The University will replace its core curriculum in 2007. Last month, the Board of Trustees approved the new general education program for all students working toward a bachelor’s degree.
The program of general education, or gen-ed, will replace current core curriculum, which is more than 20 years old.
According to Faculty Senate Vice-President Jane Evans, President David Adamany worked along with over 100 faculty members on committees to compose the new general education program, which took about three and a half years to develop. These faculty members helped to revise Adamany’s package on what the new curriculum should entail.
“President Adamany thought it was time to look it over; it was time to bring the core up to date,” said Evans of the adjustments.
The new core curriculum was designed for students enrolling at Temple in the fall of 2007.
“The new program will allow students to share a sense of community because they will be doing the same thing together,” Evans said.
The gen-ed program will give Temple students a similar learning experience. According to the Proposal for a Program of General Education, one of the five goals of the program is “to create common learning experiences among students that will allow them to share ideas and intellectual experiences outside the classroom and raise the intellectual level of student life.”
“I think it’s a good alternative,” said senior Johnika Nixon.
With the current core, students are allowed to pick from 20 to 25 classes in each category. Under the new program, they will only be allowed to pick from a few classes, according to Evans.
It will be mandatory that students take courses in eight categories: a four-credit course in analytical reading and writing, two courses for six credits about great thinkers, a four-credit course in quantitative literacy, two courses for six credits in natural science or technology, a
four-credit course in the arts, a three-credit course in human behavior, two courses for six credits about the structures and conduct of society, and a three-credit course on race and diversity in the United States. The number of classes in each category is not likely to exceed five.
“The new policy changes seem very much like the old core, but the category names have been changed,” said LaTisha Oliver, a freshman.
There will also be changes in how the core will be governed. The program will have a director and each category will have a coordinator. An executive committee consisting of nine faculty members, three students and a presiding officer will also help manage.
“I agree with the new policy. It will be more personal for the students,” said senior Jeremy DeJesus.
Erin Bascom can be reached at ebascom@temple.edu.
Be the first to comment