I. BA IN ENGLISH AND BS IN ENGLISH (SECONDARY CERTIFICATION)

Learning Outcomes

At the successful completion of the program, students will be able to

• Demonstrate familiarity with representative literary texts;
• Read, interpret, and analyze literary texts with in their proper historical, cultural as well as literary contexts;
• Conduct research into both primary and secondary sources on topics concerning authors, texts, and issues;
• Develop original positions/theses on authors, texts, and issues using both primary and secondary sources;
• Pursue and present their original positions/theses cogently in effective, polished prose with proper documentation using the MLA Style of citation.

Assessment Instruments

Eng 470 Senior Seminar/Capstone

• Representative sampling of research papers.
• Assessment of two or three Learning Outcomes every year.
• Using department approved rubric and scoring sheet.

Assessment Process

• All English Department faculty members will participate in assessment sessions.
• Each sampled research paper will be assessed by two faculty members.
• Assessment session will be held as part of the May department faculty meeting.
• Assessment results will be reported annually.

II. BA IN AMERICAN STUDIES

Learning Outcomes

At the successful completion of the program, students will be able to

• Demonstrate familiarity with a wide range of significant American texts;
• Read, interpret, and analyze American literary, historical, cultural, and critical texts with rigor and depth in their appropriate contexts;
• Conduct valid research into both primary and secondary sources on American topics related to authors, texts, and associated issues;
• Develop viable, original arguments about American authors, texts, and related issues via primary and secondary sources;
• Create and present viable, original arguments clearly and effectively in polished prose, using field-appropriate documentation.

Assessment Instruments

AS 217 The American Dream

• Representative sampling of final research papers (collected every other semester).
• Apply standards from program-approved rubric and scoring sheet

AS or HIS or ENG 400 Senior Seminar/Capstone

• Sampling of research papers from students whose AS 217 research papers were assessed (collected every other semester).
• Apply standards from program-approved rubric and scoring sheet.

Assessment Process

• All faculty members who regularly teach American Studies courses will participate in assessment sessions.
• Each sampled research paper will be assessed by two faculty members.
• Assessment results will be reported annually.