Join the New Directions Program!

• Knowledge of the American Political System
• Knowledge of political systems across history and world region
• Knowledge of theoretical foundations of political systems and political values
• Ability to compare political systems in their differing abilities to deliver public welfare
• Knowledge of the processes, institutions and actors involved in globalization

This knowledge will be focused by engagement with the fundamental questions of political life, both contemporary and enduring.   Students will place themselves in conversation with multiple political and moral perspectives, including those outside of the traditional Western canon, by developing their own positions and by seeing how their positions build from and contribute to these perspectives.

• Inquiry and analysis
• Critical thinking
• Creative thinking
• Written communication
• Oral communication
• Reading Ability
• Quantitative literacy
• Information literacy
• Teamwork
• Problem solving

These skills will be applied to evaluate conflicting arguments, assemble and present empirical evidence using appropriate methods of research and data analysis, make reasoned conclusions from the evidence available, and prepare professional and persuasive presentations regarding those conclusions.

• Civic knowledge and engagement—local and global
• Intercultural knowledge and competence
• Ethical reasoning and action
• Foundations and skills for lifelong learning

This responsibility will be anchored through active involvement with diverse communities and real-world challenges (including internships, service-learning and other experiential learning opportunities) that allow students to reflect on the relationship between theory, political practice and potential career paths.  In these experiences, students will apply critical thinking skills to solve collective problems in a manner that improves the public good.

• Completion of department course work across a range of political science subfields
• Application of insights from other programs of study to enhance their political understanding and practical skills

This learning will be demonstrated through the application of integrative and holistic knowledge and skills to foster purposeful civic commitments, to produce effective oral and written presentations, and to develop practical skills for continual personal and professional development.

Assessment of Learning Objectives

The Department of Political Science conducts annual assessments of student progress towards departmental learning objectives.    Assessments are typically targeted towards different categories of courses in different years.  For example, one year the department might assess all “experiential learning” courses, while another year we might assess our “core curriculum” courses, and in another year we might assess our study abroad courses.   In some years, the department conducts a broader assessment of department-wide progress towards learning objectives across many different courses.

The specific strategies typically utilized in our annual assessment process are a mixture of the following:

• Direct Assessment of Course-Based Learning. The Political Science Department reviews student exams, written papers, oral presentations and final portfolios for targeted classes during its assessment
• Student Self-Assessment Surveys.  The Political Science Department often embeds a student self-assessment survey into its assessment process. The survey collects students’ self-assessment of their own intellectual growth, knowledge gained, and level of change in political aptitudes, skills, attitudes and engagement level during their time in our classes and department. Informal assessments include a review of student FCQ comments and other informal verbal feedback from students.
• Master’s Capstone Assessment.  The Political Science Department periodically assembles a team of faculty to review all master’s theses or projects submitted for oral defense in an academic year, to conduct an assessment of progress towards learning objectives among our master’s students.