General Education Committee Annual Report, 2011-2012
2010-2011 MEMBERSHIP
John DeBoer, Theatre & Dance (Chair)
Debbie Sloan, College of Technology-Applied Arts & Sciences
Jean Luckowski, Curriculum & Instruction
Eijiro Uchimoto, Physics & Astronomy
Nadia White, Journalism
Earl Adams, Chemistry
Judith Rabinovich, Modern & Classical Languages
Allan Sillars, Communication Studies
Megan Daizey, Mansfield Library (fall)
Susanne Caro, Mansfield Library (spring)
2012
2012
2012
2012
2013
2013
2013
2014
2014
Student member
Dylan Klapmeier
Ex-Officio members
Arlene Walker-Andrews , Associate Provost
Ed Johnson, Registrar
Business Items:
General Education Course Review
Fourteen forms were reviewed. Two courses each were approved for Expressive Arts, Ethics and Human
Values, and Historical and Cultural Studies one each for Literary and Artistic Studies, and Indigenous and
Global. Two forms were withdrawn after requests for follow-up and one course was not approved for
Indigenous and Global. The committee considered two requests for symbolic systems exemptions to
the language requirement. One was not approved. The Committee negotiated a better solution for the
second request. (EVST agreed to change its major requirements to include foreign language and waive
the requirement for transfer students.)
There was an appeal from the instructor who proposed MCLL 302 Greek Social History for Indigenous
and Global Studies that was communicated to ASCRC and ECOS, as well as the full Senate via email from
the instructor. The decision of the General Education Committee was upheld. The instructor will likely
resubmit next year.
ANTI 476 Methods for Teaching Native Languages was reviewed by Modern and Classical Languages at
the Committees request. The instructor was provided with feedback and will likely resubmit next year.
Global Leadership One Time Only Course Review (appendix 1)
The committee reviewed 9 courses in the fall for spring offerings and 7 in the spring for fall. All the
courses were approved. BADM 191, Doing the Right Thing: A Global Strategy for Good Business
required significant negotiation and revision to meet the Group VIII, Ethics designation.
In general the Committee felt that many of the courses were not appropriate for the 100 level and
would require additional improvements to become permanent general education offerings. The
Committee also noticed that many of the seminars seemed to overlap with existing courses and areas of
study.
Rolling review of Ethics, Expressive Arts, and Social Science Courses
Courses approved in 2009 or later were exempt from review and programs were given a one year grace
period, so a few elected to submit forms next fall.
Courses
Existing
Submitted Exempt
Approved
Not
Approved
Will
submit
in fall
Ethics
34
11
13
Expressive
Arts
Social
Science
54
17
(1 new)
44
8
44
1
2
(withdrew)
4
44
33
1
31
1
8
No
response
to followup
request
1
1
This was the first year of the mandated four-year rolling review of General Education. The committee
will continue to refine this process. One notable issue that surfaced was that departments submitted
new proposals in the spring thinking that they would be included in the catalogue for following fall
(2012-13) instead of the following year (2013-14).
Map Essential Learning Outcomes and Value Rubrics to General Education Groups (appendix 2)
There was some discussion regarding the Association of American Colleges and Universities’ Essential
Learning Outcome Value Rubrics. They don’t seem to be designed to assess lower-division general
education courses. The level of proficiency expected is more appropriate for a senior level capstone or
intensive project based course. However, the Committee understands the necessity of assessing
general education for accreditation purposes and hopes this method will be suitable for the necessary
documentation. The map designed by Chair DeBoer was delivered to Associate Provost Walker-Andrews
for consideration.
Permanent meeting time
Every other week on Wednesday from 4-5
Symbolic System Exemption to Language Requirement
Four years ago, ECOS tasked the General Education committee to set a credit majors to use the Symbolic
Systems exemption the Group III Modern and Classical Language requirement. After several years of
discussion the motion below, which uses the Board of Regents credit limit for majors that are
considered “extended,” was approved with 6 in favor, 2 opposed, and one abstention.
Effective autumn semester of 2014, undergraduates must fulfill the general education modern
and classical language requirement unless enrolled in a program of study requiring more than 48
credits leading to a first baccalaureate degree. Credits for the program of study include all
requirements for the primary major including options and designated pre-requisite courses,
excluding general education courses unless required by the major.
