Tuesday,
February 9, 2009
3:30-5:00
p.m.
BCC
204
Minutes
Attendance: Jessica
Davis, Robert Epstein, Shannon Harding (Chair), Manyul
Im, Danke Li, Elizabeth Petrino, Vincent Rosivach, David
Sapp, Leslie Schaffer, Roxana Walker-Canton, Qin Zhang, Associate Dean Joan
Weiss (representing Dean Robbin Crabtree)
Meeting called to
order at 3:31.
1.
Welcome
and announcements
Epstein thanks Harding for her help
last semester. Harding thanks Epstein for all his hard work last semester.
Harding announced that graduate
education changes will be on the agenda for March. There are two courses that were not
distributed by hard copy, courses PO 146 (on Eidos)
and RS 275 (hard copies being passed around).
2.
Approval
of minutes of December 8, 2009
Rosivach moves to approve, Zhang seconded. Weiss suggests that the attendees be
listed in alphabetical order, the Dean listed last, and the chair identified.
8 approved, 3 abstentions, motion
passed.
3.
New Course
Proposals:
á
CI 220:
Advanced Chinese
Rosivach moves
to approve, Li seconded. Rosivach commented that 9a
& b are not always answered correctly and suggested that the question be
rephrased. Davis commented that it
should be clear where information can be found in proposals. It is apparent that clarification is
needed on 9b for CI 220. Wei is a
new professor and helping to develop the program. Li commented that Wei has answered all
the questions asked. Li expressed
that it is important to approve this course because students want to continue
in the language. Zhang expects more
students to enroll in the future.
Harding would like to make the issue of question 9a & b a future
agenda item.
Unanimously
approved.
á
CO 530:
New Media Theory and Criticism
Zhang
moved to approve, Sapp seconded. Rosivach pointed out that 9b is not answered. Davis asked
how this course will affect undergraduate courses. Sapp noted that what the instructor will
not be able to teach is the question and very important to know. Harding should contact the Chair of
Communication or the director of the masters program.
Course
approval is pending until this question is answered.
Unanimously
approved.
á
CO 241:
Communication and Culture: East and West
Li
motioned to approve, Im seconded. Harding pointed out
that the catalog description is longer than the 100 word limit. Davis asked about a missing letter of
support from the Asian Studies Program.
As Im wrote the letter, he summarized that the
program enthusiastically supports the course because they want to expand the
major.
Unanimously
approved.
á
HI/CL 301:
Ancient Greece, Rome, and Africa
Epstein
moved to approve, seconded by Li. Sapp noted that participation at 25% seems
high and asked how this grade is determined. Rosivach mentioned
that this question is answered in the minutes and he sent them RolandoÕs
syllabus with a rubric for participation.
Sapp asked how the overall grade is calculated as it appears 75% is one
related grade, which seems more of a graduate school level of grading. Petrino
suggested working with shorter writing assignments to get to the final
paper. Rosivach
pointed out that the course is progressive to the final paper. Epstein likes the practicum, a guided
research course. Harding pointed
out that it is not unusual to have course set up like this. Li said that this is typical of how
things are evaluated for such courses. Weiss pointed out that there are only 14
weeks in a semester, rather than 15; and the HI versus CI syllabi are not
consistent on this point. Harding
will send a memo. Sapp praised Abbot for visiting the course. Petrino praised the reading included. Im
pointed out that the catalog description is exactly 100 words.
Unanimously
approved.
á
New Core
English Literature Courses: Harding mentioned that during the last UCC meeting
we went over revision of the English offerings. Weiss pointed out that the 100 level
courses have no prerequisites. Epstein stated that sophomore standing is
required and it is assumed that students will have had EN 11 and 12.
o
EN 101:
Gateway to Literature and Cultural Studies
Sapp moved to approve, Weiss
seconded. Sapp asked why the course is labeled 101. Epstein clarified that the
numbering system was not yet established when the course was first
proposed. Weiss noted that the word
ÒgatewayÓ suggests that this course is Òthe beginning of something.Ó Sapp said
that by numbering the course 101, the concept of a ÒgatewayÓ course is
reinforced, but this is not a beginning English major course. Harding will send
a note to the English Department chair. Wiess pointed
out that on page 11 the wording Òwe will not take roll, but if you miss
class..Ó is contradictory. How will
the professor know if a class is missed if roll is not taken? Rosivach said
that this is just a warning to students rather than set in stone. Weiss pointed out that there needs to be
documentation of absences if it affects studentsÕ grades. Li said that such a
policy prevents students from fighting with professors. Harding will send a note.
9 in favor, 1 abstention, motion
passed.
o
EN 102:
Introduction to Contemporary World Literature
Rosivach moved to approve, Zhang seconded. Weiss noted
that Òworld diversityÓ should not be in the catalog description unless it has
that designation. Also, EN 11 and
12 should not be prerequisites.
