CEPC 99/00 – 19
To: The Faculty
From: CEPC
RE: New Courses
At the April Faculty meeting, CEPC will move the acceptance of the following courses:
Integrative Studies 205/305: Thematic Colloquia
Counts Towards: Individualized majors
Catalog Statement: A half credit course addressing a broad topic of general interest, linked to public events on campus. Prior to registration each term, the Center for Integrative Studies will identify and announce a theme that integrates a sequence of public events on campus (such as lectures, recitals, demonstrations, films, performances, etc.) Students will meet once a week to discuss the theme as it is set forth in the various public events, and from the several perspectives of their major studies. Open to students pursuing individualized majors and others by permission. (NOTE: This course may be repeated when the topics are different.)
Rationale: Following recommendations of the 1998-99 task force on integrative studies, and in keeping with the may 1999 vote of the faculty that authorized the Center for Integrative Studies to oversee a program of individualized majors, the Center now proposes elements of a small curriculum to encourage innovation in interdisciplinary study at St. Olaf College, and to support students pursuing individualized majors. The initial curriculum of the Center will consist of four elements (two of which must be approved by the faculty):
- Seminars on Integrative Topics (requires faculty approval)
- Thematic Colloquia (requires faculty approval)
- Independent Studies
- Senior Studies
Thematic colloquia will
- Enhance the coherence of students’ experience each semester;
- Support a learning community among students pursuing individualized majors;
- Promote faculty discussions of important topics; and
- Provide for diverse integrations of learning.
