OGDEN COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
OFFICE OF THE DEAN
745-6371

REPORT TO THE UNIVERSITY CURRICULUM COMMITTEE

DATE:  October 25, 2007

FROM:  OGDEN COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING CURRICULUM COMMITTEE
The Ogden College of Science and Engineering submits the following items for consideration:

Type of Item	Description of Item	
Action	New Course Proposal
GEOG 196, Physical Geography Recitation Laboratory
Contact:  Dr. David Keeling
David.keeling@wku.edu  5-4555	
Action	New Course Proposal
GEOG 197, Human Geography Recitation Laboratory
David.keeling@wku.edu  5-4555	
Action	New Course Proposal
GEOG 198, World Regional Geography Recitation Laboratory
David.keeling@wku.edu  5-4555	
Action	New Course Proposal
GEOG 199, Latin America Recitation Laboratory
David.keeling@wku.edu  5-4555	
Action	New Course Proposal
GEOG 380, Principles of Global Sustainability
Daniel.reader@wku.edu  5-2813	
Action	Revise a Program
Technology Management, Reference Number 575
Contact:  Dr. H. Terry Leeper
Terry.leeper@wku.edu  5-5954	

Proposal Date: 8/27/2007

Ogden College of Science and Engineering
Department of Geography and Geology
Proposal to Create a New Course
(Action Item)

Contact Person: David Keeling   e-mail: david.keeling@wku.edu     Phone: 5-4555

Identification of proposed course
Prefix and number:  GEOG 196
Title:    				Physical Geography Recitation Laboratory 
Abbreviated title:     Phys Geog Recitation Lab 
Credit hours: 1
Type of course: B  (Lab)
Co-requisites:  Must be concurrently enrolled in a GEOG 100 section designated as a
                                  recitation lab course.
Catalog course listing: 
The physical geography recitation lab is designed to support the lecture material through practical exercises and problem solving. Map analysis is stressed, as well as critical thinking related to current issues and events. 

Rationale
	Reason for developing the proposed course: 
Both national and local data have focused attention recently on the challenges faced by faculty dealing with under-prepared students. The lack of adequate preparation for students entering universities has been a hot-button political issue for several decades and the media have devoted much attention to the problem. Various strategies have been tried to improve primary and secondary education across the country, yet many high-school graduates do not come to WKU adequately prepared for college-level work. Data from the American Association of Colleges and Universities (2007) show that about 50 percent of all students enrolling in colleges and universities are academically under-prepared. They lack basic skills in at least one of the three fundamental areas of reading, mathematics, and writing. At WKU, incoming freshman are ill-prepared for courses in geography, geology, earth science, and critical thinking generally. In order to measure base knowledge and to quantify (to the extent possible) the knowledge-building process, the department has initiated several strategies to improve student learning. 
To tackle the problem of under-prepared students directly, the department is proposing a course “recitation” system (essentially a learning laboratory) for each of its general education courses (except for those courses that already have a lab component). Using specially recruited graduate students in the geosciences, the department will develop one-hour recitation labs that are linked to selected courses. Each student will enroll in a recitation lab section, limited to 20-25 students, and will engage in learning activities that are hands-on, project-based, or experiential in nature. 

Projected enrollment in the proposed course: 
20-25 students per recitation section based on the number of general education courses offered and the availability of qualified graduates or senior undergraduates.
Relationship of the proposed course to courses now offered by the department: 
The proposed course is designed to support general education course GEOG 100. Similar proposals have been developed for general education courses GEOG 101, 110, and 200.  The long-term goal is to link all general education geography classes with a recitation laboratory section. The laboratory structure of the proposed course is designed to provide a structured, focused learning environment for students in order to enhance the lecture experience and to help students build a solid knowledge base. 
Relationship of the proposed course to courses offered in other departments: 
The proposed course is specific to geography general education courses and has no relationship to courses in other departments.  However, it employs a similar pedagogical philosophy to that of lab courses offered in other disciplines.  Many other programs use a variety of labs or other focused learning environments to support general education courses. 
Relationship of the proposed course to courses offered in other institutions: 
Recitation sections supporting general education geography courses are offered at a number of universities around the country, including Colorado, Ohio State, New Jersey City, Portland State, Oregon State, and Valparaiso. At some institutions, recitation labs are built into the structure of the course, while others offer separate recitation lab sections. 

