CALL FOR COURSE PROPOSALS
Social Sciences III A: Behavioral Sciences
Introduction
The General Education Committee at Central Michigan University is seeking curricular
proposals for courses that meet the requirements for inclusion in the University Program Social
Sciences III A: Behavioral Sciences. The goal is to repopulate the area with courses that meet
the criteria specified in The University Program: A Basic Document Set. The University
Program Basic Document Set uses the following description to define the Social Sciences:
The social sciences are defined as those fields of knowledge and study which
explore and examine the social dimension (and where appropriate the
physical environment) of human life. In these studies an attempt is made to
understand the behavior of individuals, groups, and institutions and where
possible to establish scientifically-validated propositions.
The General Education Committee is specifically seeking proposals that meet criteria for
inclusion in the Behavioral Sciences subgroup. The following is the description of the
Behavioral Sciences subgroup as it appears in the UP Basic Document Set.
These studies involve a focus on the analysis of individual human behavior
within society. Studies of such phenomena such as motivation, personality
and perception are included.
Learning Outcomes
Students taking courses within the Behavioral Sciences subgroup are expected to:
1. Recognize and explain the rudiments of the different methods used in the social and
behavioral sciences;
2. Recognize, explain, and cite examples of the reciprocal influences between individuals
and their social environments;
3. Recognize and explain prominent characteristics of individuals that influence or are
influenced by social environments;
4. Recognize and explain prominent characteristics of social environments that influence or
are influenced by individuals.
The next page contains specific requirements that should prove helpful in developing a
proposal. Additional information can be obtained by contacting George Ronan, Director of
General Education (phone: 989.774.7217; e-mail: ronan1gf@cmich.edu) or the Chair of the
General Education Committee.
Specific Requirements
The master course syllabus must list the subgroup name along with the numerical designator in
the course description. For example, at the end of the course description the following would
appear University Program Group III A: Behavioral Sciences.
A cover letter should address the following:
1. Briefly explain how this course meets the general goals for UP courses in the Social
Sciences:
The social sciences are defined as those fields of knowledge and study which explore
and examine the social dimension (and where appropriate the physical environment) of
human life. In these studies an attempt is made to understand the behavior of
individuals, groups, and institutions and where possible to establish scientificallyvalidated propositions.
2. Briefly explain how this course complies with each of the following University Program
Group III A: Behavioral Sciences content area:
a. These studies involve a focus on the analysis of individual human behavior within
society.
b. This group includes studies of such phenomena such as motivation, personality, and
perception.
3. Briefly show, with reference to the master course syllabus, how this course prepares
students to attain the following outcomes:
a. Recognize and explain the rudiments of the different methods used in the social and
behavioral sciences;
b. Recognize, explain and cite examples of the reciprocal influences between individuals
and their social environments;
c. Recognize and explain prominent characteristics of individuals that influence or are
influenced by social environments;
d. Recognize and explain prominent characteristics of social environments that influence
or are influenced by individuals.
Material to be Submitted and Routing
To initiate a priority review of whether a course meets the criteria for inclusion in the Behavioral
Sciences subgroup, submit the following materials to the General Education Committee,
Academic Senate Office, Ronan Hall, Room 280 no later than 03.30.13. Submissions received
after that date will be reviewed by the General Education Committee as time allows.
1. A rationale detailing how the course meets the outlined focus and requirements.
2. A copy of the master course syllabus that was approved by the relevant college
curricular committee.