Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College - University System of Georgia

Graduates of the program will
• evaluate the dynamic social, political, and cultural issues affecting local, national, and global
political institutions
• describe events and persons that have shaped human civilizations
• analyze the political process in the US and the relationship among federal, state, and local
government
• describe the emerging global environment and the necessity of international relations
• evaluate the correlation between historical events and contemporary social issues and problems
• use empirical research methods effectively that are appropriate to the disciplines
• demonstrate effective written communication skills
Assessment methods in ABAC's currently-offered history and political science courses include pre-post
test analysis, use of rubrics, embedded test questions, and standardized end of course exams. These
tools are considered appropriate and necessary measures for evaluating the accomplishment of student
learning outcomes according to SACS and USG best practices www.abac.edu/ir . As part of its
institutional mission, ABAC "engages in a comprehensive planning and assessment process"
http:Uwww.abac.edu/President/mission.cfm . Towards this end, any new courses added as part of a
baccalaureate program in History and Political Science will include assessment plans and measures tied
to course outcomes and will support the program outcomes.
2. Description of the program's fit with the institutional mission and nationally accepted trends in the
discipline.
The proposed degree program will further the mission of ABAC as a transfer and baccalaureate degree
granting institution. The Rural Studies Program has already established ABAC as a college of choice for
students who want to remain in rural Georgia with a goal of revitalizing these once thriving areas.
Individuals with the appropriate education background in public policy, historic and cultural
preservation, and government service will be instrumental in this process also. According to the US
Department of Labor, the need for workers with bachelor's degrees in multiple areas of community and
social development and other government sectors will increase by 15.7% by 2018,
http://data.bls.gov:8080/oep/servlet/oep.noeted.servlet.ActionServlet. A 2008 survey of regional
community leaders indicated that "The need for trained professionals in government is growing. As
local governments face new challenges, a trained work force will be needed. Stable good paying jobs
are and will be available." Employers and government agencies want professionals with baccalaureate
degrees that focus on the issues that will help merge local interests into the global marketplace in order
to enhance opportunities for community development.
Graduates from Liberal Arts programs possess multiple skill sets that employers seek. A survey by the
National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) shows that "most hiring managers care more
about a job candidate's skills than they do about a college major. And the skills employers say they want
most in a candidate, such as communication and critical thinking, are precisely those for which liberal
arts students are known" (http:Uwww.bls.gov/opub/oog/2007/winter/artOl.pdf). Additionally, everchanging
technology and the current economic climate require a broad set of skills that allow individuals
to mold resumes into what particular jobs require. According to CNN Money, "A liberal-arts degree, plus
good communications and computer skills, signal to recruiters that you'll be adaptable to a wide range
of jobs. It's the students who graduate with very specialized degrees and little job experience who
struggle to find a position"
http:Umonev.cnn.com/2006/04/12/news/economv/annie/fortune annie0412/index.htm.
The program's objectives conform to the standards set by the American Historical Association and the
National Council for History Education. The American Political Science Association does not specify
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