Academic Year 2009/10 Assessment Report
Philosophy Department
Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

There are no accrediting agencies for Philosophy

Philosophy Department

The departmental assessment committee--consisting of David Soles, Robert Feleppa, Deborah Soles, and Jeffrey Hershfield--met on August 27, 2010 and reviewed the portfolio of student papers (16) for the year, which included papers from senior-level (500-level) and major courses. The criteria for evaluation are: conceptual coherence, originality, philosophical ability, and level of understanding. The decision point for assessment is the professional judgment of the majority of the committee. The committee was unanimous, however, in judging that all papers exceeded expectations. The committee also reviewed course syllabi and other course material, and found them all appropriate. Additionally, the committee reviewed the department’s record in placing its graduates in professional and graduate programs. The department continues to maintain its sterling record here. The department’s placement record is on file in the department. This past academic year, of the six graduating seniors majoring in philosophy, two were accepted to law school and one to medical school. On the basis of its review, the department committee recommends no changes at this time.