Proposal ID#
Course
Reviewer_________________
BACCALAUREATE CORE PROPOSAL CHECKLIST
SYNTHESIS CATEGORY: SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY
Syllabus Checklist
Course proposal includes a complete syllabus
Syllabus includes a statement that the course fulfills the Baccalaureate Core requirement for
Science, Technology, & Society.
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.
Science, Technology, and Society Learning Outcomes
1. Analyze relationships among science, technology, and society using critical perspectives or
examples from historical, political, or economic disciplines.
2. Analyze the role of science and technology in shaping diverse fields of study over time.
3. Articulate in writing a critical perspective on issues involving science, technology, and society
using evidence as support. *
Science, Technology, and Society Rationale and Criteria:
Science, Technology, and Society courses shall:
A. Be upper division and at least 3 credits;
B. Emphasize elements of critical thinking;
C. Emphasize the interactions of science and/or technology and society (in general, or through
significant examples of that interaction);
D. Place the subject in historical context;
E. Demonstrate interrelationships or connections with other subject areas;
F. Provide a perspective on the scientific or technological approach to understanding and
manipulating the world by relating that perspective to its social context;
G. Use a multidisciplinary approach and be suitable for students from diverse fields; and
H. 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 Science,
Technology, and Society:


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
Given the immense impact that science and technology have had on all facets of modern civilization, a
disciplined study of the interaction of science and technology with society is a necessary part of general
education. Students should understand the political and economic dimensions of scientific or
technological change, the nature of the scientific enterprise and its relationship to technology, and the
complexity of major revolutions in science and technology. (Students are encouraged to complete their
baccalaureate core perspective requirements before taking the Science, Technology, and Society
course.)
*********************************************************************************************************************
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: