Campus Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes

What are the student learning outcomes in your unit?

Performing Arts identifies three distinct areas of learning: classroom study, lab experience, and production praxis. These areas support five department specific student learning outcomes for theatre majors: 

• Students develop general knowledge of the standards, vocabulary, and skills required for theatre production and management as well as familiarity with the literary foundations and historical conventions of western and contemporary theatre.
• Students develop a personal voice and individual expression in the performing arts.
• Students are prepared to define their place as theatre artists and makers in the larger community.

Theatre majors are prepared for entry level positions in the performance professions and in competitive MFA and MA theatre programs

Which outcome did you assess this academic year?

Evaluation of Theoretical Concepts, per dept. student learning goals

How did you assess their skills before, during and / or at the end of the semester / academic year?

In the area of classroom study we use oral / written tests, project evaluations, and reflective and analytic writing to evaluate student outcomes. In the lab experience student outcomes are measured by oral/written tests, project evaluation, and by the student’s ability to bring knowledge and skills into praxis on the Theatre Northwest stage and other service learning venues. Credited and non-credited production work done for Theatre Northwest is evaluated on an individual and group (collaborative) basis, by outside review, and by student peer review. In 2006, the department completed a significant revision of the major and minor requirements and program curriculum. We continue to refine and develop our curriculum, service learning opportunities, and internships and to adapt our program to continuing changes in the profession and in our campus community. 

Please summarize the data you have collected this semester / academic year.

Examinations, analytical and response papers, journals

Please describe any programmatic changes you have made or are planning to make based on the data you have collected.

None at this time