St. Cloud State University
General Education Goal Area 8
Global Perspectives
Academic Affairs Use Only:
Response Date:
Effective Date:
1.
Proposal Number:
Prepared by: Annette S. Lee
Phone: 320-308-2013
Email: aslee@stcloudstate.edu
2.
Requesting Unit: Physics, Astronomy and Engineering Science
3.
Department, Course Number, Title: ASTR120, Archaeoastronomy
4.
New Course
5.
Will this course be flagged as a diversity course?
Already Designated as Diversity
Existing Course
No
Diversity Proposal Accompanying This Form
6.
Will this course also satisfy another General Education Goal Area?
No
Yes
If “Yes” specify which goal area.
3 and 7
7.
Course bulletin description, including credits and semesters to be offered:
Comparative study of the astronomies, cosmologies, and sciences of ancient civilizations. How the
physical environment affected observations. Connections between science and religion. Five to ten days will be
spent at an archaeological site of astronomical significance. Extra Fees. 3 Cr. S
8.
Indicate the clientele for whom this course is designed. Is the course for general education only, or
does it fulfill general education and other program needs for this or another department? Obtain
signatures from any affected departments.
For General Education and Multicultural, Gender and Minority Studies
9.
Indicate any changes that must be made in offerings or resources in your department or other
departments by offering this course.
None.
10.
For new courses or courses not yet approved for General Education, indicate any other SCSU departments
or units offering instruction that relates to the content of the proposed course.
None.
11.
Courses designated as General Education are included in the assessment plan for the Goal Area(s)
for which they are approved. Courses for which assessment is not included in the annual GE
assessment report for two years will be removed from the General Education Program.
12/11/2009
The Requesting Unit understands and recognizes the above conditions.
12.
Provide a concise explanation of how the following goal is a “significant focus” of the proposed course.
Goal Area 8: Global Perspectives
Develop a comparative perspective and understanding of one’s place in a global context.
The primary objective of this course is to use astronomy as a vehicle to develop an understanding of native
cultures, past and present, and how they are similar to and different from our modern civilization.
13. In order for a course to be designated as fulfilling Goal Area 8, it must address at least 4 of the 5 student learning
outcomes (SLOs) below. Check the SLOs below that are focused on in the proposed general education course.
1. Explain how they are connected and related to people elsewhere in the world.
2. Describe similarities and differences among global places and populations.
3. Analyze how political, economic or cultural elements influence relations among the world’s states, peoples, or
societies.
4. Analyze specific international issues and propose and evaluate responses.
5. Articulate a vision of their individual roles and responsibilities in a common global future.
14.
Discuss how each Student Learning Outcome checked above is achieved in this course. (Note: Although
descriptions of typical assignments or types of assignments may be part of this discussion, it is not
appropriate to submit copies of actual assignments.)
A major focus of student participation during class time, writing assignments and exams is on
demonstrating an understanding of how various aspects of environment, societal need, and religion influence the
development of astronomy and science in each of the civilizations. (SLO 3)
This work builds an appreciation for the diversity of influences not only on a given subject, but on the
society, culture and people of the civilization. (SLO 2)
Hence, the students come to see the development of astronomy in terms of what appears to have been
important to that civilization, and not in terms of the major influences in our daily lives. (SLO 1)
This course brings out and compares the questions that various individual civilizations were asking about
the physical world and seeks to identify why these questions were posed. (SLO4)
From class discussion, reading and writing assignments, students draw their own conclusions about the
relative importance of various influences on the civilization in general and the astronomy and science of that
civilization in particular. Students demonstrate critical thinking that will be used to communicate their personal
place and future goals in their own community. (SLO 5)
12/11/2009
15.
List or attach the Course Outline (adequately described and including percentage of time to be allocated
to each topic). Curriculum Committees may request additional information. Topics larger than 20% need
to be broken down further. Indicate in your course outline where the Student Learning Outcomes
checked above are being met.
COURSE OUTLINE:
I. Scientific Astronomical Topics 30% - SLO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
The Sky Above
10%
Planets
5%
Stars
5%
Galaxies
5%
Cosmologies
5%
II. Native American Astronomy
Plains
Woodlands
Southwest
Mayan/Aztec
III. Other Astronomies
Chinese
Egyptian
European
Australian
Indian/Tibet
12/11/2009
50% - SLO 1, 3, 4, 5
15%
15%
10%
10%
20% - SLO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
4%
4%
4%
4%
4%
St. Cloud State University
General Education Transmittal Form
Academic Affairs Use Only:
Response Date:
Effective Date:
Proposal Number
Department: Physics, Astronomy and Engineering Science
Course or Course(s): ASTR 205
Kevin L. Haglin
Department or Unit Chair Signature
2/25/2010
Date
Department forward to Academic Affairs for publication and electronically to Chair of General Education Committee, Chair
of College Curriculum Committee, College Dean
Recommendation of General Education Committee:
Approve
Remarks:
Disapprove
Chairperson
Committee
Signature
Date
Recommendation of University Curriculum Committee:
Approve
Remarks:
Disapprove
Chairperson
Committee
Signature
Date
Recommendation of Faculty Association:
Approve
Remarks:
Disapprove
FA Senate
Signature
Date
Action of Academic Vice President:
Approve
Disapprove
Signature
Entered in Curriculum Data File
12/11/2009
Remarks:
Date