OFF-CAMPUS STUDIES PANEL
Minutes and Report
November, 2010
Minutes
Thursday, November 18, 2010
2-4 PM
THH 207
I.
II.
Minutes of October 18, 2010, meeting.
 Approved.
Review of courses with “short” overseas trips (two weeks or less)
A. Review cycle: Will short courses be reviewed again, if they continue to be offered? If
so, on what cycle?
Discussion: “Short trip” courses (using the 502 form) should be reviewed on the same
cycle as ISPs, even if they do not take place in the summer. Some courses are officially
“spring” classes in the registration system, but the entire trip takes place after graduation
(eg, Maymester courses, or the i-Podium course where students are in class at USC all
spring and then go abroad after graduation). Perhaps the “S” of “International ‘Summer’
Programs” should be redefined as “Spring or Summer.” (Reminder: The 502 form is
used if the overseas trip is two weeks or shorter, regardless of how long the entire course
may be.) We expect that short trips may be more likely to happen only once.
Currently, courses using the 502 form can be approved by the chair only. The chair will
decide if they are approved for one year or three years. Even if they are approved for
three years, a 501 form would be needed the first year, but it would be reviewed by the
chair only. All following “in-between” reviews could use the 501S form. The 501S form
asks if things changed since the last year (thus, we need a director’s report for the first
offering), and if there were any significant problems (we need to be alerted if the program
requires more extensive review). The 501S form also requests the syllabus, student
evaluations (which should be shortened for short trips—see item B below), and any
verbiage for the Schedule of Classes (which is unlikely to be relevant for short trips).
B. Should OSP review existing courses with short trips which have not been reviewed
before (these exist, at least, in PPD, Business, Journalism, Education, Public Health,
Social Work, Theatre)
Discussion: Yes. Prof. McGillivray wants a master list of existing overseas courses.
OSP feels all existing courses should be reviewed, with a due date no later than
September 1, 2011. This will give departments time to prepare to gather student
evaluations.
The evaluations (focusing only on the trip, not the entire course, if it includes
considerable additional time at USC) should be shorter than the standard Qualtrics form
that has been used with semester and ISP programs. A subcommittee of Mark Robison
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November 2010
Page 2 of 9
and Stephen Bucher will draft a short student evaluation form for short trips. They will
include some of the questions from the standard longer form (for comparative purposes),
and some of the questions Marshall uses for its evaluations of short trips (to be provided
by Stacy Geck). Probably student grades should be included, at least for the initial
review.
OSP recognizes that if most of these courses are approved for three years, OSP will get a
spike of short trips to review every three years. There will also be a large number of “inbetween” reviews every year for the chair to review, presumably using the 501S form.
C. Overseas courses (short or not) which are offered in different locations: what
information does the department need to provide for each different location, and how
much in advance? E.g., rationale, itinerary, lodging?
Discussion: OSP confirms that each time a course is offered in a different location,
departments need to provide the rationale for going to a new location, a brief
itinerary, and information about the lodging.
III.
Website with USC-wide information about overseas programs: what information is
needed besides that already on the Student Affairs website: www.usc.edu/studentaffairs/programs/ssa/overseas_resources?
Discussion: Stephen will meet with Prof. McGillivray about this, and he will come to the
December 9 meeting.
IV.
Externship overseas: Should OSP review externships in which individual students
study/observe/participate abroad, eg, THTR-598? (Syllabus attached; required course for
MA in Applied Theatre Arts.)
Discussion: Yes, the department should provide a 501 for this course. This situation is
much less structured than a clerkship or residency where students work in a hospital in a
standard setting (which OSP does not review). The department asked if students need to
be accompanied by a faculty member while abroad. No, they do not, but safety issues
must be addressed.
Another non-standard type of trip is the long weekend in Mexico which students in MOR
542 take. This should also be reviewed, using the 502 form.
V.
