Subcommittee on Core Curriculum Minutes 2014-04-16

In attendance: John Swinton, Cara Meade, Roberta Gorham, Amy Sumpter, Shaundra Walker, Chavonda Mills
Regrets: Kay Anderson,
Absent: Yeprem Mehranian
Guest: Caralyn Zehnder, Doug Oetter

Approved minutes from 04/02/14

One proposal is being considered from Environmental Science. Caralyn Zehnder joins us as a guest to present the course, ENSC 1050. The course is being considered for Area D today and Caralyn will forward paperwork to seek approval for the Global overlay in the near future. Before getting started, Caralyn pointed out a small mistake with outcome as written in the proposal. The technology outcome is number 1, not 3. Just a case of misnumbering. Caralyn explained that this course will be taught by ENSC faculty. No lab. 3-0-3.

Need to check to see if the course has to go to BOR. It is anticipated that it will. Cara will assist. Check with Kay.

Q: Can you give us some examples of how this meets the outcomes of Area D?
A: Using scientific method (temperature data, using that to make predictions with agriculture, populations, geographic areas, and predicating other natural phenomenon. Providing background and data, how can you make predictions and use data? Causes and consequences of climate change.

Q: Will this cause issues if we develop a minor in sustainability
A: No

Doug Oetter joined as a guest to express concerns that this will define sustainability on campus thus possibly having an impact on that minor in the future as it is being developed. His concern was that this may impede much of the work that has already been done. It was suggested that this course could have an important place in that minor. Doug expressed worry that if we create this class and put it in the core, everything that goes on with sustainability will have to react (fall into place) after this course.

Q- Why?
A- Provided an analogy regarding diversity

John provided some explanation as to how SoCC operates in terms of approving courses and why this perhaps will not be an issue in regards to a new minor. He further explained that the merit of this course is stand alone and not contingent either way on this minor.

Doug is suggesting/requesting a name change (at least) to reflect the natural sciences slant on sustainability. The name suggests that this will be the premiere (or the model) sustainability course on campus. This was discussed and not acted upon. The name of the course will stand as proposed.

There was additional discussion. John called the vote. Committee voted to approve the course for Area D

Meeting adjourned.