Date: Tue, 15 Apr 1997 10:42:04 -0400 (EDT)
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From: millerd@cofc.edu (Deborah Miller)
Subject: Inquiry Group 9 Summary
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Inquiry Group 9 met on April 10th to discuss the third and final General
Education Discussion Question. This question asks the group to identify
the holes in the existing general education experience at the College based
on the new consensus goals.
Our inquiry group would like to see Goal 9 moved to some type of preamble.
These are qualities we would like to see in every graduate from the
College.
Goal 1 has a low priority to the committee. There are few courses or
programs available which address the relationship among the branches of
knowledge.
Goal 2 needs the most attention. There are very few opportunities for
interdisciplinary learning, as most programs are currently focused along
only one discipline. Institutional barriers and financial resources are
key obstacles which must be overcome to meet this goal. Some current
interdisciplinary programs have coherent curricula and coordination, while
others do not. The coordination of schedules both within and between
departments makes it very difficult to offer interdisciplinary courses.
Funds for developing interdisciplinary courses, faculty development,
library acquisitions, and other needed materials are scarce.
Goal 3 is supported very well by some programs/courses on campus. The
environmental studies minor, the new geography course, and courses in
anthropology, philosophy, and religion all support this goal. All
students, however, do not have an opportunity to meet this goal through
these programs/courses. Our inquiry group does not believe that there are
enough resources available for all students to attain this goal.
Goal 4 is well served by the English and Language Departments. Our inquiry
group questions whether or not "Writing Across the Curriculum" is in name
only. It is our belief that all faculty should bear the responsibility
for meeting Goal 4. An institution wide obligation is needed to meet this
goal effectively. Faculty are currently not given institutional support to
teach writing skills as can be seen by the large class sizes across campus.
Final Summary:
Inquiry Group 9 does not oppose the "spirit" of the newly proposed goals,
but we feel we must seriously address the way in which they have been
crafted. However, we currently feel ready to move forward using these
goals as a "provisional guide"--- provided, that the content of these goals
is re-visited and addressed at a later date.
Dr. Deborah A. Miller millerd@cofc.edu E-mail
College of Charleston Health Coordinator
Dept. of P.E. & Health 66 George St.
Charleston, S.C. 29424 803) 763-0216 Home
803) 953-8248 Office 803) 953-6757 Fax