Syllabi for USC foreign language courses: these are often partly or solely in the language
being taught. Do they need to be partly or entirely translated into English for OSP
review?
Discussion: Yes, a full translation is needed.
VI.
VII.
Sharing of proposals.
The chair accepted volunteers to review the proposals currently before OSP.
Not on the agenda but discussed:
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Minutes and Report
November 2010
Page 3 of 9
A new member asked if there is a checklist of how to review programs and what to look
for. There is not, but at the next meeting, we might propose language about the goals of
overseas studies, and try to define what situations are considered “safe.”
Attachments:
--Minutes and from OSP meeting October 21, 2010, and Report of other items approved for
November UCOC meeting
--THTR 598 syllabus
Members present
Stephen Bucher (chair)
Stacy Geck
Dan Lynch
John Murray
Patricia Riley
Mark Robison
James Steele
Erin Quinn
Edwenna Werner (support staff)
Members absent
Gene Bickers (ex officio)
Laura Gardiner (student)
David Glasgow (ex officio)
Ted Lee
Kenneth McGillivray (ex officio)
Jean Morrison (ex officio)
Sally Pratt (ex officio)
Gordon Stables
Andrea Torres (ex officio)
Kenneth Servis (ex officio)
Carol Wise
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Minutes and Report
November 2010
Page 4 of 9
REPORT OF DECISIONS MADE BY CHAIR OR CHAIR-PLUS-ONE:
I.
MARSHALL SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
Graduate School of Business
Eff. Term: Fall 2011
A. Reinstate 10 Graduate International Exchange Programs
Marshall wishes to reinstate 13 semester abroad programs that were suspended in January 2009 due to staff
shortages. Ten are being proposed at this time, the others later. In all programs, students take classes at a graduate
business school. They live in apartments or, in some cases, dormitories. There are no excursions provided (except
at Sasin). Student evaluation data is provided from the previous period when students attended. In some cases, the
semester and course length has changed and articulation or maximum units have been changed to reflect that.
Programs are administered by Marshall's Office of Global Programs and Partnership. They are open to full-time
MBA and MBA.PM students. The programs were last evaluated by OSP in Fall 2004, so student data after that time
is provided for this review.
1. Australia, Melbourne Business School (14)
> Approved for 3 years
Students attend Melbourne Business School. Eleven students attended between Spring 2005 and Fall
2009. Semesters are 13 weeks including exams. Students earn 3 units per full course. MBS helps students find
housing nearby. Available fall or spring.
Chair comments: The program seems well run and well received for the most part.
2. China, Hong Kong, HKUST (15)
> Approved for 3 years
Students take courses in English at the HKUST Business School. From 2004-2009, 16 students attended. Students
take about 5 courses per semester. The HKUST MBA office assists students in finding housing, usually off-campus.
An orientation and a number of campus facilities (including recreational facilities) are available.
Chair comments: There were several suggestions for better coordination between USC and HKUST. The panel
hopes this is addressed.
3. Denmark, Copenhagen Business School (15)
> Approved for 3 years
Students attend Copenhagen Business School, taking courses in the M.S. Business program. Five
students participated between SP05 and SP09. CBS assists students in finding housing in residence halls,
apartments, or private housing. Students are provided "buddies." There are 12 weeks of classes, followed by
exams in the following week, or sometimes later. Available fall or spring.
Chair comments: The second reviewer (who has taught at CBS) said, “The school needs to do a better job of
explaining this program. The current program lists a lot of classes that are MA/MS classes and not like MBA
classes. They do not require years of prior business experience and are often open to their undergraduate students in
their progressive degree programs.” The panel asks that the appropriateness of such classes be included in the
orientation material provided to GSBA students in the document IEP 2008-09 Sites.pdf, which should be provided
to OSP once it has been updated.
4. Germany, WHU, Koblenz (15)
> Approved for 3 years
Students attend Wissenschaftliche Hochschule fur Unternehmensfuhrung (WHU), Otto Beisheim School of
Management, in Koblenz, Germany. Students can take courses in two 7.5 week quarters and/or a 15 week semester.
