Assessment Details
Academic Year: 2021-2022 Level: Undergraduate
Campus Department: Morrissey College of Arts & Sciences [UG and Grad]
Program Type: Core [UG]
Program Name: Music Core (Link)
Description of Data Collection:
Sections of a core class will submit a sample of papers or projects for review as to technical writing, and the understanding of historical, cultural and/or aesthetic contexts
Review Process:
Assessment of all classes will be reviewed by members of the full-time faculty with recommendations made to the chair. Review of music core classes will occur annually over the summer.
Resulting Program Changes:
In response to last years’ review of the department’s EIA submissions, we have followed up on the request to investigate the issue of formation in our core classes. To that end we asked various sections of our core classes two questions: 1. How has this course changed your understanding of music; 2. How has this course changed what you listen to. Answers to question 1 centered on a recitation of what students had learned in the class and, for others, revealed an expressed confidence when encountering music. Answers to question 2 ranged from a simple “no” to more open expressions of how they have broadened or altered the music they listen to and the understanding of that music. In the end, the assessment was problematic. It is felt that the questions do not ask students to reflect on their experiences. A suggested rewording of the questions to 1. In what ways has this course changed how you think about music? 2. In what ways has this course changed how you listen to music? might aid the evaluation. An additional third question needs to be developed that specifically focus on a reflective aspect of the musical experience. We may ask teachers to assign a reflective essay as part the course work.
Date of Most Recent Program Review:
In response to last years’ review of the department’s EIA submissions, we have followed up on the request to investigate the issue of formation in our core classes. To that end we asked various sections of our core classes two questions: 1. How has this course changed your understanding of music; 2. How has this course changed what you listen to. Answers to question 1 centered on a recitation of what students had learned in the class and, for others, revealed an expressed confidence when encountering music. Answers to question 2 ranged from a simple “no” to more open expressions of how they have broadened or altered the music they listen to and the understanding of that music. In the end, the assessment was problematic. It is felt that the questions do not ask students to reflect on their experiences. A suggested rewording of the questions to 1. In what ways has this course changed how you think about music? 2. In what ways has this course changed how you listen to music? might aid the evaluation. An additional third question needs to be developed that specifically focus on a reflective aspect of the musical experience. We may ask teachers to assign a reflective essay as part the course work.
Attachments (if available)