TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY

UNIVERSITY CURRICULUM COMMITTEE

Agenda April 11, 2008 1:30 p.m., 217 Koldus

1. Approval of the minutes of January 11, 2008.

2. New Courses

A7 ATMO 443 A8 HIST 358 A9 URSC 405

3. Change in Courses C8 AGRO course prefix change to SCSC C9 AGRO 304 – course title, course description C10 URSC 493 – lecture hours, credit hours

4. Change in Curriculum College of Science Department of Biology D2 B.A. in Biology

5. Special Consideration – Withdrawal of Degree Program

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Animal Science B.S. in Dairy Science H1 Manufacturing Option 6. Special Consideration College of Education and Human Development

Department of Educational Administration and Human Resource Development H2 Minor in Human Resource Development 7. Informational Item College of Liberal Arts

Women’s Studies Program Minor in Women’s Studies – Course Additions 8. Other Business

Recommended syllabus requirements - revised

Minutes of the University Curriculum Committee January 11, 2008

217 Koldus Members present: Robert Knight, Chair, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences; Tim Scott (Vice-Chair), College of Science; Michael Murphy, College of Architecture; Vida Wilhem (for Jim Kracht), College of Education and Human Development; Vatche Tchakerian, College of Geosciences; Don Curtis (for Pamela Matthews), College of Liberal Arts; George Fowler, Mays Business School; Tom Schmalz (for Bill McMullen, Texas A&M University at Galveston); James Herman, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. The University Curriculum Committee recommends approval of the following: 1. The minutes of the December 13, 2007 meeting. 2. New Courses

ANTH 446. Ceramic Artifact Analysis. (2-3). Credit 3. Concepts, methods, and approaches used in the analysis of archaeological pottery with a focus on the techniques and theories used to bridge the gap between the recovery of ceramic artifacts and their interpretation within various anthropological contexts. Prerequisite: ANTH 202 and approval of instructor; junior or senior classification. ANTH 447. Lithic Artifact Analysis. (2-3). Credit 3. Laboratory-based course reviewing methods archaeologists use to analyze stone tools and debitage, including identification of tool-stone sources, reconstruction of technology, explanation of assemblage variability, and microscopic use-wear analysis. Prerequisite: ANTH 202 and approval of instructor; junior or senior classification. ANTH 454. Archaeological Photography. (2-3). Credit 3. How to better use cameras in the process of reporting archaeological sites and material culture by exploring old and new photographic technologies. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification. HIST 469. History of Collective Protest and Violence. (3-0). Credit 3. Examination of collective protest and violence on a case study basis and in comparative and historical context; emphasis on causes, the nature of participation, assumptions and goals, and the character of repression. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification. NRSC 450. Mammalian Functional Neuroanatomy. (3-2). Credit 4. Functional morphology of the domestic animal and human brain using gross specimens, microscopic sections, interactive computer-, DVD-, and video-assisted instructional programs supplemented with clinical case studies. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification; BIMS, biology, biochemistry, or psychology majors, or neuroscience minors with overall 3.5 TAMU GPA; or approval of instructor. Cross-listed with VIBS 450. PHYS 415. Nuclear and Particle Physics. (3-0). Credit 3. Properties, decays, and reactions of nuclei and elementary particles; nuclear models and equation of state; quantum chromodynamics and electroweak interactions; applications to astrophysics: big bang model, cosmic microwave background radiation, nucleosynthesis, neutron star, and supernovae. Prerequisite: PHYS 412.

Minutes of the University Curriculum Committee January 11, 2008 Page 2 3. Change in Courses

ANTH 225. Physical Anthropology. Course Title From: Physical Anthropology. To: Biological Anthropology.

Prerequisites

From: BIOL 113 and 123; BIOL 107 or equivalent. To: None.

Cross-listing From: BIOL 225. To: None.

ANTH 425. Anthropometry and Osteology. Course Title From: Anthropometry and Osteology. To: Human Osteology.

Course Description and Prerequisites

From: Concepts and methods used by anthropologists and paleontologists to identify, describe and analyze skeletal and fossil bone materials. Prerequisites: ANTH 225 and 312 or approval of instructor.

To: Concepts and methods used by anthropologists to identify, describe and analyze human skeletal remains from forensic and archaeological contexts. Prerequisites: ANTH 225 or VIBS 305; junior or senior classification.

PHYS 306. Basic Astronomy. Course Prefix and Course Number From: PHYS 306. To: ASTR 101.

