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TheUniversitySenateofMichiganTechnologicalUniversity
Proposal15‐12(revised04‐04‐12)
(VotingUnits:Academic)
“PROPOSALTOREVISEGENERALEDUCATIONREQUIREMENTS”
Contact:BradBaltensperger(brad@mtu.edu)
EXECUTIVESUMMARY
Thisproposal,callsforchangesintheGeneralEducationprogramthatwasimplementedin2000.The
programretainsacoreof4courses,alongwithrequiredcreditsinSTEM(Science,Technology,
EngineeringandMathematics)andHASS(Humanities,Arts,andSocialSciences).Thechangeincore
coursesinvolvestheremovingofPerspectives(UN1001)andInstitutions(UN2002)asrequiredcourses,
movingComposition(UN2001)tothe irstyear,revisingWorldCultures(UN1002)intoa3‐creditcourse
focusedmorespeci icallyoncontemporaryGlobalIssues,requiringoneofashortlistof2000‐level
introductorycoursesinSocial&BehavioralSciences(SBS)andrequiringoneofashortlistof2000‐level
introductorycoursesinHumanities&FineArts(HFA).Additionally,thisrevisionwouldreducethe
numberofrequiredcreditsinthecore+HASSfrom28to24,whileremovingtheoptionofacademicunits
tospecifyoneHASSelectivecourse.
TheGeneralEducationCouncilhasalsoexploredwaysinwhichtheuniversitylearninggoalscanbemore
effectivelyaddressed.TheCouncilisinterestedinconsidering1)howtobetterembedcommunicationin
thecurriculum,includinginHASSelectivesandmajors;2)howtosupportGlobalLearningbeyondthe
introductoryGlobalIssuescourse;and3)whetherCapstonecourseinalldegreeprogramswould
improvestudentintegrationofknowledge.
1.GENERALDESCRIPTIONANDCHARACTERISTICSOFPROGRAM
TheGeneralEducationCouncilhasdevotedthreeyearstoareviewoftheGeneralEducationProgramand
courserequirements,consideringeffectivenessofthecurrentstructure,resourceneedsoftheprogram,
studentlearninggoals,theuniversity’sstrategicplan,andchangingneedsoftheuniversityandofour
students.Theproposedchangesinthisproposalaredesignedto1)provideincreasedemphasisupon
communicationforallstudentsbymovingUN2001Compositiontothe irstyear;2)morefullydevelop
students’globallearningbyrevisingWorldCulturestofocusonGlobalIssues;and3)insurethatall
studentsdevelopbasicunderstandingofthesubjectmatter,intellectualapproaches,andinsightsofthe
socialandbehavioralsciencesandofthehumanitiesand inearts.Toaccomplishtheseends,therevised
GeneralEducationProgramwillremoveInstitutionsandrequirePerspectivesonlyforCSAmajorsand
perhapsforHonorsstudents,whileaddinga2000‐levelSocialandBehavioralSciencerequirementanda
HumanitiesandFineArtsrequirement.
Fordetails,seepp.2‐4“DescriptionofProposedChanges.”
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2.RATIONALE
ThecurrentGeneralEducationProgramwentintoeffectinFall,2000.TheGeneralEducationCouncilis
chargedwithoversightandevaluationofthatprogram.Thecouncilinitiatedareviewoftheprogramin
2008and,inFall,2010,wasaskedbytheProvosttodevelopspeci icrecommendationsforchangethat
wouldaddressconcernsaboutstudentwritingandinvestigatehowtheuniversitymightmorefully
incorporateglobaleducationintotheundergraduatecurriculum.Heaskedthatweutilizetheframework
forgeneraleducationestablishedbytheAssociationofAmericanCollegesandUniversities(AAC&U)
throughtheirLiberalEducationandAmerica’sPromise(LEAP)initiative.LEAPidenti iesasetofkey
studentoutcomesthatshouldbeachievedbyallundergraduatestudents;itisnowthebasisforthe
generaleducationgoalsofhundredsofinstitutionsofhigherlearningthroughoutthecountry.
