Minutes of EPC Mar. 16, 2004
Members present: Kris Eitrheim, Ragene Gwin, Bill Hixon, Dan Zeimet, Brenda Peters, David O’Connell, Randy Richards, Lori Rodriguez-Fisher, Nathan Schlueter, Barb Wiese, Miranda Nelp. Corinne Winter
Guests: Waylon McCulloh, Sandy Quin, Chris Sharp, Sara Vortriede, Art Serianz, George Bailey, Dan LaCorte, Paul Koch
Motion to approve Minutes of Mar. 2: Nathan Schlueter; Second: David O’Connell
Approved
Motion to approve: Barb Weise; Second: Ragene Gwin
The departmental assessment led to an in-depth discussion of common objectives and of common curriculum for the BA and BS degrees. The department is considering some significant changes in curriculum as a result of these discussions and would like to complete their recommendations before bringing the review to EPC.
Motion passed.
Motion to approve: Nathan Schlueter; Second: David O’Connell
Discussions leading to this proposal began 2 years ago; the current committee refined and completed the proposal. A key intent of the proposal is to expand the Criminal Justice program to meet expanding needs. The interdisciplinary nature of the program is a further asset to SAU as it suits the nature of a university to encourage such study. Like several other programs that EPC has reviewed, this program amounts to a re-packaging of existing courses with an addition of only one course – Forensic Biology (BIO 120).
And even that course has been offered as a topics course.
For what kind of work will this major prepare a graduate? Two kinds of work would be open to majors: Law enforcement work as a crime scene technician, or work in a Forensic lab. Either kind of position is open to someone with a Bachelor’s degree. An encouraging note is that the Illinois crime lab is currently hiring and there is “cautious optimism” about continuing job opportunities in this area.
Does the proposed curriculum meet the recommendations of the professional association in this area (The Council on Forensic Science Education – COFSE)? It does except that they recommend a semester of Calculus which does not seem essential to members of the proposing committee.
Does the COFSE accredit programs? No. They accredit individuals and that accreditation requires on the job training in addition to the degree.
It was noted that the proposed program provides a great deal of opportunity for students to develop critical thinking skills and therefore it would likely be a good preparation for many kinds of graduate study including medicine.
The proposal notes the need for an instrument known as a GC-MS and states that grant money for that purchase is being sought. It was noted that the officers of SAU have made a commitment to the purchase of one such instrument as it is important for Chemistry majors and for Biology majors with an environmental emphasis and is therefore important even without the addition of the criminalistics program.
Do members of the proposing committee have any evidence of numbers of students who would be interested? Evidence is limited to “hearsay.” A number of students have spoken informally of their interest. It is anticipated, however, that the career potential provided by this program will generate interest.
In which department will the program be listed? Who will be responsible, for example, for the 5-year review? The listing will appear under Criminal Justice and the program review will come through that department. References will be included in the catalog under Biology and Chemistry.
Will the chemistry content of the program be daunting for those who are not Chemistry majors? It will be a challenge, but manageable. Why only one semester of physics? The one semester seems to provide the necessary skills for the Bachelor level degree. The committee also desired to maintain a manageable number of credits in the major (program will have 49 credits).
Motion approved.
HIST 309 Ancient Greek History
HIST 210 History of Ancient Rome
HIST 118/318 Medieval Women: in theor own voices
HIST 319 History of the Renaissance
HIST 320 The European Reformations
What is the difference between 100 and 300 level course on Medieval women? Reading and discussion assignments are the same; 300-level students write a paper that exhibits upper-level research and analysis.
Will the course on Medieval Women apply to History majors as well as to general education? Yes. It applies to the required courses in world history.
Motion approved.
Motion to adjourn: Nathan Schlueter; Second: David O’Connell
Adjourned 3:50 p.m.
The next meeting will be Mar. 30 with agenda so far including program review and proposed new undergraduate major from MOL.
Submitted by Corinne Winter