ASCRC did not approve the motion and has requested that the General Education Committee continue
to discuss alternate incentives to encourage undergraduate study of Modern and Classical Languages.
Sample forms
It is the committee’s intention to develop sample General Education Forms to provide to departments
before a proposal is submitted to avoid repetitive need for revision due to incomplete or inaccurate use
of the form.
Communication Items
Responses to request for Information for non-credit heavy departments exempt from the language
requirement
Over the summer, departments with majors exempt from the Group III requirement but below the
proposed credit requirements were asked for information as to why the Group II exemption was of
curricular importance. It was the general consensus of the departments polled that they would prefer to
maintain the Group III exception for their students.
General Education Council
Chair DeBoer is on the Board of Regents General Education Council. Over the past year several general
education issues that might affect undergraduates transferring from The University of Montana to
another institution within the system were discussed. The most important were possibly excluding
upper division courses from the core and including UM Modern and Classical Language courses.
Meeting with Dean of the Honors College
Dean McKusick communicated the important curricular implications of our proposal for a new chapter
of Phi Beta Kappa (PBK) at UM.
Graduation Appeals
The Graduation Appeals Committee has been overwhelmed with appeals due to the general education
transition. Courses must be listed both in the catalog and the schedule as meeting the requirement
during when the student completed the course. This becomes a challenge for students and advisors
when departments neglect to reapply to maintain general education status.
Common course number has also created significant challenges. At UM students can use 6 different
catalogs under which requirements may be completed. Having the old course numbers in the catalog
with an outdated general education designation can lead to confusion and the need for appeals.
If a degree audit system is implemented, procedures will need to be standardized and coded in the
system.
Procedure revision
The General Education Subcommittee Responsibilities (202.4.1) and General Education Framework
(202.10) procedures were revised (appendix 3).
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Appendix 1
Global Leadership Courses, Spring 2012
MCLL
MCLL 191
Human Rights Issues in Latin
American Literature and Film
Literacy & Artistic Studies
Music
MUSI 191
Music, Meaning and
Manipulation
Literacy & Artistic Studies
Journalism
JOUR 191
The Net Effect
Historical & Cultural Studies
Sociology
SOCI 191
Food & Society in a Globalized
World
Social Science
Political Science
PSCI 191
Issues in Global Public Health
Indigenous & Global
Geosciences
GEO 160
Power of Numbers
Science
DBS
BIOB 191
Global Climate Change: Science,
Society, and Ethics
Science
DBS
BIOL 191
Human Genetics, Your Family,
and Global Health
Science
Management
Information
BADM 191
Doing the Right Thing: A Global
Ethics and Human Values
Systems
Strategy for Good Business
Global Leadership Initiative Courses, Fall 2012
Department
Course Number
Title
General Education Group
HHP
HHP 191 S
Exercise is Medicine
Social Science
Geography
GPHY 191 X
Green cities for the 21st
Century
Indigenous and Global
Sociology
SOCI 191 S
Who Am I? Identity and
Our Social World
Social Science
Journalism
JOUR 191 Y
Social Media and Global
Change
American & European
Media Arts / Film
Studies
MAR 191 A
Making the Philosophic
Film
Expressive Arts
Political Science
PSCI 191 S
Political Regimes and
Societies
Social Science
Mansfield Center
MANS 191 X
Global Challenges in the
21st Century
Indigenous and Global
Appendix 2
Knowledge of Human Cultures and the Physical and Natural World

Through study in the sciences and mathematics, social sciences, humanities, histories,
languages, and the arts
Focused by engagement with big questions, both contemporary and enduring
UM General Education Preamble
Students should become acquainted with issues facing contemporary society, participate in the creative
arts, develop an understanding of science and technology, cultivate an appreciation of the humanities,
and examine the history of different American and global cultures.
Perspectives
Group IIIA: Modern and Classical Languages
Group V: Literary and Artistic Studies
Group IX: American and European Perspectives
Group X: Indigenous and Global Perspectives
Group XI: Natural Science Lab
Value Rubrics
Reading
Intercultural Knowledge and Competence
Information Literacy
Intellectual and Practical Skills, including






Inquiry and analysis
Critical and creative thinking
Written and oral communication
Quantitative literacy
Information literacy
Teamwork and problem solving
Practiced extensively, across the curriculum, in the context of progressively more challenging problems,
projects, and standards for performance
UM General Education Preamble
Upon completion of the general education requirements students should be able to articulate ideas
orally and in writing, understand and critically evaluate tangible and abstract concepts, and employ
mathematical and other related skills appropriate to a technologically focused society.
