UMM CURRICULUM COMMTTEE

2008-09 MEETING #6 Minutes

October 13, 2008, 8:00 a.m., Imholte 109

Present:  Cheryl Contant (chair), Brenda Boever, Mark Collier, Janet Ericksen, Van Gooch,

Sara Haugen, Michael Korth, Judy Kuechle, Pareena Lawrence, Alex Murphy, Dennis Stewart,

Clare Strand, Nancy Helsper

Absent:   Donovan Hanson, Veronica Lei, Axl McChesney, Gwen Rudney

Visiting:  Jeri Squier, Jayne Blodgett

 

In these minutes: Humanities Division catalog changes continued (French through Theatre), IS Majors/Minors reporting to the Deans Office (African American Studies minor through American Indian Studies major/proposed minor).

 

 

1.  APPROVAL OF MINUTES – October 8, 2008

 

MOTION by Lawrence/Ericksen to approve the October 8, 2008 minutes.

Discussion:

Lawrence requested a correction to the minutes to clarify the management major.  In the middle of the second paragraph on page 2, the word courses should be added to line 14 between two and out so the sentence reads Lawrence stated that it doesnt change anything from the last sub-plan, other than moving two courses out of sub-plans and putting them into the core of the major.  She also suggested a change four sentences later, revising it to read The major requires 54 to 58 credits and is heavy in content already.  Lawrence offered a third correction on page 3, in the last paragraph, to change the word should to could.

 

Korth noted a correction on page 8 under the dance discipline.  In the second sentence of the paragraph before the vote, he suggested rewording it to clear up the first half of the sentence.  It would now reads The course being inactivated is a continuing education course, so there is no true cancellation as far as resources required.

 

Motion passed by unanimous voice vote (with corrections as noted).

 

 

2.  HUMANITIES DIVISION CATALOG CHANGES (continued)

 

FRENCH (Fren)

 

MOTION (Ericksen/Kuechle) to approve the French discipline course changes.

 

Discussion:

 

Ericksen presented the French discipline changes.  Courses are being moved from Humanities into French, so that it is clearer which courses are French courses.  They also added headings to clarify course groupings within the major.  The objectives have been rewritten, and a portfolio has been added.  July in Paris has been revised so different people can take it at different levels of French competency.  All of the foreign languages are removing the GenEd designator FL from the 1001 course because that alone doesnt satisfy the requirement.  Korth stated that this was discussed by the Committee a couple of years ago.  If students take only one semester, the course doesnt count towards the GenEd.  They have to take the first and second one (or test into the second).  Strand stated that the course catalog has a footnote in it that clarifies that the FL requirement is equivalent to a year of study.  Contant added that it must be a year in the same foreign language. Ericksen asked how its written in the current catalog.  Boever read from page 57: Students are required to demonstrate proficiency in a second language at the level achieved at the completion of the first year of college language study.  Students can demonstrate proficiency by: a) passing 1002‑Beginning Language II or an equivalent college course; b) passing the appropriate placement test; c) passing an examination for credit, such as AP or CLEP; or d) proving that they have a native language other than English.

 

Kuechle asked if the other languages have changed their wording too.  Strand answered that they all have.  Lawrence asked if each major now has to state that two semesters of FL is required.  Ericksen stated that they want to be consistent, and if keeping the FL designator in the first semester course is consistent, they will withdraw the course revision #1.

 

Strand asked that the proposed change to the statement about accepting no grade below C- not be done.  She suggested that the language be kept consistent throughout the catalog.  Ericksen agreed to leave the old text as it is for both the major and the minor.

 

Lawrence asked if the minor required students who test out of a language course to still take 24 credits, and whether transfer credits count toward the 24 credits.  Ericksen answered that its 24 credits in French at the 2xxx level or above regardless of where they are taken.  Ericksen added that a student can test into 3001, which is why the statement refers to 2xxx level and above.

 

Helsper noted that 2000 level course should be changed to 2xxx-level course, for consistency in the catalog.

 

Strand asked for clarification of IX.b. The last sentence should include the word taught between courses and in.

