Assessment Liaison: Dr. Marquita Gammage
Overview of Assessment in Africana Studies
The Africana Studies Department aims to provide an in-depth assessment and review of the educational programs provided for the purpose of improving student learning , development, and the overall educational experiences of students.
What is the plan?
The plan is to first assess students at the beginning of the lower division in our BA, then in a cross-sectional assessment, compare those results with seniors about to graduate. This would give us information about students' knowledge base as they enter the major, and if the skills and abilities tested improve after completing the lower division and upper divisions. In addition, senior/alumni surveys and program/event exit surveys will be used to assess the usefulness of our extra-curriculum activities. The results will be used as a measurement of the effectiveness of the degree program.
What is our goal?
Our goal is to provide a high-quality educational environment by equipping students with the skills to meet the following learning outcomes:
Department Student Learning Outcomes (SLO’s):
- Gain an understanding of the political, social-historical and cultural perspectives of the African American Experience in Africa and the African Diaspora.
- Gain broad knowledge of the cultural, political and historical contexts in which the African and African American Experience took place.
- Develop appropriate skills in research design and methodology used to examine the various interdisciplinary areas of the Africana Studies Department curriculum.
The table below details how each learning outcome align with each of the following University’s Fundamental Learning Competencies.
Big 5 Competencies | Fulfills SLO #1 | Fulfills SLO #2 | Fulfills SLO #3 |
Critical Thinking | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Oral Communication | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Written Communication | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Quantitative Literacy | No | No | Yes |
Information Literacy | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Last updated: September 18, 2020