Perspectives
Group I: Writing (WRIT 101)
Group II: Math
Group IIIB: Symbolic Systems
Group IV: Expressive Arts
Group XI: Natural Sciences (Lab)
Value Rubrics
Foundational Skills for Lifelong Learning
Quantitative Literacy
Written Communication
Oral Communication
Personal and Social Responsibility, including



Civic knowledge and engagement—local and global
Intercultural knowledge and competence
Ethical reasoning and action

Foundations and skills for lifelong learning
Anchored through active involvement with diverse communities and real-world challenges
UM General Education Preamble
In accordance with the mission of The University of Montana- Missoula, these objectives are to develop
competent and humane individuals who are informed, ethical, literate, and engaged citizens of local and
global communities.
Perspectives
Group VI: Historical and Cultural Studies
Group VII: Social Sciences
Group VIII: Ethics and Human Values
Value Rubrics
Critical Thinking
Ethical Reasoning
Inquiry and Analysis
Integrative and Applied Learning, including

Synthesis and advanced accomplishment across general and specialized studies
Demonstrated through the application of knowledge, skills, and responsibilities to new settings and
complex problems
UM General Education Preamble
In summary, the General Education Program is designed to provide a high quality intellectual foundation
that accommodates all UM students whether in liberal arts or professional programs. This foundation
will be reinforced, expanded, and refined as students continue through their course of study.
Perspectives
Value Rubrics
Group I: Upper-Division Writing Courses
Civic Engagement
Group III: Upper-Division Language an Symbolic Creative Thinking
System Courses
Integrative Learning
Problem Solving
Outside General Education
Service Learning Courses, Field-Work, Internships,
Practicums, Capstone Projects, Research, etc…
Appendix 1
Global Leadership Courses, Spring 2012
MCLL
MCLL 191
Human Rights Issues in Latin
American Literature and Film
Literacy & Artistic Studies
Music
MUSI 191
Music, Meaning and
Manipulation
Literacy & Artistic Studies
Journalism
JOUR 191
The Net Effect
Historical & Cultural Studies
Sociology
SOCI 191
Food & Society in a Globalized
World
Social Science
Political Science
PSCI 191
Issues in Global Public Health
Indigenous & Global
Geosciences
GEO 160
Power of Numbers
Science
DBS
BIOB 191
Global Climate Change: Science,
Society, and Ethics
Science
DBS
BIOL 191
Human Genetics, Your Family,
and Global Health
Science
Management
Information
Systems
BADM 191
Doing the Right Thing: A Global
Strategy for Good Business
Ethics and Human Values
Global Leadership Initiative Courses, Fall 2012
Department
Course Number
Title
General Education Group
HHP
HHP 191 S
Exercise is Medicine
Social Science
Geography
GPHY 191 X
Green cities for the 21st
Century
Indigenous and Global
Sociology
SOCI 191 S
Who Am I? Identity and
Our Social World
Social Science
Journalism
JOUR 191 Y
Social Media and Global
Change
American & European
Media Arts / Film
Studies
MAR 191 A
Making the Philosophic
Film
Expressive Arts
Political Science
PSCI 191 S
Political Regimes and
Societies
Social Science
Mansfield Center
MANS 191 X
Global Challenges in the
Indigenous and Global
21st Century
Appendix 3
Procedure Number:
Procedure:
202.4.1
General Education Subcommittee Responsibilities
Date Adopted:
Last Revision:
1/27/11
11/30/11
References:
General Education Framework, General Education Course Criteria and Learning
Outcomes
ASCRC and General Education Commitee
Approved by:
Curriculum Subcommittee Membership
General Education Curriculum Subcommittees are organized according to Groups II to XI, thus
constituting ten (10) subcommittees.
