Meeting of the College Academic Council
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
210 Strong Hall
November 14, 2006 – 4:00 p.m.
AGENDA
I.
APPROVAL OF THE OCTOBER 10, 2006 CAC MINUTES – REVISED MINUTES
II. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON GRADUATE STUDIES (CGS)
Presented by Danny Anderson, Submitted by Lindsey McCombs
A. Curricular Changes for Approval:
PUAD 828, PUAD 936, REL 773
B.
Degree Requirements for Approval:
1.
Ph.D. Credit Wavier Proposal in History
III. REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES & ADVISING (CUSA)
Presented by Anthony Walton, CUSA Chair, submitted by Carol Miner
A.
Curricular Changes For Approval:
AAAS 504, AAAS 505, BIOL 536, CHIN 100, CHIN 101, CHIN 104, EALC 415, EALC 615 ECIV 104,
ECIV 105, ECIV 304, ECIV 305, EURS 150, HEBR 500, HEBR 501, LA&S 292, LA&S 301, LING 327,
PUAD 603, REL 490, TH&F 445
B. Degree Requirements For Approval:
1. Principle Course Change: HWC 120
2. Non-Western Culture Change: EALC 415/615
3. Proposed Change to the Religious Studies Major
C. Proposals/Policy Changes:
1. Consistency in Terminology of Areas of Specialization with a Major
D.
Report of Action:
1. Academic Standards – Guidelines for Retroactive Withdrawal
IV. Further Discussion of CLAS Journal Policy
1
I.
APPROVAL OF THE OCTOBER 10, 2006 CAC MINUTES – REVISED MINUTES
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
College Academic Council
October 10, 2006
Minutes
The meeting was called to order by Dean Steinmetz.
CAC voted and approved BINF 701, BINF 702, BIOL 807, BIOL 808, LING 727, LING 897, LING 898, LING
925, LING 992, LING 998, MATH 881, MATH 882, and PHSX 731.
CAC voted and approved the M.A. in Linguistics.
CAC voted and approved the Ph.D. in Linguistics.
CAC voted and approved the New Joint Degree Program with East Asian Languages and Cultures and the School of
Law.
CAC voted and approved ECON 536, EURS 350, EURS 536, EVRN 433, EVRN 526, GEOG 433, GEOG 526,
HWC 111, HWC 120, LING 326, LING 435, LING 437, LING 438, LING 440, LING 441, LING 525 (see below),
REL 440, SPAN 322, TH&F 383, TH&F 387, and TH&F 388.
There was a request to table EURS 150 to address some concerns from the language departments. CAC voted to
table the course proposal.
CAC voted and approved a principal course change for HWC 111.
CAC voted and approved a Non-Western Culture change for REL 440.
CAC amended the Junior/Senior Concentration Requirement Proposal description by adding the acronym CLAS to
specify the department. CAC then voted and approved the new Junior/Senior Concentration Requirement Proposal.
See new proposal below.
Proposed junior/senior concentration requirement
The junior/senior concentration requires a minimum of three upper-level courses (numbered 300 or
above) totaling at least 9 credit hours in one CLAS department outside the CLAS major, or in one
major or minor in a school outside the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Dean Steinmetz then led a discussion with members of CAC concerning College support for journals and journal
editors. The members of CAC affirmed that journal editing was an activity that should be supported to some extent
by the College. Possible guidelines for support were discussed. Dean Steinmetz indicated that he would compile a
list of possible criteria for the support of journals and journal editors for the next CAC meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:08 p.m.
_______________________________________
It has come to our attention that there are two typos in the October College Academic Council Agenda. Both
mistakes were made on the LING 525 change of course description, number and title on the top of page 18. It was
approved as:
CHANGE: COURSE DESCRIPTION/NUMBER/TITLE
LING 525
INTRODUCTION TO SYNTAX (3) S
(OLD)
An introduction to generative syntax with special attention to theory and
method. The course will cover such topics as phrase structure, X-bar theory,
pronoun reference and the lexicon. Prerequisite: An introductory course in
linguistics.
2
LING 525
(NEW)
SYNTAX I (3) S
An introduction to generative syntax with special attention to theory and
method. The course covers such topics as phrase structure, the lexicon,
transformations and derivation. Prerequisite: An introductory course in
linguistics.
