USF Undergraduate Council - Minutes of November 8, 1999

Present: Richard Dietrich, Mary Hardy, Ram Pendyala, Jennifer Salk, Edward Silbert (Chairperson)

Absent: Grace Erickson, Joyce Nutta, Ken Pothoven, Thomas Johnson

Guests: Cathy McEvoy, Christine Probes, Hilda Rosselli, Roberta Tucker, Robert Sullins, Curtis Wienker

The meeting was called to order at 3:10 p.m.

1. The minutes of September 27, and October 11 have been deferred to the next Undergraduate Council meeting.

2. Announcements

   Discussion Items -

   Certificate in Leadership
   Certificate in Technology - Human Resources certificate program for university employees.

3. Discussion and action on proposals

   • Interdisciplinary Natural Sciences (INS) Degree - This proposal involved a change in terms of degree requirements. Previously the degree fell short of the 40 hours of upper level courses required by USF. The degrees were also not truly interdisciplinary. With this proposal, there is a consolidation and integration of a degree code: INS, as well as a requirement of 24 credit hours of 3000 level course-work, with 12 of those hours to be taken at University of South Florida. Following discussion, these changes were approved.

   • FRW 4101 Survey of French Drama and Poetry - This course focuses on a study of French Drama and Poetry from the early to present times. Authors to be studied include Marie De France, Villon, Ronsard, Montaigne, Moliere, La Fontaine, Montesquieu, Voltaire, Hugo, Rimbaud, Sarte, Camus, Ionesco, and others. The format of the class will consist of lectures, discussions, and written assignments. Following discussion, it was approved as MW/LW exit course and Gordon Rule course.

   • FRE 4000 African Images in Francophone Film - This is a film based and technologically enhanced course which will look at cultural, socio-economic, political and gender issues in French speaking Africa. Course materials will be available in English and French. Following discussion, it was approved.

   • SYA 3202 Constructing Social Problems - This course is an examination of how activists, media, politicians, and scientists construct public images of social problems; analysis of the process of forming social policy and how public images of social problems shape the characteristics of social services. Following discussion, it was approved.

   • College of Education Request for Exemption - In response to the legislative mandate to reduce all undergraduate programs to 120 hours, the College of Education has undertaken a systematic review, resulting in the reduction of hours in each of our programs. In spite of their efforts to reduce hours, they find it impossible to comply with the 120-hour rule in certain program areas. The College of Education is requesting for selected programs, an exemption from one Liberal Arts Exit Requirement course. Exempting these programs from one exit course would help bring these programs closer to the number of hours recommended by the Florida Board of Regents. The college has been advised that for programs that offer an additional endorsement inn ESOL, they would be approved with five hours above the 120-hour level. Following discussion, this proposal was tabled.

   • DEP 2004 The Life Cycle - This course is an examination of individuals and the physical, cognitive, personality, and social changes which occur throughout the entire life span. Following discussion, it was approved.

   • FRW 4100 The French Novel - This course is a study of the most representative novels from the 17th-20th centuries in France, examining literary movements, ideas, and techniques. Following discussion, it was approved as MW/LW exit course.

   • HSC 2933 Selected Topics in Public Health - This course is an overview of major public health and health related issues of interest to undergraduates. Course explores a variety of health topics that are related to improving the health and health behaviors of individuals, groups and communities. Specific topics may vary each semester. Following discussion, it was approved.

4. General Discussion

   Planning for SACS visit in 2003. Whether or not USF has system of assessment programs in place for every degree. Will discuss in more detail at next meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 4:48 p.m.

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