REDWOODS COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT
Minutes of the Meeting of the Curriculum Committee
Eureka: 7351 Tompkins Hill Road, SSA 202
Del Norte: 883 W. Washington Boulevard, Office E7
November 13, 2015
Members Present:
Members Absent:
Michelle Haggerty, Sean Herrera-Thomas, Barbara Jaffari, Erik Kramer, Harry Pyke, Ruth Rhodes.
Gary Sokolow, Marla Gleave .
1.
Call to Order: Curriculum Committee Chair, Michelle Haggerty, called the meeting to order at 1:04 p.m.
2.
Introductions and Public Comment: There were no comments at this time.
3.
Approval of the Minutes: Barbara Jaffari moved to approve the minutes of the October 23, 2015 meeting,
seconded by Sean Herrera-Thomas. There being no objections, the minutes were approved as written.
4.
Action Items
4.1 POLSC-1 Political Controversies – William Meriwether
Erik Kramer [M], Barbara Jaffari [2nd]. Following discussion, the motion to approve was passed by the
following roll call vote:
Herrera-Thomas
Y
Jaffari
Y
Kramer
Y
Pyke
Y
Rhodes
Y
Sokolow
-
With the following revisions:
1. Page 1 of 8 - #5: Political Science should be added as the discipline of each faculty member listed.
2. Page 3 of 8 - Recommended Preparation: should say ENGL-150 or ENGL-102.
3. Page 3 of 8 - Methods of Instruction: correct the following misspellings. "deliver," "Collaborative
learning exercises"
4. Page 7 of 8 - Proposed CSU General Education Breadth: the box for No Proposal should be checked and
Area D needs to be unchecked.
5. Page 7 of 8 - Proposed IGETC: the box for No Proposal should be checked and Area 4H should be
unchecked.
Discussion:
1. Sean Herrerea-Thomas noted that there were still misspellings in the Curriculum Proposal. William
Meriwether thought that he had sent all the corrections through, but realized that he inadvertantly did
not make all the changes.
2. Erik Kramer suggested that faculty writing Course Proposals should in the future consult with other
faculty in neighboring disciplines. Michelle Haggery aggreed that this would promote collegiality.
3. Erik Kramer pointed out the misspellings in the Methods of Instruction section.
4. Ruth Rhodes noted that the Recommended Prep needed to say ENGL 150 or ENGL 102 not ENGL 150
and ENGL 102.
5. Juana Tabares said that this course is already CSU GE-Breadth and IGETC transferrable so the “No
Proposal” box should be marked for both of these sections.
Erik Kramer [M], Sean Herrera-Thomas [2nd]. Following discussion, the motion to approve this course as
General Education was passed by the following roll call vote:
Herrera-Thomas
Y
4.2
Jaffari
Y
Kramer
Y
Pyke
Y
MATH-301 Prealgebra Review – Bruce Wagner
Rhodes
Y
Sokolow
-
Sean Herrera-Thomas [M], Erik Kramer [2nd]. Following discussion, the motion to approve was passed by
the following roll call vote:
Herrera-Thomas
Y
Jaffari
Y
Kramer
Y
Pyke
Y
Rhodes
Y
Sokolow
-
Discussion:
1. Bruce Wagner did not make any changes to the proposal even though there were some comments on
the forum; none of the comments explicitly directed Bruce to make changes.
2. Barbara Jaffari expressed some confusion over the verbiage of assignment being under the
assessment. Erik Kramer said that assessments listed on the proposals should actually be used as
assignments. The assessments on the proposals are what the students should be learning.
3. Bruce Wagner noted that for this class the assignments are premade; any instructor can step in to
teach the class and not have to reinvent the wheel. This is an unusual type of class in that aspect.
4. Ruth Rhodes wondered if numbers 3 and 4 of the Themes and Issues are appropriate. Bruce Wagner
thought it valuable to leave it in the proposal since the class could contain students of very different
skill levels.
4.3
MATH-302 Elementary Algebra Review – Bruce Wagner
Sean Herrera-Thomas [M], Barbara Jaffari [2nd]. Following discussion, the motion to approve was passed
by the following roll call vote:
Herrera-Thomas
Y
4.4
Jaffari
Y
Kramer
Y
Pyke
Y
Rhodes
Y
Sokolow
-
MATH-303 Intermediate Algebra Review – Bruce Wagner
Sean Herrera-Thomas [M], Erik Kramer [2nd]. Following discussion, the motion to approve was passed by
the following roll call vote:
Herrera-Thomas
Y
Jaffari
Y
Kramer
Y
Pyke
Y
Rhodes
Y
Sokolow
-
With the following revisions:
1. Page 1 of 8 - #6: The TOPS/CIPS box should be checked and the old and new TOPS codes need to be
entered in the appropriate fields.
