Information for Faculty:
Course Format:
To encourage innovation, the pilot Program will explore various models of delivery, requiring only that the Cluster include:
- A multiple (two or three) course sequence;
- A broader, interdisciplinary theme;
- Content that spans at least two GEC categories, and;
- Involvement of faculty from at least two academic units.
Possible Cluster models might include:
- A “three-quarter course sequence,” two lecture courses and a seminar, with at least three faculty members from varied departments, as envisioned by the McHale Committee.
- A multiple course sequence taught within one or across two quarters.
- Rather than three faculty members, perhaps two faculty will offer a Cluster consisting of a two course sequence of five-credit lecture/breakout classes. Syllabi should reflect an appropriate amount of coursework outside class for a five-credit hour course; that is, approximately two hours of academic work outside of the classroom per week per credit hour.
Cluster proposals may include both existing and new courses, but preference will be given to proposals that show substantial creative initiative toward meeting the goals of the program.
Staffing: Because the ASC Clusters are designed to be both interdisciplinary and integrated, proposals must involve faculty from at least two different academic units. All supporting instructors, including lecturers and/or Graduate Teaching Assistants, will be selected and hired by the participating academic units.
Grading: Courses will be letter graded.
Content Focus: Each Cluster’s focus will be necessarily broad in order to accommodate examining its theme from multiple fields and angles. For 2007-2008, all content should be designed with first- and second-year students in mind – rigorous enough to challenge the students; straightforward enough to be accessible to the students; and intriguing enough to captivate the students. Additionally, because Cluster courses will receive GEC credit, each course must be designed to fulfill GEC goals and learning objectives.
Enrollment: For the pilot, an ASC Cluster cohort will be a maximum of 120 students.
Funding
All income generated from the Cluster courses will stay with the department or college/school of the participating faculty. Funds up to $7,500 per course in the Cluster (e.g. a three course sequence could receive a maximum of $22,500) can be requested by the participating academic units of the five selected Clusters. These funds are intended to offset some replacement costs to support lecturers, summer appointments, overload appointments, course materials, and/or other expenses while faculty members develop Cluster courses. The amount of funding awarded will be determined by the Colleges of the Arts and Sciences Committee on Curriculum and Instruction and will be based on the amount of work required to develop and/or incorporate a course into this Cluster. It is expected that an existing course marginally altered will receive a minimal award; a brand new course designed expressly for the Cluster may receive maximum funding.