Unanimously approved.
o
EN 103:
Fairy Tales
Weiss moved to approve, Petrino seconded. Sapp said that there is a lot of student
interest in this course. Li would
like to sit in on the class. Harding noted that there is a lot of variability
on participation between courses.
Epstein noted that the English Department did not discuss this and does
not feel any need to normalize it.
They might want to address it because they want to standardize these
courses. Petrino
looked at this issue last year and that variation is across the college. Sapp asked how much the final exam
counts for and can we standardize participation? Rosivach half
supports standardizing participation: if varying from the norm, the instructor
needs to inform the department chair and dean and needs to have justification.
Weiss asked if it is necessary/required to grade participation. The answer was no. Harding said she
would add the issue of grading participation as a future agenda item.
Unanimously approved.
o
EN 105:
The African Diaspora: Literature and Culture
Rosivach moved to approve, Petrino
seconded. Weiss asked if this course will effect Black Studies. Epstein said that inclusion in Black
Studies will be applied for.
Unanimously approved.
o
EN 121: American
Literature and the Environment
Rosivach moved to approve, Li seconded. Harding noted that the prerequisites
need to be removed. Davis said that this course should be included in the
Program on the Environment. Weiss pointed out that grades add up to 95% for
Professor BayersÕ courses. It was pointed out that
the other 5% is for participation.
Davis likes how Professor Bayers links this
course to other core courses.
Unanimously approved.
o
EN 122:
The Frontier in American Literature
Weiss moved to approve, Zhang
seconded. Harding noted that the course description includes EN 11 and 12
wording that is not in the catalog description. Are EN 11 and 12 prerequisites? Epstein reiterated that the department
is getting around not being able to have prerequisites for 100 level courses by
requiring sophomore standing.
However, he agrees with Harding because some students can test out of EN
11 and 12.
Unanimously
approved.
o
EN 123:
Colonial Contacts and Flights
Rosivach motioned to approve, Weiss seconded. Weiss pointed out that the grade scale
is not the same as the university. Harding pointed out that class participation
is 20%, but asked how this is graded. Li suggested grading participation might
be through presentations. Petrino noted that quizzes
on readings count towards participation, but more explanation is needed on
this. Weiss noted that there is
online participation as well.
Unanimously approved.
o
EN 124:
American Literature: Myths and Legends
Rosivach moved to approve, Epstein seconded. Harding noted that there is a
prerequisite in the catalog description. Li noted that a lot of effort has been
put into all of these proposals.
Unanimously approved.
o
EN 141:
Imagining Shakespeare
Rosivach moved to approve, Petrino
seconded. Sapp noted that the use of technology is extraordinary. Epstein agreed, the use of pod cast and
technology is amazing. Petrino liked how he brings together global and social
issues as part of Shakespeare. Sapp
thinks this is good opportunity for students to take Shakespeare as core class.
Im asked about office hours. Weiss noted that they are just missing
for now. Davis asked if an optional
paper normal. Weiss found the
grading confusing as well. She is
not clear how she would be graded. Li pointed out that Professor Regan cares a
lot about students. Im said that the grade depends on what you do. Harding will ask that the grading policy
be clarified.
Unanimously approved.
o
EN 142:
Myths & Legends of Ireland & Britain
Petrino moved to approve, Im
seconded. Im asked if the title is appropriate by
including Ireland as part of Britain, and if it should not be Great Britain.
Epstein stated that Britain and Great Britain is the same thing. Rosivach said
that in his field the region is always referred to as Britain rather than Great
Britain. Weiss asked if the letter
from Irish Studies has been obtained. Epstein said that will do that. Harding
said she will send Epstein a reminder note.
Unanimously approved.
o
EN 143:
The Greenworld: English Literature and the
Environment
Rosivach moved to approve, Li seconded. Sapp noted that
there is no way to get a B- or C- and a note needs to be sent on the grading
scale. Davis pointed out that the
prerequisites should to be removed from the catalog description. Weiss asked if
there is a final. Epstein said that
the group presentation is the final exam. Weiss noted that the presentations
are scheduled before the final exam time and need to be scheduled during the
final exam time. Im asked if there is an official
policy for materials fee? Harding asked
about the discussion of grade complaints.
Weiss asked if the grades complaints is an English Department
Policy. Rosivach
asked how this corresponds to University policy. Weiss said that the policy says the
student goes to the professor first.
Harding said that the syllabus should reflect University policy and will
send a note regarding grading policies, disability contact information, and
presentations during scheduled final exam time. Epstein suggested that the oral
presentation can be before the final, but something needs to be due during the
final exam time. Im suggested that the English Department sort out these
issues with new faculty.
Unanimously approved.
o
EN 161:
Irish Literature
Epstein moved to approve, Petrino seconded.