The two items that need to be modified are the course number (changed from LING 525 to LING 325), and the letter
designation (changed from S to H). The original course designation was an "H", and the change to "S" was
unintentional. LING 325 was typed incorrectly while formatting the agenda. This course should read:
CHANGE: COURSE DESCRIPTION/NUMBER/TITLE
LING 525
INTRODUCTION TO SYNTAX (3) H
(OLD)
An introduction to generative syntax with special attention to theory and
method. The course will cover such topics as phrase structure, X-bar theory,
pronoun reference and the lexicon. Prerequisite: An introductory course in
linguistics.
LING 325
(NEW)
SYNTAX I (3) H
An introduction to generative syntax with special attention to theory and
method. The course covers such topics as phrase structure, the lexicon,
transformations and derivation. Prerequisite: An introductory course in
linguistics.
3
II. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON GRADUATE STUDIES (CGS)
Presented by Danny Anderson, Submitted by Lindsey McCombs
A. Curricular Changes for Approval:
PUAD 828
PUAD 936
REL 773
B.
NEW COURSE
NONPROFIT MANAGEMENT AND POLICY (3)
This course focuses on the economic, social, and legal foundations of the
nonprofit sector. Nonprofits are examined in the context of a three-sector
economy, with emphasis on the ways in which nonprofits compensate for market
failures and government failures. The course examines government-nonprofit
relations in the modern welfare and offers an in-depth examination of the health,
education, and welfare functions as performed by nonprofits. This course also
provides exposure to selected topics in nonprofit management such as grant
writing, board relations, advocacy, fundraising and volunteer management. LEC
NEW COURSE
POLICY ANALYSIS AND PROGRAM EVALUATION (3)
This course examines the theoretical foundations and analytical components of
policy analysis and program evaluation, common tools for assessing alternative
courses of public action and program effectiveness. This examination will
include a review and critique of common quantitative and qualitative approaches,
including cost-benefit analysis, cost-effectiveness analysis, and quasiexperimental design. LEC
NEW COURSE
SEMINAR IN RELIGION & NATIONAL IDENTITY: ______________ (3)
Analysis of selected issues wherein religion and the formation and definition of a
selected nation or nations intersect. (LEC)
Degree Requirements for Approval:
1. Ph.D. Credit Wavier Proposal in History
- STATE PROPOSAL IN DETAIL
The PhD is History currently requires 33 credit hours of course work, both for students who enter the
program with a BA and for those who enter with the MA. This proposal will allow students to the
History Department at KU with an MA degree from another institution to satisfy up to 12 credit hours
(at the department's discretion) of the 33 on the basis of coursework from their MA programs.
(Students who complete the MA degree at KU already are permitted to count that coursework towards
the PhD).
Specifically, the department will modify one paragraph concerning degree requirements in the
Graduate Catalog:
Old language: In addition to the general requirements of the Graduate School, the following
departmental requirements must be met. A minimum of 11 courses (33 credit hours) is required for the
Ph.D. Students may choose between two options for their course work…
New language: In addition to the general requirements of the Graduate School, the following
departmental requirements must be met. A minimum of 11 courses (33 credit hours) is required for the
Ph.D. Students with master's degrees in history or related disciplines from other universities may
satisfy part of this requirement with up to 12 hours from their master's programs. Students may
choose between two options for their course work…
4
- STATE JUSTIFICATION FOR MAKING CHANGES
The PhD in History currently requires 33 credit hours of course work. This proposal would allow
students to satisfy up to 12 credit hours (at the department's discretion), on the basis of coursework
from their MA program.
We use the model of Communication Studies (as recommended by Dean Diana Carlin) to rewrite our
PhD degree requirements to make it possible for some portion of a student's credits from the MA to be
counted towards our PhD. We set an upper limit at 12 credit hours (4 courses), because we wish to
preserve a decided "KU mark" on the students' training. We reserve the department's prerogative to
decide how much credit (if any) should be granted on a case-by-case basis because sometimes the MA
training will not fully meet our expectations (although often it will). We do not specify a requirement
that the MA courses match one-for-one with ours, because we recognize that students may have taken
valuable courses that we are unable to offer at KU.
- EFFECTIVE DATE. Unless otherwise requested by the department and approved by CGS and
College Assembly, the new requirements will apply to students whose KU initial term is the one
immediately following final approval of the requirements.
This change in the graduate program has been discussed in the department, with universal approval,
since 2004. The department passed the change in 2005, specifying that current students would be
eligible to take advantage of its provisions. The department duly submitted the proposal to the College
last academic year, but it appears to have been misplaced. Under the circumstances, it is appropriate
for the proposed revision to apply to current students.
- CONSULTATION WITH OTHER DEPARTMENTS/SCHOOLS OF THE UNIVERSITY
No other unit is affected by this change.
III. REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES & ADVISING (CUSA)
Presented by Anthony Walton, CUSA Chair, submitted by Carol Miner
A.
Curricular Changes For Approval:
AAAS 504
AAAS 505
NEW COURSE
DIRECTED LANGUAGE STUDY I: (3) U
Study of an African language at Advanced I and Advanced II levels under
individual supervision and with the aid of self-instructional material. Open only
to juniors and seniors in good standing, graduate students and with permission of
the department. May be repeated for up to 6 credit hours. Cannot be used to
fulfill BA language requirement.
NEW COURSE
DIRECTED LANGUAGE STUDY II: (3) U
Designed for native and near native speakers, this course involves reading of
materials published in an African language intended for conversation, oral
presentation, and writing by native speakers. Prerequisite: Native or near native
speaker proficiency or consent of instructor. May be repeated for up to 6 credit
hours.
5
BIOL 536
(OLD)
BIOL 536
(NEW)
CHIN 100
(OLD)
CHIN 100
(NEW)
CHIN 101
(OLD)
CHANGE: COURSE DESCRIPTION
CELL STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION (HONORS) (3) N
Lecture and discussion course for highly qualified and motivated students to
provide a more thorough treatment of the topics covered in BIOL 416. Students
enrolled in BIOL 536 attend the BIOL 416 lectures and an additional 1.5-2.0
hour tutorial period devoted to the discussion of advanced topics and the
development of problem solving skills. Exams will be separate from BIOL 416.
Open to students in the Honors program or by permission of instructor.
Prerequisite: BIOL 350.
CELL STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION (HONORS) (3) N
BIOL 536 is the honors version of BIOL 416. Completion of this class will
satisfy the BIOL 416 requirement. Open to students in the Honors program or by
permission of instructor. Prerequisite: BIOL 350 or consent of instructor.
CHANGE: COURSE DESCRIPTION , TITLE
MODERATED BEGINNING CHINESE I (3) U
Three hours of class per week plus outside use of tape recorded drill materials.
An introduction to Mandarin Chinese (Gwo Yu), the national language of China.
Familiarity with the basic structural patterns of the language is stressed through
general conversation.
ELEMENTARY CONVERSATIONAL CHINESE I (3) U
Three hours of class per week plus outside use of recorded text materials. Basic
spoken language instruction intended primarily for beginners planning travel or
work in China and Taiwan. Introduction to basic written characters. Does not
fulfill College of Liberal Arts and Sciences foreign language distribution
requirements or department major and minor requirements.
CHANGE: COURSE DESCRIPTION, TITLE
MODERATED BEGINNING CHINESE II (3) U
Continuation of CHIN 100. In addition to the general conversational Chinese,
the students also learn to recognize a list of most commonly used Chinese
characters. Completion of this course is approximately equivalent to completion
of CHIN 104. Prerequisite: CHIN 100 or equivalent.
CHIN 101
(NEW)
ELEMENTARY CONVERSATIONAL CHINESE II (3) U
Continuation of CHIN 100. Prerequisite: CHIN 100 or equivalent.
CHIN 104
(OLD)
CHANGE: COURSE DESCRIPTION
ELEMENTARY CHINESE I (5) U
Five hours of class and two of drill in the spoken language each week. Grammar
and readings in selected texts.
CHIN 104
(NEW)
ELEMENTARY CHINESE I (5) U
Three hours of lecture and three hours of spoken drill each week. An
introduction to spoken and written modern standard Chinese (Mandarin). Not
open to students with native ability in Mandarin or Chinese dialect. Students
who have any previous knowledge of Chinese must take a placement exam
before enrolling in Chinese classes at K.U. Consult Department of East Asian
Languages and Cultures for details.
6
EALC 415
EALC 615
ECIV 104
(OLD)
ECIV 104
(NEW)
ECIV 105
(OLD)
ECIV 105
(NEW)
NEW COURSE
ANCIENT CHINA (3) H
A topic-based course on the culture of ancient China (Shang dynasty to Han).
Topics include: agriculture, writing, myth, economy, politics, ritual, thought, art
and literature. Readings include primary sources and contemporary scholarship.
Students will research selected topics in depth. Assignments will include written
reactions to readings, exercises in research skills, essays, and quizzes. A
knowledge of Chinese is not required.
Not open to students who have
completed EALC 615. Additional assignments will be required for students
enrolled at the 600 level.
NEW COURSE
ANCIENT CHINA (3) H
A topic-based course on the culture of ancient China (Shang dynasty to Han).