Four students attended between FA04 and FA07. The International Office helps students find off-campus housing
and helps integrate them into the student body. Available fall or spring.
Chair comments: Overall seems to be a good program.
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November 2010
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5. Japan, Waseda University, Tokyo (15)
> Approved for 3 years
Students attend the Graduate School of Commerce at Waseda University in Tokyo, taking courses in the MBA
program. Seven students attended between SP06 and SP09. Some on-campus housing is available. Available
spring only.
Chair comments: More challenging classes seem to be needed, but much of that is out of our control.
6. Mexico, IPADE, Mexico City (12.5 Winter, 11 Spring)
> Approved for 3 years
Students attend Instituto Panamerico de Alta Dirección de Empresa (I.P.A.D.E.) Business School in Mexico City.
Students who attend January-March may earn 12.5 units, April-June (shorter term) may earn 11 units (fall not
available). Three students attended between FA05 and SP08. The IPADE international office assists students in
finding housing.
Chair comments: The faculty letter of support was very helpful.
7. Singapore, National University of Singapore (15)
> Approved for 3 years
Students attend the National University of Singapore Business School. Semesters are 17 weeks. Seven students
participated between FA04 and FA09. NUS provides information about local housing. Available fall or spring.
Chair comments: Some unsatisfactory evaluations by students, but the overall program seems strong and valuable.
8. Switzerland, St Gallen Business School (12)
> Approved for 3 years
Students attend Hochschule of St. Gallen Business School in St. Gallen, Switzerland, for 10 weeks plus orientation.
Nine students attended between FA04 and FA08. They attend the International Studies Program for international
MBA students. The housing coordinator helps students find local housing. Available fall or spring.
Chair comments: There are no major issues identified here. Looks like a strong program.
9. Thailand, Sasin, Chulalongkom University, Bangkok (11)
> Approved for 1 year
Students attend the Sasin Graduate Institute of Business Administration of Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok,
Thailand. Students attend two five-week modules (including exams). Three students participated between FA06
and FA08. Students may live on- or off-campus. The student service office organizes half-day excursions.
Available fall only.
Chair comments: The students’ evaluations were not positive, and while there were only two, the comments were
taken seriously. The panel requests the .pdf files mentioned in the 501 form part II that were offered upon program
approval.
10. United Kingdom, Manchester School of Business, England (13)
> Approved for 3 years
Students attend Manchester Business School, University of Manchester, England. Three students attended between
FA06 and SP08. Available fall only. Some dorm rooms available.
Chair comments: While the one student evaluation was rather negative, it was just one. We're hopeful for better
reactions in the future. The program seems solid.
B. New Program: Course with “Short Trip” (Two Weeks or Less)
Graduate School of Business
Eff. Term: Spring 2011
1. GSBA 599 Digital Strategies, Dubai and Abu Dhabi (3)
> Approved for 2 years
MBA students travel to Dubai and Abu Dhabi during spring break as part of GSBA 599, "Digital Strategies for
Sustainability in Global Emerging Markets." Students work during the USC part of the course researching a
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November 2010
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company, visit it during the trip, and provide a consulting report afterwards. One-day visits to various companies
are pre-arranged. Students stay in hotels and are accompanied by USC faculty member.
Chair comments: This is a unique opportunity for students. The non-curricular issues seem well considered. (Note:
Special topics courses can only be offered twice without being proposed as a regular course. This is a first offering.)
II.
ANNENBERG SCHOOL FOR COMMUNICATION
Communication
A. New Semester Program
Eff. Term: Spring 2011
Public Relations, University of Westminster, London (16)
> Approved for 3 years
Semester program for Public Relations majors in the spring of their junior year. Students take courses at University
of Westminster and earn 8 JOUR units and 8 units of electives. ACCENT will provide logistical support, along with
Westminster's Study Abroad Unit. Students will live in apartments.