Harding noted that EN 11 and 12 needs to be removed from the catalog
description. Epstein said that not
everyone was clear about this point in the English department.
Unanimously approved.
o
EN 171:
Introduction to Literature and the Visual Arts
Rosivach moved to approve, Petrino
seconded. Harding noted that the prerequisites need to be removed from the
catalog description and asked if the description is 100 words or less.
Unanimously approved.
á
EN 280:
Introduction to Latin@ Literature
Rosivach moved
to approve, Sapp seconded. Harding
noted that there are missing letters. Davis noted that the catalog description
too long. Weiss pointed out that
the grading scale is not the same as Fairfield University policy. Davis noted
that the format of the proposal is not formatted correctly. Harding pointed out that question 9b is
deleted. Rosivach noted that 100 level courses are
being reviewed before 200 in the English Department curriculum review. Epstein pointed out that Professor L—pez is in his second year; therefore some guidance is
needed. Im noted that the syllabus needs to reference
the office of disabilities. Weiss
pointed out that the grade complaint policy should to be removed or conform to
University policy.
Unanimously
approved.
á
EN 337:
Literary Theory
Rosivach moved
to approve, Li seconded. Li noted that 9b is missing. Harding asked if the course is
co-taught, the answer being yes. Sapp noted that co-teaching a course is
negotiable with the dean. Petrino said the grading
scale is irregular. Harding noted the accommodations statement should include
more information. Weiss said that the harassment statement should be removed
and pointed out that there is no final exam. Petrino
said that there is a final essay. Epstein noted that the dean should be
notified of this.
Unanimously
approved.
á
ENW 221:
Digital Journalism
Rosivach
motioned to approve, Li seconded. Harding noted that there is no 9b. Rosivach said
that this is a new faculty member. Im stated that the
professorÕs full name should be on the proposal. Harding was confused that ENW
222 is being offered as well. Davis
asked if a student can take both towards their major and, if so, is there a
significant overlap. Sapp answered
that students can take both courses towards their major, but the courses are
significantly different. Harding suggested that inserting Adobe software in the
catalog might not be appropriate, as it will become outdated. She suggested using Ònew computer toolsÓ
instead. Im
noted that the course outline (not the syllabus) says digital camara is required.
He would like it to say that the students will be provided with digital camaras as the department purchased those camaras. Li
said that it should be clarified that they are provided. Petrino
noted that how grades are distributed should conform to University policy. Rosivach stated that the journal of record states that a
syllabus is not required for a proposal but that the proposal needs to have the
Òfollowing informationÓ rather than a student syllabus. Weiss pointed out that
the dates are not correct, and 10b needs to be changed from 2009 to 2010. Rosivach
stated that the final evaluation should be explained. Harding said she will send a note to the
chair regarding the guiding of new faculty.
Unanimously
approved.
á
ENW 327:
Photojournalism II: Documenting the Community
Rosivach moved
to approve, Petrino seconded. Weiss noted that the
prerequisite ENW 323 name is wrong.
Davis pointed out that the font on her copy is too small. Weiss pointed out that 9b is answered. Im pointed out a resources issue, there are no technology
resources listed on the proposal but they are listed on the syllabus. It needs to be clear that technology
resources will not have to be purchased by students. Li suggested sending a note to clarify
this. Weiss noted that this
information is on page 4 under library resources. Im
stated that 8a-c must be clarified. Li agreed, especially if resources are
expensive, it needs to be clarified that students do not need to purchase
them. Im
would also like the provision of materials be made clear on the syllabus. Harding stated that the grading policy
does not conform to the University grading policy. There are final projects in
the last weeks of class with no final exam. The catalog has a typo: ÒstudentÓ to
ÒstudentsÓ. Sapp said that these
courses (ENW 221 and ENW 327) would not be offered in same semester so the camaras will be available to both courses. Petrino did not understand how much writing was required
from students as far as page or word count. It was asked if we approve on the
contingent that these issues are addressed or if the proposal should be sent
back. Harding suggested tabling the
motion and sending the proposal back. Weiss pointed out that page 8 talks about
a writing component, but is it enough? Rosivach pointed
out that they are trying to build a journalism major, which is currently housed
under ENW. He questions where this
course belongs at the moment, but it is not our responsibility to tell them if
there is enough writing in this course.
Motion
tabled.
5:00
pm – Epstein moved to recess and reconvene on February 23rd to
continue the meeting agenda. Remaining items:
á
ENW 329:
Issues in News Writing
á
AH 292:
Museums, Art, Ethics, and the Law
á
AH 295:
Museum/Gallery Curating
á
FM 104:
African American Cinema
á
FM 105:
American Film Survey
á
NM 311:
Senior Capstone Seminar II
4.
Adjournment
or Recess
5:00
pm.
Respectfully submitted by Jessica M. Davis.