Topics include: agriculture, writing, myth, economy, politics, ritual, thought, art
and literature. Readings include primary sources and contemporary scholarship.
Students will research selected topics in depth. Assignments will include written
reactions to readings, exercises in research skills, essays, and quizzes. A
knowledge of Chinese is not required. Not open to students who have completed
EALC 415. Additional assignments will be required for students enrolled at the
600 level.
CHANGE: COURSE DESCRIPTION
EASTERN CIVILIZATIONS (3) HL, NW
An introductory course designed to acquaint the student with the broad outlines
of the traditional cultures and literatures of India, China, and Japan. By reading
translations of original source materials, the student will be able to see the
interaction between these three cultures aswell as their essential continuity. The
course is most appropriate for students without any background in Asian culture.
EASTERN CIVILIZATIONS (3) HL, NW
An introductory course designed to acquaint the student with the broad outlines
of the traditional cultures and literatures of East Asia. By reading translations of
original source materials, the student is able to see the interaction among the
various cultures as well as their essential continuity. The course is most
appropriate for students without any background in Asian culture. Not open to
students who have completed ECIV 304.
CHANGE: COURSE DESCRIPTION
EASTERN CIVILIZATIONS, HONORS (3) HL, NW
An introductory course designed to acquaint the student with the broad outlines
of the traditional cultures and literatures of India, China, and Japan. By reading
translations of original source materials, the student will be able to see the
interaction between these three cultures as well as their essential continuity. The
course is most appropriate for students without any background in Asian culture.
Offered for students with superior academic records.
EASTERN CIVILIZATIONS, HONORS (3) HL, NW
An introductory course designed to acquaint the student with the broad outlines
of the traditional cultures and literatures of East Asia. By reading translations of
original source materials, the student is able to see the interaction among the
various cultures as well as their essential continuity. The course is most
appropriate for students without any background in Asian culture. Offered for
students with superior academic records. Open only to students in the University
Honors Program or by permission of instructor.
7
ECIV 304
(OLD)
ECIV 304
(NEW)
ECIV 305
(OLD)
ECIV 305
(NEW)
EURS 150
HEBR 500
(OLD)
CHANGE: COURSE DESCRIPTION
EASTERN CIVILIZATIONS (3) HL, NW
An introductory course designed to acquaint the student with the broad outlines
of the traditional cultures and literatures of India, China, and Japan. By reading
translations of original source materials, the student will be able to see the
interaction between these three cultures as well as their essential continuity. The
course is most appropriate for students without any background in Asian culture.
Same as ECIV 104, but there will be some additional work appropriate to a 300level course.
EASTERN CIVILIZATIONS (3) HL, NW
An introductory course designed to acquaint the student with the broad outlines
of the traditional cultures and literatures of East Asia. By reading translations of
original source materials, the student is able to see the interaction among the
various cultures as well as their essential continuity. The course is most
appropriate for students without any background in Asian culture. Same as ECIV
104, but there will be additional work appropriate to a 300-level course.
CHANGE: COURSE DESCRIPTION
EASTERN CIVILIZATIONS, HONORS (3) HL, NW
An honors section. An introductory course designed to acquaint the student with
the broad outlines of the traditional cultures and literatures of India, China, and
Japan. By reading translations of original source materials, the student will be
able to see the interaction between these three cultures as well as their essential
continuity. The course is most appropriate for students without any background
in Asian culture. Same as ECIV 105, but there will be some additional work
appropriate to a 300-level course. Offered for students with superior academic
records.
EASTERN CIVILIZATIONS, HONORS (3) HL, NW
An introductory course designed to acquaint the student with the broad outlines
of the traditional cultures and literatures of East Asia. By reading translations of
original source materials, the student is able to see the interaction among the
various cultures as well as their essential continuity. The course is most
appropriate for students without any background in Asian culture. Similar to
ECIV 304, but reading and writing assignments reflect the fact that this is an
honors course. Open only to students in the University Honors Program or by
permission of instructor.
NEW COURSE
STUDY ABROAD TOPICS IN EUROPEAN STUDIES: _________ (1-5) U
This course is designed for the study of special topics in European Studies at the
100-level (Freshman/Sophomore level). Coursework must be arranged through
the KU Office of Study Abroad and approved by a faculty advisor in European
Studies. May be repeated for credit if content varies.
CHANGE: PREREQUISITE, NUMBER, DESCRIPTION
BIBLICAL HEBREW (3) H
This course introduces students to the grammatical structure and vocabulary of
biblical Hebrew. It includes basic biblical texts for students to translate into
English and to analyze. Prerequisite: One year of Israeli Hebrew, its equivalent,
or permission of the instructor.
