UMM CURRICULUM COMMITTEE
MEETING # 12 Minutes
March 11, 2008, 3:00 p.m., Behmler 130
Present: Roland
Guyotte (chair), Escillia Allen, Ferolyn Angell, Van Gooch, Harold Hinds, Michael
Korth, Pareena Lawrence, Jenny Nellis, Nate Swanson, Laura Thoma, Kim Ukura, Sara
Haugen, Nancy Helsper, Clare Strand
Absent: Judy
Kuechle, Jeri Mullin, Gwen Rudney
Visiting: Brenda
Boever
|
In these minutes: Requests for GER designator on a directed study, name change of Speech
Communication Discipline, Program change in LAHS, course approvals in the
Humanities |
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – March 4,
2008
Guyotte asked for approval of minutes
from the March 4, 2008 meeting.
Amendments: Strand
asked that the words Summer session be changed to Summer term on
page 4.
MOTION: (Nellis/Thoma) To approve the minutes from March
4, 2008, as amended.
VOTE: Motion passed
unanimously
2. REQUEST FOR GENERAL EDUCATION DESIGNATOR ON DIRECTED STUDY
MOTION: (Hinds/Nellis): To approve the proposed directed
study GER designator,
as requested.
MOTION: (Gooch/Swanson): To table the motion until it
could be ascertained whether
the GER designator
is needed by the student.
VOTE: Motion to table passed unanimously
[The
student later withdrew the request.]
Discussion:
The Directed Study IS 3993-Theatre
Management in London is requesting a Human Behavior, Social Processes, and
Institutions (SS) GER
designator. Gooch stated that he
did not understand how the GER category connected with the activities in the
directed study. Nellis explained that
theatres are institutions and the student will compare box office prices and
audience attendance to determine pricing strategies and how they correlate to
attendance. This could fit the
human behavior part of the GER designator. Lawrence stated that her concern might be that a theatre instructor
is going to grade a paper on theatre as an institution, not to say SS can only
be taught by a social scientist.
Hinds stated that if it has something to do with a new emerging field
called audience studies, it does fit rather nicely. The request does not eloquently express the rationale in
terms of that. Korth observed that
the student is getting a management minor, and asked if there will already be
an SS in the required courses for the minor. Lawrence answered that the management minor would include
courses that carry an SS GER designator.
3. REQUEST BY SPEECH COMMUNICATION TO CHANGE DISCIPLINE NAME
MOTION: (Nellis/Hinds): To
approve the name change of the Speech Communication discipline to Communication,
Media, and Rhetoric (CMR)
VOTE: Motion
passed (10-0-0)
Discussion:
Korth asked if the name
change will result in any change in the kinds of courses taught in the
discipline or the future direction of the discipline. Nellis answered that part of the reason for the change has
to do with the fact that the current name is no longer commonly used. It causes some people to be confused by
connecting it with speech pathology.
The new name better represents the classes that are taught in the
discipline. Hinds agreed that the
curriculum has evolved in the major and already reflects the name change. He added that journals in the field also
use the new name. Strand stated
that the change is not unprecedented; there was a change to a discipline when business
economics was changed to management to better reflect what was happening in the
field.
Korth asked if this request is
a precursor to more changes in the major.
Now that title is changed, will the curriculum be revised to move in a different
direction? Nellis replied that
they will be working on different ways of describing the major and moving
courses around, but they will not be moving toward an entirely new
curriculum. Helsper asked when the
effective date would be. Nellis
replied that it would be effective in Fall 2008.
Ukura stated that she agreed
that the name change reflects the way the major is structured. Her only concern was that the word media might imply that journalism classes are offered. Guyotte responded that there is
currently a broadcasting course offered.
Nellis added that media theory is also offered. Ukura replied that there are not enough
courses to do a journalism area of concentration right now, and using the word
media in the discipline name might be misleading.
4. Change to Major Requirements in LAHS
MOTION: (Nellis/Hinds): To
approve the removal of Psy 1061 from the LAHS major list of additional
electives.
VOTE: Motion
passed (10-0-0)
Discussion:
Lawrence explained that this
change should have been submitted last year with the catalog changes at the
same time that a course was added to the list.
5. New Courses
MOTION: (Korth/Nellis): To
approve the courses a discipline at a time.
VOTE: No
vote was taken
Discussion:
Gooch offered a general
comment on the whole package of courses on the agenda for the meeting. Years back, disciplines were encouraged
to delete courses at the same rate they were adding new courses. It appears that English and Dance are
adding courses without removing others.
