Curriculum changes approved
New Structure for English and Religious Studies Departments take effect next year
by Crissy Mullen

The Faculty Assembly passed curriculum changes for both the English and religious studies departments, which will go into effect this fall.

First year students will only have one English requirement, English 105, which will be a four-credit course limited to 15 students. This will replace the existing English 101, 111, 112, and 113 courses. An honors course, English 105H, will be offered as well.

The benefit from integrating the students and classes is that "students will learn more in a small class with lots of attention than in two classes," said Dr. Michael Hall, professor of English.

The English 105 and 105H will involve more classroom instruction as will tutor students on an individual level through regularly scheduled conferences. A portfolio will also be part of the new curriculum— students will submit revised selections of several writing samples, which will be evaluated by the professor and an outside instructor.

Students who pass 105 can progress to the required 200-level literature course. If the student does not demonstrate writing competence, they will enroll in English 106, a follow-up course. A two-hour workshop that will focus on the individual’s specific problems, this class "will let the student progress at his or her own level," said Hall.

"We have so many students now that can’t pass the Junior [Writing} Proficiency exam — these courses would ensure that students had the basic writing skills necessary to be successful," said Sandra Spurlock, a junior majoring in both English and religious studies.

Changes in the religious studies department has created a curriculum comprised almost completely of four-credit courses that will meet four hours each week.

"This allows us to develop courses in more creative, more interesting ways," said Dr. Craig Wansink, professor of religious studies. "For instance, in the New Testament course in the past, we’ve come close to following the borders of the canon— the new system allows us to look at writings that didn’t get into to the New Testament, sort of the ‘lost books.’ This will enable students to understand not only the individual writings, but the development of the New Testament as a whole."

Kat Rosensteel, a junior with a double major in history and religious studies, said, "I’m excited about the classes offered, but my only concern is that the class sizes may increase."

According to Wansink, one benefit of having the courses four credits is that "students can structure their days in different ways. A four-credit course may help them balance their schedule in new ways."