Discussion of proposed course
Course objectives: 
•	Develop an understanding of and familiarity with basic map interpretation skills.
•	Develop competency in locational analysis using regional maps. 
•	Develop an understanding of core geographic themes and concepts.
•	Develop critical thinking skills by using geographic themes and concepts to understand and analyze current events and issues.
•	Improve basic geographic knowledge to a level acceptable to demonstrate an understanding of the diversity of peoples, ideas, and cultures.
•	Ensure that students can demonstrate an understanding of their opportunities as responsible citizens living and working in a global society.
•	Engage students with communities and environments other than their own.

Content outline: 
			What geographers do and the tools used for spatial analysis:
•	Places and locations – the basic grammar of geography.
•	Themes and concepts in geographic analysis.
•	Maps, GIS, remote sensing, and other analytical tools.
			Building geographic knowledge for a physical setting:
•	Tools for understanding local, regional, and global diversity.
•	Study habits and learning strategies in geography.
•	Reading the physical and cultural landscapes.
			
			Applying geographic knowledge to a physical setting:
•	Scientific method and the five themes of geography.
•	Practical applications of geographic knowledge.
•	Spatial analysis of issues and problems in society.
•	Ethics and responsibility in a global society.

Student expectations and requirements: 
Grades are earned based on multiple exercises that draw on material from the main lecture course, plus other course material, including map analysis, discussions, and other appropriate assignments. Students must attend at least 85% of the scheduled labs in order to pass the course. 

Tentative texts and course materials: 
•	Recitation labs will use the textbook assigned for the specific course to which the recitation lab section is linked.  
•	Maps and other material appropriate to the recitation section will be supplied

Resources
Library resources: 
None required – this is a recitation lab course supporting existing general education courses.
Computer resources: 
No new additional resources required.

Budget implications
Proposed method of staffing: 
Qualified graduate geoscience students and/or senior undergraduate geography majors will teach/assist the recitation labs under faculty supervision. The Department will submit a proposal to the Ogden College Dean, the Graduate Dean, and Academic Affairs (PIE grant) to provide support for at least three graduate assistantships effective Fall 2008 as part of a pilot program to support this initiative.
Special equipment needed:
None.
Expendable materials needed: 
Miscellaneous map materials will be provided by the Department.
Laboratory supplies needed: 
Miscellaneous laboratory supplies will be provided by the Department.

Proposed term for implementation: Fall 2008

7.   Dates of prior committee approvals:

Geography & Geology Department						 	8/30/2007_________	

 Curriculum Committee							10/11/2007_________

University Curriculum Committee						 				_________

University Senate									     				___

Attachments:  Library Resources Form, Course Inventory Form

Proposal Date: 8/27/2007

Ogden College of Science and Engineering
Department of Geography and Geology
Proposal to Create a New Course
(Action Item)

Contact Person: David Keeling   e-mail: david.keeling@wku.edu     Phone: 5-4555

Identification of proposed course
Prefix and number:  GEOG 197
Title:    				Human Geography Recitation Laboratory 
Abbreviated title:     Human Geog Recitation Lab 
Credit hours: 1
Type of course: B  (Lab)
Co-requisites:  Must be concurrently enrolled in a GEOG 101 section designated as a
                                  recitation lab course.
Catalog course listing: 
The human geography recitation lab is designed to support the lecture material through practical exercises and problem solving. Map analysis is stressed, as well as critical thinking related to current issues and events. 

