Minutes

Liberal Arts and Sciences Senate Subcommittee C Meeting

Tuesday, March 4, 3:30pm

Members present: Tove Finnestad (Philosophy), Glenn Geher (Psychology, chair), Linda Benbow (Sociology), Yoni Schwartz (Political Science), Sharon Holmberg (Nursing)

(1) Proposal for course number 87220 from the Sociology Department:

This course, titled Social Inequality, was proposed for the United States Studies content category and the Systematic Inquiry critical thinking competency category of the GEIII. Generally, this proposal was strong and the course matched the criteria of the appropriate GE categories. However, an issue surrounding the appropriateness of the title was raised. The title is generic and does not in and of itself necessitate a course the pertains exclusively (or even primarily) to the United States. This fact is somewhat incongruous with the concurrent fact that this course is being proposed for the United States Studies category.

The subcommittee approved this proposal – however, we suggest that the Sociology Department consider seriously our suggestion that the title be changed so as to include “The United States” – e.g., “Social Inequality in the United States.”

(2) Proposal for course number 87100 from the Sociology Department:

This course, titled Introduction to Sociology, was proposed for the Social Sciences content category and both the Systematic Inquiry and Ethical Reflection critical thinking competency categories of the GEIII. The proposal was generally appropriate. However, we felt that the parts of the course dealing with ethical reflection needed to be documented in more detail in the course objectives of the syllabus.

The subcommittee approved this proposal – however, we suggest the syllabus be modified so as to explicitly address objectives pertaining to the ethical reflection critical thinking category.

(3) Proposal for course number 71270 from the Philosophy Department:

This course, titled Medieval and Renaissance Philosophy, was effectively proposed to meet the Western Civilization content category and the Systematic Inquiry, Effective Expression (Written), and Ethical Reflection critical thinking competency categories of the GEIII.

We approved this proposal unanimously.

(4) Proposal for course number 71270 from the Philosophy Department:

This course, titled Religions of the World, was effectively proposed to meet the World Civilization and Culture content category and the Systematic Inquiry, Effective Expression (Written), and Ethical Reflection critical thinking competency categories of the GEIII.

We approved this proposal unanimously.

Respectfully submitted, 3/4/03

Glenn Geher

Subcommittee Chair / Secretary pro tempore