2008 Woodie Awards
Faculty to vote on curriculum in December
David King '08
Issue date: 10/10/07 Section: News
- Page 1 of 2 next >
The curriculum of Saint Joseph's University is undergoing its first evaluation since 1989, which could result in fewer general education requirement (GER) courses and more electives for all majors.
A mandate to review the curriculum was first delivered by the Faculty Senate in May 2003. Five curriculum work groups were formed to address specific aspects of a new curriculum: curriculum architecture; mission, diversity, and globalization; curricular integration; concentrations; and general education.
"The last time the GER was examined is almost 20 years ago," said Peter Norberg, Ph.D., Associate Professor of English and a member of the steering committee. "The curriculum has not been substantially changed in the last 30 years. Curriculum change should be an ongoing process."
Due to factors such as outside accreditation, some students have as few as two free electives after taking the courses required by the GER and their major.
On Sept. 13, 19, and 27, the work group on general education (WGGE) held open discussions for faculty to discuss the work group's proposed changes to GER courses. The other four work groups have already completed similar proceedings.
In the coming weeks, all tenure-track faculty will be surveyed as to their opinions on the proposed General Education Program (GEP) set forth in the working group's report.
The GEP proposal as it stands now would result in more electives for all students. This would leave students free to pursue their own academic interests making it more feasible for students to take on a minor, take a wider range of courses in their majors, or study abroad, according to Norberg.
After the considerations of faculty are noted, the Curriculum Review Steering Committee will submit a final report on Nov. 1. This report will contain the information gathered by all five working groups and include curriculum recommendations.
In November, the final report will be discussed separately by the College of Arts and Science College Council, the Haub School of Business College Council, and the Faculty Senate. Each of these groups will be able to attach recommendations to the final report.
A mandate to review the curriculum was first delivered by the Faculty Senate in May 2003. Five curriculum work groups were formed to address specific aspects of a new curriculum: curriculum architecture; mission, diversity, and globalization; curricular integration; concentrations; and general education.
"The last time the GER was examined is almost 20 years ago," said Peter Norberg, Ph.D., Associate Professor of English and a member of the steering committee. "The curriculum has not been substantially changed in the last 30 years. Curriculum change should be an ongoing process."
Due to factors such as outside accreditation, some students have as few as two free electives after taking the courses required by the GER and their major.
On Sept. 13, 19, and 27, the work group on general education (WGGE) held open discussions for faculty to discuss the work group's proposed changes to GER courses. The other four work groups have already completed similar proceedings.
In the coming weeks, all tenure-track faculty will be surveyed as to their opinions on the proposed General Education Program (GEP) set forth in the working group's report.
The GEP proposal as it stands now would result in more electives for all students. This would leave students free to pursue their own academic interests making it more feasible for students to take on a minor, take a wider range of courses in their majors, or study abroad, according to Norberg.
After the considerations of faculty are noted, the Curriculum Review Steering Committee will submit a final report on Nov. 1. This report will contain the information gathered by all five working groups and include curriculum recommendations.
In November, the final report will be discussed separately by the College of Arts and Science College Council, the Haub School of Business College Council, and the Faculty Senate. Each of these groups will be able to attach recommendations to the final report.
Be the first to comment on this story