Departmental Assessment Update - Arts and Humanities Report

Department: Philosophy
Program: MA
Level: Graduate

1. Has your program developed learning outcomes? If yes, please list.

  • proficiency in at least one philosophically significant language other than English.
  • students are able to conduct philosophical research which leads either to a thesis or a significant portfolio of shorter works
  • students demonstrate the ability to write and prepare presentations at a high level of proficiency.
Given recent changes in the MA there is no way to reflect other possible outcomes within the allocated numbers of characters.

2. If your program has learning outcomes, where are they published (e.g., department web page)?

These are published in the Department’s Graduate Student Handbook and on the Department web page.

3. Do your faculty list course learning outcomes on their syllabi?

no

4. Does your program have a curriculum map that links course outcomes to program outcomes? If so, please include.

no - basically all courses contribute to advancing students toward the goal of being able to conduct independent philosophical investigation in the area of their interest, to be able write it up and present it effectively

5. Does your program benchmark or have goals for student performance? (e.g. 70% students will graduate within 5 years)

no - but we expect MA students to complete within 2 years and almost all do.

6. Other than GPA, what data/evidence is used to determine that graduates have achieved stated outcomes for the degree? (i.e. capstone project, class assignment)

All students either go through an MA culminating exam or write and defend a thesis.

Data collected where possible on what students go on to do after completing the MA.

Graduate Student Association gives feedback on the program. 

Once a year the whole department conducts a graduate student progress evaluation meeting. 

7. Who interprets the evidence of student learning?

An appropriatly selected faculty committee from the department - 4 members.

8. How are the assessment data/results used to inform decisions concerning the curriculum and administration of the program?

Result of culminating exams are discussed by the whole department.

MA structure has recently been modified in response to student feedback.

 

 

 

9. What attempts are made to monitor students’ postgraduate professional activities?

The department tries to stay in touch with graduates - but communication is far from perfect.