Graduate Learning Outcomes

Student Outcomes and Methods for measurement

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

a. Conduct historical research
Assessment: all graduate history courses include some element of historical research through reviews of secondary source material, analyses of primary source material, historiographical essays, and/or traditional research papers. The two capstone experiences, four comprehensive exam questions drawn from two (of the three) fields (of American, European, or non-Western) and the thesis both require historical research.

b. Demonstrate an understanding of historiography and its relevance to the study of history
Assessment: through exams, papers, and class discussions students must demonstrate their understanding of historiography and its relevance to the study of history.

c. Develop historical arguments and debates
Assessment: all history graduate courses include some discussion and writing assignments in which students are asked both to present and to develop their own historical arguments within the context of current (or past) debates.

d. Effectively present orally, and in written format, historical information, arguments, and debates in the form of presentations, book reviews, bibliographic essays, research papers, prospectuses, and theses
Assessment: all history graduate courses include paper writing in which students must demonstrate their ability to present historical information as well as articulate complex historical arguments and the main concepts of historical debates. All history graduate courses include at least one formal presentation if not weekly presentations. The capstone experiences-comprehensive exams and theses-also reflect students' ability to present historical information as well as articulate complex historical arguments and the main concepts of historical debates.

e. Present original historical arguments using both primary and secondary sources (for MA thesis students)
Assessment: thesis

f. Demonstrate critical thinking skills as utilized in items a-e
Assessment: ALL course assignments; comprehensive exams; theses

g. Effectively utilize Chicago style (including note and bibliographic citations)
Assessment: With the exception of book reviews and most weekly response papers, all writing assignments in graduate courses (and the capstone experiences) require the use of Chicago Style citation format.