1. History Department
Program Review

2. Student Enrollments and Characteristics
Student enrollment in history classes has increased slightly over the past 5 years.

3. Student Enrollments and Characteristics
The increase is due to a rise (5.1%) in the number of male students taking history classes.

4. Student Enrollments and Characteristics
Enrollment of ethnic groups has increased significantly, except for the notable decline in the number of White students.

5. Student Enrollments and Characteristics
The two largest age groups are year old (44%) and year old students (28%). Enrollment of all age groups increased except for the below 18 age group.

6. Student Enrollments and Characteristics
Enrollment in day classes has remained fairly stable over the past 5 years, while evening class enrollment has jumped 15.8%.

7. Major Developments and Accomplishments
A student tutorial module with WAC/RAD was developed to improve student success.
A new course in The History of Mexico was developed.
A new study abroad course offered in Florence, Italy every summer was created.
Two out of the four history classrooms have been equipped with new technology, the so-called "smart" podium and In-Focus projector.
A new full-time history professor was hired to teach the World History and Asian Civilization courses.

8. Major Developments and Accomplishments
Fall 2003 – The department established a History Scholarship through the ARC Foundation in honor of our retired colleague Jim Wotherspoon.
Edward Hashima received the academic year ARC Student Association Instructor of Year award.
The faculty took over the organization of the annual "History Day" now held on campus.
Faculty continue to enhance instruction by expanding their experience through travel and other educational experiences.

9. Student Learning Outcomes (Where are we now)
The department unanimously believed that the initial SLOs were too complex, confusing, and vague for students to answer in any meaningful way.
Learning Objectives input on Socrates were interpreted as our objectives as instructors, which are not the same as Student Learning Outcomes.
The History Department began revising the SLOs Fall, 2007.
Currently, the department has revised SLOs for all history courses.

10. Student Learning Outcomes (Where are we now)
Below are examples of the new SLOs for all history classes, with the underlined parts specific to each course:
1. I am able to identify and correctly use basic historical terminology, and distinguish between primary and secondary sources as historical evidence.
2. I am able to identify various interpretations used by historians to explain the development of western civilization prior to the Renaissance.
3. I understand that there may be multiple causes that properly identify and evaluate why a historical event happened.

11. Student Learning Outcomes (Where are we now)
4. I am able to identify the major eras and relevant geography of western civilization prior to the Renaissance.
5. I am able to identify and evaluate major economic, social, political, and cultural developments in western civilization prior to the Renaissance.
6. I am able to identify and evaluate the experiences, conflicts, and connections of diverse groups of people in western civilization prior to the Renaissance.

12. Student Learning Outcomes (Were are we now)
7. I am able to draw historical generalizations about western civilization prior to the Renaissance based on my understanding of the historical evidence.
8. I am able to identify and describe the cultural legacies and contributions of the Ancient Middle East, Greece, Rome and Medieval Europe to the development of western civilization.

13. Program Strengths
High quality of the history faculty. Full-time history professors are distinguished by their impressive academic backgrounds and by their commitment to teaching.
Variety and diversity of our course offerings.
The history department also provides students with an opportunity to study abroad in Italy during the summer.

14. ARC Italy Summer Program, 2006

15. Areas for Growth
Expand history course offerings to reflect the diversity of the human experience and satisfy the needs and interests of our changing student population.
Continue to integrate new technology into the classroom to enhance instruction.
Hire another full-time historian to meet the growing need to staff our expanding course offerings with the most qualified instructors.

16. Areas for Growth
Develop a History Club to provide students with a better sense of community and and an environment of mutual support.
Develop an AA Degree in History to provide students with a clearer focus and a better background in history classes to improve their chances of success at 4 year institutions.

17. Future Recommendations
Improve coordination with outreach centers.
Continue the high level of instruction the history department currently offers by nurturing a supportive and collegial atmosphere among all history instructors.
Evaluate current course offerings in light of student needs, world events, and new scholarly research and interpretations
Continue to encourage and support faculty professional development, such as attending academic conferences and workshops devoted to innovative teaching methods.