TheGeneralEducationCouncilestablished iveworkinggroupstoconsiderpossiblechangesingeneral
educationrequirements—Communication;GlobalLiteracy;Sustainability;STEM;andCivicEngagement.
Abroadrangeoffacultyfromacrosstheuniversityparticipatedinthesegroups.Thediscussionswithin
theCommunicationandGlobalLiteracyworkinggroupswereparticularlyimportanttothedevelopment
ofthisproposal.
Additionally,theDeanoftheCollegeofSciences&Artsconvenedaworkinggroupconsistingofhimself,
theAssociateProvost,theDirectorofGeneralEducation,thechairsofthedepartmentsofHumanities,
SocialSciences,andVisual&PerformingArts,andCharlesWallace,amemberoftheSenateAcademic
PolicyCommittee.Thatcommitteewasaskedtoexaminethefourcorecourseswithinthegeneral
educationprogramandtoconsiderifchangesinthoserequirementswouldimprovestudentlearningand
betterutilizefacultyand iscalresources.Thisgroupsupportedtheimportanceofmoving
communicationinstructiontothe irstyear,whichleftnoroomforPerspectivesinmoststudents’
schedules.Theyalsoexpressedconcernaboutthedegreetowhichthecorecourses,inparticular
PerspectivesandInstitutions,aretaughtbypart‐timefaculty.Theyindicatedapreferencetoplacemore
relianceuponfull‐timelecturerswhowouldhavestrongerintellectualconnectionstodepartmentsand
theirteachingprograms.
UniversityStudentLearningGoals
1. DisciplinaryKnowledge.
2. Knowledgeofhumanculturesandthephysicalandnaturalworld.
3. GlobalLiteracy.
4. CriticalandCreativeThinking.
5. Communication.
6. InformationLiteracy.
7. Technology.
8. ValuesandCivicEngagement.
Finally,duringthepast18months,universitylearninggoals(http://www.mtu.edu/provost/of ice/vice‐
president/university‐learning/),developedbytheAssessmentCouncilandtheGeneralEducation
Council,havebeenconnectedtotheGeneralEducationprogram.Sevenofthe8UniversityStudent
LearningGoalsareaddressedatleastinpartbycourseswithinthegeneraleducationprogram.The
GeneralEducationCouncilhasidenti iedstudentlearninggoalsforeachofthecorecourses
(http://www.gened.mtu.edu/gened/CoreCourseGoals.pdf)andhasalignedallcomponentsofgeneral
educationwiththeuniversity’slearninggoals,theLEAPEssentialLearningOutcomes,andMichigan
Tech’sGoalsandStrategicPlan.Thisproposalhasbeendevelopedwithparticularattentiontothose
learninggoals,particularlyCommunicationandGlobalLiteracy.
MostcomponentsoftheproposedprogramhavebeenunderdiscussionwithintheGeneralEducation
CouncilandamongdepartmentchairsintheCollegeofSciencesandArtsforseveralyears.Thespeci ic
recommendationswerediscussedextensivelybytheGeneralEducationCouncilandwereapprovedby
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thatbodyonMarch19,2012.
DESCRIPTIONOFTHEPROPOSEDCHANGES
1.Communication.
a.MoveUN2001(Composition)totheFirstYearandrenumberasUN1xxx.Onceastudenthas
enrolledatMichiganTechtheycannottakeaclasstotransferintomeetthisrequirement.
Justi ication:provideearlyinstructioninwrittenandoralcommunication.