 

Ericksen explained that course revision #2 involves dividing Fren 1021-July in Paris into separate units.  The instructor oversees the afternoon experiences but the students take their courses in French through the Sorbonne.  Now they are asking for a course taught in English for students who are new in French.  The course would take place while the advanced students are at the Sorbonne.  Tours of the entire group will be guided by a bilingual instructor.

 

Fren 1302 is now a French course for non majors.  The change makes it clearer that it is taught in English.

 

Ericksen asked if name of the Fren 3022 course should be abbreviated or written out in the course description.  Helsper answered that it would be best to spell it out for the long title, and abbreviate it for the short title.

 

Ericksen mentioned that in revision #22, Fren 4011, ALS should be written out as Advanced Language Studies.

 

There are six new courses in French:

 

         Fren 3028-Early Modern Studies: Female Authorship and Medieval Canon Fodder (Hum; 4 cr)

This course will be taught by a new faculty member and is replacing a course that was taught by a faculty member who is no longer at UMM.

 

         Fren 3035-Modern Studies: French Women Authors (IP; 4 cr)

         Fren 3036-Modern Studies: French Cinema (IP; 4 cr)

         Fren 3045-Francophone Studies: West African Francophone Cinema (IP; 4 cr)

 

The French discipline is eliminating the option of taking one course in English for the French major.  As a result, they are adding 3xxx courses, taught exclusively in French, to replace courses formerly cross-listed with Hum courses. These three courses reflect that change.  Fren 3035 replaces Fren 1304 as an elective for the French major.  Fren 1304 is being turned into a course exclusively for non-majors and replaces Hum 1304, which is being eliminated.  Fren 3036 replaces Fren 1302 as an elective for the French major.  Fren 1302 is being turned into a course exclusively for non-majors and replaces Hum 1302, which is being eliminated.  Fren 3045 replaces Fren 1311 as an elective for the French major.  Fren 1311 is being turned into a course exclusively for non-majors and replaces Hum 1311, which is being eliminated.

 

         Fren 3037-Modern Studies: La France du 19e sicle (HUM; 4 cr)

         Fren 3038-Modern Studies: La France du 20e sicle (HUM; 4 cr)

 

These courses will replace the Modern French Lit (3033) and Modern French Culture (3032) courses, which both span the 19th and 20th century.  Teaching each period as a separate course will allow the instructor to cover more material and to cover a richer variety of primary texts in each course.

 

Lawrence stated that this is the only time she had ever seen a statement that the senior seminar must be taken on campus.  They always are taken on campus.  Ericksen answered that this is included in the French major because of the study abroad.  They encourage students to go abroad but want them to return to UMM for their senior project.

 

VOTE:  Motion passed (8-0-0) with corrections as noted.

 

GERMAN (Ger)

 

MOTION (Ericksen/Kuechle) to approve the German discipline course changes.

 

Discussion:

 

Ericksen presented the German discipline course changes.  Some wording changes were made to the introductory statement, and a revision of a physics course to be taught in German was proposed.  A German physics faculty member has agreed to offer the readings in German and is willing to have discussions in German for interested students.  Kuechle noted that the requirements for teacher prep needs to come out of section VI.  Lawrence asked if the Committee should be approving curriculum of a major with only one professor.  Contant answered that it is an approved curriculum.  The motion is to approve minor modifications to the major, at this time.  A motion is not on the table to discontinue the major.

 

Ericksen stated that she would be uncomfortable with the Curriculum Committee deciding to vote to discontinue the major.  Korth answered that someone has to question whether we should have a major with only one faculty member to support it.  It wont come from the discipline or division.  Collier asked whether there are specific criteria about the number of faculty required to support a major.  Ericksen answered that she thought the number is three, but German has been operating for a long time with only one instructor.  Collier asked if German meets all the basic requirements of the major.  Ericksen answered that the instructor doubles-up classes by teaching two simultaneously, like a little country school with multiple grades in one room.  She added that the curriculum is reasonable.  Lawrence stated that she just wanted to be sure that the concern had been raised, and wondered if the decision of whether to continue the major should be based on whether the faculty member is willing to staff it.  Ericksen asked what the process is for eliminating a major program.  Contant answered that it is the role of the Committee to approve curriculum, not necessarily to approve course ratios.  The Committee does not look at resources.  Its a bigger concern that probably rests at the administrative level.  Collier stated that it seemed to him that it is a curricular issue for the Committee to address.  He asked if it could be revisited at a later meeting.  Kuechle stated that academic integrity does come to the Committee, and it is proper to question the academic integrity of a major that has one faculty member supporting it.