Rationale
	Reason for developing the proposed course: 
Both national and local data have focused attention recently on the challenges faced by faculty dealing with under-prepared students. The lack of adequate preparation for students entering universities has been a hot-button political issue for several decades and the media have devoted much attention to the problem. Various strategies have been tried to improve primary and secondary education across the country, yet many high-school graduates do not come to WKU adequately prepared for college-level work. Data from the American Association of Colleges and Universities (2007) show that about 50 percent of all students enrolling in colleges and universities are academically under-prepared. They lack basic skills in at least one of the three fundamental areas of reading, mathematics, and writing. At WKU, incoming freshman are ill-prepared for courses in geography, geology, earth science, and critical thinking generally. In order to measure base knowledge and to quantify (to the extent possible) the knowledge-building process, the department has initiated several strategies to improve student learning. 
To tackle the problem of under-prepared students directly, the department is proposing a course “recitation” system (essentially a learning laboratory) for each of its general education courses (except for those courses that already have a lab component). Using specially recruited graduate students in the geosciences, the department will develop one-hour recitation labs that are linked to selected courses. Each student will enroll in a recitation lab section, limited to 20-25 students, and will engage in learning activities that are hands-on, project-based, or experiential in nature. 

Projected enrollment in the proposed course: 
20-25 students per recitation section based on the number of general education courses offered and the availability of qualified graduates or senior undergraduates.
Relationship of the proposed course to courses now offered by the department: 
The proposed course is designed to support general education course GEOG 101. Similar proposals have been developed for general education courses GEOG 100, 110, and 200.  The long-term goal is to link all general education geography classes with a recitation laboratory section. The laboratory structure of the proposed course is designed to provide a structured, focused learning environment for students in order to enhance the lecture experience and to help students build a solid knowledge base. 
Relationship of the proposed course to courses offered in other departments: 
The proposed course is specific to geography general education courses and has no relationship to courses in other departments.  However, it employs a similar pedagogical philosophy to that of lab courses offered in other disciplines.  Many other programs use a variety of labs or other focused learning environments to support general education courses. 
Relationship of the proposed course to courses offered in other institutions: 
Recitation sections supporting general education geography courses are offered at a number of universities around the country, including Colorado, Ohio State, New Jersey City, Portland State, Oregon State, and Valparaiso. At some institutions, recitation labs are built into the structure of the course, while others offer separate recitation lab sections. 

Discussion of proposed course
Course objectives: 
•	Develop an understanding of and familiarity with basic map interpretation skills.
•	Develop competency in locational analysis using regional maps. 
•	Develop an understanding of core geographic themes and concepts.
•	Develop critical thinking skills by using geographic themes and concepts to understand and analyze current events and issues.
•	Improve basic geographic knowledge to a level acceptable to demonstrate an understanding of the diversity of peoples, ideas, and cultures.
•	Ensure that students can demonstrate an understanding of their opportunities as responsible citizens living and working in a global society.
•	Engage students with communities and environments other than their own.

Content outline: 
			What geographers do and the tools used for spatial analysis:
•	Places and locations – the basic grammar of geography.
•	Themes and concepts in geographic analysis.
•	Maps, GIS, remote sensing, and other analytical tools.
			Building geographic knowledge for a cultural setting:
•	Tools for understanding local, regional, and global diversity.
•	Study habits and learning strategies in geography.
•	Reading the physical and cultural landscapes.
			
			Applying geographic knowledge to a cultural setting:
•	Scientific method and the five themes of geography.
•	Practical applications of geographic knowledge.
•	Spatial analysis of issues and problems in society.
•	Ethics and responsibility in a global society.

Student expectations and requirements: 
Grades are earned based on multiple exercises that draw on material from the main lecture course, plus other course material, including map analysis, discussions, and other appropriate assignments. Students must attend at least 85% of the scheduled labs in order to pass the course. 

Tentative texts and course materials: 
•	Recitation labs will use the textbook assigned for the specific course to which the recitation lab section is linked.  
•	Maps and other material appropriate to the recitation section will be supplied

Resources
Library resources: 
None required – this is a recitation lab course supporting existing general education courses.
Computer resources: 
No new additional resources required.

Budget implications
Proposed method of staffing: 
Qualified graduate geoscience students and/or senior undergraduate geography majors will teach/assist the recitation labs under faculty supervision. The Department will submit a proposal to the Ogden College Dean, the Graduate Dean, and Academic Affairs (PIE grant) to provide support for at least three graduate assistantships effective Fall 2008 as part of a pilot program to support this initiative.
Special equipment needed:
None.
Expendable materials needed: 
Miscellaneous map materials will be provided by the Department.
Laboratory supplies needed: 
Miscellaneous laboratory supplies will be provided by the Department.

