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Curriculum and Educational Policies Committee

CEPC Minutes 2/28/2007

Members present : Dietz (chair). Beld, Carullo, Cisar, Gross, McClure

  • Call to order:
  • Chair Dietz called the meeting to order at 3:21.

  • Approval of minutes from 2/21/07:
  • The minutes from 2/21/07 were approved with modifications.

  • Announcements:
  • Discussion focused on preparation for tomorrow’s faculty meeting. Minor clarifications on course proposal descriptions and the possible implications for incoming winter storm were discussed.
  • A request by a faculty member to have a special faculty meeting on grading was discussed.
  • The role of CEPC with regard to the College’s enrollment plan was discussed.
  • Interim course proposals:
  • ID 126: Integrated Chemistry/Biology II . Course approved.
  • History 135: Nationalism and Revolution in Vietnam . Course approved.
  • Asian Studies 215 . Course approved for on-campus study only.
  • Cross-listing of courses:
  • The draft policy for cross-listing courses was discussed. Minor revisions were suggested. It was also suggested that the draft be reworked more in the form of a green sheet.
  • MCS requirement:
  • It was determined that CEPC wanted to aim for a May deadline for finalizing new language for the MCS requirement. The committee discussed ways to encourage active involvement in the development of this new language by concerned parties across the campus, while maintaining the May deadline.
  • The core concepts and skills within the MCS requirement were discussed. The committee was in favor of encouraging the working group to purse language that places the associated concepts and skills within the requirement in the form of outcomes.
  • CEPC supports two separate courses, representing a domestic and international geographic distinction.
  • Dana will share the notes from the discussion on this topic with the MCS working group. It is hoped this input will provide guidance to the working group in their effort to complete an undated draft prior to the May 2007 deadline.
  • Other business
  • None
  • Adjourn :
  • The meeting was adjourned at 4:50.
  • Attachments: Note the interim course information attached below from the special subcommittee.

Submitted by Robert McClure

ID 126: Integrated Chemistry/Biology II: Chemical Thermodynamics, Kinetics, and Biological Relevance

Catalog Description:

This course introduces physical chemistry with an emphasis on thermodynamics and kinetics of biological chemical reactions. Topics include probability as the driving force for chemical reactions; the relationship between chemical bonding energetics, entropy, and equilibria; oxidation-reduction reactions and electrochemistry; and rates of reactions, including enzyme-catalyzed reactions. Laboratory experiments and activities illustrate lecture topics and introduce new concepts. Prerequisites: ID 125 and Math 120 or 122. Offered during Interim.

Rationale:

This course is one of several (ID 125, 126, and 127) being proposed by the Chemistry and Biology departments to provide an interdisciplinary introduction to these two fields. These courses will cover topics equivalent to those in Chemistry 125 and 126 and Biology 125 at a comparable level of academic rigor. This set of courses will emphasize the common features of chemistry and biology and will show students how these disciplines build upon each other. These courses were developed out of discussions by a committee of faculty from both departments and are designed to be an alternative to existing introductory courses. Pending approval of the policy on cross-listing courses, this course will be cross-listed. If the policy is not approved, the course will be listed in one department as determined by the appropriate Associate Dean(s).

History 135: Nationalism and Revolution in Vietnam

Catalog Description:

This seminar examines the Vietnam War in the larger context of Vietnamese history and focusing on the Vietnamese side of history. Themes include the heritage of Vietnamese civilization, French conquest and colonial rule, nationalism and its relationship to Communism, the emergence of two Vietnamese states, and the causes and consequences of the Vietnam War. This course also addresses questions about ideology, the role of the United States in Asia, and the historical processes of nationalism and Communism. Offered during Interim.

Rationale:

This inactive course, most recently taught during the Fall Semester 2000, is being reinstated. The course will be substantially the same as it was in Fall 2000, with adjustments for the Interim schedule. Prior to a History Department renumbering of courses, History 135 was taught as one section of a 100-level first-year seminar course. The reinstated, renumbered course will be restricted to first-year students. It fills the need for Level I seminars in the History Department and will be offered every year or two, depending on the needs of the department and other demands on the instructor’s time. The course will be taught within the History Department FTE according to the staff plan. No other course will be eliminated or taught less often.