StudentLearningGoal:Communication;InformationLiteracy
2.GlobalLearning.
a.IncreasethenumberofsectionsofUN1002(WorldCultures),renameandrenumbercourseas
UN1xxx“GlobalIssues,”anddecreasesectionsize.Thegoalistoreduceaveragesectionsizefrom
220toapproximately80‐100andtoofferequalnumbersofsectionseachsemester.Currentgoals
ofWorldCulturesemphasizeunderstandingofculturalawareness,globalization,andglobal
complexity.Thecoursewillplacegreateremphasisoncontemporarydigitaldata/informationand
onglobalforcesofchange(seecoursedescriptioninsection7).Onceastudenthasenrolledat
MichiganTech,theycannottakeaclasstotransferintomeetthisrequirement.
Justi ication:Extremelylargesectionsizeshaveprovenunwieldyanddonotadvancestudent
learning;smallersectionsizeswillbemoreaccessibleto irst‐yearstudents.
LearningGoal:GlobalLiteracy;InformationLiteracy
b.FocusallsectionsofWorldCultures/GlobalIssuesoncontemporaryworldissues.
Justi ication:Achievesintellectualconsistencyandcoherenceacrosssections,andcreatesgreater
likelihoodofconsistentcourseexpectations.
LearningGoals:GlobalLiteracy
c.DecreasecreditsinWorldCultures/GlobalIssuesto3.Coursewillberenumberedat1000level.
Justi ication:Simpli iestransfercreditissues;simpli iesscheduling,whichcurrentlyrequires2
hoursperclass,3daysperweek;4thcontacthourofactivitieswasnotsuccessfullyintegrated
intoallsectionsofUN1002.
LearningGoal:GlobalLiteracy
d.Allowonesemesterof3000‐levelmodernlanguageorhighertosubstituteforWorldCultures;
eliminateUN1003.
Justi ication:Underthecurrentsystem,studentswhotakeUN1003(1cr)andoneyearof
languagemeettheWorldCulturesrequirement.Manystudentsmeetthisrequirementbytaking
asingleyearoflanguage,whichdoesnotprovideadequatefoundationalbackgroundinthe
studyofculture.Inaddition,UN1003hasbeenpoorlyintegratedwithWorldCultures.This
proposalwilleliminateUN1003andrequirestudentstotakeonelanguagecourseatthe
3000‐levelorhigher,duringwhichtheywillgaingreaterculturalinsights.Themodern
languagefacultyfullysupportofthischange,asitwillsigni icantlyincreasestudents’language
skills.Theyarealreadyplanningtomodifythelanguageminorstominimizetheroleof
irst‐yearlanguagesandincreasetheexpectedleveloflanguagecompetency.
LearningGoal:GlobalLiteracy
3.Strengthencoresocialandbehavioralsciences,humanities,and inearts.
a.CreateaSocialandBehavioralScienceRequirement(SBS).3creditswillbeselectedfromalistof
6‐102000‐level,introductorycourses.ThesecourseswillalsoremainontheHASSlist.
Justi ication:TheSocialandBehavioralSciencerequirementeffectivelyreplacestheInstitutions
requirementwithintroductionstothevarioussocialsciencedisciplines.Studyofthesocial
sciencesisafoundationalcomponentofgeneraleducation.
LearningGoals:KnowledgeofHumanCultures;ValuesandCivicEngagement
b.CreateaHumanitiesandFineArtsRequirement(HFA).3creditswillbeselectedfromalistof6‐10
2000‐level,introductorycourses.ThesecourseswillalsoremainontheHASSlist.
Justi ication:Studyoftheartsandhumanitiesisafoundationalcomponentofgeneraleducation.
Underthecurrentrequirements,manystudentscangraduatewithoutanyintroductiontothese
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centralacademic ields.
LearningGoals:Critical&CreativeThinking;ValuesandCivicEngagement
4.OtherChanges
a.ReducecreditsrequiredinCore+HASSfrom28to24;Eliminatetheabilityofacademicprograms
tospecifyacoursetomeettheHASSrequirement.TheHASSlistwillstaythesameandinclude
thesupplementallists.Changestothislistcanbemadeusingexistingproceduresfor
addinganddroppingcourses.The6creditupperdivisionHASSrequirementstaysin
effect.