Discussion:
1. Michelle Haggerty wondered if assessments have shown that these review Math classes benefit
students. Bruce Wagner affirmed that they did.
2. Bruce Wagner stated that Angelina Hill had recommended that the TOPS Code be changed from
170100 to 170200.
3. Bruce Wagner also noted that CB21 should be listed as Two Levels Below Transfer as per Angelina Hill.
4.5
Inactivation: Phil-15 Religions of the World (TV Cable delivery method only) – Erin Wall
Sean Herrera-Thomas [M], Barbara Jaffari [2nd]. Following discussion, the motion to approve was passed
by the following roll call vote:
Herrera-Thomas
Y
Jaffari
Y
Kramer
Y
Pyke
Y
Rhodes
Y
Sokolow
-
Discussion:
1. Michelle Haggerty stated that CR doesn't offer TV Cable mode any longer and this is the only mode
that is being inactivated.
2. Sean Herrera-Thomas wondered if this mode is a unique check box. Michelle Haggerty affirmed that
each mode had its own box. These types of courses are showing up on CR's Spotlight, so they need to
be inactivated.
4.6
PHIL-1 Critical Thinking – John Johnston
Sean Herrera-Thomas [M], Erik Kramer [2nd]. Following discussion, the motion to approve was passed by
the following roll call vote:
Herrera-Thomas
Jaffari
Kramer
Pyke
Rhodes
Sokolow
Page 2 of 6
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
-
Discussion:
1. Erik Kramer verified that this is not getting a CID Descriptor.
2. John Johnson noted that the only change made was to lower the prerequisite from ENGL-1A to ENGL150 or ENGL-102.
3. Michelle Haggerty wondered if there was assessment data to supporting lowering the prerequisite.
John Johnston stated that there is not. However, CR is an anomaly in the state with requiring ENGL-1A.
Most CCCs either did not have a prerequisite for this course or listed ENGL-150 as the prerequisite. It
doesn't make sense to require ENGL-1A since this course does not require a lot of writing.
4. Harry Pyke asked if this course would need to be rearticulated if the prerequisite is changed. Juana
stated that prerequisite change would not affect the articulation or transferability of this course.
5. Ruth Rhodes said that the prerequisite change will greatly benefit Del Norte students as it will allow
more students to be able to take the course.
Sean Herrera-Thomas [M], Barbara Jaffari [2nd]. Following discussion, the motion to approve the
prerequisite was passed by the following roll call vote:
Herrera-Thomas
Y
Jaffari
Y
Kramer
Y
Pyke
Y
Rhodes
Y
Sokolow
-
Sean Herrera-Thomas [M], Erik Kramer [2nd]. Following discussion, the motion to approve this course as
General Education was passed by the following roll call vote:
Herrera-Thomas
Y
Jaffari
Y
Kramer
Y
Pyke
Y
Rhodes
Y
Sokolow
-
Discussion:
1. Erik Kramer noted that this proposal is on an old form so mapping between course outcomes and GE
outcomes is missing on this form.
4.7
PHIL-12 Introduction to Logic – John Johnston
Sean Herrera-Thomas [M], Erik Kramer [2nd]. Following discussion, the motion to approve was passed by
the following roll call vote:
Herrera-Thomas
Y
Jaffari
Y
Kramer
Y
Pyke
Y
Rhodes
Y
Sokolow
-
With the following revisions:
1. Page 7 of 9 - Global Awareness: "determining" is spelling incorrectly.
Discussion:
1. Michelle Haggarty stated that the prerequisite was being changed from ENGL-1A to ENGL-150 or ENGL102. John Johnston noted that most other CCCs have no prerequisite for this course. Also, the old
recommended prerequisite of MATH-380 is unnecessary and is scaring students away.
2. John Johnston stated that he also is proposing changing the CR GE Area for which this course is
approved. CR is the only CCC in the state who has this course listed in Area C; all others list it in D3.
3. John Johnston noted that the course is currently articulated for CSU Area A3. That does not need to be
changed.
4. Ruth Rhodes said there was a misspelling under Global Awareness: "determining"
5. Erik Kramer said that CR GE Area D3 can include non-math courses. John Johnston noted that last time
this course was updated they meant to include it in Area D3 instead of Area C.
