CUP: February 16, 2010
Report to the Senate from
Committee on Undergraduate Programs
Chair: Laura Reissner
First Reading: February 16, 2010
Subjects:
1. Biology Department:
a. Revise the prerequisites for BI 202 Human Physiology (5 cr.)
2. Department of Modern Languages and Literatures:
a. Create a new major in German Studies
b. Create the following new courses:
i. GR 312 Contemporary German-speaking Cultures (4 cr.)
ii. GR 320 Great Works in German literature (4 cr.)
iii. GR 415 German for Business (4 cr.)
3. Center for Native American Studies:
a. Create a new course: NAS 207 Seasonal Exploration Anishinaabe
Language (4 cr.)
Recommendations:
1. Biology Department:
a. Revise the prerequisites for BI 202 Human Physiology (5 cr.)
Rationale: Chemistry 109 Introductory Organic and Biochemistry for the Health
Sciences is an acceptable prerequisite for BI 202. This change is needed because CH 109
is now a required course in the Nursing degree programs. This change was previously
overlooked. See Appendix A for related bulletin copy.
Effect on other Departments: Nursing supports this change.
Costs: There are no additional costs associated with this proposal.
Implementation Date: Fall 2010
2. Department of Modern Languages and Literatures:
a. Create a new major in German Studies
Rationale: Justification for the German Studies major is based on three related factors:
(1) the steadily increasing enrollments since 2001 in German classes and in the German
minor program; (2) the extraordinary changes in central Europe over the past few years
that have again brought the study of the German-speaking countries of Europe to the
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CUP: February 16, 2010
center of academic interest in the United States; (3) the significant role German plays in
the world today—a supremely important feature not only nationally and internationally
but also in Michigan due to the large number of German businesses and subsidiaries that
have located here. Germany is the world’s biggest single exporting nation, the Germandominated European Union is the world’s biggest single market, and over 200 Germanbased firms are doing business in Michigan. The German Studies major program, as a
component in the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures, will provide
students interested in the cultures, literatures, history, and political roles of German
speaking countries with opportunities to expand and deepen their knowledge and
understanding in these fields through three areas of concentration (tracks) Humanities
and social sciences, Arts and Letters, and Business orientation.
German Studies is a transnational and interdisciplinary major that encompasses the
various German-speaking regions of central Europe. Whether one thinks of philosophy,
music, art, literature, education, religion, or political and social history, German culture
has exercised a profound and often decisive influence on Europe. Many of the most
important ideological debates in Western culture have arisen in the German-speaking
regions; events and developments of recent years—such as the unification of East and
West Germany and the emergence of the German-speaking region of Europe as a major
player in world economic and political affairs—have had important impacts.
A German studies major provides students with an intellectually diverse program—
covering history, history of art and visual culture, literature, and philosophy—in which
students and faculty come together in exciting and demanding pursuits.
Presently (F08) 39 students are enrolled in the German minor program, an exponential
increase over the 5 German minors in the fall of 2001. Student comments over these
years indicate that many would have majored in German if a major program had been
offered. Further, the number of students enrolled in German language courses has
increased remarkably: a third section of 101 was added in F07 and a second section of
102 in W08. Enrollment in 201 is at an all-time high of 29. Developing the program
according to the German Studies model would make the major relevant and attractive to a
wider body of students engaged in German language study. If we can gauge an estimate
based on ¼ of current German minors opting for the German Studies major by the
second year, 9 or 10 would be this “guesstimate;” with increased publicity and awareness
by the second year and a goal of ⅓, the number would increase to 13. By year five the
goal would be between 25 and 35. See Appendix B for related bulletin copy.
b. Create the following new courses:
i. GR 312 Contemporary German-speaking Cultures (4 cr.)
Proposed Bulletin Description:
GR 312 Contemporary German-speaking Cultures 4 cr.
Prerequisite: GR 300
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CUP: February 16, 2010
A survey of the major movements, figures, and cultural shifts of twentieth and
twenty-first century social and political systems, religious orientations, and the
arts in the German-speaking countries.
Note: GR 312 is taught in German
Rationale: GR312 is a contemporary German culture course taught in German.
Students will be introduced to the major figures, movements and cultural shift of
twentieth and twenty-first century literature and culture in the German-speaking countries
by examining a range of issues that have changed the way we look at culture, as well as
the impact of these changes on national identity. In order to acquire the necessary
knowledge of other cultures in an increasingly interdependent global society, the
important role that language and politics have played in artistic developments and in the
construction of ‘German,’ ‘Austrian,’ and ‘Swiss,’ as well as in the legacies of post-war
issues that German-speaking lands and their inhabitants face today, will be addressedincluding immigration, EU expansion, reunification, economic, educational,
environmental, and social issues.
ii. GR 320 Great Works in German literature (4 cr.)