8
HEBR 230
(NEW)
HEBR 501
(OLD)
HEBR 240
(NEW)
LA&S 292
LA&S 301
(OLD)
LA&S 301
(NEW)
LING 327
BIBLICAL HEBREW 3 H
This course introduces students to the grammatical structure and vocabulary of
biblical Hebrew. It includes basic biblical passages for students to translate into
English and analyze.
CHANGE: PREREQUISITE, NUMBER
BIBLICAL HEBREW II 3 H
This is a continuation of Hebrew 500. It continues a study of the grammatical
structure and vocabulary of biblical Hebrew, and includes biblical texts for
translation and to analyze. Prerequisite: HEBR 500 or permission of the
instructor.
BIBLICAL HEBREW II 3 H
This is a continuation of Hebrew 230. It continues the study of the grammatical
structure and vocabulary of biblical Hebrew, and includes biblical texts for
students to translate and analyze. Prerequisite: HEBR 230 or permission of the
instructor.
CHANGE: NEW TOPIC
TOPICS AND PROBLEMS ON: INTRODUCTION TO MATHEMATICS
AND SCIENCE TEACHING (1) N
The aim of this course is to attract students majoring in science, mathematics, or
engineering to careers in secondary science and mathematics teaching.
Experienced, award-winning teachers introduce teaching to students as a career.
Students prepare, practice, and teach three lessons in local schools. This course is
open to any student who has completed or is concurrently enrolled in a science or
mathematics course at KU.
CHANGE: TITLE , TOPIC
LEARNING COMMUNITIES SEMINAR
LEARNING COMMUNITIES SEMINAR IN:____________ (1-2) U
TOPIC - Preparing for International Careers
This course is designed to expand student's knowledge of the University
community by exploring an academic theme and the connections between
courses. Through the study of the different topics students will explore the
inherent interdisciplinarity of fields of study. Designed especially for juniors and
seniors. Enrollment is limited to students participating in designated learning
community. Concurrent enrollment in specified learning community courses is
required. May be repeated for credit up to 4 hours.
NEW COURSE
MORPHOLOGY (3) S
An exploration of several topics in word structure and formation. Covers three
broad areas: traditional morphology, morpho-phonology, and morpho-syntax.
Traditional morphology includes a survey of several kinds of word formation
processes, the internal structure of words, morpheme types, inflection,
paradigms, derivation, and compounding. Morpho-phonology deals with
phonological constraints on morphological processes and prosodic morphology.
Morpho- syntax concentrates on the syntactic properties of morphological
phenomena and interaction of syntactic processes and morphology. The course
has a strong emphasis on cross-linguistic comparative morphology.
Prerequisites: Ling 312, Ling 325, or permission of instructor.
9
PUAD 603
(OLD)
PUAD 603
(NEW)
REL 490
TH&F 445
(OLD)
TH&F 445
(NEW)
CHANGE: COURSE DESCRIPTION
THE NONPROFIT SECTOR:FORMATION, LEADERSHIP, AND
GOVERNANCE (3)
A political economy perspective is used to analyze the forces that shape the rise
and characteristics of the nonprofit sector. The social history of the nonprofit
sector in the U.S. is examined. The legal and policy environments are explored
and the distinct organizational forms are examined. A comparative perspective is
provided between the U.S. and other countries. Emphasis on various patterns of
community action for attaining social welfare objectives; research and field
experience directed toward study of social problems within context of
community planning; and emerging patterns of physical, economic, and social
planning within the framework of social change theory. Prerequisites: PUAD 330
or PUAD 331, and PUAD 332
THE NONPROFIT SECTOR: FORMATION, LEADERSHIP, AND
GOVERNANCE (3)
This course focuses on the economic, social, and legal foundations of the
nonprofit sector. Nonprofits are examined in the context of a three-sector
economy, with emphasis on the ways in which nonprofits relate to the public and
private sectors. The course examines the diversity and scope of the nonprofit
sector, with primary focus on the health, education and welfare functions
performed by nonprofits and on various patterns of community action for
attaining social welfare objectives. Prerequisites: PUAD 330 or PUAD 331, and
PUAD 332
NEW COURSE
SENIOR SEMINAR IN THEORIES AND METHODS (3) H
A capstone course for religious studies majors to survey methods and theories in
religious studies. Prerequisite: Religious Studies major or permission of the
instructor.