Justi ication:Speci icationofacoursebyprogramsconfusesstudentsandcreatesunnecessary
overlapbetweengeneraleducationandmajorrequirements.24creditsisacommonnumberof
creditsincore+HASSinourpeerinstitutions.
b.EliminateUN1001(Perspectives)forallstudents.Thecoursewillprobablyberenumberedto
minimizeconfusion.However,thecoursemaystillbespeci iedforindividualprograms,schools
orcolleges,aswellasbytheHonorsProgram.
Justi ication:Theprogramremainsanchoredbyfourcoreareas,withthosecoursestobetakenin
the irsttwoyearsattheuniversity.ProgramsthatwishtoretainPerspectivesareencouraged
todoso.CSAexpectstoadoptthiscourseasadegreerequirementwithinitsmajors.
c.EliminateUN2002(Institutions).
Justi ication:TheintentofthisrequirementcanbebettermetwiththeSBSrequirement.
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COURSEDESCRIPTIONS
CoursesproposedtosatisfytheSocialandBehavioralSciences(SBS)requirementandtheHumanities
andFineArts(HFA)requirementwillbeevaluatedbytheDistributionCommitteeoftheGeneral
EducationCouncil.Existing2000‐levelcoursesthathavebeententativelysuggestedtomeetthese
requirementsincludethoselistedbelow.TheDepartmentofVisualandPerformingArtshassuggested3
possiblenewofferings(seeSection7).
SocialandBehavioralScience
EC2001PrinciplesofEconomics
PSY2000PrinciplesofPsychology
SS2100WorldPeoplesandEnvironments
SS2200PrehistoryandArchaeology
SS2400IntroductiontoHumanGeography
SS2500TheAmericanExperience
SS2550ThemesinWesternCivilization
SS2600AmericanGovernmentandPolitics
SS2700IntroductiontoSociology
EC 2001 - Principles of Economics
An introduction to economics. The microeconomics portion covers consumer choice, the firm, value and price
theory, and distribution theory. The macroeconomics portion covers national income analysis, fiscal policy,
money and monetary policy, the commercial banking system, and the Federal Reserve System.
PSY 2000 - Introduction to Psychology
Introduction to the scientific study of psychological structures and processes involved in individual and group
behavior. Explores theoretical accounts of the foundations of human behavior and examines empirical support.
Topics may include personality, disorders, therapy, development, and social psychology, perception, learning,
cognition, emotion, and states of consciousness.
SS 2100 - World Peoples & Environments
Introduction to two major disciplines, anthropology and geography, that focus on human diversity and the
human relationship to environment and resources. Emphasizes patterns of culture and nature at different scales
of human organization.
SS 2200 - Prehistory and Archaeology
Introduction to the methods of archaeology and the contributions of the discipline to understanding of world
prehistory. Topics include the ways archaeologists discover and excavate sites, the analysis of archaeological
artifacts and features, human evolution, and the patterns of world prehistory.
SS 2400 - Introduction to Human Geography
This course introduces students to concepts, problems, and case studies that make up the study of human
geography: the spatial differentiation and organization of human activity, environmental sustainability, and the
role of space and place in our everyday lives.
SS 2500 - The American Experience
Covers selected topics related to historical development of American culture and society. Topics include
American Revolution, slavery and Civil War, Jacksonian democracy, the West, urbanization and immigration,
technology, work, Progressives and expertise, World War I, wealth and leisure, Americans and politics, mass
communications and media, and the Great Depression. Credits: 3.0
SS 2550 - Themes in Western Civilization
Overview of the evolution of Western civilization. Reviews the major themes and movements that have
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influenced Western civilization, the factors that have contributed to its distinctiveness, and its impact on other
civilizations.
SS 2600 - American Government & Politics
Outlines the principles and logic of American Government and politics and explores contemporary issues in
national and state government.
