APSA Service Learning Conference
McKinlay & Lopez 44
APSA TL 2006 Paper Draft 1
Appendix H
Outcomes for Political Science Majors
Outcome
Means
Measures
1. Graduates will understand and
demonstrate research and analysis
skills.
a. Research methods infused in courses.
b. Upper level research seminars with
research papers.
c. Senior culminating experience.
d. Short analytical writing assignments.
e. Analytical skills infused in courses.
a. Review research papers
and Senior culminating
experiences
2. Graduates will demonstrate
effective communication
techniques: oral, written, and
electronic media.
a. Assigned papers of various lengths and
topics. (Clear, concise, persuasive)
b. Developmental papers/research papers.
c. Senior culminating experience.
a. Review short papers from
lower level courses; 300
level courses; senior
culminating experiences.
b. Review oral presentations
330/400 level. (Create
template for oral
presentations.)
3. Graduates will demonstrate
comprehension of the discipline
of political science.
a. Completion of Pols 100.
b. Completions of Pols 247.
c. Completion of courses in sub field
courses in political science.
d. Senior culminating experience.
a. ETS: pre and post.
b. In house documents.
c. Senior culminating
experience
4. Graduates will understand and
demonstrate citizenship and civic
responsibility.
a. Service learning project.
b. Group project and presentation.
c. Required participation in campus or
community group.
a. Alumni survey
b. Written survey of
students on students’
activities and interests
outside of class.
5. Graduates will demonstrate
reflection on professional ethics
and personal values.
a. Advising.
b. Suggested reading list.
c. Faculty/student reading groups.
d. Service learning project.
e. Required participation in a campus or
community group.
f. Infused ethics and values considerations
in coursework
g. Personal statements of ethics & values.
a. Alumni survey.
b. Written survey of
students in their outside of
class and activities.
c. Oral interviews as
sophomores and seniors.
d. Review of service
learning project.
Writing requirements per course level:
100 level: A variety of short papers/writing exercises—2 précis or 2 document papers.
200 level: A variety of shout papers/writing exercises—2 position papers/editorial/short book review w. judgment.
300 level: A major paper—5 pages or more, with development and structure: introduction, body, conclusion, and
research component.
400 level: Senior culminating experience: major reflection paper; senior thesis; teaching or internship. Teaching
reflection—requirement given out in Social Science 425 for portfolio requirement.
Convention