He asked if the disciplines were getting new instructors to teach the
courses. Swanson added that there
appears to be more courses available for students than can actually be offered.
Dnce 1334-Tap Dance I. (ArtP; 1 cr)
MOTION: (Hinds/Nellis): To
approve Dnce 1334-Tap Dance I.
VOTE: Motion
passed (6-2-2)
Discussion:
Angell stated that this is a
more advanced class than Dnce 1323-Introduction to Tap Dance. Korth stated that he planned to vote
against creating new courses in dance.
The program was adopted for a specific reason that no longer exists. The program is expanding at a time when
the campus is under severe financial constrains. Lawrence asked the reason for the existence of the
program. Korth answered that the
Minnesota State licensure requirements were the reason for its existence, but
those requirements were changed the following year. Nellis stated that dance was originally housed in the
Wellness Sports Science (WSS) of Education. She added that she did not believe it belonged in WSS. Angell stated that it is important to
know that many courses offered in dance are supported by the Continuing
Education program and not all are part of the regular day school offering. Korth asked if separate tuition is
charged for those courses. Angell
answered that she did not know the fee structure but instructor salaries are
supported by Continuing Education.
Korth replied that it is all UMM money. Nellis stated that dance classes for the most part have good
enrollments, particularly tap classes.
Angell stated that this class is very useful for the theatre majors who
are looking to do all types of theatre and what we have now is such an
elementary intro class that leaves them with some fundamentals but no chance to
develop. Nellis stated that music
and theatre have an informal agreement that every third year they will do a
musical which brings in the areas of dance, theatre, and music. To that end, a certain amount of these
kinds of course are needed to make that work.
Dnce 2321-Dance Repertory: Practice
and Performance of Choreography. (ArtP; 2 cr)
MOTION: (Hinds/Nellis): To
approve Dance Repertory: Practice and Performance of Choreography.
VOTE: Motion
failed (3-4-3)
Discussion:
Angell explained that Dnce
2321 is geared toward student who are stepping forward and asking for areas of
concentration and areas of emphasis in dance. Nellis stated that when she recently interviewed students
who are getting scholarships to UMM, she found an enormous number of students
with dance experience who want to continue with dance at UMM. She added that, although there is a
need to have dance courses, we are currently in an awkward position with one of
the instructors leaving UMM at the end of the year. Lawrence asked if UMM has a commitment to offer a certain
number of courses for a major or minor in dance. Nellis answered that we do not have a dance major or minor
at UMM. We have been able to offer
an area of concentration or area of emphasis with the two dance instructors
working through Continuing Education to offer enough courses. The dance program also supports the UMM
dance ensemble, a student organization.
Lawrence asked if the dance program is required for the theatre
major. Nellis replied that it is
not.
Thoma asked why no
prerequisite was listed for the 2xxx-level course. Angell replied that it was probably an oversight, although
it does signify that enrollment is at the consent of the instructor. Thoma asked how different the course is
from a practicum in dance or dance composition. Angell answered that the practicum focuses on production
aspects of dance performance. This
course is designed to give students the opportunity to work with a professional
choreographer. In dance
composition classes the students learn the basics and compose dances. This course offers more of a
performance opportunity. Thoma
asked how many students have done this as a directed study in the past, proving
a need for the course. Angell
answered that the course has grown out of experiences the dance program has had
in bringing to campus guest choreographers periodically.
Engl 2059-Introduction to Shakespeare.
(Hum; 4 cr)
MOTION: (Korth/Thoma): To
approve the new course, Engl 2059
VOTE: Motion
passed (9-0-1)
Discussion:
There was no discussion.
Fren 4012-Advanced Language Studies:
Advanced French Grammar. (Hum; 4 cr)
MOTION: (Korth/Hinds): To
approve the new course, Fren 4012
VOTE: Motion
passed (10-0-1)
Discussion:
There was no discussion.
Th 3305-Stage Make-up. (Art/P; 4 cr)
MOTION: (Nellis/Hinds): To
approve the provisionally-approved course, Th 3305
VOTE: Motion
passed (9-0-1)
Discussion: Nellis stated that this course received provisional
approval a year ago. It is coming
to the committee for regular approval.
6. Provisionally Approved Courses Requesting Regular Approval
ArtH 3132-Castles and Cathedrals. (FA;
4 cr)
MOTION: (Korth/Ukura): To
approve the course, ArtH 3132
VOTE: Motion
passed (7-1-2)
Discussion: Angell
asked if this course replaces another or is an addition. Ukura answered that it states that it
fills a gap.