Course Description

From: Qualitative approach to planets, stars, galaxies and cosmology; aspects of the sky, determining the properties of celestial bodies; birth, life and death of stars: nebulae, pulsars, supernovas, black holes; origin and fate of the universe; active galactic nuclei and other super-energetic phenomena; modern knowledge of the Solar System and its origin, life in our and other systems.

To: A qualitative approach to basic stellar astronomy; earth-moon-sun relationships then studies of distances to stars, stellar temperatures, and other physical properties; birth, life on the main sequence of the H-R diagram, and ultimate fates of stars.

Minutes of the University Curriculum Committee January 11, 2008 Page 3

PHYS 307. Observational Astronomy. Course Prefix and Course Number From: PHYS 307. To: ASTR 102. Course Description and Prerequisites

From: Observational and laboratory course which may be taken in conjunction with PHYS 306 or 314. Use of techniques and instruments of classical and modern astronomy. Prerequisite: PHYS 306 or 314, or registration therein.

To: Observational and laboratory course which may be taken in conjunction with ASTR 101 or 314. Use of techniques and instruments of classical and modern astronomy. Prerequisite: ASTR 101 or 314, or registration therein.

PHYS 314. Survey of Astronomy. Course Prefix From: PHYS 314. To: ASTR 314. Prerequisites: From: PHYS 208 or 219. To: PHYS 208. PSYC 335. Physiological Psychology. Lecture Hours, Lab Hours From: (2-3). Credit 3. To: (3-0). Credit 3. VIBS 450. Mammalian Functional Neuroanatomy. Lecture Hours, Lab Hours, Credit Hours From: (2-3). Credit 3. To: (3-2). Credit 4. Prerequisites

From: Junior or senior classification and approval of instructor. To: Junior or senior classification; BIMS, biology, biochemistry, or psychology

majors, or neuroscience minors with overall 3.5 TAMU GPA; or approval of instructor.

Cross-listing From: None. To: NRSC 450.

Minutes of the University Curriculum Committee January 11, 2008 Page 4 4. Change in Curriculum

College of Liberal Arts Interdepartmental Degree Program

B.A. in International Studies 5. Texas A&M University at Galveston New Courses

MARS 362. Biochemical Adaptations. (1-0). Credit 1. Seminar on biochemical adaptations and contemporary biochemical methodology emphasizing marine life; an examination of how marine organisms, based on a common set of biochemical structures and processes and subject to a common set of physical-chemical laws, adapt to marine environmental conditions. Prerequisites: MARS 360 or concurrent enrollment.

MARS 412. Remote Field Investigations in Marine Sciences. Credit 1 to 6. An overview of marine sciences in remote locations varying by instructor and selected topics; lectures on recent scientific papers, methods, and concepts related to field area; individual projects; data collection; data analysis and presentation. May be taken 3 times for credit. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.

PHIL 381. Ethical Theory. (3-0). Credit 3. Values and conduct such as moral relativism, self-interest, utilitarianism, rules, nature of valuation, ethical language and argumentation. Prerequisite: 3 hours of philosophy other than PHIL 240.

Change in Course MARS 250. Computer Applications.

Course Number From: MARS 250. To: MARS 350.

Course Title From: Computer Applications. To: Advanced Computer Applications. Lecture Hours and Credit Hours From: (2-2). Credit 3. To: (1-2). Credit 2.

Course Description and Prerequisite

From: Introduction to microcomputer business and data applications. Fundamental concepts of information technology and algorithm development. Use of integrated word processing, spreadsheet and database applications software to solve science and/or business problems.

Minutes of the University Curriculum Committee January 11, 2008 Page 5

To: Data manipulation, merging selection, filtering and querying in Microsoft Office primarily using large real data sets; applications of GIS, MATLAB, and other software relevant to science and/or business applications; discussion of algorithm development in structured and object oriented programming languages.

6. Other Business

Members decided the best date for Galveston to host a UCC meeting would be June 13, 2008. Additional information will follow in the months to come. The March 2008 meeting was cancelled due to Spring Break conflicts.

Texas A&M University Syllabus Requirements

On 12 May 1997, the Faculty Senate approved the Minimum syllabus Requirements for new graduate and undergraduate courses. The 12 May 1997 document is Appendix 1 of this report.

The Academic Affairs Committee of the Faculty Senate of Texas A&M University

recommends the following replacement document, Texas A&M University Syllabus Requirements for undergraduate and graduate courses. The recommendations came from the Academic Affairs Committee of the Senate and have been reviewed by the University Curriculum Committee and the Graduate Council.

