1.     If this is a new course, complete all sections of the Course Proposal Form.  If this is a new section of an "umbrella" course, complete sections 1-9 and 13-15 (as well as other instructions on this page). BC course numbers can be obtained from the Registrar before copies are submitted to COI.

2.     Attach detailed course syllabus.  The syllabus, which is distributed to students at the first class, usually includes an expanded course description; the assigned readings, and a supplemental bibliography (optional); course requirements and % of grade assigned to each (e.g., exams, papers, laboratories, oral reports, etc) and relevant due dates; the instructor's grading policy; expectations regarding class attendance and participation; the instructor's office hours; and guidelines for papers and laboratory reports (form, content, citing of sources, degree to which collaboration is allowed, if at all).

[NOTE: Once a course has been approved, it must be resubmitted to the Committee on Instruction if course requirements are substantially altered.]

3.     It is highly recommended that you submit the draft to the Associate Provost for review before submitting twenty-one copies of the completed, typed form (including the syllabus).

4.     No new course may be given the same number as one offered in the five preceding years.

5.     Bear in mind that there is great pressure on classrooms at the most popular hours (MWF 10:00, 11:00, 1:10; TuTh   10:35-11:50, 1:10-2:25), and, therefore, the Committee may request rescheduling.

Standard class hours are:

MWF               9:00-9:50                      MW      9:10-10:25                                WF       11:00-12:15

                        10:00-10:50                               10:35-11:50

                        11:00-11:50                               11:00-12:15                               TuTh     9:10-10:25

                        12:00-12:50                               1:10-2:25                                              10:35-11:50

                         1:10-2:25                                  2:40-3:55                                              1:10-2:25

                                                                         4:10-5:25                                             2:40-3:55

                                                                         5:40-6:55                                              4:10-5:25

                                                                         6:10-7:25                                              5:40-6:55

                                                                         7:40-8:55                                              6:10-7:25

                                                                                                                                    7:40-8:55

Seminars (2 hours) should be scheduled from 9:00-10:50, 11:00-12:50, 2:10-4:00, 4:10-6:00, 6:10-8:00, or 8:10-10:00.

6-9.   For complete details on course expectations and requirements (weight of exams, papers etc. for grade should be    indicated), and related instructional matters, please read the Faculty Handbook, pp. 8-21.

 

GUIDELINES FOR FOUR-POINT SEMINARS

The Committee on Instruction has established the following guidelines for new upper level courses to be proposed as four-point seminars.  Under these guidelines a four-point seminar should normally have:

·enrollment not to exceed 20 students;

·minimum of one weekly two-hour session;

·upper-level designation with prerequisites in the discipline;

·course format which provides a) study and discussion of a common body of material that forms the larger context within  which each student engages in independent, in-depth research; b) discussion, and possibly oral reports, of the results ofthe research; c) writing assignments during the term, with time for instructor feedback.

·use of methods appropriate to the discipline;

·culmination of the research in substantive individual project or projects;

·performance evaluation in the form of a specific letter grade.

Any questions concerning these guidelines may be addressed to the Office of the Provost and Dean of the Faculty.

 

                              GUIDELINES FOR THE NEW GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS (GER)

 

The new General Education Requirements (GER) apply to all students entering in September 2000 and thereafter.  There are nine categories: Reason and Value (1REA); Social Analysis (2 SOC); Historical Studies (3 HIS); Cultures in Comparison (4 CUL); Laboratory Science (5 SCI); Quantitative and Deductive Reasoning (6 QUA); Language (7 LAN); Literature (8 LIT); The Visual and Performing Arts (9 ART).  Please READ the catalogue for the definitions and aims of each requirement. 

Departments should not request designation for every course, but should be selective. Designated courses should generally be introductory or mid-level courses suited primarily for a general education audience, and first-year students in particular. Most GER courses should not have a prerequisite. If a course has a prerequisite that is also designated for the GER, the advanced course is superfluous.  In most cases, advanced courses intended primarily for majors or seniors are not appropriate. Moreover, some courses, particularly those with limited enrollment and upper level courses, should be “protected” for majors.

The designation requested should reflect the primary focus of the course. A single course will typically fulfill one or possibly two GER categories. In exceptional cases, a course may fulfill a third category if a convincing rationale is presented to the COI.  If more than one category is being considered for a single course, please ask: if this is the only course that a student takes in this area, will the aims of the requirement be well served?  In some cases, the COI may need to request more information on the approach and methodology of a particular course before it can determine its designation.

All designated courses may also be used for the major or the minor.