Proposed term for implementation: Fall 2008

7.   Dates of prior committee approvals:

Geography & Geology Department				 	8/30/2007__________

 Curriculum Committee					10/11/2007_________

University Curriculum Committee					 		____

University Senate								     	____

Attachments:  Library Resources Form, Course Inventory Form

Proposal Date: 8/27/2007

Ogden College of Science and Engineering
Department of Geography and Geology
Proposal to Create a New Course
(Action Item)

Contact Person: David Keeling   e-mail: david.keeling@wku.edu     Phone: 5-4555

Identification of proposed course
Prefix and number:  GEOG 198
Title:    				World Regional Geography Recitation Laboratory 
Abbreviated title:     Regional Geog Recitation Lab 
Credit hours: 1
Type of course: B  (Lab)
Co-requisites:  Must be concurrently enrolled in a GEOG 110 section designated as a
                                  recitation lab course.
Catalog course listing: 
The world regional geography recitation lab is designed to support the lecture material through practical exercises and problem solving. Map analysis is stressed, as well as critical thinking related to current issues and events. 

Rationale
	Reason for developing the proposed course: 
Both national and local data have focused attention recently on the challenges faced by faculty dealing with under-prepared students. The lack of adequate preparation for students entering universities has been a hot-button political issue for several decades and the media have devoted much attention to the problem. Various strategies have been tried to improve primary and secondary education across the country, yet many high-school graduates do not come to WKU adequately prepared for college-level work. Data from the American Association of Colleges and Universities (2007) show that about 50 percent of all students enrolling in colleges and universities are academically under-prepared. They lack basic skills in at least one of the three fundamental areas of reading, mathematics, and writing. At WKU, incoming freshman are ill-prepared for courses in geography, geology, earth science, and critical thinking generally. In order to measure base knowledge and to quantify (to the extent possible) the knowledge-building process, the department has initiated several strategies to improve student learning. 
To tackle the problem of under-prepared students directly, the department is proposing a course “recitation” system (essentially a learning laboratory) for each of its general education courses (except for those courses that already have a lab component). Using specially recruited graduate students in the geosciences, the department will develop one-hour recitation labs that are linked to selected courses. Each student will enroll in a recitation lab section, limited to 20-25 students, and will engage in learning activities that are hands-on, project-based, or experiential in nature. 

Projected enrollment in the proposed course: 
20-25 students per recitation section based on the number of general education courses offered and the availability of qualified graduates or senior undergraduates.
Relationship of the proposed course to courses now offered by the department: 
The proposed course is designed to support general education course GEOG 110. Similar proposals have been developed for general education courses GEOG 100, 101, and 200.  The long-term goal is to link all general education geography classes with a recitation laboratory section. The laboratory structure of the proposed course is designed to provide a structured, focused learning environment for students in order to enhance the lecture experience and to help students build a solid knowledge base. 
Relationship of the proposed course to courses offered in other departments: 
The proposed course is specific to geography general education courses and has no relationship to courses in other departments.  However, it employs a similar pedagogical philosophy to that of lab courses offered in other disciplines.  Many other programs use a variety of labs or other focused learning environments to support general education courses. 
Relationship of the proposed course to courses offered in other institutions: 
Recitation sections supporting general education geography courses are offered at a number of universities around the country, including Colorado, Ohio State, New Jersey City, Portland State, Oregon State, and Valparaiso. At some institutions, recitation labs are built into the structure of the course, while others offer separate recitation lab sections. 

Discussion of proposed course
Course objectives: 
•	Develop an understanding of and familiarity with basic map interpretation skills.
•	Develop competency in locational analysis using regional maps. 
•	Develop an understanding of core geographic themes and concepts.
•	Develop critical thinking skills by using geographic themes and concepts to understand and analyze current events and issues.
•	Improve basic geographic knowledge to a level acceptable to demonstrate an understanding of the diversity of peoples, ideas, and cultures.
•	Ensure that students can demonstrate an understanding of their opportunities as responsible citizens living and working in a global society.
•	Engage students with communities and environments other than their own.