We anticipate that the “Texas A&M University Syllabus Requirements” will be used by

instructors for many purposes including the development of proposals for new graduate and undergraduate courses, in gaining writing intensive course status, as supporting materials for accreditation in various disciplines, for inclusion in the Texas A&M University Core Curriculum, as part of the documentation for Teaching Portfolios, and as the syllabus for use in course instruction. The following document (Appendix 2) provides the minimum requirements for a syllabus used in courses at Texas A&M University. Instructors may include additional information or arrange the topics in any order. However, no statement on a syllabus may contradict university rules regarding attendance, approved absence, etc. You may wish to refer to the Student Rules regarding Academics at http://student-rules.tamu.edu

Appendix 2a provides a listing of the Minimum Syllabus Requirements for courses at

Texas A&M University. Explanations and appropriate links are provided for appropriate categories. Instructors may alter the order and add additional materials and topics appropriate to their own courses. Appendix 2b provides an on-line version that may be used to construct a syllabus and upload the document to an appropriate web site. Appendix 2c will provide a site with Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about syllabus construction.

Appendices 2a – 2c will be available on the Curricular Services Web Site and the

Faculty Senate Web Site. In addition, regular workshops on syllabus construction are offered by the Center for Teaching Excellence (845-8392). This document included material provided by the Mays Business School (Syllabus Template, dated 2008) and the Center for Teaching Excellence (Course Syllabus dated 6 December 2007).

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Appendix 1

Minimum Syllabus Requirements

At its regular meeting held May 12, 1997, the Faculty Senate approved the following recommended Minimum Syllabus Requirements for new graduate and undergraduate courses. The recommendation came from the University Curriculum Committee and the Graduate Council and was approved by the Academic Affairs Committee of the Faculty Senate at its April 21, 1997 meeting. Sample Syllabus

Course Title and Number • Instructor information • Prerequisite(s) • Course topics/calendar • Grading • List of assignments, tests, etc. • No statements contrary to University rules regarding attendance, approved absences, etc. • Textbook and/or resource materials listing • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Policy Statement

Approved by the University Curriculum Committee

March 7, 1997 Approved by the Graduate Council

March 20, 1997 Approved by the Faculty Senate

May 12, 1997 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Policy Statement The following ADA Policy Statement (part of the Policy on Individual Disabling Conditions) was submitted to the University Curriculum Committee by the Department of Student Life. The policy statement was forwarded to the Faculty Senate for information. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Department of Student Life, Services for Students with Disabilities, in Cain Hall or call 845-1637. Academic Integrity Statement “An Aggie does not lie, cheat, or steal or tolerate those who do.” All syllabi shall contain a section that states the Aggie Honor Code and refers the student to the Honor Council Rules and Procedures on the web http://www.tamu.edu/aggiehonor It is further recommended that instructors print the following on assignments and examinations: "On my honor, as an Aggie, I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid on this academic work."

Signature of student Academic Integrity Task Force, 2004 http://www.tamu.edu/aggiehonor/FinalTaskForceReport.pdf

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Appendix 2a

Minimum Syllabus Requirements

Course title, number, and term (e.g., Spring 200X), meeting times and location Course description and prerequisites (The course description should closely follow the catalog description for the course. In some instances, the course description may include a rationale or context for the subject matter within the discipline. Prerequisites, if any, should be given and these should match the catalog. Learning outcomes (A statement of what students will be able to do or know upon completion of the course. The outcomes may include competencies developed in the course. Learning outcomes are measurable and define what students need to do to show mastery of course materials. Additional assistance with learning outcomes is available through the Center for Teaching Excellence http://cte.tamu.edu). ) Instructor information (include name, telephone number, email address, office hours, and office location) Textbook and / or resource materials Grading policies (Policies should cover late work, grade assignment and weighting, attendance policy, and make-up guidelines. Changing grading policies should occur only under extraordinary circumstances. However, no statement on a syllabus may contradict university rules regarding attendance, approved absence, etc. You may wish to refer to the Student Rules regarding Academics at http://student-rules.tamu.edu ). Course topics, calendar of activities, assignments, test dates (If the course is web-based, you may wish to provide links to academic calendar and final schedule. Avoid conflicts with religious observances. Major assignment due dates should not be changed without notification of all students in the course.) Other pertinent course information relevant to the course (not required)

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Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Policy Statement The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact Disability Services, in Cain Hall, Room B118, or call 845-1637. For additional information visit http://disability.tamu.edu Academic Integrity Statement and Policy All syllabi should contain a section that states the Aggie Honor Code and refers the student to the Honor Council Rules and Procedures on the web: www.tamu.edu/aggiehonor)

“An Aggie does not lie, cheat or steal, or tolerate those who do.” It is further recommended that instructors print the following on assignments and examinations:

“On my honor, as an Aggie, I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid on this academic work.”

