USF General Education Council - Minutes of January 22, 2007

Present: Andrew Smith, David Frankel, Ed Kellner, Gladis Kersaint, Greg Paveza, Hunt Hawkins, Ilene Frank, Jane Noll, Joan Morris, Joe Moxley, John Ferron, John Hodgson, Nancy White Robert Potter (Chair), Philip Levy, Scott Campbell, Suzanne Perry-Casler, Terry Sincich, William Murray.

Absent: Sharon Geiger

Guests: Diane Williams, Janet Moore, Theresa Flateby, Joel Amnott, Neil Gomes, Patricia Maher

The meeting was called to order at 3:00 p.m. in ADM 296.

1. The minutes of December 4, 2006 were approved with the correction of spelling.

2. Discussion
   1. Vice Chair Andrew Smith convened the meeting until Chair Robert Potter arrived as requested. Chair Potter mentioned the importance of the Provost's scheduled visit to the Feb 19th meeting and the topics to be discussed. The topics to be addressed include:
      • Parameters for course support and funding (e.g. funding of instructors, adjunct faculty, etc.)
      • Faculty issues (e.g. knowledge of inquiry-based learning and process writing)
      • Value of Undergraduate Education
      • Space issues (e.g. small group break-out spaces for inquiry based learning, etc.)
   2. Website Modifications:
      • Three options were discussed and options 2 and 3 were approved. 2 weeks of downtime will be needed, but new proposals can be still submitted. Options 2 and 3 are listed below:
        • Option 2: Provide a Web front page with required information for a database. Provide a word template document for typing information, including all dimensions.
        • Option 3: Develop the web site in ASP or SQL and host it in the Center for 21st Century Teaching Excellence (with permission from Education Outreach). This would give the C21TE 24/7 access to the site instead of the present M - F, 8am - 5pm, and would free the site from the Cold Fusion data base, which is no longer commonly used.
      • The future General Education Council process for course approvals will be to list revised proposals, give review committees the Power to Approve, and then review the whole list of approved courses for final GEC approval at the next group meeting with one motion.

3. New course/curriculum proposals

   • MUH 2020 - The History of Blue and Rock ----- Approved.
     A study of the history of rock music: its roots, regions and countries of origin, evolution, styles, influences, social/cultural context, etc. Blues and rock are particularly American forms of music, but they reflect ancient practice as well. No funding was requested. The course was approved by all.

   • PHH 2000 - Introduction to Philosophy ----------Approved (GRC Comm. Guidelines approval pending).
     An introduction to major themes in philosophy, as well as central philosophical concepts, texts, and methods. Pending approval of proposed Gordon Rule Communication guidelines. GEC requests course to meet the final approved guidelines.

   • PHI 1600 - Introduction to Ethics ---------Approved.
     In order to promote reflection concerning how we should act and what kinds of people we should be, this course introduces students to ethical theories, concepts, problems, and methods. 5 Dimensions were submitted. It was certified for "Ethical Perspectives" and "Inter-relationships among Disciplines". Syllabus needs to clearly reflect the General Education outcomes. It was approved and no funding was requested.

   • ARH 2050 and ARH 2051 - History of Visual Arts I and History of Visual Arts II -----------Tabled.
     Overall approval of academic content. The concern was that "Human Historical Context and Process was not presented in the proposal as well as it is communicated in the syllabus and class. Source of funding was also a concern for 12 months of instructor support and level of support from General Education Council. Tabled for funding information.

   • AMH 2020 - American History II-------------Approved.
     A history of the United States with attention given to relevant developments in the Western Hemisphere from 1877 to the present. It was approved by all. No funding was requested.

   • PHI 1103 - Critical Thinking-------------Tabled.

   • HSC 2133 - Sex, Health and Decision Making---------------Approved.
     This course explores the fundamental relationship between sexuality, decision making and health outcomes from a public health perspective. Students explore sexuality issues and learn tools that promote sexual health and healthy relationships. It was approved and no funding was requested.

   • ENC 1101 and ENC 1102 - Composition I and Composition II--------------Approved.
     ENC 1101 helps prepare students for academic work by emphasizing expository writing, the basics of library research, and the conventions of academic discourse. ENC 1102 emphasizes argument, research, and style. As students engage in creative and critical thinking, they learn to support assertions based on audience and purpose; students apply library research, strategies for revision, and peer response. Dr. Joe Moxley spoke to GEC about the revisions made to the first proposal. The council approved to support requested funds amounting to $115,897, which will help to support 17 GAs, a Coordinator for mentoring and assessment, classroom technology for e-portfolios, a website coordinator, and partial funding for an Associate Director ($31,000). Motion was made by Greg Paveza to approve the course proposal and the funding, amounting to $115,897 as requested. The courses and funding were approved unanimously.

4. Distribution and Assignment of Course Proposals

The next meeting will be Monday, February 5, 2007. The meeting was adjourned at 5:25 p.m.

Please send any suggestions or comments to:
Mia Fluitt - webcat@ugs.usf.edu