Content outline: 
			What geographers do and the tools used for spatial analysis:
•	Places and locations – the basic grammar of geography.
•	Themes and concepts in geographic analysis.
•	Maps, GIS, remote sensing, and other analytical tools.
			Building geographic knowledge for a regional setting:
•	Tools for understanding local, regional, and global diversity.
•	Study habits and learning strategies in geography.
•	Reading the physical and cultural landscapes.
			
			Applying geographic knowledge to a regional setting:
•	Scientific method and the five themes of geography.
•	Practical applications of geographic knowledge.
•	Spatial analysis of issues and problems in society.
•	Ethics and responsibility in a global society.

Student expectations and requirements: 
Grades are earned based on multiple exercises that draw on material from the main lecture course, plus other course material, including map analysis, discussions, and other appropriate assignments. Students must attend at least 85% of the scheduled labs in order to pass the course. 

Tentative texts and course materials: 
•	Recitation labs will use the textbook assigned for the specific course to which the recitation lab section is linked.  
•	Maps and other material appropriate to the recitation section will be supplied

Resources
Library resources: 
None required – this is a recitation lab course supporting existing general education courses.
Computer resources: 
No new additional resources required.

Budget implications
Proposed method of staffing: 
Qualified graduate geoscience students and/or senior undergraduate geography majors will teach/assist the recitation labs under faculty supervision. The Department will submit a proposal to the Ogden College Dean, the Graduate Dean, and Academic Affairs (PIE grant) to provide support for at least three graduate assistantships effective Fall 2008 as part of a pilot program to support this initiative.
Special equipment needed:
None.
Expendable materials needed: 
Miscellaneous map materials will be provided by the Department.
Laboratory supplies needed: 
Miscellaneous laboratory supplies will be provided by the Department.

Proposed term for implementation: Fall 2008

7.   Dates of prior committee approvals:

Geography & Geology Department				 	8/30/2007_________	

 Curriculum Committee					10/11/2007____________

University Curriculum Committee					 			

University Senate								     		

Attachments:  Library Resources Form, Course Inventory Form

Proposal Date: 8/27/2007

Ogden College of Science and Engineering
Department of Geography and Geology
Proposal to Create a New Course
(Action Item)

Contact Person: David Keeling   e-mail: david.keeling@wku.edu     Phone: 5-4555

Identification of proposed course
Prefix and number:  GEOG 199
Title:    				Latin America Recitation Laboratory 
Abbreviated title:     Latin America Recitation Lab 
Credit hours: 1
Type of course: B  (Lab)
Co-requisites:  Must be concurrently enrolled in a GEOG 200 section designated as a
                                  recitation lab course.
Catalog course listing: 
The Latin America recitation lab is designed to support the lecture material through practical exercises and problem solving. Map analysis is stressed, as well as critical thinking related to current issues and events. 

Rationale
	Reason for developing the proposed course: 
Both national and local data have focused attention recently on the challenges faced by faculty dealing with under-prepared students. The lack of adequate preparation for students entering universities has been a hot-button political issue for several decades and the media have devoted much attention to the problem. Various strategies have been tried to improve primary and secondary education across the country, yet many high-school graduates do not come to WKU adequately prepared for college-level work. Data from the American Association of Colleges and Universities (2007) show that about 50 percent of all students enrolling in colleges and universities are academically under-prepared. They lack basic skills in at least one of the three fundamental areas of reading, mathematics, and writing. At WKU, incoming freshman are ill-prepared for courses in geography, geology, earth science, and critical thinking generally. In order to measure base knowledge and to quantify (to the extent possible) the knowledge-building process, the department has initiated several strategies to improve student learning. 
To tackle the problem of under-prepared students directly, the department is proposing a course “recitation” system (essentially a learning laboratory) for each of its general education courses (except for those courses that already have a lab component). Using specially recruited graduate students in the geosciences, the department will develop one-hour recitation labs that are linked to selected courses. Each student will enroll in a recitation lab section, limited to 20-25 students, and will engage in learning activities that are hands-on, project-based, or experiential in nature. 

