Contemporary Economic Issues (EC 100) for GE Area D2page 1 of 15

Contemporary Economic Issues (EC 100) for GE Area D2Page 1 of 15

CALIFORNIA STATE POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY, POMONA

ACADEMIC SENATE

GENERAL EDUCATION COMMITTEE

REPORT TO

THE ACADEMIC SENATE

GE-001-134

Contemporary Economic Issues (EC 100) for GE Area D2

General Education CommitteeDate:April 2, 2014

Executive Committee

Received and ForwardedDate:April 9, 2014

Academic SenateDate:April 16, 2014

FIRST READING

BACKGROUND:

Dr. Anne Bresnockof the Economics Department is requesting that Contemporary Economic Issues (EC 100)be considered for inclusion in General Education (GE) Area D2. EC 100 is an existing course in the University Catalog and has the following description:

EC 100 - Contemporary Economic Issues (4)

Introduction to economic issues.Use of basic economic theories to explain current and future events. Themes may cover international, social, or election year topics. Investigation of a specific economic issue by an individual or as part of a group. Completion of General Education Area A: Sub-areas 1, 2, and 3.

Prerequisite(s): Open to non-economics and non-business majors.

Component(s): 4 lecture/discussions.

EC 100 was originally designed and proposed several years ago by Dr. Bresnock in order to provide a broader exposure to economics; one that combines the principles taught in EC 201 (microeconomics) and EC 202 (macroeconomics). This broader, more applied approach made this course suitable for inclusion in GE Area D2 and, in fact, EC 100 was approved as a GE Area D2 course and remained in GE Area D2 until catalog year 2006-2007. However, budget constraints coupled with low student demand did not allow the Economics Department to offer the class and, therefore, EC 100 lost its status as a GE Area D2 course. The moratorium placed on new GE courses during academic years2009-2012 (GE-005-910) made it impossible for the Economics Department to seek reinstatement of EC 100 as a GE Area D2 course. Now that the moratorium is lifted, it is again appropriate to give this added flexibility in economics education to Cal Pomona Students.

Some departments, such as the Music Department at Cal Poly Pomona, prefer that their students receive a broader exposure to economics principles, combining the topics taught in microeconomics (EC 201) and macroeconomics (EC 202). In fact, EC100 is a required course for Music majors (Music Industry Studies option). In this case, EC 100 provides the appropriate level of content coverage and obviates the need by Music majors to complete two courses in economics (i.e., EC 201 and EC 202).Because EC 100 is now a required course for Music majors, it is anticipated that there will be sufficient and steady student demand for EC100 to be offered at least once per year

RESOURCES RECOMMENDED:

Department Chairs

RESOURCES CONSULTED:

Dr. Bruce C. Brown, Professor and Chair, Economics Department

Dr. Lynda M. Rush, Professor and past Chair, Economics Department

Dr. Anne E. Bresnock, Professor, Economics Department

Dr. David Kopplin, Professor, Music Department

Dr. Valerie J. Mellano, Professor and Chair, Plant Science Department

Dr. Perky Vetter, Professor and Chair, Kinesiology and Health Promotion Department

Dr. Dale Turner, Professor and Chair, Philosophy Department

Dr. Phyllis R. Nelson, Professor and Chair, Electrical and Computer Engineering Department

Dr. Dennis P. Quinn, Associate Professor and Chair, IGE (Interdisciplinary General Education) Department

Department Chairs

DISCUSSION

Examination of Chancellor’s Executive Order (EO) 1065 on General Education Breadth Requirements ( in the California State University (CSU) system reveals that the topics covered in EC100 make this course appropriate for inclusion in GE Area D2. Moreover, the topics covered in EC100 are consistent with the Cal Poly Pomona definition of GE Area D2, as outlined in the GE Curriculum Guide ( Finally, it is noteworthy that courses similar to EC100 are common at other CSU campuses and are included in GE Area D2 (or comparable area).

RECOMMENDATION:

The General Education Committee unanimously recommends that Contemporary Economic Issues (EC 100) be granted GE Area D2designation.

ATTACHMENTS

Referral GE-001-134, which includes the Expanded Course Outline (ECO) for EC 100.

CALIFORNIA STATE POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY, POMONA

ACADEMIC SENATE

DATE:July 10, 2013

TO: The General Education Committee

FROM:The Academic Senate Executive Committee

SUBJECT:Academic Senate Referral

1. CLASSIFICATION: GE-001-134

1. TITLE OF REFERRAL: EC 100 for GE Area D2

1. BACKGROUND: See attached referral request form. Additional background provided by the EC: None

1. RECOMMENDED RESOURCES: See attached referral request form and supporting documentation. Additional resources recommended by the EC:

Department Chairs

For the Committee’s Report on this referral, please list in separate sections, the resources recommended and resources actually consulted. If a resource was not consulted, briefly state why.

1. REVIEW AND RECOMMEND: Review and recommend as appropriate.
2. DATE REQUIRED FOR PRESENTING COMMITTEE REPORT TO EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: March 21, 2014

CALIFORNIA STATE POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY, POMONA

ACADEMIC SENATE

REFERRAL REQUEST FORM

Please provide all information requested in this form. Incomplete referrals will be returned. Referrals must be submitted in electronic form to:

Date:05/22/13

Names and titles of proponents:

Dr. Anne Bresnock, Professor

KEYWORDS: (list at least 3 keywords to facilitate referral access through database) Contemporary, Economic, Issues, General, Education, Course, D2

TITLE OF REFERRAL: EC 100 for GE Area D2

BACKGROUND: (Provide background on the need for this referral and how it will benefit the University. Clearly state the expected outcome(s) or action(s) requested)

Expected Outcomes as listed on the expanded course outline:

The student will:

a) acquire a concrete understanding of the terminology used daily by economists in discussing contemporary issues,

b) develop an understanding of the basic theoretical principles and employ them to explain and interpret economic reality and future anticipated economic events,

c) construct an investigation of a specific current economic problem whether as an individual or as part of a group,

d) demonstrate the ability to communicate the logic of economic thinking qualitatively and quantitatively, and

e) examine the role of economics in the decision-making process of our sociopolitical environment.

Justification:

This course is offered to expand the breath of the Economics Department’s offerings of basic economics to non-economics and business majors. Students currently may choose either Economics 201 (principles micro) or Economics 202 (principles macro) when selecting an economics course in Area D-2.

See expanded course outline for additional information.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES: (Provide a list of persons and documentsthat could be consulted for additional information on this topic)

Dr. Lynda Rush, Chair/Professor

The Executive Committee (EC) forwards the referrals to a standing committee that researches the proposal, contacts resources, and submits a report. The EC reviews the report, forwards it to the Senate or returns it to the standing committee for additional information, clarification, or review. After the EC accepts the report it is placed on the agenda of the next Academic Senate meeting for a first reading and a month later for a second reading where voting takes place. The referral is then sent to the President for approval. Depending on the topic the process may take from 1 to 3 quarters. A motion to waive the first reading, if approved by the Senate, would reduce the wait time by one month.

Is there a deadline by when this referral needs to be considered by the Academic Senate? _ No Yes, by (date).

Justification for deadline:

Attachment I

EC 100 – Online Consultation Comment(s)

Attachment II

Attachment III