SS 2700 - Introduction to Sociology
Introduces students to the way that sociologists think about different components of society. Topics include the
family, religion, markets, organizations, political systems, and educational systems. Also covers the source of
individual values, beliefs, and attitudes.
HumanitiesandFineArts
FA2xxxUnderstandingMusic
FA2xxxUnderstandingTheaterandFilm
FA2xxxUnderstandingVisualArts
HU2324IntroductiontoFilm
HU2400IntroductiontoDiversityintheUnitedStates
HU2501AmericanExperienceinLiterature
HU2505Science,TechnologyandHumanities
HU2520CulturalDiversityinAmericanLiterature
HU2538BritishExperienceinLiterature
HU2700IntroductiontoPhilosophy
HU 2324: Introduction to Film
Focuses on film narration and style within social cultural, and historical contexts. Emphasizes critical
engagement with film through discussion, presentations, and written analysis.
HU 2400 - Introduction to Diversity Studies in the United States
This course provides students with a better understanding of underrepresented populations within the United
States by examining the social, cultural, and personal consequences of gender, race, ethnicity, class, sexual
orientation, (dis)ability, and other significant identities.
HU 2501: The American Experience in Literature
A survey of writings and the oral tradition from the earliest explorers, Native Americans and AfricanAmericans to about 1850. Readings in such genres as histories, diaries, sermons poetry, and short stories.
HU 2505 - Science, Technology, and Humanities
A survey using literary texts, narrative history, documentary evidence, film, music, and cross-cultural references
to contextualize the emergence of scientific, technological, and humanistic developments in the modern era.
HU 2520 - Cultural Diversity in American Literature
Study of literature by authors from historically under-represented groups within the United States. May be
supplemented by literature from across the Americas, films, and essays on theories and approaches to difference
in the American context.
HU 2538 - British Experience in Literature
A survey of selected works of British literature from its origins to the present. Focuses on historical trends in the
development of the English language and the cultures of Great Britain.
HU 2700: Introduction to Philosophy
A study of thought representing various traditions such as classical and contemporary philosophy. Eastern and
Western religion, and issues in recent science. Some basic concepts of logic are also examined. Emphasizes
moral philosophy, utilitarianism, and Kantian ethics.
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3.DISCUSSIONOFRELATEDPROGRAMS
NotApplicable.
4.PROJECTEDENROLLMENT
Allundergraduatestudents.
5.SCHEDULINGPLANS
Notapplicable.
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6.CURRICULUMDESIGN
CurrentProgram:
Year
Courses
1
Perspectives(UN1001)
WorldCultures(UN1002)orMLOption(2sem+UN1003)
2
Composition(formerlyRevisions)(UN2001)
Institutions(UN2002)
3and4
HASSElectives(3cr.maybespeci iedbyprogram;6cr.mustbe
upperdivision)
1‐4
STEMrequirement
1laboratorysciencecourse
1mathematicscourse
STEMelectives
Co‐curricularrequirement=3units
TotalCredits Core=13;HASS=15;STEM=16
ProposedProgram:
Year
Courses
Comments
1
Composition
Bothcoursesoffered
GlobalIssuesorMLOption(3rdsem)
bothsemesters
2
3and4
1‐4
Social/BehavioralSciencecorelist
Humanities/FineArtscorelist
12cr.HASSelectives
STEMrequirement
1laboratorysciencecourse
1mathematicscourse
STEMelectives
Co‐curricularrequirement=3units
TotalCredits (Core=12;HASS=12;STEM=16)
Coursesontheselists
mayalsoappearonthe
HASSlist
Credits
3
4
3
3
15
16
3units
44
Credits
3
3
3
3
12
16
3units
40
Undertherevisedprogram,asunderthecurrentrequirements,transferequivalencieswillhavetobe
identi iedthataccountforcreditsearnedatanotherinstitutionandcreditsacquiredthroughAdvanced
Placementcourses.