Chair comments: Program looks solid and should be a good opportunity for students.
III.
VITERBI SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING
Industrial and Systems Engineering
A. Review International SpringProgram
Eff. Term: Spring 2011
USC-NTU-PKU i-Podium (3)—ISE-499, Beijing
(Students study in Beijing at the end of a spring course taken while in residence at USC)
> Approved for 1 year
Full review of program previously approved for one year. Students take ISE-499 "Principle and
Experience of Global Innovation Teams" for 3 units. The first 19 weeks, in the spring, are online at USC
using the i-Podium platform. The last 4 weeks are at Peking University, with students from Peking
University, who were part of the online course. Students were accompanied by the USC faculty, TA, and two
staff members. In 2011, students from Taipei University will also participate. In Spring 2010, 12 students
participated, 6 engineering and 6 business majors. Students have classroom lectures, case studies, and
team projects, which demonstrate socio-technical dynamics of global innovation. Students worked in 6 teams
with 2 USC and 2 PKU students on projects to enhance sustainability at PKU. The USC faculty member is
responsible for the academic requirements of USC students (not those from PKU and NTU, who are enrolled
in a PKU course). Students live in a hotel on the PKU campus. Local excursions to universities and tourist
sites were provided. PKU provided the classroom.
Chair comments (alternate chair to S. Bucher): Despite some minor administrative and organizational glitches, the
staff and faculty have adjusted accordingly moving forward and the program is strong and culturally integrated. I
would like to see the student suggestions incorporated into the future programs with more interactions and cultural
integration weaved throughout the whole experience. (Note: Special topics courses can only be offered twice
without being proposed as a regular course. This will be the second offering.)
B. Review and renew semester program
Engineering
Kyushu Institute of Technology (1-12), Fukuoka, Japan
Eff. Term: Fall 2011
> Approved for 1 year
Full review and renewal of program originally approved for one year as an ISP.
Program, funded by an NSF grant, enables students to do collaborative, cross-cultural research on a satellite
project led by Prof. Wang of Viterbi and a KIT faculty member. Students do lab research at KIT. Students
are required to enroll in ASTE 490/590/790 for a TBD number of units in the fall or spring, but in the summer,
enrollment is optional. So far, one doctoral student did non-credit research during the summer, and one
senior is currently (Fall 2010) taking ASTE-490 while at KIT. Students must also enroll in a course at KIT, but
it will not transfer to USC. Students are supervised by the faculty member in charge in the lab (where
English is spoken). They live in a dorm and are assigned a Japanese student "buddy." Time abroad could be
one or two semesters, which would often include the summer. Since no students have completed the
program, this is more of a renewal than a review.
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Reviewer comment: Laudable program.
C. Full Review of International Summer Program
Engineering
Unvergraduate ISP in Rotating European Cities (5-7)
Eff term: Summer 2011
> Approved for 3 years
Full review of six or seven week program in which students take two courses from among AME 310, ISE 460,
ENGR 490, HIST 195, and WRIT-340. Engineering may offer in the future CE 460 or an ENGR 499 (focusing on
sustainability), or ENGR 395 (internship course), replacing some other course (only 5 courses total per site).
Program rotates through Paris (2010), Rome (2008, 2011), Madrid (2009), London (2011), with plans TBD for
Florence. The engineering and writing courses are taught by USC faculty (splitting the courses), while ACCENT
provides faculty for the HIST course. ACCENT also secures housing in apartments and provides classroom space
and assistance with excursions (several weekend excursions are offered) and student services. In addition, a Viterbi
staff member is always present, along with at least two faculty. Around 35 students participate each year. Viterbi
wants to offer two locations starting in 2011.
Chair's comments (alternate chair to S. Bucher): The program is well thought out and very ambitious in
regards to continuous curriculum development and minor improvement as it continues to grow. The challenges
of making the program interesting and applicable have been reached and the cultural integration is well
thought out.