6. Juana Tabares clarified that this course would be moved out of Area C and into CR GE Area D3.
7. Joanna Tindle asked if students need to have assessed into a transferrable level math course if they
use PHIL-12 to satisfy GE Area D3. Erik Kramer confirmed that students would need to assess into a
transferrable level math in order to use PHIL-12 for Area D3, just like is currently done with CIS-1.
Sean Herrera-Thomas [M], Erik Kramer [2nd]. Following discussion, the motion to approve the prerequisite
was passed by the following roll call vote:
Herrera-Thomas
Jaffari
Kramer
Pyke
Rhodes
Sokolow
Page 3 of 6
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
-
Erik Kramer [M], Sean Herrera-Thomas [2nd]. Following discussion, the motion to approve this course as
General Education was passed by the following roll call vote:
Herrera-Thomas
Y
Jaffari
Y
Kramer
Y
Pyke
Y
Rhodes
Y
Sokolow
-
Discussion:
1. Michelle Haggarty confirmed that this is a new GE proposal because the course will change from CR GE
Area C to CR GE Area D3.
2. John Johnston stated that this course is being offered for the first time in eight years.
4.8
PHIL-13 History of Ancient Philosophy – John Johnston
Sean Herrera-Thomas [M], Erik Kramer [2nd]. Following discussion, the motion to approve was passed by
the following roll call vote:
Herrera-Thomas
Y
Jaffari
Y
Kramer
Y
Pyke
Y
Rhodes
Y
Sokolow
-
Discussion:
1. Michelle Haggarty noted that this is a new course which will be used with the new ADT.
2. Shereen Cockrum remarked that new courses are still a bit backed up at the Chancellor's Office.
3. John Johnston said that this course is a requirement for the new ADT.
4. Sean Herrera-Thomas congratulated John Johnston on an excellent course outline.
Erik Kramer [M], Barbara Jaffari [2nd]. Following discussion, the motion to approve this course as General
Education was passed by the following roll call vote:
Herrera-Thomas
Y
Jaffari
Y
Kramer
Y
Pyke
Y
Rhodes
Y
Sokolow
-
Discussion:
1. Michelle Haggarty asked if this course had been considered for Area E. John Johnston replied that he
didn't want to be presumptuous because this is a History of Western Philosophy. Since it is Western
Philosophy he didn't think it would meet the criteria for Area E.
2. Erik Kramer agreed that it was wise to be wary of courses that focus on Western ideas in regards to
Area E.
3. Sean Herrera-Thomas mentioned that the Academic Senate just approved an outline for Area E and
this course doesn't seem to fit those requirements.
4. Erik Kramer reiterated that CR should have multiculturalism as the basis of their Area E courses; Area E
courses should not be mostly Western classes. Erik then commended John Johnston for seeing that
this is probably not the best course for Area E.
5. Sean Herrera-Thomas stated the Curriculum Committee was a benefactor of the Academic Senate
work which recently outlined language/guidelines for Area E courses. Erik Kramer said that in the
future the language/guidelines would be good to have on the outlines.
6. Sean Herrera-Thomas said that the guidelines for Area E specifically require nonwestern.
7. Michelle Haggerty stated that it is important to know the history; Psychology talks a lot about the
"dead white guys." Erik Kramer stated that in Physics there are hundreds of years of mostly white guys,
but in the last hundred years it has become much more multicultural. The chain of ideas/ ground work
did come from a bunch of white guys so it's hard to make that multicultural.
4.9
PHIL-16 Introduction to Philosophy of Religion – John Johnston
Sean Herrera-Thomas [M], Erik Kramer [2nd]. Following discussion, the motion to approve was passed by
the following roll call vote:
Herrera-Thomas
Y
Jaffari
Y
Kramer
Y
Pyke
Y
Rhodes
Y
Sokolow
-
Discussion:
Page 4 of 6
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
John Johnston said this is another new course created for the ADT. CR currently offers PHIL-15
Religions for the World which is more of a religious studies survey course. The ADT requires a course
that uses philosophic methods to exam issues related to religions.
Erik Kramer asked if there was a CID this course will be attached too. John Johnston replied that there
is a catalog description offered as an example but there isn't a CID descriptor.
Erik Kramer asked if the course could be included in the ADT if it wasn't associated with a CID. John
Johnston stated that is was a course listed in the TMC.
Sean Herrera-Thomas said that he had noticed a lot of interest in this kind of course in pending
publications and it follows the trends in philosophical inquiry.
Erik Kramer verified that the catalog description is listed in the TMC and the description is very similar
to the one on the proposal. John Johnston said he only made one change in the description. As
requested by a faculty member at Klamath-Trinity, he removed the reference to monotheism.