Projected enrollment in the proposed course: 
20-25 students per recitation section based on the number of general education courses offered and the availability of qualified graduates or senior undergraduates.
Relationship of the proposed course to courses now offered by the department: 
The proposed course is designed to support general education course GEOG 200. Similar proposals have been developed for general education courses GEOG 100, 101, and 110.  The long-term goal is to link all general education geography classes with a recitation laboratory section. The laboratory structure of the proposed course is designed to provide a structured, focused learning environment for students in order to enhance the lecture experience and to help students build a solid knowledge base. 
Relationship of the proposed course to courses offered in other departments: 
The proposed course is specific to geography general education courses and has no relationship to courses in other departments.  However, it employs a similar pedagogical philosophy to that of lab courses offered in other disciplines.  Many other programs use a variety of labs or other focused learning environments to support general education courses. 
Relationship of the proposed course to courses offered in other institutions: 
Recitation sections supporting general education geography courses are offered at a number of universities around the country, including Colorado, Ohio State, New Jersey City, Portland State, Oregon State, and Valparaiso. At some institutions, recitation labs are built into the structure of the course, while others offer separate recitation lab sections. 

Discussion of proposed course
Course objectives: 
•	Develop an understanding of and familiarity with basic map interpretation skills.
•	Develop competency in locational analysis using regional maps. 
•	Develop an understanding of core geographic themes and concepts.
•	Develop critical thinking skills by using geographic themes and concepts to understand and analyze current events and issues.
•	Improve basic geographic knowledge to a level acceptable to demonstrate an understanding of the diversity of peoples, ideas, and cultures.
•	Ensure that students can demonstrate an understanding of their opportunities as responsible citizens living and working in a global society.
•	Engage students with communities and environments other than their own.

Content outline: 
			What geographers do and the tools used for spatial analysis:
•	Places and locations – the basic grammar of geography.
•	Themes and concepts in geographic analysis.
•	Maps, GIS, remote sensing, and other analytical tools.
			Building geographic knowledge for a Latin American regional setting:
•	Tools for understanding local, regional, and global diversity.
•	Study habits and learning strategies in geography.
•	Reading the physical and cultural landscapes.
			
			Applying geographic knowledge to a Latin American regional setting:
•	Scientific method and the five themes of geography.
•	Practical applications of geographic knowledge.
•	Spatial analysis of issues and problems in society.
•	Ethics and responsibility in a global society.

Student expectations and requirements: 
Grades are earned based on multiple exercises that draw on material from the main lecture course, plus other course material, including map analysis, discussions, and other appropriate assignments. Students must attend at least 85% of the scheduled labs in order to pass the course. 

Tentative texts and course materials: 
•	Recitation labs will use the textbook assigned for the specific course to which the recitation lab section is linked.  
•	Maps and other material appropriate to the recitation section will be supplied

Resources
Library resources: 
None required – this is a recitation lab course supporting existing general education courses.
Computer resources: 
No new additional resources required.

Budget implications
Proposed method of staffing: 
Qualified graduate geoscience students and/or senior undergraduate geography majors will teach/assist the recitation labs under faculty supervision. The Department will submit a proposal to the Ogden College Dean, the Graduate Dean, and Academic Affairs (PIE grant) to provide support for at least three graduate assistantships effective Fall 2008 as part of a pilot program to support this initiative.
Special equipment needed:
None.
Expendable materials needed: 
Miscellaneous map materials will be provided by the Department.
Laboratory supplies needed: 
Miscellaneous laboratory supplies will be provided by the Department.

