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Theatre Arts
Assessment Report 2005

Overview

This document reports our assessment results for AY 2003 and 2004. Additional data from AY 2002 is also provided in some cases. We also provide a revised plan for AY 2005 and 2006.

Keep in mind when reading this report that our department consists of three distinct disciplines, Communication Studies, Film Studies, and Theatre Arts. This report uses the same assessment methods for all three disciplines. The department currently shares a set of learning outcomes and each area has a set of additional learning outcomes.

Our new plan features three distinct sets of learning outcomes and different assessment methods.

Student Learning Outcomes

Departmental-wide

  1. Communicate competently in both oral and written forms.

  2. Utilize skills, tools, and technology appropriate to their discipline.

  3. Integrate basic concepts between courses and across their discipline.

  4. Gain skills in analytical thinking, problem solving, and inquiry.

  5. Understand the culturally diverse nature of communication, theatre arts, film, and television.

  6. Become ethical professionals.

Theatre Arts

  1. Students will create and analyze performances in a variety of settings and styles.

  2. Students will construct, analyze, and design theatrical elements such as scenery, lighting, costumes, sound, and props using traditional and innovative technical theatre methods.

  3. Students will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of theatre history, literature, and theory.

  4. Students will practice and analyze theatrical directing methods.

  5. Students will demonstrate commitment and artistic creativity to the department, university, and community.

Assessment Measures Used

The department used three assessment measures in gathering this data:

  • Portfolio reviews: Student work throughout their career was gathered by advisors and reviewed by at least two faculty members following the student’s graduation. The portfolios were evaluated with respect to the department’s student learning outcomes. Results are presented in Appendices (Speech Communication, Film and Telecommunications, Theatre Arts [PDF]) to this report.

  • Exit interviews: Each graduate was interviewed by at least one faculty member during their last semester. The student’s answers to exit interview questions were rated on a scale of 1-5 with respective to several specific categories. Results are presented in Appendices (Speech Communication, Film and Telecommunications, Theatre Arts [PDF]) to this report.

  • Institutional Effectiveness Measures: Graduating students rated the department on several institutional effectiveness measures. These results are presented as Appendices (Speech Communication, Film and Telecommunications, Theatre Arts [PDF]) in this report.

Theatre Arts Summary

Theatre Arts students performed competently (at least 3.5 out of 5) on each measure of our assessment plan. The department scored high on its institutional effectiveness measures, as rated by graduating students.

The following changes have resulted from this assessment report:

  • We have begun the process of creating two new areas of study: Musical Theatre Performance and Arts Management. These programs will enhance the educational experience of our students.

  • We are re-examining our curriculum as it relates to both core and elective courses.

  • New staff hires in the areas of box office, management and costumes continue to positively impact the experiences of our program majors.

  • Although students are performing competently on our student learning outcomes, instructors continue to discuss ways of better integrating material between courses and making assignments that reinforce these learning outcomes. Constant discussion among instructors teaching major courses will lead to an integrated and streamlined learning experience for our students.

  • We continue to look for ways of serving students, through advising, service-learning and internship opportunities, and co-curricular activities.


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an equal opportunity educator and employer | Accessibility Questions? | Contact assess@mnstate.edu | Updated 1/11/06
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