Group II: Mathematics
Group III: Modern and Classical Languages or Symbolic Systems
Group IV: Expressive Arts
Group V: Literary and Artistic Studies
Group VI: Historical and Cultural Studies
Group VII: Social Sciences
Group VIII: Ethics and Human Values
Group IX: American and European Perspectives
Group X: Indigenous and Global Perspectives
Group XI: Natural Sciences
The General Education Committee chair appoints Curriculum Subcommittee chairs for each of the ten
Groups. The Curriculum Subcommittee chair should be from an academic unit or have expertise
appropriate to the particular Subcommittee Group. When possible, the Curriculum Subcommittee chair
is a member of the General Education Committee; when not possible, the General Education Committee
chair requests a volunteer from former members of the General Education Committee. (Option 1) In
general, Curriculum Committee will be comprised of other members of the General Education
Committee, or, when possible, Curriculum Subcommittee chairs may select 2-5 faculty members with
expertise in the particular Group to serve as Curriculum Subcommittee members. (Option 2) In the
absence of a sufficient number of qualified volunteers, the Curriculum Subcommittee chair reserves the
right to bring proposals before the full General Education Committee for consideration.
Review Assignments / Instructions
The Curriculum Subcommittee chair determines the schedule for completion of the review during the
Fall semester and whether the Curriculum Subcommittee meets face-to-face, online, or by some
combination. The General Education Committee prefers at least three members of the Curriculum
Subcommittee to review each proposal, when possible. Failing that, the chair of General Education
Committee may appoint members of the General Education Committee to fill the remaining slots.
The Curriculum Subcommittee chair assures that each member is provided with the Group criteria and
outcomes, access to relevant curriculum policies, and proposals to be reviewed.
Subcommittee Responsibilities for Review of Course Proposals
Curriculum Subcommittees are responsible for the review of General Education courses proposed within
their Group. Proposals are evaluated according to the applicable criteria and outcomes. The Curriculum
Subcommittee ensures that the forms submitted are complete (including course syllabi), determines
whether courses meet the Group’s criteria and outcomes, and concurs on strong and weak points of
proposals. Curriculum Subcommittee chairs communicate with the unit chair/director and/or requestor
about questions, concerns, and revisions relevant to proposals.
It is the responsibility of the Subcommittee Chair to:
1. Verify that the summary of proposals is complete.
2. Ensure curriculum proposal forms are completed correctly.
3. Highlight revisions to proposals in red.
4. Identify significant difficulties or implications concerning a proposal, especially
unintended consequences for other units.
5. Check proposals for justification with respect to curricular needs of General Education.
6. Communicate with unit chair/director/and/or requestor about questions, concerns, and
revisions.
7. Report back to units when a proposal is denied by the Subcommittee.
8. Require new forms for proposals in need of major revisions.
9. Verify the accuracy of a summary consent agenda for ASCRC.
10. Return proposals to Faculty Senate Administrative Associate.
11. In the absence of voluntary Subcommittee participation, the full General Education
Committee may take on the Subcommittee duties for that particular group.
____________________________________________________________________________
Procedure Number:
Procedure:
202.10
General Education Framework
Date Adopted:
Last Revision:
10/11/07
10/11/07
Approved by:
Faculty Senate
Group I: English Writing Skills
1.
2.
3.
4.
ENEX WRIT101
One designated Writing Course (either lower division or upper division)
Take and pass the Writing Proficiency Assessment (WPA)
Upper-Division Writing Requirement (as specified by major department)
Group II: Mathematics
Group III: Modern and Classical Languages or Symbolic Systems
A two semester language sequence is the default option (test out provisions apply).
Students may substitute a symbolic system sequence required by their major and
approved by ASCRC the General Education Committee.
Credits
3
3
0
1-3
3
0-10 or 3-6
Group IV: Expressive Arts
3
Group V: Literary and Artistic Studies
3
Group VI: Historical and Cultural Studies
3
Group VII: Social Sciences
3
Group VIII: Ethics and Human Values
3
Group IX: American and European Perspectives
3
Group X: Indigenous and Global Perspectives
3
Group XI: Natural Sciences
One course must include a laboratory experience.
6
Total





28-49
Some courses may satisfy both the “Writing Course” requirement (I.2) and one of the Groups IV
through XI.
Some courses may satisfy both Group II and Group III Symbolic Systems.
Some courses may satisfy both Group IX and one of the Groups IV through VIII.
Some courses may satisfy both Group X and one of the Groups IV through VIII.
No course may satisfy both Group IX and Group X
All General Education courses must be at least 3 credits, must be introductory and foundational, and
have no more than one pre-requisite. The General Education Committee ASCRC may allow exceptions
for upper-division courses, courses fewer than three credits, and for courses with more than oneprerequisite, if the proposing unit can justify such an exception.