Learning Outcomes

1. Writing: Students will demonstrate clear and correct written understanding of historical concepts and theories. 

2. Research & Information Literacy: Students will demonstrate the ability to do substantial directed research demonstrating information literacy. 

3. Oral Expression: Students will demonstrate clear and correct oral explanation and defense of an area of research. 

Assessment Methodology

1. Writing: Students will compile and submit a portfolio in a 3-ring binder containing at least one representative sample from each history course taken from freshman to senior year. A final evaluation will be done at the end of the academic year according to a rubric for portfolio assessment that considers written communication skills, historical knowledge, and historical thinking, writing and research. 

2. Research & Historical Literacy: Students will conduct a semester-long research project and write a 25-40 page research paper in the capstone course (HIST 496). A random sample of these papers will be assessed according to the rubric for portfolio assessment. 

3. Oral Expression: In the capstone course (HIST 496) students will prepare an oral presentation for their peers and department faculty members based on the topic of their research. This presentation will be assessed by department faculty members using a five-point scale. History majors will also participate in an exit interview conducted with all graduating seniors at the end of their senior year.

Phi Alpha Theta
Membership in Phi Alpha Theta (the national history honor society) is open to qualified students.