University of Nebraska Kearney

General Studies Program Assessment Plan: Humanities: History

History Department—General Studies Assessment Plan 2008

Introduction

Now entering into the third year of GS Assessment, we have made certain adjustments to our GS Assessment Plan.  In the first year, our plan included three assessment instruments as direct measures of the GS/Humanities criteria for all History General Studies courses.  We had originally intended to apply all three measures on a rotating basis, as they measured different skills and indeed in the first year, we applied measure #2 in three history GS courses.  However, after reviewing the data and reconsidering the plan, it was noted that assessment #3, the writing sample, in fact most efficiently evaluates the General Studies and Humanities Learning Objectives.  Therefore, we have decided in the future to rely solely on that evaluation technique as it measures a student’s ability to gather and locate information, critically use and interpret primary sources in their appropriate context, and communicate effectively.  We expect to apply this measure in one GS course each semester based on a rotation that will be developed in the spring of 2008 and will randomly select 30% of the papers for assessment according to the rubric below. 
 

Learning Objectives

General Studies (Gs)

1. Ability to locate and gather information
2. Capacity for critical thinking, reasoning, analyzing
3. Communication skills (reading, speaking, writing)
4. Cultural appreciation of experiences/values of under-represented  groups

Humanities (Hu)

1. Comprehend primary texts
2. Form and support coherent positions on issues relevant to primary texts (in writing)
3. Use forms of reference and manners of discourse appropriate to the particular discipline (in writing, speaking)
4. See primary texts as cultural descriptions as well as individual creation

Methodology

Writing Sample: 

Related learning objectives:  GS1, GS2, GS3, GS4, Hu1, Hu2, Hu3, Hu4,

Description:  Students are given a writing assignment that reflects the above objectives.

Rubric:  The writing sample is assessed based on the following five criteria (each measured as a + or -)

1. Demonstrates ability to locate and gather information (GS 1)
2. Examines  a concept  relating to cultural appreciation of experiences/values of under-represented groups.(GS4)
3. Provides  a recognizable  thesis (GS3)
4. Demonstrates ability to use and evaluate  primary sources (GS 2, Hu 1,2)
5. Provides historical context (GS 1, Hu4)
6. Demonstrates stylistic and ethical conventions of discipline. (Gs 3, Hu3)

2007 

Previous Plan, Replaced Fall 2007