CHANGE: PREREQUISITE
TEACHING THEATRE IN THE MIDDLE/SECONDARY SCHOOLS (3) H
Study of philosophy and methods appropriate to teaching improvisation, acting,
stagecraft, directing, playwriting, dramatic literature, and theatre history in
middle/secondary schools. Includes curriculum development, instructional and
evaluative strategies, and management of co-curricular theatre programs.
Prerequisite: T&L 320 Instructional Strategies and Models, or consent of
instructor.
TEACHING THEATRE IN THE MIDDLE/SECONDARY SCHOOLS (3) H
Study of philosophy and methods appropriate to teaching improvisation, acting,
stagecraft, directing, playwriting, dramatic literature, and theatre history in
middle/secondary schools. Includes curriculum development, instructional and
evaluative strategies, and management of co-curricular theatre programs.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
10
B. Degree Requirements For Approval:
1. Principle Course Change: HWC 120
ACTION: New Course – Principal Course Designation
HWC 120
Introduction to Peace and Conflict Studies (3) HT
DESCRIPTION
An introduction to the content and methods of peace studies. Peace Studies in a
multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approach to the study of war and peace. Building on and
integrating the work of the various fields of study, the course critically examines the causes of
structural and direct violence with in and among societies and the diverse ways in which
humans have sought peace, from conquest and balance of power to international organizations
and nonviolent strategies. Required for the Peace and Conflict Studies minor.
JUSTIFICATION
This course will introduce students in the Peace and Conflict Studies minor to the methods
and strategies of relevant fields of study as well as to basic sources of information on violence
and conflict resolution.
2. Non-Western Culture Change: EALC 415/615
ACTION: New Course
EALC 415/615
ANCIENT CHINA (3) NW
DESCRIPTION
A topic-based course on the culture of ancient China (Shang dynasty to Han). Topics include:
agriculture, writing, myth, economy, politics, ritual, thought, art and literature. Readings
include primary sources and contemporary scholarship. Students will research selected topics
in depth. Assignments will include written reactions to readings, exercises in research skills,
essays, and quizzes. A knowledge of Chinese is not required.
JUSTIFICATION
For those interested in an NW course that is broad in scope and but limited to 35 to 40
students, this will offer another junior/senior level choice. This is a new course taught by a
new faculty member with a specialty in this field. EALC wants this to become one of his
core courses; making it NW will help with enrollment.
3. Proposed Change to the Religious Studies Major
PROPOSAL
Replace current major requirement REL 601 with REL 490.
REASON
Department wishes to separate the graduate and undergraduate courses to allow a smaller class for each
to enhance the learning experience. REL 601 is required of incoming graduate students.
C. Proposals/Policy Changes
1. Consistency in Terminology of Areas of Specialization with a Major
The Curricular Changes/Degree Requirements subcommittee proposes the term “Emphasis” be used to
describe any concentration, track, option, or specialty area that has not specifically been approved as part of
the official degree/major name through official processes. The list below summarizes the current variations
of these categories.
11
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences:
Majors_Concentrations_Options
African /African American Studies
BA, BGS
Concentrations: African, African-American
American Studies
BA, BGS
Anthropology
BA, BGS
Applied Behavioral Sciences
BA, BGS
Specialty areas: Early Childhood, Youth Development and Juvenile Justice, Adults with
Disabilities, Community Health and Development,
Astronomy
BA, BS
Atmospheric Science
BS
Options: General Meteorology, Air Pollution, Hydrometeorology, News Media Forecasting
Biological Sciences
BA, BGS, BS
BA degrees – Biochemistry, Biology, Human Biology, Microbiology
BGS degree – Human Biology
BS degrees – Biochemistry; Microbiology, Biology with concentrations in Ecology and
Evolutionary Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics, Organsimal Biology, and Neurobiology, Molecular
Biosciences (Edwards Campus Only)
Chemistry
BA, BS
BA Options – Environmental Chemistry, Biological Chemistry
BS Options - Environmental Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Physics
Classics
BA, BGS
Degrees - Classical Antiquity and Classical Languages
Communication Studies
BA, BGS
East Asian Languages and Cultures
BA
Concentrations: Chinese Language and Literature, Japanese Language and Literature, East Asian
Studies
Economics
BA, BGS, BS
English
BA, BGS in English
Emphases – Traditional English, Creative-writing
BA, BGS in Literature, Language and Writing (Edwards Campus Only)
Environmental Studies
BA, BGS, BS
BA and BGS Options - Environmental Science, Environmental Policy