MOTION: (Korth/Ukura): To
approve the English Courses
VOTE: No
vote was taken
MOTION: (Hinds/Angell):
Amendment to approve the English Courses one at a time
VOTE: Motion
passed, but didnŐt count
Engl 2015-Introduction to Film
Studies. (Hum; 4 cr)
MOTION: (Korth/Ukura): To
approve the course, Engl 2015
VOTE: Motion
passed (5-3-2)
Discussion:
Nellis explained that English
is updating courses to reflect the courses that current English faculty want to
teach and the changes they want to make.
Their intention is to deactivate some courses currently in the list next
fall during the Catalog change process.
Ukura added that a new Shakespearean was hired last year and new modern americanist
was just hired, so course changes reflect the changes in the English faculty.
Thoma asked how many film
classes are offered across campus, because it seems every discipline has
one. Nellis answered that UMM does
not have a film studies program, so if a film course relates to a discipline,
that discipline offers a course.
This is common in the languages and LAAS. Thoma responded that film is good, but thatŐs a lot of film. Nellis answered that they arenŐt all
offered every year. Gooch asked
why the course is being offered in the English discipline. There doesnŐt seem to be anything
relating to English in the course rationale. The ones in French are clearly related to French. Hinds answered that film studies
programs are traditionally housed in English disciplines.
Swanson stated that he had a
concern about the moniker attached to the course. It implies that if you have an introductory course in film
studies, you can get a degree in film studies at UMM. The others are tailored to fit within their majors. This is a truth-in-advertising issue. Nellis answered that this course helps
students get a framework to help them think about film. Hinds added that UMM currently has a
series of film courses in various disciplines, but there is not an introductory
course. There is a grammar and
basic cinematology that is helpful for students to learn before studying a
film. Swanson asked if this would
be a prerequisite course for other film courses. Strand mentioned that it would be awkward to take a 2xxx-level
course as an introductory course.
It might be better to make it a 1xxx-level course like all the other
intro courses.
Thoma asked if there would be
collaboration between other film instructors, since intro courses are usually
an intro to something taken later.
Angell answered that she thought it perhaps belongs in Communication,
Media and Rhetoric instead of English.
She asked if it is in English because the instructor is an English
faculty member. Nellis stated that
there is a lot of writing involved in viewing films critically, so it makes
sense to keep it in English.
Helsper mentioned that it follows the series of English courses 2011-2014,
which are introductions in English.
Nellis agreed that it appears to be an English class. Gooch stated that he was not convinced
that it is really an English course.
Hinds answered that film studies have developed as a focus on rhetorical
studies and language, so it is logical for it to be in English.
Helsper pointed out a
confusing statement on page 23 under the ŇAdditional Course InformationÓ section. The statements listed appear to either
include a typo or should be removed completely. That needs to be resolved.
Engl 2022-Sports Literature and
Writing. (Hum; 4 cr)
MOTION: (Korth/Ukura): To
approve the course, Engl 2022
VOTE: Motion
passed (5-3-2) [Angell left the meeting prior to this vote]
Discussion:
Swanson asked if the 2xxx-level
course is more intended for majors or non-majors. Angell stated that it is intended for English majors. Ukura added that it is intended for
both majors and non-majors.
Swanson asked if there had been a demand for this particular course, in
the form of directed studies. Lawrence added that itŐs so
specific that it would give one the impression that there is a demand. Nellis answered that students mention
in the college writing course that they would like to have more topics to write
about. It seems that we need to
give them opportunities to write about something of interest to students. Lawrence asked if there is enough to
write about in a 4-credit class. CouldnŐt
the student to pick the topic of sports to write about in the existing college
writing class? Nellis stated that
it depends on the instructor whether a student has the freedom to choose their
own topic. Since the topics rubric
was removed from the curriculum, specific courses like this need to be created.
Engl 2411-Representations of American
Indians in Popular Culture. (HDiv; 4 cr)
MOTION: (Nellis/Ukura): To
approve the course, Engl 2411
VOTE: Motion
passed (9-0-0)
Discussion:
Nellis stated that this is
another possible topic that extends the offerings for the American Indian
studies major.
Engl 2421-Understanding Moby-Dick.
(Hum; 4 cr)
MOTION: (Nellis/Ukura): To
approve the course, Engl 2421
VOTE: Motion
passed (7-1-1)
Discussion:
There was no discussion.
Guyotte announced that the
remainder of the agenda will be completed at the March 25 meeting.
Meeting
adjourned at 4:04 p.m.
Submitted
by Darla Peterson