Student Learning Outcomes
Bachelor's Degree (B.A.)
The History
Department Faculty has identified the specific objectives of its undergraduate
curriculum. The following are the learning outcomes that we would like to see
each History student graduate with. We are continuously and actively assessing
our program to ensure that these learning outcomes are being met.
- Students shall be able to
demonstrate thinking skills by analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating
historical information from multiple sources.
- Students will develop the
ability to distinguish between fact and fiction while understanding that
there is no one historical truth.
- Students will produce well
researched written work that engages with both primary sources and the
secondary literature.
- Students will develop an
informed familiarity with multiple cultures.
- Students will employ a full
range of techniques and methods used to gain historical knowledge.
- Students will develop an
ability to convey verbally their historical knowledge.
- Students will demonstrate their
understanding of cause and effect along with their knowledge of the
general chronology of human experience.
Graduate Degrees (M.A. and M.A.T.)
The
History Department offers two distinct graduate programs. Any field of study
offered by the Department can be accommodated within either degree program.
The M.A.
degree is designed to prepare the student for PhD-level work. This degree
program is also suitable for students interested in careers as community
college instructors as well as for lifelong learners who seek formal advanced
education. Students
who graduate with an M.A. in History will be able to:
- produce written work that
incorporates consideration of the relevant historiography along with the theory
that informs it;
- construct original
historical arguments based on primary source material research;
- demonstrate a superior
quality of writing both in terms of mechanics and in developing an argument
effectively; and
- develop an ability to convey verbally their thesis research and relevant historiography and theory.
The M.A.T.
degree is designed to enhance the teaching of history and related disciplines
by secondary and middle school teachers. This is a non-thesis degree, designed
to provide breadth of preparation rather than specialization. Applicants are
expected to have already completed their certification and pedagogy courses.
Students who graduate with an M.A.T. in History will be able to:
- demonstrate the
significance of historical topics with reference to broader historical context,
historiographic trends, or contemporary relevance;
- construct original
historical arguments using a blend of primary and secondary source material;
- demonstrate a superior
quality of writing both in terms of mechanics and in developing an argument
effectively; and
- convey a broad
understanding of historical material suitable for teaching.