BS Options - Environmental Policy, Land Use
European Studies
Co-Major
Tracks – A (Cultural/Historical), B (Economic/Political)
French and Italian
BA
Options – French and Italian Studies, Italian
Geography
BA, BGS, BS
BS Options - Physical Geography, Geographical Information and Analysis
Geology
12
BA, BS
BA Options - General Geology, Environmental Geology
BS Options - General Geology, Engineering Geology, Environmental Geology, Geophysics
Germanic Languages and Literatures
BA
History
BA, BGS
History of Art
BA, BGS
Human Development and Family Life (See Applied Behavioral Sciences)
Humanities and Western Civilization
BA
Emphases: Humanities, Literature, Western Civilization
International Studies
Co-Major
Latin American Area Studies
BA, BGS
Fields of Concentration - Language, Literature and Culture, Historical Studies, Economics,
Geography, Political Science and Sociology, Anthropology, Religious Studies and Women’s
Studies, Environmental
Linguistics
BA, BGS
Mathematics
BA, BS
Philosophy
BA, BGS
Physics
BA, BS
BA Concentration - Computational Physics
BS Degrees – Physics and Engineering Physics
Political Science
BA, BGS
Psychology
BA, BGS Psychology
BA, BGS Developmental Psychology
BS Cognitive Psychology
Public Administration (Edwards Campus Only)
BA, BGS
Religious Studies
BA, BGS
Russian and East European Studies
Co-Major
Slavic Language and Literatures
BA
Concentrations: Russian, Polish Studies, South Slavic Studies
Sociology
BA, BGS
Spanish and Portuguese
BA
Speech-Language-Hearing: Sciences and Disorders
BA, BGS
Theatre and Film
BA, BGS
BA Emphases – Theatre, Film Studies,
BGS Emphases – Theatre, Film Studies, Theatre and Film
Women’s Studies
BA, BGS
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D. Report of Action:
1. Academic Standards – Guidelines for Retroactive Withdrawl
GUIDELINES FOR RETROACTIVE WITHDRAWAL
PLEASE NOTE:
If you are petitioning for retroactive withdrawal from courses in which you are currently enrolled, you need
to continue attending these courses and earning the best possible grades because there is no guarantee
that your petition will be approved.
You cannot petition to retroactively withdraw from a single course unless a) your enrollment in the course
was due to a documented administrative error or b) there exists a serious issue specifically related to that
course.
Retroactive withdrawal is available to College of Liberal Arts and Science (CLA&S) students or other
students petitioning for withdrawal from a single CLA&S course.
YOU ARE NOT A CANDIDATE FOR RETROACTIVE WITHDRAWAL IF ANY OF THE
FOLLOWING ARE TRUE:
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You are applying because you are not satisfied with the grade you earned.
You are applying because you forgot to withdraw from the course during the term or you
failed to get the instructor’s signature by the published withdrawal deadline.
You were not aware of the withdrawal deadlines.
You changed your mind and are now working towards a major or degree which does not
require this course.
You assumed non-academic activities which restricted your time for academic pursuit.
You were ill or you suffered stress as the result of an accident, death, family crisis, or
other crisis early enough in the semester to have withdrawn during the semester.
If any of the above are found to be true of your case, your request for retroactive withdrawal will
be denied by CLA&S Student Academic Services and will not be reviewed by the Academic
Standards Subcommittee of CUSA.
YOU ARE A CANDIDATE FOR RETROACTIVE WITHDRAWAL IF AT LEAST ONE OF THE
FOLLOWING ARE TRUE:
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You are the victim of a documented administrative error that affected your enrollment in
one or more courses.
You enrolled in KU coursework but did not attend any of your classes because you were
enrolled full time at another academic institution.
You have documentation of a serious illness that affected your ability to complete all of
your coursework after the withdrawal date.
You encountered documented extreme and unusual circumstances which a) were beyond
your control, b) occurred after the withdrawal date, and c) could not have been addressed
during the term in which the course(s) was taken.
You received absolutely no feedback on your performance in the course before the last
day to withdrawal from the course.
Clear administrative error and non-attendance at KU will be handled by CLA&S Student
Academic Services and will not have to be reviewed by the Academic Standards Subcommittee of
CUSA.
If your case meets the above criteria, then you may begin the process of applying for
retroactive withdrawal.
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STEP 1: ASSEMBLING YOUR DOCUMENTATION
Listed below are the eligible reasons for applying for retroactive withdrawal. When you submit your
petition you must provide the required documentation. Petitions submitted without documentation will be
denied.