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7.NEWCOURSEDESCRIPTIONS
FA 2xxx Understanding the Visual Arts
Using cross cultural examples from around the world and through time, students will examine and apply the
body of knowledge concerning visual ascetics, explore the psychology/physiology of artistic creativity and
viewer perception, and come to understand the uses and value of Visual Arts in Human Culture. Exhibition and
Museum visits required; reflection papers based on course content are a major means of evaluation.
FA 2xxx Understanding Music
Using cross-cultural examples from around the world and through time, students will examine and apply the
body of knowledge concerning musical aesthetics, explore the psychology/physiology of musical creativity and
listener perception and come to understand the uses and value of the Musical Art in Human Culture. Listen to
live and recorded music; reflection papers based on course content are a major means of evaluation.
FA 2xxx Understanding Theatre and Film
Using cross cultural examples from around the world and through time, students will examine and apply the
body of knowledge concerning aesthetics of theatre and film, explore the psychology/physiology of theatrical
creativity and audience perception and come to understand the uses and value of the Theatrical Art in Human
Culture. Attendance at theatre and film performances is required; reflection papers based on course content are
a major means of evaluation.
UN 1xxx. Composition
Same catalog text as UN2001.
UN 1xxx. Global Issues
Study of contemporary global issues, their origins and impacts. Particular attention to comparative processes of
globalization, migration and urbanization, economic and social development, political movements and conflicts,
environmental impacts, and human rights. Emphasis on access to and use of digital information and data.
8. LIBRARY AND OTHER LEARNING RESOURCES
Not applicable.
9. COMPUTING ACCESS FEE
Not applicable.
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10. FACULTY RESUMES
Not applicable.
11. DESCRIPTION OF EQUIPMENT
Not applicable.
12. PROGRAM COSTS
Changesincorecourserequirementswillresultinsomeadditionalcostsassociatedwithsectionsize,
courseenrollmentchanges,increaseduseoflecturersanddecreaseduseofpart‐timetemporaryfaculty.
AddedCosts
1.Composition.Movingthisrequiredcoursefromthesecondyeartothe irstyearwillresultinan
enrollmentincreaseofapproximately300students.AnnualenrollmentinUN2001Compositionis
approximately900,whileenrollmentinUN1001Perspectivesisapproximately1200.Thedifferenceis
theresultofstudentattritionbetweenyears1and2,andbecausesomestudentschoosetoenrollin
coursesduringthesummerthattransferinasComposition.
CompositionistaughtentirelybyTAsintheHumanitiesDepartmentinsectionsof20students.An
additional300studentswillrequire15moresections.SixofthesesectionscanbetaughtbyTAs
currentlyassignedtoothercourses;ninesectionswillneedtobetaughtbyadditionalTAs.Thiswill
resultinaddedexpensefor3TAs.Total=ca.$75,000.
2.GlobalIssues.CurrentlysixsectionsofWorldCulturesareofferedannually,withtotalenrollmentof
approximately1000.Toreducesectionsizebelow100studentspersectionwillrequireanadditional6
sectionsofthecourse.Thiswillbemetbycreatingonelecturerposition.Total=$65,000(salary,
includingfringes).
3.SophomoreYearRequirements.
HumanitiesandFineArtsRequirement.Anticipatedenrollmentinthesecoursesis900students,asthe
requirementisdesignedtobecompletedduringthesophomoreyear.Assumingsectionsizesof60
students,thisrequires15sectionsof2000‐levelcoursesinHumanitiesandVisualandPerformingArts.
Currentcourseslikelytomeetthisrequirementhavethecapacitytoaccommodateanadditional145
students.Theremaining755seatswillrequire14additionalsections.Elevenofthesesectionscanbe
assignedtofacultycurrentlyteachingPerspectives.Theremaining3sectionswillbeassignedtoa
lecturer.
SocialandBehavioralSciencesRequirement.Anticipatedenrollmentinthesecoursesis900students.
