The Major in Politics – Goals and Outcomes Assessment

Goals

The B.A. program in Politics is designed to give students a thorough background in one of three subfields of political science (American government, political theory, or world politics) and a basic background in political science, generally.  Core courses in the major introduce all majors to the basics of political science.  These include: Introduction to American government, Introduction to Comparative Politics, Introduction to Political Theory, and Introduction to International Relations.  Following the core courses, the program is designed to guide students toward greater concentration in one subfield.  Usually, students take four or five mid-level courses in their concentration subfield, while completing one or two more courses in the other subfields.  Additionally, students may also supplement their work with courses in a pre-law sequence.

Presently, the program is also designed to promote experiential learning.  Especially for concentrators in the American government subfield, the program guides students to  Washington-area internships with Congress, courts, executive branch agencies, think tanks, political parties, interest organizations, and so forth.  Study abroad programs and internships with international organizations and agencies are emphasized for concentrators in World politics.

The program primarily has been developed to guide students toward graduate school, law school, and government and political work.  Secondarily, combined with general education requirements, the program also hopes to assist students in developing careers in other fields, including secondary education, marketing, advertising, journalism, communications, law enforcement, para-legal, military, management, and similar fields.

Assessment Instruments

Core courses

Students must pass three (four for World Politics) core courses with a B average: Politics 111 Introduction to American National Government, Politics 112 Introduction to Comparative Politics, Politics 211 Introduction to Political Theory, and Politics 212 Introduction to International Relations.

Senior Papers

All seniors in the major must prove competence in completing an original research project.  The project results in an extensive “senior paper” that is deposited in the students’ files.

Senior Comprehensive Examination

All seniors must successfully pass a two day senior comprehensive examination.  Day One of the examination tests general knowledge of political science in the three basic subfields: American, theory, world.  Day Two is an intense examination of student knowledge in their specific subfield.  The present passage rate for first time takers is approximately 80-85%.  The examination is offered once per semester and students may not graduate until the examination is passed.

Use of Assessments

The results of the senior comprehensive examination and, to a lesser extent, the senior paper are tracked from year to year.  Since the inauguration of the present arrangements eight years ago, average scores for the examination have shown a gradual rise.  Twice in recent years we have tested the comprehensive examination by administering it to a representative sample of incoming frosh.  As anticipated, the test demonstrated a marked increase in student knowledge of political science over four years.

Stephen Schneck, Chair

John Kromkowski, Coordinator of Undergraduate Studies

Department of Politics