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Withdrawal because of administrative error requires documentation such as printed
records, written correspondence, or a written statement from the instructor to verify that
either the student never appeared in the class (thus supporting a claim of error in the
initial enrollment records) or that the student stopped attending the class after a specific
date (thus supporting a claim of having dropped the class prior to the end of the term).
Withdrawal based on non-attendance at KU requires written confirmation that you
attended full-time at another institution than KU and written confirmation from KU
instructors that you never attended any of your classes at KU.
Withdrawal based on serious illness (either of the student or of a family member)
requires professional documentation about date of onset and offset, severity of the illness,
and written assurance that the student’s academic performance was affected by the
illness.
Withdrawal based on a death requires documentation of the date of death in the form of
an obituary or program from the funeral service and information showing the relationship
between the student and the deceased.
Withdrawal based on extreme and unusual circumstances which were beyond the
student’s control requires documentation of these circumstances by someone other than,
or in addition to, the student. This documentation should describe the circumstances,
relevant dates, and how the events affected the student’s academic performance.
Documentation stating how this was beyond the student’s control is also required if not
inherent in the previous documentation.
Withdrawal based on lack of evaluation requires documentation from the instructor
verifying that no graded assignments, no papers, and no tests had been returned by the
last drop date. Lack of evaluation cannot be because you failed to attend the class.
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STEP 2: WRITING THE PETITION
Your written petition must address the following points. For clarity, please reproduce these points as
headings in your written petition.
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Which of the four eligible reasons for petitioning for a retroactive withdrawal (see list
above) does your case meet?
Describe your case paying particular attention to dates and other details provide in your
documentation.
Did the extenuating circumstances affect all of your courses?
Why did you not withdraw during the semester?
If you are not requesting withdrawal from all of your courses for the semester, why did
the extenuating circumstances affect the courses you are requesting relief from but not
others? (The committee does not approve individual courses unless it was due to
administrative error or a serious issue that specifically relates to that course.)
Did you discuss your problems with the instructors of the classes you are petitioning? If
so, what was their response? If not, why not?
Did you discuss your problems with anyone at KU other than your instructors (advisor,
counselor) during the semester? Describe the interaction.
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STEP 3: CLA&S SAS WILL OBTAIN DOCUMENTATION FROM THE INSTRUCTOR(S)
CLA&S Student Academic Services office will ask your instructors the following questions:
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What is the last date that you can document that the student attended your class?
Approximately what percentage of the assignments did the student complete?
Did the student discuss with you any issues that were preventing him/her from doing well
in your course?
Should the student have been aware of their level of progress before the last day to
withdrawal?
Would you support a Retroactive Withdrawal for this student?
Do you have anything else you would like to include?
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If the petition is approved would you assign a WP or WF for the Course?
If you would like to ask your instructor for a letter of support, you may do so: but you are not
required to do so.
STEP 4: SUBMIT THE PETITION AND DOCUMENTATION
Submit your petition together with all relevant documentation to:
CLA&S Student Academic Services
109 Strong Hall
1450 Jayhawk Blvd.
Lawrence, KS 66045-7535
STANDARD DECISIONS OF THE ACADECMIC STANDARDS SUB-COMMITTEE
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If your retroactive withdrawal is approved you will be withdrawn from all coursework in
the effected semester. Withdrawal from individual courses is approved only in the case of
documented administrative error or a serious issue specifically relating to that course.
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The committee rarely approves multiple semester requests. If multiple semesters are
requested then the committee focuses on the first semester or the semester where the
extenuating circumstances started.
APPEAL PROCEDURES
A student may appeal the denial of their petition only if they provide new documentation. Appeals may be
forwarded to the full CUSA committee.
NOTICE OF PROCEDURAL PRACTICES
This notice describes how the information in your petition will be used and disclosed.
Each member of the CUSA Academic Standards Subcommittee will receive written copies of your
petition or appeal documentation. If you want your identity withheld from the Subcommittee
members, please request this in writing.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR RETROACTIVE WITHDRAWAL
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CLAS&S SAS will assign the Academic Standards Advisor the ability to evaluate if the
petition falls under the reviewed or non-reviewed category
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The Academic Standards Advisor will follow up with the student if any key
documentation is missing to make a complete application.
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CLA&S SAS will contact instructors with a standard set of questions and any
clarification questions that the administer feels is appropriate per the petition.
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The Academic Standards Advisor will inform the student and instructor about the
outcome and decision of the petition.
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CLA&S SAS will communicate approvals to the registrar’s office
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The Academic Standards advisor will report to the Academic Standards Sub-committee a
years report on all retroactive withdrawal petitions that were approved or denied by the
committee and the Academic Standards Advisor
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