Program in Comparative and World Literature
Student Outcomes Assessment Plan
The undergraduate and graduate programs in Comparative Literature are designed to provide a systematic study of subjects and problems common to several literatures, studied primarily in their original languages. Their purpose is to enable students who have varied linguistic competence and preparation to explore the theory of literature and criticism; the interrelations of several literatures; the main currents, periods, and movements in literary history; the development of literary themes and types; and the relations between literature and the other arts.
1. Process Used in Developing this Plan The plan was developed by the Acting Director (who also serves as Director
of Graduate Studies) in consultation with the Faculty. The Acting Director
attended several campus sessions on outcome assessment.
2. Instructional Goals and Learning Objectives
Undergraduates
o ability to situate texts in their cultural and historical contexts
o appreciation for the aesthetic qualities of literary texts
o awareness of influential critical and interpretive methods
o general understanding of the conventions of literary genres and of the major developments in literary history
o general understanding of the historical developments of at least two literatures
o acquisition of analytical and critical thinking skills
o ability to express oneself orally and in writing in a clear, coherent and persuasive manner
o ability to construct interpretive arguments
o ability to participate in 200-and 300-level literature and culture courses in at least one foreign language
Graduates
o ability to interpret and compare texts from different historical periods and cultural/linguistic areas
o ability to take graduate courses in English and at least one (MA) or two
(PhD) foreign languages, and reading knowledge of one additional "research" language.
o extensive competence in the history of one literature
o specialized (period focused) knowledge of two other literatures (Ph.D.)
o familiarity with a broad range of literary, critical and cultural theories and methodologies
o familiarity with a broad range of theories, methods and strategies in the teaching of comparative and world literature
o ability to understand and contribute to issues and debates in the field of comparative and world literature
o ability to teach courses and direct research in the field of comparative and world literature
3. Assessment Methods
Undergraduates
o portfolios (sample papers from advanced literature classes)
o review ICES results periodically to evaluate how undergraduate courses reflect instructional goals
o review individual comments of self-assessment on ICES forms Chancellor's
Senior Survey
o collect mean GPA of each graduating class
o review GRE and LSAT scores of CL majors
o collect number and kind of honors received per degree candidate
o devise and distribute an exit survey of all graduating seniors to evaluate completion of instructional goal and gather data on the graduate and professional the students attend upon graduation.
Graduates
o completion of M.A. distribution requirements
o completion of Preliminary Examinations
o completion of Pro-seminars in the teaching of comparative literature
o review of ICES evaluations of courses or sections taught by teaching-assistants
o assessment of publication record and participation in professional meetings
o collect number and kind of honors received per degree candidate
o completion, successful defense and deposit of dissertation
o assessment of post-dissertation employment
o devise and administer a survey measuring graduate students' assessment of the Program academic goals and quality of professional training.
o periodic survey of alumni/ae (5 and 10 years after graduation)
4. Timetable for Implementation
Fall 99:
- gather the relevant information regarding ICES evaluations, test scores and examinations
-start gathering information on professional career of alumni/ae
- devise an exit survey for undergraduate majors, terminal Masters students and doctors.
Spring 00:
-collect material from majors for portfolios
-administer surveys for 99-00 academic year
-collect results of the various assessment methods listed above for academic year 99-00.
The process will be repeated on a yearly basis.
5. Support needs
The Program will need financial support to develop, produce and distribute surveys of undergraduate majors, graduates and alumni.