NotesFAQContact Us
Collection
Advanced
Search Tips
Back to results
ERIC Number: ED374863
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1989-Aug-21
Pages: 17
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Norwalk Community College AA-AS Degree Review Committee Curriculum Report, August 21, 1989.
Pennino, Eileen M.; Luster, Gwen Tolliver
In an attempt to revitalize and reform its curriculum, the Associate of Arts-Associate of Science (AA-AS) Degree Review Committee (DRC) of Connecticut's Norwalk Community College issued a curriculum report proposing a 21 credit, limited distributive core for the AS degree (which accounts for 80% of the college's degree recipients). This proposal should not be put into effect, however, since the DRC's recommendations provide a misleading and narrow definition of general education as liberal arts or non-vocational classes. Moreover, the proposal places an emphasis on minimum requirements, doesn't provide students with an opportunity to see the connectedness of knowledge, doesn't provide a balanced distribution of topics in the core, and may limit the adaptability of the curriculum to meet changing educational needs. A better alternative would be a common core of five courses, including interdisciplinary and departmental offerings, for all associate degree students which would provide flexibility for cultural literacy and multicultural education, raise academic standards by maintaining a minimum competency level requirement for entry to core classes, and provide more focused developmental and English as a Second Language programs. In addition, it would hold all faculty responsible for student skill development, eliminate an "educational underclass," rejuvenate faculty by giving them responsibility for curriculum development, and provide a connected view of learning. Despite concerns related to the implementation and transferability of interdisciplinary courses, the college would improve through the process and be on the forefront of curriculum reform. Contains 35 references. (MAB)
Publication Type: Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: Norwalk Community Coll., CT.
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A