NPIC minutes for 09-19-02

Present: Elwood, Lueder, Paddock (Chair), Wieder, Wilder

The following special topics courses have been noted:

ANT 398 Sp. Topics: Doing Archaeology/ Dual listed with GEO 398-02

ITA 498 - Word and Image: Writing and Italian Cinema

MDS 398 - Hip Hop, Rap and Signifying

MDS 298 - How Media Means

MDS 398 - The Argument of Media

MDS 498 - Sound of Media

PSY 298 Lifespan Development

The meeting consisted of general discussion around two topics:

1.) Requirements for Area Studies minors and how that might relate to interdisciplinary minors.

2.) An apparent trend in which classes are being cut due to under enrollment, even if they are required for a major.

On the first topic:

There is still a consensus that Area Studies minors should require a minimum of three fields of study and that there should be some upper-level course work (300 or higher). It was also agreed that there should be no hidden pre-requisites for any required courses in the field of study. Paddock promised to bring in a draft of a proposed German Studies minor that he is currently working on to provide a concrete example for the committee to work with as a basis for discussion.

One concern raised that the committee would like to bring before the UCF: What exactly is the role of advisor/coordinator of a minor program? The current system allows students to pick up a minor without necessarily having consulted with anyone. Is there any way to put an end to this practice and can the coordinator or minor advisor received some sort of support for doing this task?

The second issue-of administrative cutting of under enrolled classes-- concerns the members of the committee greatly. Paddock promised to bring it up at the next steering committee meeting to determine whether or not this issue actually falls under the purview of the committee and, of so, what kind of options are available.

Submitted by

Troy Paddock