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| Vol. 18, No. 6 | Oct. 8, 1998 |
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| Vol. 18, No. 6 | Oct. 8, 1998 |
At its October meeting, the University Faculty Senate heard a progress report from the ad hoc committee on general education.
Carol Hoffecker, Richards Professor of History and chairperson of the senate's ad hoc committee on general education, reminded the senators of the 10 goals set by the committee last year following input by several speakers and focus groups on the issue. "They all spoke about increased skills, more student research, more discovery-based learning," Hoffecker said.
Consequently, a number of subcommittees are working on the published goals, which range from applying academic knowledge to experiences beyond the classroom to attaining effective skills in oral and written communication, quantitative reasoning and the use of information technology. Hoffecker said the subcommittees are considering four-credit, theme-based, interdisciplinary courses that could be required of all freshmen, as well as a possible senior capstone course. But, the final goal is "not more requirements, but less," Hoffecker said.
Urging any interested faculty member to contact her, Hoffecker said the subcommittees working on these problems want the senate to be able to say "Yes, that's doable" and "Yes, that is an improvement."
"We will work better if all of you feel a part of the process," she said.
In other business, the senate terminated a major in classics education because, after five years of provisional status, no students are enrolled.
Interim dean Margaret L. Andersen, arts and science, said students who want to pursue this area can do so through the BALS degree, a self-designed program of study.
