Assessment in IS

Program Objectives

1. To provide a quality education for students in the field of international studies, in both major and minor degree programs at the undergraduate level.
2. To ensure that the educational programs better prepare students for a variety of possible careers in related fields.
3. To extend opportunities for the development of leadership and service abilities through programs and extracurricular activities sponsored by the Department.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Students will demonstrate a high level of knowledge in the understanding of international issues and problems.
2. Students will evaluate and appreciate the basic forms of international behavior and interaction, based upon student interests.
3. Students will obtain a major concentration that prepares them for careers that engage the global community in a variety of careers and from a variety of perspectives

Assessments

Assessment	Learning	OutcomeCriteria
1. Core Course Assessment	1, 2	A or B
2. Seminar Paper (IS 4000)	1, 2	A or B
3. Alumni Survey	1, 2, 3	Satisfied or Very Satisfied
4. Reflective Assessment	1, 2, 3	Satisfied or Very Satisfied

Criteria for Assessment Instruments

Instrument #1

Students should receive an A or B for the core course assessment, which is an extended writing assignment that fulfills the following criteria:

Grade of A: Students who perform at the A level demonstrate outstanding use of research and study skills. Their papers demonstrate outstanding knowledge of international issues and problems. Their papers also exhibit outstanding use of critical thinking skills in evaluating and employing data. The A paper states and develops a thesis in logical fashion; the writing is clear and in error-free English prose.

Grade of B: Students who perform at the B level demonstrate excellent use of research and study skills. Their papers demonstrate excellent knowledge of international issues and problems. Their papers also exhibit excellent use of critical thinking skills in evaluating and employing political data. The B paper states and develops a thesis in logical fashion; the writing is clear and in error-free English prose.

Grade of C: Students who perform at the C level demonstrate good use of research and study skills.  Their papers demonstrate good knowledge of international issues and problems. Their papers also exhibit good use of critical thinking skills in evaluating and employing political data. The C paper states and develops a thesis in logical fashion; the writing is clear and in error-free English prose.

Instrument #2

For the IS 4000 seminar paper, a grade of A or B must be earned. The criteria are those stated above.

Instrument #3

Within one year after graduation, the Program will contact you to request information about your experience after completing the program, and in particular, to find out how well your education at Chicago State facilitated success in your subsequent occupation or pursuit of further education, as well as to what degree your education has instilled an ongoing interest in the study and appreciation of political science. You will be mailed survey instruments designed to measure your level of satisfaction with International Studies program feels you were prepared for job success in terms of your academic training and preparation.

Instrument #4

At one or more points during your CSU career, you will be asked to complete a reflective assessment instrument.  It is designed to measure your own sense of how well the International Studies program is meeting your academic and related goals.

MEMORANDUM

TO: International Studies majors

FROM: Bernard Rowan, Assessment Coordinator

RE: Requirements for International Studies Students

The field of international studies is a very dynamic one and is constantly being reviewed, changed, and upgraded in an effort to meet the many needs that are presented by society. As such, the International Studies Program, in conjunction with other departments preparing students for graduation, has instituted a series of assessment instruments. This letter is to keep you informed of the assessment process and its requirements.

The following are the assessments that have been in effect for all political science majors who enroll and/or declare their major as Political Science:

1. When you take the core courses in the major, you should identify an extended writing assignment for inclusion in your student portfolio. This assignment should have met the standards for a grade of A or B; if you have no such assignment, you may bring one of your term assignments to me, and we will work together to revise it appropriately, together with other faculty as necessary.
2. You should submit the seminar paper from the capstone course (IS 4000). This paper should have met the standards for a grade of A or B; if you have no such paper, you may bring one of your term papers to me, and we will work together to revise it appropriately, together with other faculty as necessary.
3. Upon graduation, you are to complete an alumni survey that will be mailed to you in the first year of your post-graduation career or study.
4. At one or more points during your CSU career, you will be asked to complete a reflective assessment instrument. It is designed to measure your own sense of how well the International Studies program is meeting your academic and related goals.

Should you have any questions about this memorandum, please contact me at (773) 995-2439.