Proposed term for implementation: Fall 2008

7.   Dates of prior committee approvals:

Geography & Geology Department				 	8/30/2007_________	

 Curriculum Committee					10/11/2007____________

University Curriculum Committee				 				

University Senate							     			

Attachments:  Library Resources Form, Course Inventory Form

Proposal Date: 9/21/2007

Ogden College of Science and Engineering
Department of Geography and Geology
Proposal to Create a New Course
(Action Item)

Contact Person: Daniel Reader    e-mail:daniel.reader@wku.edu     Phone: 5-2813

Identification of proposed course
Prefix and number: GEOG 380
Title: Principles of Global Sustainability
Abbreviated title: Global Sustainability
Credit hours: 3 hrs
Type of course: 
: GEOG 210 or GEOG 280
Catalog course listing: 
An introduction to the major themes and scientific principles of sustainability, with an emphasis on developing critical thinking skills.

Rationale
	Reason for developing the proposed course: 
This course is being developed as part of the restructuring of the Environment and Sustainable Development concentration in the Department of Geography and Geology. Western Kentucky University is developing a number of initiatives across campus to embed sustainability principles and concepts more directly in appropriate courses. The Department has a number of faculty involved in these initiatives. This course will provide a foundation for all of the advanced courses offered in this concentration and will be appropriate for students from other disciplines who wish to gain exposure to the basic principles of sustainability.
Projected enrollment in the proposed course: 
15-20 students based upon previous enrollment in other courses in the environment and sustainable development concentration.
Relationship of the proposed course to courses now offered by the department: 
The department does not currently offer a course addressing the principles of global sustainability. However, sustainability as both theory and process is addressed in a number of courses implicitly or explicitly, including World Regional Geography (GEOG 110), Physical Geography (GEOG 110), Human Ecology (GEOG 210), Introduction to Environmental Science (GEOG 280), and Environmental Planning (GEOG 474). 
Relationship of the proposed course to courses offered in other departments: 
While there are several courses that variously focus on ecology, environmental issues, or socio-economic problems, and myriad courses across the disciplines that likely touch on issues of sustainability, there are no courses offered at Western that are similar to or related to the proposed course.

Relationship of the proposed course to courses offered in other institutions: 
The proposed course is comparable in scope and content to undergraduate courses offered at James Madison University (GEOG 429), Morehead State University (GEOG 345), and Towson University (BIOL 306), and at many larger public and private institutions.

Discussion of proposed course
Course objectives: 
Students will gain a thorough understanding of the concepts of sustainability, and be able to propose applications that are relevant, both locally and globally, to their lives in the 21st century.  A broad conceptual base will be established for the more topically specific courses that follow in the Environment and Sustainable Development concentration curriculum.
Content outline: 
Section One: Geography, humans, and sustainability: an overview
•	Environmental problems, their causes, and sustainability
			Section Two: Ecology and sustainability
•	Science, systems, matter, and energy in a spatial context
•	Ecosystems: what are they, and how do they work?
•	Evolution and biodiversity
•	Climate and terrestrial biodiversity
•	Aquatic biodiversity
•	Community ecology
•	Population ecology
•	Applying population ecology: the human population and its impact
			Section Three: Sustaining biodiversity
•	Sustaining terrestrial biodiversity: the ecosystem approach
•	Sustaining biodiversity: the species approach
•	Sustaining aquatic biodiversity
			Section Four: Sustaining key resources
•	Food, soil conservation and pest management
•	Water
•	Geology and non-renewable mineral resources
•	Nonrenewable energy
•	Energy efficiency and renewable energy
			Section Five: Sustaining environmental quality
•	Environmental hazards and human health
•	Air pollution
•	Climate change and ozone depletion
•	Water pollution
•	Solid and hazardous waste
			Section Six: Sustaining human societies
•	Sustainable cities
•	Economics, environment, and sustainability
•	Politics, environment, and sustainability
•	Environmental worldviews, ethics, and sustainability

Student expectations and requirements: 
Performance will be evaluated based upon two exams (60%), on-line homework assignments (30%), and class participation (10%).

Tentative texts and course materials: 
Miller, G.T. Jr. (2007). Living in the Environment, 15th ed.  Belmont, CA: Thomson/Brooks/Cole.

Resources
Library resources: 
See attached library resource form and bibliography.
Computer resources: 
No new additional resources required.

