Proposal ID#
Course
Reviewer_________________
BACCALAUREATE CORE PROPOSAL CHECKLIST
SYNTHESIS CATEGORY: CONTEMPORARY GLOBAL ISSUES
Syllabus Checklist
Course proposal includes a complete syllabus
Syllabus includes a statement that the course fulfills the Baccalaureate Core requirement for
Contemporary Global Issues.
Course clearly states Baccalaureate Core Category Learning Outcomes and lists them distinctly
from other course outcomes. If proposing for more than one category, syllabus includes Bacc
Core outcomes for all relevant categories.
Syllabus includes required texts and materials
Syllabus includes grading criteria
Syllabus includes course schedule
Syllabus includes statement regarding students with disabilities
Syllabus includes statement regarding academic or scholarly dishonesty with appropriate URL
link
Course is at least three credit hours and is a regularly numbered departmental offering (not X99
or blanket numbered)
Criteria and Outcomes Consideration: After reviewing the syllabus and the Baccalaureate
Core Question set in the Course Proposal System, please make sure all criteria are met
and course includes activities assignments, or measurements aimed at helping students
meet learning outcomes. Note problems or questions on the back of this sheet.
Contemporary Global Issues Learning Outcomes
1. Analyze the origins, historical contexts, and implications of contemporary global issues.
2. Explain the complex nature and interdependence of contemporary global issues using a multidisciplinary approach.
3. Articulate in writing a critical perspective on contemporary global issues using evidence as support.*
Contemporary Global Issues Rationale and Criteria:
Contemporary Global Issues courses shall:
A. Be upper division and at least 3 credits;
B. Emphasize elements of critical thinking;
C. Focus, from a historical perspective, on the origin and nature of critical issues and problems
that have global significance;
D. Emphasize the interdependence of the global community;
E. Use a multidisciplinary approach and be suitable for students from diverse fields; and
F. Include written composition.*
*Evidence based writing is an essential component of the Synthesis categories and the exclusively
“upper-division” general education academic experience they offer to students. The Baccalaureate Core
Committee and the Writing Advisory Board recommend the following to Schools/Departments/Faculty
offering Synthesis courses to help students achieve the writing –related criteria and outcome in
Contemporary Global Issues:


A course capacity of 70 students. If enrollment is over 70, then break-outs (recitations) or GTAs
should be used to ensure that students receive adequate and timely writing feedback.
At a minimum, the course should include a single out-of-class written assignment with a minimum
of 1250 words plus references that develops and sustains a critical perspective using evidence as
support and a multidisciplinary approach. The assignment should include at least 2 outside
sources.
Our world has become increasingly interdependent. Social, economic, political, environmental, and other
issues and problems originating in one part of the world often have far-reaching ramifications in other
parts of the world. These issues and problems not only transcend geographical boundaries but also
cross academic disciplines. Therefore, if students are to acquire understanding of and to discover
effective responses to such issues and problems, they must acquire both global and multidisciplinary
perspectives. (Students are encouraged to complete their baccalaureate core perspective requirements
before taking the Contemporary Global Issues course.)
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Please indicate below how well you think the course fits with the category Criteria and Rationale and any
concerns you may have about the proposer’s responses to the Baccalaureate Core questions, especially
those dealing with how students in the course will achieve Category Learning Outcomes. Indicate any
clarification you’d like to see in question responses and/or adjustments to the syllabus relative to BCC
concerns. Also, please indicate if you think this proposal is exemplary
.
Notes: