers out of the 5 questions.
Finding
Results: Comprehension Of Basic Core Concepts
Component Area IV: Out of 847 participating students in 24 sections, 95.7% of the students performed satisfactorily (see Attachment #3). Component Area V: Out of 352 participating students in 9 sections, 93.1% of students performed satisfactorily (see Attachment #3).
Action
Comprehend Basic Core Concepts
The data indicate the desired result is exceeded regarding both component areas. The department will continue to ensure that entry level students understand the basic core concepts of sociology.
Goal
2. Sociological Competency: Mid-level
Students who complete the mid-level assessment course, SOCI2399: Writing in Sociology, will gain knowledge and skills in writing sociologically.
Objective
Demonstrate Sociological Competency: Mid-level
Sociology majors will be able to demonstrate the abilitity to write sociologically.
Indicator
Sociological Mid-level Papers
The SOCI 2399: Writing in Sociology is required as a mid-level course to achieve the BA/BS in Sociology.
Criterion
Desired Results: Mid-Level Sociological Papers
At least 75% of papers should be rated 3 or better on average for the three core areas.
Finding
Mid-Level Paper Findings
The initial evaluation method employed a pre- and post-format for student papers. This method was found lacking in several areas and needs to be reworked to better align the pre- and post-evaluation criteria with the respective assignments.
Action
Demonstrate Sociology Writing
The Departmental Undergraduate Studies Committee and the OATDB Coordinator will meet with the instructors for the SOCI2399: Writing in Sociology class and further evalutate the criteria and protocol for this mid-level assessment at the beginning of the Fall 2015 semester. As an outcome of this meeting, a revised protocol, including assessment rubrics, will be developed and implemented during the Fall 2015 and Spring 2016 classes.
Goal
3. Sociological Competency: Exit Level
Students who complete the Sociology Program will have an advanced understanding of the core concepts of the discipline and the sociological perspective.
Objective
Demonstrate Sociological Competency: Exit Level
Sociology majors will be able to demonstrate and apply advanced sociological knowledge and scientific skills to critically analyze social phenomenon through a capstone research paper.
Indicator
Sociological Papers
The SOCI4399: Senior Seminar class is a required capstone course to achieve the BA/BS in Sociology. A sociological research paper is a requirement of the class. A random sample of twenty-five percent of student research papers are selected from SOCI4399: Senior Seminar class in the Fall 2014 and Spring 2015 semesters for assessment of their advanced sociological knowledge and scientific skills to critically analyze social phenomenon.
The Undergraduate Committee reviews the selected papers at the end of the Spring semester based on three core criteria in the discipline of Sociology: sociological theory; sociological methods; and sociological perspective. The selection of these criteria conforms to disciplinary standards for sociological research. The evaluation rubric was developed by the Undergraduate Committee and approved by the entire faculty (see Attachment #1).
Each paper is evaluated by three undergraduate committee members (two faculty members and the Director) using the evaluation rubric, where a score from 1 to 5 (1 is “no mastery” and 5 is “excellent mastery”) is assigned in each of the three core areas. Note: The Undergraduate Committee is composed of four faculty members plus the Director of Undergraduate Studies. Each paper is evaluated two faculty members and the Director.
Criterion
Desired Result: Sociological Papers
At least 75% of papers should be rated 3 or better on average for the three core areas.
Finding
Sociological Papers
83.3% of the students' papers meet the minimum requirement. Attachment #1 includes the summary table of results. Attachment #2 includes two examples of graded rubrics. Attachment #3 includes two examples of "pass" papers. Attachment #4 includes two examples of "fail" papers.
Action
Apply Sociological Perspective, Theory, And Methods
The data indicate that the desired result is exceeded. Those students who did not perform satisfactorily did not meet the minimum evaluative criteria regarding use of the sociological perspective, demonstrate understanding of sociological theory, and apply appropriate sociological methods. The department will continue to make efforts in curricula and teaching to reduce the percentage of students who do not meet the minimum criteria.