Currentcourseslikelytomeetthisrequirementhavethecapacitytoaccommodateanadditional285
students.Theremaining615seatswillrequire13additionalsections,includingsomeforcoursesthat
arecurrentlytaughtonlyonceeachyear.Threeofthesesectionscanbeassignedtofacultycurrently
teachingInstitutions.Theremaining10sectionswillbeassignedtolecturers.
Addedneedisfor13sections,requiringanadditional1.5lecturers.Total=$97,500(salary,including
fringes).
Totaladdedcost=$237,500
ResourcesAvailable
Somesavingswillberealizedfromtheproposedchanges.
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1.Eliminationof20sectionsofPerspectiveswillsavetheGeneralEducationbudget$80,000.
2.EliminationofInstitutionswillsave$42,000insalaryandfringesforpart‐timetemporaryfaculty.
Totalsavings=$122,000
Netadded,ongoingcosts=$115,500
One‐timecosts
Additionalcostsforimplementingtheprogramchangesinclude:
1.Re‐designofWorldCulturesinto“GlobalIssues.”TheGeneralEducationprogram,utilizingexisting
resources,willprovideprofessionaldevelopmentforfacultyengagedinre‐designingthiscourse.
2.AdditionalcostsassociatedwithteachingCompositiontotwocohortsofstudentsduringthe2013‐14
academicyear.Thiswillrequireanadditional40sectionsofthecourse.TheHumanitiesDepartmentwill
substantiallyincreasethenumberofsectionsavailableduringsummer,2013,andsummer2014,to
decreasethisburden.Anadded15summersectionswillgeneratesuf icientsummerrevenuetothe
HumanitiesDepartmenttoenablethemtooffertheremaining25sectionsduringthe2013‐14academic
year.
13. SPACE
Not applicable.
14. POLICIES, REGULATIONS AND RULES
The General Education Program is overseen by the General Education Council, which is responsible for
interpretation and continuous improvement of the curriculum. The Council evaluates all proposed revisions to
the General Education curriculum for consistency with the philosophy and goals of general education.
The Council includes a Distribution Committee that is responsible for monitoring the HASS and STEM
requirements. The Distribution Committee reviews all proposals for courses to satisfy the HASS and STEM
requirements; it makes recommendations on the distribution requirements to General Education Council. The
Distribution Committee will be responsible for evaluating courses to satisfy the SBS and HFA requirements.
Proposal Review. Courses proposed to satisfy the SBS and HFA requirements will be reviewed by the
Distribution Committee.
a.
Each proposal will include a course description and syllabus that demonstrates how the course will
meet the University Student Learning Goal(s) relevant to the General Education requirement (see p.
2-5). The committee will evaluate the applications and make recommendations to the General
Education Council.
b. The Distribution Committee will review assessment results from courses on a regular and timely basis
to assure they are meeting the University Student Learning Goals and continue to satisfy the General
Education requirements.
c. The Distribution Committee will regularly review offerings to assure that a sufficient number of
courses are offered on a timely basis to meet SBS and HFA enrollment demands, and will consult with
departments about currency of offerings.
d. Courses which are not offered on a regular basis or whose assessment results over time do not
demonstrate that the course is meeting its learning goals may be removed from the approved list of
General Education courses.
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15. ACCREDITATION REQUIREMENTS
Not applicable.
16.IMPLEMENTATIONPROCESSANDPLANNEDIMPLEMENTATIONDATE
HASSRequirement,includingSocial&BehavioralScienceandHumanities&FineArts.