[Signature of Student]

Helpful Links for syllabus construction Academic Calendar http://admissions.tamu.edu/registrar/general/calendar.aspx Final Exam Schedule http://admissions.tamu.edu/registrar/general/finalschedule.aspx On-Line Catalog http://www.tamu.edu/admissions/catalogs/ Student Rules http://student-rules.tamu.edu/ Religious Observances http://dof.tamu.edu/faculty/policies/religiousobservance.php Center for Teaching http://cte.tamu.edu Excellence

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Appendix 2b

SYLLABUS - DRAFT

Course title and number Term (e.g., Fall 200X) Meeting times and location

Course Description and Prerequisites

Learning Outcomes

Instructor Information

Name Telephone number Email address Office hours Office location

Textbook and/or Resource Materials

Grading Policies

Course Topics, Calendar of Activities, Assignments, Test Dates

Week Topic Required Reading

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Other Pertinent Course Information

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Policy Statement

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact Disability Services, in Cain Hall, Room B118, or call 845-1637. For additional information visit http://disability.tamu.edu

Academic Integrity Statement and Policy

For additional information please visit: http://www.tamu.edu/aggiehonor

“An Aggie does not lie, cheat, or steal, or tolerate those who do.”

Syllabus Template Instructions Course title, number, term (i.e., Spring 200x), meeting times and location. Course Description and Prerequisites - Course description should closely follow catalog description for course. In some instances, course description may include a rationale or context for the subject matter within the discipline. Prerequisites, if any, should be given and these should match the catalog. Learning Outcomes – Statement of what students will be able to do or know upon completion of the course. The outcomes may include competencies developed in the course. Learning outcomes are measurable and define what students need to do to show mastery of course materials. Additional assistance with learning outcomes is available through the Center for Teaching Excellence http://cte.tamu.edu. Resources for writing learning outcomes

• Questions to assist in writing learning outcomes for a course • Six Major Levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy of the Cognitive Domain • Bloom Polygon

Instructor Information -Name, telephone number, email address, office hours, and office location. Textbook and/or Resource Materials - List required textbooks and/or any resource material necessary for this course. Grading Policies – Policies should cover late work, grade assignment and weighting, attendance policy, and make-up guidelines. Changing grading policies should occur only under extraordinary circumstances. However, no statement on a syllabus may contradict university rules regarding attendance, approved absence, etc. You may wish to refer to the Student Rules regarding Academics at http://student-rules.tamu.edu Course Topics, Calendar of Activities, Assignments, Test Dates - If the course is web-based, you may wish to provide links to academic calendar and final schedule. Avoid conflicts with religious observances. Major assignment due dates should not be changed without notification of all students in the course. Other pertinent course information relevant to the course (not required) - Additional relevant course information may be added. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Policy Statement - This statement is required on all syllabi. Academic Integrity Statement and Policy – All syllabi should contain a section that states the Aggie Honor Code and refers the student to the Honor Council Rules and Procedures at http://www.tamu.edu/aggiehonor.

"An Aggie does not lie, cheat or steal, or tolerate those who do.” It is further recommended that instructors print the following on assignments and examinations:

"On my honor, as an Aggie, I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid on this academic work." [Signature of Student]

Helpful Links for Syllabus Construction Academic Calendar http://admissions.tamu.edu/Registrar/General/Calendar.aspx Final Exam Schedule http://admissions.tamu.edu/Registrar/General/FinalSchedule.aspx On-line catalog http://www.tamu.edu/admissions/catalogs/ Religious Observances http://dof.tamu.edu/faculty/policies/religiousobservance.php. Student Rules http://student-rules.tamu.edu Center for Teaching Excellence http:/cte.tamu.edu

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Appendix 2c Frequently Asked Questions – Syllabus Can I penalize students for missing exams? Can make-up work be significantly different or more difficult than the original assignment or test? How should I handle changes in the schedule I listed on the syllabus? What does the statement on accommodations for students with disabilities mean for me, the instructor? What should I expect if I have a student with a disability in my class? How do I formulate my own philosophy of assessment? How do I help students understand what academic integrity and plagiarism mean? What are some options for addressing students’ interest in collaborating on homework assignments? What should I do if my course description is significantly different from the description in the current catalog? In addition to the required topics, what else is helpful for students to see in the syllabus? How can I verify that a student is participating in a “university authorized activity?” Where can I find a list of religious holy days? Where can I get help in developing learning outcomes?