1

INSTITUTE FOR WOMEN’S STUDIES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA

THE UNDERGRADUATE MAJOR IN WOMEN’S STUDIES ASSESSMENT PLAN 2014

OVERVIEW:

Women’s Studies is an interdisciplinary program with six required core courses and several electives in the humanities and the behavioral, biological, and social sciences. Students in Women’s Studies are exposed to a wide range of theoretical perspectives and basic conceptual frameworks that tie these interdisciplinary perspectives together.

This is a revised version of the first plan originally approved in 2009. During the past year, we have been actively working on revising this plan.

A. Learning Outcome Goals

A graduate of the AB in Women’s Studies should be able to achieve the following learning outcomes:

1)Show interdisciplinary understanding of how gender is constructed and represented

2)Demonstrate a theoretical understanding of oppression, including the notion of intersecting forms (or a matrix) of oppression

3)Explain and compare different perspectives of feminist thought

4) Critique research studies by describing and understanding feminist research methods

5) Apply theoretical and methodological concepts in praxis

A committee of core faculty in the Institute for Women’s Studies developed the procedures for collecting and analyzing data to determine if each learning outcome had been obtained.

B. Analysis of Data and Assessment Methods and Procedures

1) Sample of assignments from core courses

Assignments from the core courses cover the different perspectives of feminist thought, feminist research methods, interdisciplinary understanding of gender, theoretical understanding of oppression, and the application of theoretical and methodological concepts. The questionsfrom these assignments were developed by faculty members to assess individual learning outcomes and test how well the student recalls, interprets, and/or applies concepts and facts relating to the discipline.

Samples:

WMST 1110 (1st year of cycle)

WMST 2010 (1st year of cycle)

WMST 3010 (2nd year of cycle)

WMST 3110 (2nd year of cycle)

WMST 4010 (3rd year of cycle)

WMST 4011 (3rd year of cycle)

WMST 4900 (every year)

Questions:

  1. Explain what is meant by the phrase “a matrix of oppression” or “intersecting forms of oppression.” (Learning outcome 2 to be assessed in year 1 in WMST 1110 and WMST 2010)
  1. Postmodern feminism critiques binary oppositions and so questions the categories of “woman” and “man, ““femininity” and “masculinity,” and “homosexuality” and “heterosexuality.” (Learning outcomes 1, 3 and 5 to be assessed in year 2 in WMST 3010 and WMST 3110)
  2. In what ways might this questioning or deconstruction of categories be liberatory for women and men?
  1. On the other hand, in what ways might this questioning or deconstruction of categories be constricting for women?
  1. Discuss ways that feminist researchers question the idea of “objectivity” in methodology. (Learning outcome 4 to be assessed during year 3 in WMST 4010 and 4011)
  1. Explain goals of liberal or radical feminism and discuss what forces you see at work in their relative successes. (Learning outcomes 3 and 5 to be assessed in year 3 in WMST 4010 and every year in WMST 4900)
  1. Explain one difference between first, second and third wave feminists (e.g., goals, strategies for change, understanding of gender differences, etc.). (learning outcomes 1 and 3 to be assessed in year 3 in WMST 4010 and every year in WMST 4900)

6. How have intersections of race, class, and gender influenced the feminisms of women of color in the United States? How have these insights transformed feminist research and practice? (learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 to be assessed in year 2 in WMST 3010 and WMST 3110)

7. Women’s studies emphasizes praxis, the practical application of its intellectual theories. Do you expect to engage in activism when you leave UGA? If so, do you feel your women’s studies training has prepared you for your activist initiatives? Please explain. (learning outcome 5 to be assessed in year 3 in WMST 4011 and every year in WMST 4900)

The samples will be rated on a 1-5 scale as follows:

  1. Unacceptable
  2. Poor

3. Satisfactory

4. Very Good

5. Excellent

Target scores for each question (3.0 or better) will indicate a level of learning that we find desirable for our majors.

The samples will be evaluated according to a rubric approved by faculty members of the steering committee. The grading rubric will be used to evaluate students’ ability to meet the learning outcomes. This sample represents a shift to incorporate quantitative data into the assessment methods and procedures.

2) Focus group

Faculty members will visit the capstone class (WMST 4900) every year and askstudents theoretical and applied questions related to coursework in Women’s Studies. This oral exam provides a means for faculty to assess students’ knowledge and ability to communicate about Women’s Studies. The focus group has been a productive place to address the learning outcomes that are expected results of the AB program in Women’s Studies. This focus group provides a useful source of qualitative data and the summaries from the focus group indicate areas of strength and areas needing improvement.

3) Survey of WMST alumni

During year one, surveys will be sent to a list of alumni provided by the UGA alumni office.

University of Georgia

Institute for Women’s Studies

Alumni Survey

______

Last Name First NameMiddle Initial

(If your records might be stored under another name, please indicate that name as well.)

______

AddressCityStateZip

______

Current Email Address Current Phone

  1. Which program(s) of study did you complete while you were enrolled at UGA? (Circle all that apply.)
  2. A.B. in Women’s Studies
  3. Undergraduate minor in Women’s Studies
  4. Graduate certificate in Women’s Studies
  1. What year did you graduate from UGA? ______
  1. Are you currently employed full time?YN

(If yes, proceed to question 4. If no, proceed to question 5.)

  1. What is your current job title? ______

(Proceed to question 6.)

  1. What are you currently doing? (Circle all that apply.)
  2. Working part-time
  3. In school working toward a degree
  4. Not working but seeking work
  5. Not working and not seeking work
  6. Other (Please explain): ______
  1. What is your highest level of education achieved?
  2. Bachelors degree
  3. Masters degree
  4. Doctoral degree (PhD, EdD, PsyD, etc.)
  5. Other professional degree (MD, JD, DDS, DVM, etc.)
  1. If you have a master’s degree or above, please indicate the specific degree and/or your area of specialization.
  1. How would you characterize your overall experience as a women’s studies student at UGA?

Extremely negativeExtremely positive

12345

  1. Did your women’s studies program of study adequately prepare you for your current job or further education?

Extremely unpreparedExtremely prepared

12345

  1. Why did you choose to complete your program of study in Women’s Studies? (Please rate your answer for all of the choices below.)

Program reputation:

Extremely untrue for meExtremely true for me

12345

Professor reputation:

Extremely untrue for meExtremely true for me

12345

Personal interest in topic:

Extremely untrue for meExtremely true for me

12345

Enjoyed my introductory class:

Extremely untrue for meExtremely true for me

12345

Related to my career goals:

Extremely untrue for meExtremely true for me

12345

Other (please explain):

  1. Please share any thoughts about how your learning from thewomen’s studies program of study has shaped your learning experiences in your current job or further education.
  1. What do you think were your most valuable experiences (classes, relationships with instructors, etc.) in your women’s studies program at UGA?
  1. What changes might you have made to your women’s studies program at UGA?
  1. Any other news or accomplishments you’d like to share with us?

Thank you for completing your survey! Please return it to

May we include information regarding your experiences during and after attending the University of Georgia on our website? Y N

If yes, may we identify you by name?YN

C.Use of Assessment Evidence

Data will be collected during a three year cycle. Every year, curriculum committee members will present the findings report to the steering committee members. The report will include recommendations based on the assessment results. The recommendation may include changes to be made to the major requirements, the courses, and the curriculum offerings. Steering committee members will be given the opportunity to discuss the results and the recommendations before giving final approval of the report. At the end of each three year cycle, the learning outcomes and assessment measures will be reviewed.