TheSocialandBehavioralSciencesandtheHumanitiesandFineArtsarecentraldisciplinaryareasof
generaleducation.TheDistributionCommitteewillclarifythemeaningofsocialandbehavioralsciences,
humanitiesand inearts;identifyminimumrequirementsforSBSandHFAcourses;provideinformation
(includingrubrics)tofacultyregardingassessmentoftherelevantstudentlearninggoals,anddevelopa
procedureforapprovalofSBSandHFAcourses.Itisexpectedthatthesewillbe3‐credit,2000‐level
coursesofferedinsectionsof50‐100students.TheremustbeenoughsectionsofapprovedSocial&
BehavioralScienceandHumanities&FineArtscoursestoaccommodateatleast1000studentsper
academicyear,balancedbetweenthesemesters.TheDistributionCommitteewillcontinuetoevaluate
coursesforinclusiononthelistofHASSandSTEMelectives.
ProposalevaluationforSBSandHFAcourseswilltakeplaceduringfallsemester,2012,inconjunction
withtheBinderProcess.
TransitionIssues.Somecurrentstudentsmayhaveissuesrelatedtocompletingprogramrequirements.
StudentswhoareutilizingthemodernlanguageoptiontoWorldCultureswillstillbeabletotakeUN1003
(1credit)in2012‐13and2013‐14.Institutions(UN2002)willbetaughtduring2012‐13.Insubsequent
years,courseswillbeidenti iedthatwillsatisfytheInstitutionsrequirementforstudentsinthecurrent
generaleducationprogram.ThecurrentHASSlistwillcontinuetobetherelevantdocumentforcurrent
studentswhohavenotyetcompletedtheir15creditsofHASSelectives.Thisisquitesimilartothe
processusedwhenweimplementedthecurrentHASSrequirementinfall,2008,butmanystudentswere
stilloperatingunderthepreviousdistributionrequirement.
ScheduleofImplementation:
March‐May,2012DistributionCommitteede inesanddescribeskeyelementsofSBSand
HFAcourses,createsevaluationformforcourses,disseminates
informationtofacultyregardingrequirementsforcoursestomeetthe
requirement
September‐October,2012FacultydevelopandsubmitSBSandHFAcourseproposals
Academicprogramsrevisedegreeschedulesforbinderprocess
October26,2012CourseBinderdue(approximatedate)
DistributionCommitteebeginsexaminingcourseproposals
December1,2012Allcourseproposalsarevettedandcourselistsarecreated
January31,2013Allchangescompleted
January‐April,2013WorkshopsforfacultyondevelopingGlobalIssuescourse
TheDistributionCommitteewillcompletethelastoftheirworkbytheendofFallSemester,2012.When
thedistributionlistwaslastrevised,inthe2007‐08academicyear,mostcourseproposalswerenot
receiveduntilearlyDecember,2007.ThisstillgavetheDistributionCommitteesuf icienttimetoevaluate
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Proposal 15-12
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http://www.admin.mtu.edu/usenate/propose/12/15-12.htm
theproposalsbymid‐JanuaryandforthenewHASSandSTEMliststobe inalizedbyJanuary30,2008,
forimplementationinfall,2008.ItisanticipatedthattheSBSandHFAlistscaneasilybe inalizedwithin
thetimeframeabove.ThisprogramisdesignedtobeimplementedforstudentsenteringMichiganTech
inFall,2013.
17. INTERNAL STATUS OF THE PROPOSAL
This proposal was discussed at length by the General Education Council prior to approval. The College of
Sciences and Arts College Council has been kept aware of the discussions and is familiar with the changes
being proposed. There have been ongoing discussions with the modern language faculty, with faculty in Social
Sciences, Humanities, and Visual & Performing Arts, and with the chairs of those units. The Provost has been
briefed periodically on the status of the proposal.
Approved by General Education Council
Reviewed by Deans Council
Reviewed by Provost
Reviewed by Senate Curricular Policy Committee
Reviewed by Senate Finance Committee
Approved by Michigan Tech Senate
March 19, 2012
March 14, 2012
March 14, 2012
March 20, 2012
Introduced to Senate: 21 March 2012
Revised and Reintroduced: 22 March 2012
Added Clarification in Red: 04 April 2012
Approved by Senate: 18 April 2012
6/4/2012 11:51 AM