 

VOTE:  Motion passed (8-0-0) with the corrections noted (removal of teacher prep statement, and the FL designator remaining with the 1001 level course).

 

MUSIC (Mus)

 

MOTION (Ericksen/Kuechle) to approve the Music discipline course changes.

 

Discussion:

 

Ericksen stated that a statement has been added Some courses include additional fees; contact the instructor and/or check on first day of class.  Korth stated that if a course requires an additional fee, it is expected to be stated in the course description for each course.  Students should not have to go to each instructor to ask if there is a fee.  Its an additional burden placed on the students.

 

Strand stated that all fees require approval by the Board of Regents.  Ericksen answered that the fees do not refer to music lessons, but include such items as the cost of a retreat and a polo shirt.  Strand responded that these expenses arent considered fees.  Ericksen then asked if students can be required to pay for these items.  Strand commented that the University auditors would have a real problem with our having faculty and students collecting money.  Ericksen stated that students were resentful that they had to come up with another $100 or so to be part of the class.  Ericksen stated that the proposed statement was modeled on the studio art statement.  Studio art courses are assessed individual lab fees that are run through their financial aid accounts.  Music applied lessons is handled in the same way.  Strand stated that page 17 of the current catalog lists only two special course fees approved by the Regents: music lesson fees and studio art materials fees.  The proposed fee hasnt gone through the proper channels and shouldnt be assessed.  Contant asked how the money is collected.  Ericksen answered that students collect the checks.  Murphy added that checks are made out to the program, for example, symphonic winds.  Ericksen stated that she was the one who told the discipline to put in a statement that the course might involve additional costs.  Squier stated that if its voluntary, students can still opt out of paying the fee and get credit for the class.  Korth responded that students arent really in a position to decide that its truly voluntary.  Murphy stated that he has found that its voluntary but highly encouraged.  Contant asked what the costs are for the items.  Murphy answered that the polo shirts are about $16 each and the retreat costs $75.  Ericksen asked if it could be considered a cost similar to a textbook.  Korth answered that it is not comparable.  The consensus of the Committee was to remove the statement.  Contant and Ericksen will look into getting a better understanding of the issue to see if it is a curricular matter or a personnel matter.  The curriculum stays sound for that major regardless of whether they are charging for materials for the course.  Ericksen added that there is a need for a clear process to alert students that there is a cost.

 

The opera workshop is changing the name to vocal performance workshop because some years it doesnt involve much opera.

 

There are two new courses proposed in Music:

 

         Mus 1048-Introduction to Wind Music: Historic Development and Literature (FA; 4 cr)

 

The music discipline is attempting to diversity course offerings for non music majors at UMM.  Therefore, one of the two sections of Mus 1041-Introduction to Music that are currently offered each year might eventually be replaced by a series of courses with a slightly more narrowed focus on varying topics according to faculty interests.  This course intends to give an overview on basic musical concepts and to offer a more solidified basis for discussion of many commonly shared stereotypes of the band.

 

         Mus 1350-UMM Campus Community Band (1 cr)

 

The music discipline is attempting to diversity course offerings for non music majors at UMM.  Additional objectives include reaching out to the extended Morris community as well as offering opportunities to more experienced music students to perform on their secondary instruments.  Select music majors would have opportunities to be involved in the leadership of this organization.

 

Collier asked if a community member joins would they have to enroll for one credit.  Kuechle answered that if the person is a member of the UMM community, they would enroll but would not have to pay for the credit, but people outside UMM would have to pay for their credits.

