Outcomes Assessment
for Political Science
Political Science majors will…
- Understand the nature of politics, public values, and the institutions and processes of politics in their various forms.
- Understand and be able to interrelate the leading theories, literature, and approaches in the subfields of American Government, political theory and methods, international relations, and comparative politics.
- Be able to analyze and formulate effective argumentation in written and oral forms, including
- The ability to appreciate and accommodate diverse political ideas
- The ability to collect and critique information in ideas of others in support of original arguments
- Appreciate the knowledge and civic responsibilities required for effective participation in political life.
MEASUREMENTS
- Degree Program profiles
- "Imbedded Skills" curriculum analysis
- Alumni Surveys
- Senior Survey
- Senior Focus Group
- External reviews
- Placement data
- LSAT scores
- Advanced Writing Assessment (Pol S 395)
CHANGES BASED ON RESULTS 1994-2008
- Orientation course added, introducing students to discipline,
career applications, and degree program opportunities.
- Pol S 495 was changed from a “Senior Seminar” to “Capstone
Project in Political Science” to provide additional opportunities
for students to participate in service learning and research experiences.
- Added Pol S 491x “Senior Thesis” introduced to provide
opportunities for advanced research for students intending to pursue
graduate study. Course is proposed as permanent offering for 2005-07
catalog.
- Added Pol S 395, “Advanced Writing in Political Science”
as a major requirement to evaluate students’ research and/or
argumentative writing skills within the major.
- Degree requirements changed from two courses to three credits per subfield, allowing more flexibility for students, in hiring, and in scheduling.
- Participation in internships increased from 21% to 35% in cohorts
studied.
- Participation in study abroad programs increased from 7% to 20%
in cohorts studied.
- Four year graduation rate among Pol S graduates entering ISU as
freshmen (regardless of major at entry) increased from 36% to 59%
in cohorts studied.
- Placement of Political Science graduates significantly broadened
in scope in cohorts studied, with a significant decrease in private
sector employment and gains in public and non-profit sector employment.
Matrix PDF
Master of Arts Students in Political Science will…
