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Canyon College

online Program Evaluation and Analysis course at Canyon College

COURSE SYLLABUS: Program Evaluation and Analysis


Course Title:
Department:
Instructor:		 PS457 - Program Evaluation and Analysis
Political Science
Sheree Nelson MPA, MA, BS  E-Mail - Vitae


Course Description:

This course presents techniques and tools for the practice of program evaluation and analysis in public and non- profit organizations. Peter H. Rossi points out that “That set of research procedures know as evaluation has become solidly incorporated into the routine activities of all levels of government throughout the world, into the operations of nongovernmental organizations, and into the discussion of social issues.” This being said, it is easy to realize the importance of program evaluation. To understand it, one must gain an appreciation of its history, its distinguishing concepts and purposes, and the inherent tensions and practices that shape its practice. This course will provide this information, as well as a presentation of the social research methods that have been discovered to determine the effectiveness of social programs for those persons with responsibilities or interests related to their creation, continuation, or improvement.

Required Text: Online Bookstore

Rossi, Freeman and Lipsey. Evaluation: A Systematic Approach, 6th edition, Newbury Park: Sage Publications, 1999.
ISBN #: 0761908935

Every chapter of the textbook is very important. Therefore, we will not skip any of them. Additionally, to gain a solid appreciation of the material presented, we will focus solely on the assigned text and not use supplemental texts.

Course Format:

Students have eight weeks to complete this course. Two chapters of reading and a written assignment will be assigned for Weeks 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7. The research paper topic must be submitted for approval no later than Week 3. The midterm exam will be due in Week 4, and the final exam and the final research paper will be due in Week 8. The course outline is as follows:

Week One:
  1. Send a letter of introduction to me. Include your name, phone number, e-mail address, political science work experience, and previous political science courses you’ve taken.
  2. Read Chapter 1: Programs, Policies, and Evaluations
  3. Read Chapter 2: Tailoring Evaluations
  4. Summarize and explain the significance of three key points from each chapter.
Week Two:
  1. Read Chapter 3: Identifying Issues and Formulating Questions
  2. Read Chapter 4: Assessing the Need for a Program
  3. Summarize and explain the significance of three key points from each chapter.
Week Three:
  1. Read Chapter 5: Expressing and Assessing Program Theory
  2. Read Chapter 6: Monitoring Program Process and Performance
  3. Summarize and explain the significance of three key points from each chapter.
  4. Submit Research Paper Topic for Approval
Week Four:

Midterm Exam

Week Five:
  1. Read Chapter 7: Strategies for Impact Assessment
  2. Read Chapter 8: Randomized Designs for Impact Assessment
  3. Summarize and explain the significance of three key points from each chapter.
Week Six:
  1. Read Chapter 9: Quasi-Experimental Impact Assessments
  2. Read Chapter 10: Assessment of Full-Coverage Programs
  3. Summarize and explain the significance of three key points from each chapter.
Week Seven:
  1. Read Chapter 11: Measuring Efficiency
  2. Read Chapter 12: The Social Context of Evaluation
  3. Summarize and explain the significance of three key points from each chapter.
Week Eight:

Research Paper Due

Final Exam

Requirements for Research Paper:
  1. Select a current public program to research.
  2. Submit the topic to me for approval no later than Week 3.
  3. Research the following aspects of the program:
  1. The reason for the program’s inception.
  2. A description of the program including who it serves and who is responsible for its implementation and oversight.
  3. Any significant events or modifications that have taken place.
  4. The public’s perception of the program’s success or failure.
  5. Any forms of evaluation that have been used to assess the program.
  6. Outcomes of prior evaluations.
  1. Recommend an evaluation design, and substantiate the basis for your choice.
  2. Outline the components of the recommended design.
  3. Include references with citations in APA format.
  4. The length must be between 10-15 pages.
  5. Plagiarism will not be tolerated!!! Cases of plagiarism will be swiftly and strictly handled, based on Canyon College’s high integrity standards.
  6. Have fun with this project!!! Researching political science topics is both stimulating and invigorating!!!
NOTE: Depending on the program that is selected for research, there may be slight changes regarding the requirements for your research paper.

Grading:

Course work will be weighted as follows:

Weekly Assignments
Research Paper
Midterm Exam
Final Exam		 30%
20%
25%
25%


Grading Scale

90-100%
80-89%
70-79%
60-69%
59% or below		 A - Excellent
B - Above Average
C - Average
D - Below Average
F - Failing Grade
A =



B =


C =



D =

F =		 Clearly stands out as excellent performance. Has unusually sharp insight into material and initiates thoughtful questions. Sees many sides of an issue. Articulates well and writes logically and clearly. Integrates ideas previously learned from this and other disciplines. Anticipates next steps in progression of ideas.

Grasps subject matter at a level considered to be good to very good. Speaks and writes well. Accomplishes more than the minimum requirements. Work is of high quality.

Demonstrates a satisfactory comprehension of the subject matter. Accomplishes only the minimum requirements, and displays little or no initiative. Communicates at an acceptable level for a college student. Has a generally acceptable understanding of all basic concepts.

Quality and quantity of work is below average and barely acceptable.

Quality and quantity of work is unacceptable.