Sean Herrera-Thomas [M], Erik Kramer [2nd]. Following discussion, the motion to approve this course as
General Education was passed by the following roll call vote:
Herrera-Thomas
Y
Jaffari
Y
Kramer
Y
Pyke
Y
Rhodes
Y
Sokolow
-
Discussion:
1. Erik Kramer stated that this course looks like a GE. However, he wondered whether PHIL-15 was also a
GE. John Johnston explained that PHIL-15 is an examination of the world's major religions. PHIL- 16, on
the contrary, uses philosophic methods to explore problems. They are both introductory courses, but
from different perspectives. Students potentially might have trouble seeing the difference between
the two courses. However, they are very different courses.
2. As a side note, Michelle Haggarty said that current research shows that people in the age group of 4555 are dying at higher rates, unless you have a college education which then adds thirteen years to
your life.
4.10 New Degree: Associate in Arts in Philosophy for Transfer – John Johnston
Sean Herrera-Thomas [M], Erik Kramer [2nd].
Following discussion, there was a motion to table this degree; Sean Herrera-Thomas [M], Barbara Jaffari
nd
[2 ] passed by the following roll call vote:
Herrera-Thomas
Y
Jaffari
Y
Kramer
Y
Pyke
Y
Rhodes
Y
Sokolow
-
Discussion:
1. John Johnston said that PHIL-14 was supposed to have been included in agenda, but wasn't sent
forward with the other Philosophy courses. PHIL-14 is part of the new AAT - Philosophy. That being the
case, this degree should be tabled until PHIL-14 is approved by the Curriculum Community.
2. Sean Herrera-Thomas asked if courses need to be approved for a CID before the ADT degree can be
submitted. Shereen Cockrum replied that yes, all courses need to be fully approved for CIDs before
degrees can be submitted.
3. Michelle Haggarty asked if there would be a problem with PHIL-16 since there is not a CID to which it
aligns. Shereen Cockrum stated that that course would need to be articulated.
4. Juana Tabares said PHIL-16 can be listed as a course that is articulated by the major (AAM=Articulation
Agreement by Major) on the TMC. However CR will then need to show documentation that the course
has been articulated with at least one CSU. This course can't be used on the ADT until it has been
articulated with a CSU, and it can't be articulated with a CSU until it is approved by the Chancellor's
Office.
5. Sean Herrera-Thomas asked if a course needed to be articulated if it already has a CID. Juana Tabares
replied that if a course already has a CID it does not need to be articulated.
6. John Johnston thanked the Curriculum Committee for the work they do; Curriculum Committee work is
so much more complicated than in the past. Juana in particular has been extremely helpful/patient.
4.11 Noncredit: Workplace Readiness, Certificate of Competency – Elizabeth Carlyle
Page 5 of 6
Sean Herrera-Thomas [M], Barbara Jaffari [2nd]. Following discussion, the motion to approve was passed
by the following roll call vote:
Herrera-Thomas
Y
Jaffari
Y
Kramer
Y
Pyke
Y
Rhodes
Y
Sokolow
-
Discussion:
1. Liz Carlyle stated that this certificate has not changed since it was last presented to the Curriculum
Committee. Liz did meet with Mike Dennis and Chris Gains and they approved this proposal.
2. Michelle Haggarty noted that this is the third time the committee has looked at this proposal.
3. Sean Herrera-Thomas thanked Liz for her hard work and diligence. CR and Noncredit is lucky to have
her. Liz Carlyle responded that she understands how important it is to have everyone on board.
4. Barbara Jaffari gave out copies of the noncredit courses/certificates to her advisory committee.
5.
Announcements and Open Forum
1. Barbara Jaffari asked for clarification regarding the appropriateness of having something that is listed as a
representative learning activity also be an assessment. Sean Herrera-Thomas affirmed that was appropriate.
Michelle Haggarty said that the committee needs to make sure that outcomes are able to be assessed by the
represented learnings activities or assessments. SLOs need to be assessed with how the curriculum is written.
Sean Herrera-Thomas said that in the last year with his acceleration work he has found that the term
"assessments" is used as assignments that will be graded.
2. Michelle Haggarty will find the Area E description and they will be included in the next agenda.
3. Michelle Haggarty expressed concern that the forum page is hard to find. Erik Kramer suggested that there
should be a link to the forums page from the Curriculum site. Michelle Haggarty will submit a ticket to get a
link added.
6.
Adjournment: On motion by, Sean Herrera-Thomas seconded by Erik Kramer, the meeting was adjourned at
2:20p.m.
Next Meeting: Dec 11, 2015
Page 6 of 6