IV.
LEONARD DAVIS SCHOOL OF GERONTOLOGY
Gerontology
A.
New International Summer Program
Eff. Term: Summer 20
Genoa (4) GERO 499 (4)
> Approved for 2 years
Students will take GERO 499, Nutrition, Genes, Longevity and Diseases. They will have one day of classes at USC
and four weeks in Genoa, Italy [recent update: possibly one week at USC and three weeks in Genoa]. Classes will
be taught by USC Prof. Longo, and administrative support will be provided by a faculty member from the French
and Italian department. Classes will be held at the University of Genoa Department of Medicine and Surgery and
will include interaction with faculty of the University and discussion of case studies from the San Martino Hospital
in Genoa. Students will observe the active life style of the population of Genoa, which has an unusually large
proportion of elderly people who eat a Mediterranean diet. Students will be housed nearby and take an excursion to
Cinque Terre.
Chair comments: The main concerns deal with the number of students potentially participating. We would suggest
fewer students than the department originally proposed (30-50) for the inaugural semester. [The department has
already agreed to this.] The panel also encourages orientation sessions here and in Italy. (Special topics courses may
only be offered twice before being proposed as a regular course.)
V.
GOULD SCHOOL OF LAW
A.
Review Year Exchange Program
Eff. Term: Fall 2011
Law School Dual Degree Program at the London School of Economics (24)
> Approved for 1 year
Review of exchange program in which students attend USC for two years and then the London School of Economics
for one year and earn both a J.D. from USC and an LL.M from the University of London. Students earn 24 units
during a total of 22 weeks of classes followed by an exam period. Students stay in apartments or LSE housing.
Thirteen students attended during 2004-5 through 2009-10.
Chair comments: The issue of 24 units being earned in 22 weeks should be addressed. This accommodation
is not consistent with other study abroad courses.
B. Three new semester programs
1. Bond University Faculty of Law, Queensland, Australia (12-15)
Eff. Term: Fall 2011
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November 2010
Page 8 of 9
> Approved for 3 years
Students attend Bond University Faculty of Law in Queensland, Australia. Students can attend the 14-week
semesters beginning in September or January. Students will enroll in graduate and, in some cases, undergraduate
Law courses. Courses earn 10-15 Bond units apiece, or 2-3 USC units. Housing is available on or off-campus, with
assistance provided by the Bond University Exchange Office, with additional support from the Faculty of Law
Student Services.
Chair comments: The new programs proposed are well thought-out and clearly described.
2. Bocconi Law School, Milan, Italy (12)
> Approved for 3 years
Students take four courses at Bocconi Law School, earning 3 USC units apiece. A number of standard Law courses
are available in English. The International Student Desk assists students in finding housing on- or off-campus.
Italian language courses (for no credit) are available.
Chair comments: The new programs proposed are well thought-out and clearly described.
3. University Jean Moulin, Lyon, France (12-15)
> Approved for 3 years
Students enroll in graduate law courses at University Jean Moulin Lyon 3 taught in English. The university's
Student Life Office provides assistance in finding housing on- or off-campus.
Chair comments: The new programs proposed are well thought-out and clearly described.
VI.
COLLEGE OF LETTERS ARTS & SCIENCES
A. Full Review of International Summer Programs (ISP)
Eff. Term: Summer 2011
1. International Relations
Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussels (4)
> Approved for 3 years.
Students enroll in IR-491 Field Study for 4 units. They live in Brussels for 5 weeks and have an internshipfor one
full week initially, then afternoons for 4 weeks. During these 4 weeks, they take a morning class in contemporary
issues in European foreign and security policy at Vrije Universiteit Brussel. Several local faculty members teach the
course. Students live in an aparthotel. Six students participated. A USC staff member attended for the first week.
Chair comments: The Director's and Staff Coordinator's reports identify some problems encountered and provide
thoughtful approaches to address these problems.
