Academic Assessment
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 high-quality educational environment by equipping students with the skills to meet the following learning outcomes.
Department Student Learning Outcomes (SLO’s):
- Demonstrate an ability to evaluate and analyze the political, social-historical and cultural perspectives of African and African Diaspora communities.
- Demonstrate through written and oral communication the ability to critically analyze the cultural, political and historical contexts of African and African Diaspora experiences.
- Demonstrate culturally appropriate skills in research design and methodology used to examine the various dynamics of African and African Diaspora communities.
- Demonstrate applicable knowledge of requisite skills in Africana Studies through civic and community engagement.
- Demonstrate cultural competencies in the development of creative writing, the production of creative works, and/or critical analysis of work by African and Diaspora communities.
The table below details how each learning outcome align with each of the following University’s Fundamental Learning Competencies.