Morris, MN
MINUTES
2002-2003 CURRICULUM COMMITTEE MEETING # 5
October 16, 2002, 8:00
a.m. Behmler Conference Room
Present John
Schwaller, Mike Korth, Judy Kuechle, Jenny Nellis, Jeff Ratlliff-Crain for
Jooinn Lee, Mary Elizabeth Bezanson, Chris DeVries, Van Gooch, Tom Johnson
David Bohlander, Amanda Johnson, Ruth Thielke, Dorothy DeJager, Clare Strand
and Nancy Helsper
Absent Chris
Pifer and Danielle Stuard
Schwaller reminded the
committee of two meetings coming up that would extend beyond 9:00. Chancellor
Schuman will be addressing the committee regarding study abroad on October 30th
and the Honors program, along with Bart Finzel, on November 6th.
Chancellor Schuman teaches class M-W-F from 8-9. He is adjusting his class
schedule to accommodate his visit to Curriculum Committee. Schwaller asked that
CC members make a reasonable attempt to attend these meetings.
CATALOG CHANGES
History:
Ratliff-Crain reviewed
history changes discussed at the last CC meeting. Most changes were due to
faculty changes in the discipline. The description of the requirements for the
major was changed to bring in the assessment portion of the major requirement.
Schwaller explained that the assessment portion is for assessment of the
program not to pass or fail the student. After some discussion on the
assessment issue it was suggested that “see major requirements” be
added for clarification. Another issue raised was the first sentence under the
major requirement because students do not officially declare a major at UMM.
Schwaller asked if the committee would like to send the proposal back, accept
it, or change it. A member suggested sending it back to the discipline for
clarification. The issues are minor but are poorly explained for students and
other disciplines. Another issue raised was when an advisor is selected. The
member suggested adding “when the student applies for graduation” then
we know it will be done. Schwaller asked if there is a desire to change
“meet” to “must meet”. A member suggested sending it
back to the History Discipline because she is not comfortable with the changes
CC is making.
MOTION: (Nellis,
Bezanson) To send the proposed changes back to
History for clarification on the last
sentence, advisor issue and declaring a
major.
Discussion:
Another member questioned
the rational for approving Hist 3358 and Hist 3347 when it is not clear if the
courses will be offered within two years. Ratliff-Crain explained that the
intent is to offer the courses sometime during the next catalog. Schwaller
explained that the reason for variable topic course is so they don’t have
to be in the catalog. Schwaller also suggested having a task force look at the
topics course issue in the spring. A member also raised the issue of
consistency in the dates in course titles, using A.D., C.E. or B.C. Schwaller
suggested asking them to be consistent.
VOTE: Unanimous
in favor to return History (11-0-0)
Ratliff-Crain explained
that the changes here are in the major requirement phrase. All other changes
are the addition of other courses from other disciplines that relate to LAAS.
Schwaller noted the gender endings in Engl 3342. Nellis felt this was an error
and will check with the English discipline. A member also suggested to have the
language about declaring a major clarified. Helsper will research what phrases
are used consistently in other areas. The was some discussion as to the wording
and suggestions that it should be “initiating a major”,
“starting a major”, “choose a major” or other ways to
describe it.
MOTION: (Korth, Bezanson) To take “declare a major” out of Anthropology and LAAS and substitute “choose a major” or various forms thereof.
VOTE: Unanimous
in favor (11-0-0)
MOTION: (Korth, Bezanson) To take approve LAAS with clarifications.
A member questioned the need to put in the statement “1 credit per semester after declaring major” Another member questioned taking an extra credit after declaring a major. Ratliff-Crain explained that there is no minimum requirement for that other than the 1 credit. A member commented that she did not like the wording. Another member suggested Ratliff-Crain could take it back to the discipline and tell them CC did not like the wording. Schwaller also stated it could be amended after it is approved and also stated there is no mention of meeting with the advisor and that would need to be clarified in the catalog.
VOTE: Approved
LAAS (10-1-0)
LAHS
Ratliff-Crain explained
that the only change is in the major requirements for Intro to Psychology.
Schwaller noted the
wording is felicitous for other departments needing a model as History and
Anthropology.
MOTION: (Johnson,
Ratliff-Crain) To approve LAHS
VOTE: Unanimous
in favor (11-0-0)
Ratliff-Crain stated
there were no changes except the addition of another track for new courses in a
new faculty member’s area. A member questioned if an additional track
will increase the number of students in management. If so there will be
tremendous financial implications for students because of the public speaking
requirement. The public speaking class is for freshman and sophomore students
however, those students are not able to get into the class because Junior and
Senior management students fill it. Schwaller noted that resources take into
account the number of students taught not the number of students in a major and
to say resources do not flow is not entirely accurate. Addition of resources is
difficult if not problematic. Other members noted that this is an issue in
other disciplines as well. Ratliff-Crain noted that students will still need to
do their core requirements and there will be limitation, there will not be an
explosion of management students. Thielke stated she applauds Management
because these classes will also provide another track for those interested in
the Human Resource side of business.
MOTION: (Understood)
To approve Management
VOTE: Unanimous
in favor (11-0-0)
Ratliff-Crain mentioned
that the Senior Research Seminar, which was part of the academic portfolio, is
now listed as a course for a capstone requirement. There was discussion among
the members regarding some courses being inactivated. It was noted that the
courses would need to come before CC to be reinstated as an active course. A
member questioned if the Senior Seminar course is added in the course numbers
on Form A. Ratliff-Crain will get clarification on this.
MOTION: (Ratliff-Crain)
To approve Political Science with clarifications
VOTE: Unanimous
in favor (11-0-0)
Schwaller reminded CC
that History would also come back to CC on October 30tth along with
English.
Meeting adjourned 9:00
a.m.
Submitted by Karen Van
Horn