2. USC Cambridge International Summer Program (4)
> Approved for 3 years
Full review of long-term program. Students take two seminars at Cambridge University and earn 2 units per course
upon completion of a paper. They live in college dorms and take cultural excursions, organized by the USC staff
member who was present. This is the only ISP that does not offer USC courses.
Chair comments: The orientation materials especially seem helpful. No real issues present themselves.
B. Chair-only Review of ISP
1. Spanish and Portuguese
Eff. Term: Summer 2011
Madrid Summer Program (8)
> Approved
Chair-only review. Seven-week program. Students take two courses (an advanced language course and SPAN 465
or 490), live with a Spanish family, tour Madrid’s museums, visit Barcelona, and make day trips.
Chair comments: Evaluations are very positive. Per a recent OSP discussion, for future reports translated syllabi are
requested.
C. New Courses with Short Trips
Off-campus Studies Program
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November 2010
Page 9 of 9
1.Anthropology
Eff. Term: Spring 2011
ANTH 301: The Performance of Healing (4), Brazil
> Approved for 3 years
"Problems Without Passports" course. Students spend 2 weeks in LA and 2 weeks in Brazil, where they have an
experiential education concerning spiritist healing. They examine the performance of healing and learn
anthropological skills. They stay in hotels and are accompanied by a USC faculty member.
Chair comments: Fascinating approach to the subject matter. Logistics seem well thought-out.
2. Environmental Studies
a) ENST 485: Role of the Environment in the Collapse of Human Societies (4) Eff. Term: Summer 2011
> Approved for 3 years
Students spend 2 weeks in Belize followed by 1 week in LA. They study the collapse of the classic Maya in Belize,
including studying archaeological digs. Courses has been offered several times, but this is the first official review
by OSP. Students are accompanied by a USC faculty member and stay in hotels. Problems without Passports
course.
Chair comments: The details requested in the last (unofficial) review are included and very informative.
b) ENST 499: Integrated Ecosystem Management in Micronesia (4)
Eff. Term: Spring 2011
> Approved for 1 year
Maymester course. Students spend one week each in Catalina, Guam, and Palau, accompanied by two
faculty and one staff (diving safety instructor). The goal is to introduce students to laboratory and field
skills and ecosystem management tools used to investigate complex environmental problems in Catalina and
Micronesia, where there will be a focus on coral reefs. Students must be certified divers.
Chair comments: If successful the course seems like it could be a model for other Maymester courses. Will be
interested in student evaluations. (Note: Special topics courses can only be offered twice without being proposed as
a regular course. This will be the second offering.)
3. International Relations
Eff. Term: Summer 2011
IR 318: Conflict Resolution and Peace Research (4), Cambodia
> Approved for 1 year
Problems without Passports course offered for a second time. Students spend 2 weeks at USC followed by 2 weeks
in Cambodia, where they interview survivors of the Khmer Rouge genocide, as well as NGOs, and visit relevant
sites. They also visit Angkor Wat. Students are accompanied by USC lecturer and by staff member from Shoah
Foundation Institute.
Chair comments: A very intriguing course. The panel looks forward to seeing future student evaluations of the trip.
VII.
KECK SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
Preventive Medicine
A.
New Courses with Short Trips
Eff. Term: Summer 2011
Short trip
GM 550: Clinical Medicine and Healthcare Reform in Taiwan (2)
> Approved for 3 years
Note: GM-550 was also reviewed and approved by HPS (see HPS November report).
Course consists solely of a two-week trip to Taiwan. Students will attend lectures by Keck School faculty
accompanying them on the trip, faculty from Taipei Medical University, other local physicians, and Taiwanese
healthcare administrators and leaders. Students will have the opportunity to visit educational institutions, health
facilities, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and other sites to better understand the health care
system, health priorities, and needs within the country.
Chair comments: Very informative syllabus. Looks like a great course.