Assessment Plan for MA in Anthropology
Goal 1.
Students who graduate with an MA in Anthropology from UW will be able to explain the content of the “four fields” of Anthropology and their interrelationship in written and oral formats.
Objectives Related to 1
Obj. 1. Students learn basic content of each subfield in at least 1 course.
Obj. 2. Students write a short synthetic paper on a topic of their choice, which interrelates three of the four subfields.
Obj. 3. Students demonstrate competence by passing an oral examination on the four fields before proceeding to thesis research.
Methods of Assessment (1)
1. Students are interviewed by a Focus Group faculty committee which analyzes their cohort group experience in core courses.
2. Students demonstrate knowledge of interrelationship of subfields by writing synthetic paper, which is evaluated by a faculty committee.
3. Students demonstrate knowledge of subfield content by successful completion of oral examination as evaluated by a faculty committee.
Goal 2.
Students who graduate with an MA in Anthropology from UW will have a experience in original research.
Objectives Related to 2
Obj. 1. Students develop, implement, and complete their own Plan A or B projects.
Obj. 2. Students complete coursework providing them with research models in their chosen subfield.
Obj. 3. Students are guided by faculty mentors in the critical examination of scholarship and research in the appropriate subfield.
Methods of Assessment (2)
1. Successful development and completion of Plan A or B projects.
2. Graduation rates as determined for annual report or data collected for the Graduate School.
3. Thesis advisors monitor progress toward degree and report in annual faculty update.
Goal 3.
Students who graduate with an MA in Anthropology from UW will develop skills which foster professionalism as related to their chosen fields.
Obj. 1. Students attend/ participate in guest lectures, department seminars, and other professional activities including professional conferences.
Obj. 2. Students give at least one lecture in classes for which they are the GA and/or conduct museum and site tours for the general public.
Obj. 3. Students disseminate research results at professional conferences or other professional venues.
Obj. 4. Students gain internship or work experience at federal or state agencies, private companies, or in UW contracts, grants or research.
Methods of Assessment (3)
1. Students write evaluations of guest lectures, department seminars, and other professional activities collected by graduate advisor and/or department head.
2. Students write applications for GA positions which reflect on their experiences and qualifications reviewed every semester by entire faculty, at which students’ past performance and experiences are discussed before positions are assigned.
3. Students report to advisors about conference presentations and other professional activities which are also recorded in annual report and/or faculty update.
4. Exit interviews with Department Head monitor internship and academic experiences and/or career tracking information.
Schedule: Information collected throughout the academic year for discussion at the annual retreat each fall.
Time Line
Department Confirms Measurable Objectives 2003-2004
Refine Assessment Methods 2005
Create Assessment Schedule and Assign Tasks 2005 (Focus Group membership, etc)
Use Data Collected, Review Faculty Proposals for Change 2006
Discuss and Vote on Changes at Retreat or Meeting; Implement and Monitor Any Changes 2007