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 score for research literacy was 3.4 (see Supporting Document attached). This result is below the criterion set for the department on research literacy. Steps will need to be developed to raise students' ability to understand, evaluate, and report research.
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
Student Mastery Of Written Composition
Using the data in the Research Literacy section above, the mean score was 3.5 for mastery of written composition. This is below the designated criterion for mastery and will to be addressed in proposed actions.
Action
Improve Student Writing Competence
Since student writing fell below the level set for mastery, faculty felt that improvement was called for. A faculty committee constructed a document entitled “Communication Studies Writing Guidelines” that establishes writing expectations across the department. (See attachment) The document was initially disseminated to selected classes in fall 2014 with full dissemination across Coms classes containing writing assignments in fall 2015.
Goal
Understanding And Written Communication Of Theory
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 3.1 (See Supporting Document attached for Grad Theory)
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
Master Of Written Communication
The mean student score for Writing Skill was 3.9 (see Supporting Document attached for Understanding of Theory). This is just below the criterion set for mastery for the department and needs to be addressed by remedial measures.
Action
Improve Student Writing Competence
Since student writing fell below the level set for mastery, faculty felt that improvement was called for. A faculty committee constructed a document entitled “Communication Studies Writing Guidelines” that establishes writing expectations across the department. (See attachment) The document was initially disseminated to selected classes in fall 2014 with full dissemination across Coms classes containing writing assignments in fall 2015.