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Publications: ASA Guide for Reviewing American Studies Programs
Appendix B - Checklist of Topics to Cover in Self-Study Narrative
Strategy: The Graduate Program
A program being reviewed should consider addressing the following aspects of its program, as relevant, in the narrative part of its self-study. As appropriate, it will wish to discuss the causes of or rationale for each aspect, to assess the success of that part of the program, and to note any planned or proposed changes in that part of the program. Programs may choose to cover these topics in an order different from that listed here. For a more detailed discussion of these aspects, see “Appendix C: Writing the Self-Study Narrative.”
History of the program: highlights.
Goals and defining characteristics of the program (overview).
- Does the program mix interdisciplinary and multi-departmental aims?
- Does the program give particular attention to any particular subject areas?
- Is the program oriented toward any particular student or other constituencies?
- Does the program have research or service as well as teaching agendas?
- How do program goals and features compare to major national American Studies trends?
- Is the program a distinctive program on its own campus?
- What does the program contribute to the life and goals of its own campus?
- Does the program make any contributions to community, region, or profession?
Undergraduate program
Overview: general quality, trends, etc.
Students
- Enrollments in various sectors (lower-division, upper-division, graduate, etc.); trends.
- Number of majors; trends.
- Number of degrees awarded; trends.
- Quality of students; trends.
- Interests of students; trends.
- Diversity of students; trends.
Requirements
Curriculum
- Lower-division courses offered by program
- Relevant lower-division courses offered by other programs
- Upper-division courses offered by program
- Relevant upper-division courses offered by other programs
- Independent-study, fieldwork, and internship opportunities
- “Exit" experiences: senior projects, comprehensive exams, etc.
Other aspects of undergraduate program
Advising system
Resources for undergraduate program--faculty, TAs, etc.
Graduate program
Overview: general quality, trends, reputation, etc.
Students
- Quantitative issues: number in program (and stages), number served from other programs, etc.
- Quality of students; trends
- Interests of students; trends
- Diversity of students; trends
- Dropout rate, review mechanisms, etc.
Requirements
Curriculum
Advising system
Qualifying examinations
Master’s theses and/or dissertations
Time to degree
Teaching experience and training
Financial support
Other program features
Faculty
Number and range of expertise; degree of involvement
Quality of faculty
Equity of faculty workload
Relations with other departments and programs
Governance structure
Degree to which core faculty control program
Degree to which program seeks advice and participation from other faculty
Quality and stability of leadership
Staff
Funding
Budget, sources, trends
Impact of possible cuts or augmentations
Fund-raising efforts
Space, equipment, library resources, and other resources
Other local program issues
Summary of planned changes in program; concluding comments.
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