USF Undergraduate Council - Minutes of October 11, 1999

Present: Richard Dietrich, Grace Erickson, Joyce Nutta, Ram Pendyala, Ken Pothoven, Jennifer Salk, Edward Silbert (Chairperson)

Absent: Mary Hardy, Thomas Johnson

Guests: R. A. Davis, Jeff Ryan, Bob Sullins, Robert Tykot, Curtis Wienker

The meeting was called to order at 3:15 p.m.

1. The minutes of September 27 were deferred to next Undergraduate Council meeting.

2. Announcements

3. Discussion and action on proposals

   • AFS 3284 African Literature Survey - This course is a general education proposal and it explores the socio-historical, philosophical, and political dynamics of African Cultures through the study of African oral literature and the reading of African literary text of various genres. Following discussion it was approved.

   • AML 4303 Zora Hurson: Major Works - This course is a general education proposal and it focuses on the life, works, and times of Zora Neale Hurston as a major Harlem Renaissance figure and a renowned Florida writer. Following discussion, it was approved.

   • AFA 4033 Black English - This course is a general education proposal and it focuses on linguistic patterns among African Americans in the U.S., South and Central America, and the Caribbean. It examines language in relation to issues of domination, social stratification, economics, and political empowerment. Following discussion, it was approved as an exit course.

   • ANT 4103 Archaeological Science - This course focuses on the application of scientific methods of analysis to archaeological materials including bone, stone, pottery, and metal. Methods include absolute dating, remote sensing, optical and SEM microscopy, elemental and isotopic analysis. Laboratory sections provide hands-on experience with a variety of archaeological materials and analytical methods. Following discussion, this course was approved.

   • ANT 4143 Old World Archaeology - This course focuses on the archaeology of Europe, Asia and Africa, from the earliest humans through the emergence of state-level societies in many parts of the Old World. The course will focus on comparative aspects of economic, social, political, and religious organization in the prehistoric Near East, Egypt, China, the Aegean, Europe and Africa. Following discussion and minor revisions, this course was approved.

   • ANT 4146 European Archaeology - This course focuses on the archaeology of Europe, from the first Palaeolithic inhabitants to the fall of Roman civilization. The course will focus on ancient material culture while emphasizing social and economic questions such as the emergence of modern humans, the adoption of agriculture, the development of complex societies, and the rise of civilization. Following discussion and minor revisions, this course was approved.

   • ANT 4199 Environmental Archaeology - This course examines environmental constraints on ancient human societies, and how human activities have impacted the environment in the last several thousand years. Presentation of the methods used to reconstruct prehistoric environments will be followed by case studies from Florida, Central and South America, Easter Island, the Mediterranean and the Near East. Following discussion, this course was approved.

   • GLY 2015 Essentials of Geology Laboratory - This course examines the fundamental concepts and sills of modern geology, including rock and mineral identification, analysis of geologic maps, field analysis, an applications of computers in geology. There is a required field trip. This course may not be repeated for credit. Following discussion, this course was approved.

   • GLY 3100 Geologic Time - The study of "deep" time, including how it is measured, how it is correlated over the Earth's surface, and how important physical, biologic, and chemical geologic processse4s have varied with time. Prerequisites: 4 hours of geology including, GLY 2015L; BSC 2010 and BSC 2011. This course may not be repeated for credit. Following discussion, this course was approved.

   • GLY 4975L Practical and Applied Geology - This course is a hands-on course designed to teach the basic skills of a practicing geologist. Topics will vary widely, with several different offerings each semester. Prerequisites: Junior standing, declared geology major, and at least 12 credit hours of geology courses, or CI. Co-requisites: enrollment in other Practical/Applied sections, as noted. Completion of Geology supporting course sequence highly recommended. This course may be repeated for credit, up to 9 hours maximum. Following discussion, this course was approved.

   • GLY 4410 Geocommunication - This is a course in communicating within the disciplines of the earth sciences. Emphasis will be on: writing for publication and technical reports, preparation and presentation of posters, and preparation and presentation of oral papers in earth sciences. The course is open to anyone majoring in geology, geography, anthropology or environmental science and policy. This course is NOT available on an S/U basis for geology majors; it is for other majors. The course is not cross-listed with another department. The course may not be repeated for credit. Following discussion, minor revisions, and with the stipulation that the course proposal be shared with the Communication and English departments, this course was approved.

   • GLY 3555 The Earth's Surface - This course examines the principles of weathering, erosion, production, and transport of sediment on the earth's surface, and the resulting geomorphology; as well as modern sedimentary environments and the process-response systems that govern them. This course may not be repeated for credit. PR: One course in geology with lab. NOT available on S/U basis for geology majors; it is for other majors. This course may not be repeated for credit. Following discussion and minor revisions, this course was approved.

   • GLY 3825 The Fluid Earth - This course explores the physical, chemical and biological processes affecting fluids of the lithosphere, oceans and atmosphere. The course also examines water as a geologic medium and global entity; a systems approach. This course may not be repeated for credit. Following discussion and minor revisions, this course was approved.

   • GLY 4145 Computational Geology - This course examines geologic problems and problem solving from a mathematical perspective; it also includes the intersection of geology, math, calculations, and error analysis. PR: one semester of calculus and physics. Following discussion this course was approved with the stipulation that the geology department make an effort to contact the math department and have them look at contract.

   • GLY 3315 The Solid Earth: Petrology and Geochemistry - This course examines igneous and metamorphic rocks of modern and ancient tectonic environments. It also examines the rock-forming process at plate margins and intraplate sites; as well as the essentials of hand specimen and microscopic mineralogy. This is a lecture-lab, and incorporates a required field trip. This course may not be repeated for credit. PR: 4 hours introductory geology including GLY 2015L [Essential Geology Lab]; CHM 2045 and 2045L; MAC 2311 or equivalent. Following discussion, this course was approved.

   • GLY 3420 The Solid Earth: Plate Tectonics and Earth Structure - This course examines plate tectonic theory and its implications; re: the formation of structural features on outcrop and regional scales. The course also includes field and geophysical tools for structural analysis. This is a lecture-lab, and incorporates a required field trip. PR: 4 hours introductory geology including GLY 2015L [Essentials of Geology Lab]; MAC 2312 or equivalent; PHY 2048. Following discussion, this course was approved.

   • New Undergraduate Curriculum proposal from the Geology Department - Following discussion, this proposal was approved.

4. General Discussion

   Proposed Change to Academic Renewal I Policy for 2000 - 2001 Catalog - The Council discussed proposed change to allow students on probation to use the Academic Renewal Policy. Following discussion, this change was approved.

   Proposal to Delete the 3-Drop Restriction - The Council discussed the proposal to delete the 3-drop restriction. Currently students have a restriction on number of courses they are allowed to drop; this has proved to be unmanageable. The ARC was consulted and they are supportive of doing away with the restriction. Motion was made for recommendation to lift the restriction; following discussion, recommendation was approved.

The meeting adjourned at 5:10 p.m.

Please send any suggestions or comments to:
Office of Undergraduate Studies