Proposed Bulletin Description:
GR 320 Great Works in German Literature 4 cr.
Prerequisite: GR 300
This survey course offers selections of renowned German, Austrian, and Swiss
literary texts in their cultural and historical contexts. The selections represent
multiple genres and literary movements from Medieval to Modernity.
Note: GR 320 is taught in German
Rationale: This survey course offers selections of renowned German, Austrian, and
Swiss literary texts in their cultural and historical contexts. The selections represent
various genres (short story, novel, drama, poetry) and literary movements, including
Medieval, Enlightenment, Romanticism, Junges Deutschland, Biedermeier, Vormärz,
Naturalism, Expressionism, and Modernity. A variety of critical approaches will be used
in literary analysis, with particular attention to development of your language skills. This
course is taught in German.
iii. GR 415 German for Business (4 cr.)
Proposed Bulletin Description:
GR 415 German for Business 4 cr.
Prerequisite: GR 300
An introduction to effective communication in the world of German business
transactions, including the vocabulary and kinds of language typically
encountered in the workplace in German-speaking countries. Classes conducted in
German.
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CUP: February 16, 2010
Note: GR 415 is taught in German
Rationale: This course will introduce students to the communications and cultural
differences in the world of German business transactions and will present an overview of
the kinds of language typically encountered in the workplace in Germany. Emphasis will
be placed on developing skills in correspondence and communication in a contemporary
business setting and we will practice reading, writing, listening, and speaking on topics
relevant to doing business with or in a German-speaking country. Topics such as the
types of German companies, structure of German businesses, strategies of advertising,
marketing, management, and imports/exports will be handled, as well as business
telephone etiquette, trade fairs, writing business letters, emails, and applying and
interviewing for jobs. The effects of cultural differences on business communications
will also be considered by viewing a series of video tapes prepared by the Goethe
Institute. Practice and assessment through dialogue, group work, role play, writing tasks,
student presentations, and exams. This course will be taught in German.
Effect on other Departments: All departments with courses in this major have been
contacted and support their inclusion in the program.
Staffing: No additional faculty will be needed to teach these courses.
Costs: No increase in equipment and supplies is foreseen. Estimation of requests to the
library for books and films is estimated between $500 and $1,000. Staffing costs would
entail two or three of the lower level courses currently taught by full-time faculty to be
taught by adjunct instructors. Presently adjunct instructors teach one section of 101 (fall),
201(fall), and 202 (winter).
Implementation Date: Fall 2010
3. Center for Native American Studies:
a. Create a new course: NAS 207 Seasonal Exploration Anishinaabe
Language (4 cr.)
Proposed Bulletin Description:
NAS 207 Seasonal Exploration Anishinaabe Language 4 cr.
Prerequisites: NAS 101, NAS 295 when pertaining directly to Anishinaabe
language or instructor permission.
Note: May be repeated once for each season. 207a – fall, 207b – winter, 207c –
spring.
The skills necessary for speaking Anishinaabe through experiential opportunities,
cultural outdoor activities as well as classroom activity and group work during
fall, winter or spring experiences that emphasize indigenous traditional
knowledge.
Rationale: The first and foremost emphasis is to develop speakers because Ojibwe is
considered an endangered Indigenous language. In the Upper Peninsula there is one
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CUP: February 16, 2010
fluent Pottawatomi person in his sixties. The remaining fluent speakers are all transplants
from Canada ranging in age from the mid-eighties to the seventies, sixties and finally, the
youngest; the class instructor. The second emphasis is to leverage the environment
(Roadmap 2015) of the Upper Peninsula and to bridge the environment with the historic
language of this land; Ojibwe traditional homelands. The Ojibwe Medicine Wheel
approach will afford students the opportunities to examine the world through not only
another language, but another lens. Values with relation to Anishinaabe culture and all
that which surrounds us (each other, the earth, elements, animals, etc.) will be discussed.
Roles within the Anishinaabe culture will also be introduced and discussed (age and
gender). Time will be spent at the Center for Native American Studies fire site. Time will
be spent outdoor and on field trips. Minimal time will be spent in the classroom. There
are no rain delays. Through the application of all five senses in an outdoor setting, the
student quickly learns Ojibwe terms and phrases. An example, this spring/summer course
could identify tracks in soil; smell the decayed foliage to ascertain feeding habits of
assorted prey, the sound of honking geese arriving and the touch of spruce buds or sap for
example. In high spring the tapping, collecting, boiled, tasting sugar can be one such
effort. In spring/summer, it could be the scent and taste of blossoms, fruit or berries.
Effect on other Departments: None
Staffing: No additional faculty will be needed to teach these courses.