 

VOTE:  Motion passed (8-0-0) with the correction noted (removal of request to add statement regarding fees).

 

 

PHILOSOPHY (Phil)

 

MOTION (Ericksen/Kuechle) to approve the Philosophy discipline course changes.

 

Discussion:

 

Ericksen presented the philosophy discipline course changes.  The senior defense has increased to two credits, and new core courses have been moved from under the electives for clarity.  Korth asked what it serves to set Phil 4xxx off from the other courses.  Contant answered that a student could not take 4002 and have it count both as a core and an elective.  Squire added that they want one additional 4xxx course other than 4111.  Squier stated that philosophy and English are the only disciplines that say 3 or more courses when others use the word credits.  Contant added that the change to credits will affect the wording of core requirements.  Take 3 or more courses should read Take 12 or more credits.  It should then say take one additional 4xxx course exclusive of 4111.  The same should be done with the electives: Take 2 or more courses should read Take 8 or more credits.

 

VOTE:  Motion passed (8-0-0) with the corrections noted (changing courses to credits and other rewording regarding core and elective offerings).

 

SPANISH (Span)

 

MOTION (Ericksen/Kuechle) to approve the Spanish discipline course changes.

 

Discussion:

 

Ericksen presented the Spanish discipline course changes.  Courses were removed that were offered by a faculty member who is no longer at UMM. A few small revisions were noted.

 

VOTE:  Motion passed (8-0-0)

 

THEATRE (Th)

 

MOTION (Ericksen/Kuechle) to approve the Theatre discipline course changes.

 

Discussion:

 

Ericksen presented the Theatre discipline course changes.  Small changes are made.  Kuechle noted that the teacher prep part should be removed from theatre because there is no longer licensure in that area.

 

VOTE:  Motion passed (8-0-0), with the correction noted (removal of the teacher prep reference).

 

 

3.  INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES CATALOG CHANGES

 

 

Interdisciplinary Studies Majors/Minors (report to Deans Office)

 

Contant reminded the Committee that all interdisciplinary programs come through the deans office, with a couple of exceptions.  The agenda has been prepared in a detailed listing to make it clear what has been done in what way.  She explained that she had convened this year a group of 6 faculty members, at least 1 from each division, to review the proposed changes to each of the major/minor programs that report to the deans office.  The process worked so well this year that she will consider continuing the practice.  Those changes have had an interdisciplinary divisional review, through the eyes of another set of faculty after the faculty in the major/minor made their reviews and changes.

 

AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDIES MINOR (AfAm)

 

MOTION (Lawrence/Kuechle) to approve the African American Studies minor course changes.

 

Discussion:

 

Contant explained that the changes consisted of listing courses that are approved for the minor, based on the course that are actually offered on campus and expect to be offered in the next two years.  They are set up as 4-6 courses with primarily African American content.  The set with partial African American content is a much longer list.  It is required that courses be taken across at least three different disciplines among the total number of courses for the minor.  Squier stated that she would like to change the phrase number of courses to number of credits, to be consistent.  This will also increase the actual numbers by 4 for each 4 credit course.

 

VOTE:  Motion passed (8-0-0), with the correction noted to change courses to credits and adjust numbers accordingly.

 

AMERICAN INDIAN STUDIES (AmIn)

 

MOTION (Lawrence/Ericksen) to approve the American Indian Studies major course changes and proposed new minor.

 

Discussion:

 

Contant explained that text changes were made to move courses from another discipline to American Indian Studies.  Those are now reflected as required courses in the major.  Strand asked what happened to AmIn 2311, which used to be required.  Lawrence answered that it is now under the electives.

 

Contant stated that there was an oversight in not requesting the minor when the American Indian Studies major was approved.  This will be need approval at the Regents level.  The minor has no surprises in it.  It is proposed exactly as expected, with some course approvals pending.

 

VOTE:  Motion passed (7-0-0)

 

The Committee ran out of time and will begin with European Studies at the next meeting.

 

Adjourned 9:07 a.m.

Submitted by Darla Peterson