Religious Studies

Assessment Plan

Mount St. Mary’s College has a culture of assessment. This means

Community members share a common commitment to improving student learning and a common language to guide this work.
Students know at the outset what their expected learning outcomes are for the course, the major or program.
Faculty and staff continually assess the nature and extent of student learning.
Lessons about student learning inform curricular, pedagogical, and administrative decisions.
The goal of assessment efforts at MSMC is to improve teaching and learning.
The overall results of student performance will be available to students, faculty, staff and other interested parties on College webpage.

Goal	Outcome
Content Knowledge of Discipline: Describe general history of Religious Studies, including major thinkers, theories, and methodologies	Explain how key historical figures, events, ideas and theories influenced religion, ethics, Christian thought and scripture Demonstrate awareness of the diverse cultures and religions Understand symbolic elements in religious writings, rituals
Communication Skills: Effectively communicate orally and in writing	Successfully write a Religious Studies Research Paper Utilize theological vocabulary effectively Effectively present research results orally
Methods and Basic Research Skills: Demonstrate ability to interpret and analyze arguments	Determine credibility and reliability of sources Distinguish variety of methodologies used in religions, Christian thought, scripture and ethics
Critical Thinking Skills: Demonstrate ability to think critically	Analyze arguments Formulate and defend reasoned position on ethical issues
Professional Values/Formation: Describe the roles of religion in society and determine career paths	Discern and prepare for professional career opportunity Value Religious Studies as a Profession