Costs: There are no additional costs related to this proposal.
Implementation Date: Fall 2010
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CUP: February 16, 2010
Appendix A
Biology Department
Proposed Bulletin Copy
Proposed Bulletin Description:
BI 202: Human Physiology
5 credits (4-0-2)
Offered: Fall, winter
Prerequisites: CH 105, or CH107, or CH 109, or CH 111. Recommended: a course dealing with
anatomy. Highly recommended: completion of BI 201 or BI 221.
Appendix B
Modern Languages and Literatures
Proposed Bulletin Changes
Degree or Program Details
German Studies Major
This is a transnational and interdisciplinary major that encompasses the various German-speaking regions
of central Europe and offers an intellectually diverse program—covering literature, history, politics, the arts,
philosophy, and business. Currently Germany is a leading trade partner and ally of the U.S. and is a linchpin
in the European Community. The cultural and linguistic traditions of Austria and Switzerland enrich the field
of German Studies.
Acquiring proficiency in the German language is an integral part of German Studies at all levels.
German Studies majors are strongly encouraged to complete a pre-approved study, internship, or work
experience of one to two semesters in a German-speaking country, or in an approved immersion program.
NMUs exchange partner in Germany, Oldenburg University, offers excellent support services and an
affordable cost. Elective courses toward the major may be taken abroad and may substitute for the area
electives with departmental approval.
Total Credits Required for Degree
Liberal Studies
Health Promotion Requirement
Required Courses in Major
124
30-40
2
32
All courses used in German Studies major require a minimum grade of “C”
German Studies Core
GR 300 German Reading and Writing
GR 305 Conversation in German
GR 310 Introduction to German Civilization and Culture or
GR/HS 311 Central European Culture and Civilization
GR 400 Advanced German Composition and Grammar
GR 410 Advanced German Civilization and Culture
LG 499 Graduation assessment for language majors
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CUP: February 16, 2010
______________________________________________________________________________
Choose from one of the following three tracks:
Track 1: Humanities and Social Sciences
GR 312 Contemporary German-speaking Cultures
Electives
16
4
12
Choose from the following. At least 8 credits must be at the 300 level or above.
GR 320 Great Works in German Literature (4 cr.)
HS 304 The Middle Ages (4 cr.)
HS 305* Renaissance-Reformation (4 cr.)
HS 316* The Holocaust (4 cr.)
PS 203 Comparative Government and Politics (4 cr.)
PS 206 International Relations (4 cr.)
PS 402 Political Economy (4 cr.)
PL 210 History of Modern Philosophy (4 cr.)
PL 310 Social and Political Philosophy (4 cr.)
PL 330 Existentialism (4 cr.)
PL 370 Theory of Knowledge: Classical and Contemporary (4 cr.)
PL 183 Issues in the History of Ethics (4 cr.)
GR 498 Directed Study in German (1-4 cr.)
GR 495 Special Topics in German (1-4 cr.)
GR 495X Special Topics in German (for course abroad) (1-4 cr.)
* Prerequisite: 100- or 200-level history course
Track 2: Arts and Letters
GR 320 Great Works in German Literature
Electives
16
4
12
Choose from the following. At least 8 credits must be at the 300 level or above.
GR 312 Contemporary German-speaking Cultures (4 cr.)
AD 335 History of Baroque Art (4 cr.)
AD 355 Twentieth Century Art and Architecture (4 cr.)
MU 203* Music History, Literature and Form I (4 cr.)
MU 206** Music History, Literature, and Form II (4 cr.)
PL 210 History of Modern Philosophy (4 cr.)
PL 330 Existentialism (4 cr.)
PL 370 Theory of Knowledge: Classical and Contemporary (4 cr.)
GR 498 Directed Study in German (1-4 cr.)
GR 495 Special Topics in German (1-4 cr.)
GR 495X Special Topics in German (for course abroad) (1-4 cr.)
* Prerequisite: MU 105 and 102
** Pre Prerequisite: MU 201 and 203
Track 3: Business Orientation
GR 415 German for Business
MGT 475 International Business
16
4
4
Electives
8
MKT 466* International Marketing (4 cr.)
PL 181 Issues in Business Ethics (2 cr.)
GR 312 Contemporary German-speaking Cultures (4 cr.)
GR 498 Directed Study in German (1-4 cr.)
GR 495 Special Topics in German (1-4 cr.)
GR 495X Special Topics in German (for course abroad) (1-4 cr.)
* Prerequisite: MKT 230 Introduction to Marketing
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CUP: February 16, 2010
Minor
20
__________________________________________________________________________________
**Courses not listed within the three tracks and that have a German-studies focus may be submitted to the
advisor for approval towards the major.
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