Budget implications
Proposed method of staffing: 
Existing faculty will teach this course.
Special equipment needed:
None.
Expendable materials needed: 
None.
Laboratory supplies needed: 
None.

Proposed term for implementation: Fall 2008

Dates of committee approvals:

Geography & Geology Department		       	___________9/21/2007_____________

 Curriculum Committee			 __________10/11/2007_____________

University Curriculum Committee			________________________________

University Senate					_________________________________

Attachments: Bibliography, Library Resources Form, Course Inventory Form

						Proposal Date: 02-01-07

Ogden College of Sciences and Engineering
Department of Architectural and Manufacturing Sciences
Proposal to Revise a Program
(Action Item)

Contact Person:  H. Terry Leeper, terry.leeper@wku.edu 270.745.5954

1.	Identification of program:

1.1	Reference number: 575 
1.2	Current program title: Technology Management
1.3	Credit hours: 128 - 129

2.	Identification of the proposed program changes: 
o	Drop 3 hours of upper division credit from the general electives category.
o	Add 3 hours upper division electives to the major.
o	Revise technical course transfer policy.

3.	Detailed program description:
	
Technology Management Major: (OLD)	51	hrs

Technical Course Transfer:			24	hrs
 Required Technical course transfer from a 
 technical college or KCTCS school in Kentucky
    (Courses will be listed individually and will be included in your GPA)

Technology Management Requirements:	27	hrs
AMS 271	Industrial Statistics 		                    3	hrs
AMS 310	Work Design/Ergonomics		3	hrs
AMS 356	Systems Design & Operations	3	hrs
AMS 394	Lean Manufacturing 	    	3 	hrs
AMS 371	Quality Assurance		                    3	hrs
AMS 390 	Project Planning and Control 	3	hrs
AMS 430	Tech Mgmt/Supervision/Team Bldg	3	hrs
AMS 490 	Senior Research 			3	hrs
ENG 307	Technical Writing			3	hrs

*Above classes must include a total of 24 or more
 hours in Upper Division.

General Electives                                                             33 hrs

Technical Course Transfer                                up to – 21 hrs
Technical course transfer from a technical college or KCTCS school in Kentucky 
(Courses will be listed individually and will be included in your GPA)

Other Requirements:                                                       12 hrs
Advisor Approved Upper Division Electives 
                (300-400 level courses)
	Technology Management Major: (NEW)	54	hrs

Technical Course Transfer:			24	hrs
 Technical courses transferred from a technical 
 school, college or university. *
    (Courses will be listed individually and will be included in students GPA)

Technology Management Requirements:	30	hrs
AMS 271	Industrial Statistics 		                    3	hrs
AMS 310	Work Design/Ergonomics		3	hrs
AMS 356	Systems Design & Operations	3	hrs
AMS 394	Lean Manufacturing 	    	3 	hrs
AMS 371	Quality Assurance		                    3	hrs
AMS 390 	Project Planning and Control	                    3	hrs
AMS 430	Tech Mgmt/Supervision/Team Bldg	3	hrs
AMS 490 	Senior Research 			3	hrs
ENG 307	Technical Writing			3	hrs
Advisor Approved Upper Division Electives                 3  hrs

General Electives                                                              30  hrs

Technical Course Transfer                                up to – 21 hrs
Technical courses transferred from a technical school, college or university. *
(Courses will be listed individually and will be included in students GPA)

Other Requirements:                                                       9  hrs
Advisor Approved Upper Division Electives 
                (300-400 level courses)

* Or other advisor approved courses.

4.	Rationale for the proposed program change:

This proposed change is to bring the program into compliance with University standards that 50% of the major must be at the upper division level.  The department is moving one 3 hour upper division elective from the General Electives area to the Major.  The transfer course work policy is to allow students to transfer into this program from institutions other than KCTCS.

5.	Effective catalog year:
	
	Fall 2008

6.	Dates of prior committee approvals:

	Architectural and Manufacturing Sciences Department        	10-02-2007	

	Ogden College Curriculum Committee			 10-11-2007

	University Curriculum Committee				

	University Senate				                        

Attachment:  Program Inventory Form