Members of the College Curriculum Council proposed the addition of sophomore seminars to next year's curriculum at a meeting Tuesday. The CCC also discussed possible changes in admissions requirements for next year as a result of a newly restructured Scholastic Aptitude Test.
In a statement drawn up by Dean of the College Paul Armstrong, the council agreed that sophomore year should be converted from "a time of slump" to "a launching pad for growth." Movements in this direction include the creation of several new pre-concentration seminars, "research experiences" and CAP courses exclusively for sophomores.
A Table of Needs, which also included new senior projects and more funds for independent study for juniors, will be presented to the administration.
In past meetings this semester, the CCC voted to change the deadline for adding classes from mid-semester to the semester's fourth week. The deadline for undergraduates to declare second concentrations was also moved up, to the end of registration period of the seventh semester.
Changes and improvements in specific departments were also proposed at Tuesday's meeting. Currently, students who concentrate in architectural studies have to take courses at other universities to create a portfolio. The Council voted to invite professors in the department to discuss the implementation of architectural design classes at Brown.
J. William Suggs, associate director of chemistry and biochemistry, emphasized the necessity of design classes as part of architectural studies, likening the current situation to "a computer science concentration without computers."
Additional modifications to courses in the music and language departments were endorsed by members of the council. Many introductory language courses and most music courses span two semesters, both of which must be taken for credit.
In these courses, the grade a student receives at the end of first semester is temporary and is made final only when the student has completed the second half of the course. In response to demands from language professors, the CCC considered recommending the elimination of year-long courses.
Armstrong also suggested a change in the language of University policy concerning student academic requirements. Brown students must complete a minimum of 30 courses to obtain a baccalaureate degree. These courses must be taken over the course of eight semesters at Brown or another university.
Armstrong and the rest of the council voted to change the name of the required semesters from "tuition credits" to "enrollment requirements," to better reflect the University's intentions.
According to Armstrong, the previous terminology falsely led students to believe that graduation requirements were "all about money."
Senior Associate Director of Admissions Annie Cappuccino and Director of Admission Michael Goldberger, guests at the meeting, discussed ways admissions policies and requirements will evolve for future classes.
Like most schools, Brown asks prospective students to submit SAT I scores. Admissions officers also take into account scores on SAT II tests - shorter, one-subject tests - when deciding which students to admit.
Starting in March 2005, students across the country will take a new version of the SAT, which will include a writing section in addition to the critical reading and math components. The new SAT will force the Office of Admission to reconsider which SAT II tests are viable when determining a students' preparedness for Brown.
The Council discussed the option of recommending that future classes take a variety of SAT II tests to demonstrate skill level in several fields. Other universities, such as Harvard, require that students submit scores from three SAT II subject tests. The problem with this policy, according to some members of the council, is that students from low-income families might not be able to afford to take the tests, which cost from $28 to $40 each.
The council voted to recommend that applicants continue to submit scores from only two SAT II tests, even in light of the changes to the regular SAT.
Admissions officers also asked for suggestions from professors on the council on strategies to attract top students in computer science and the physical sciences. In an effort to bring students to campus, one computer science professor suggested an increase in contact between teachers and prospective students through e-mail.
Future plans for the council include reconsidering the goals and effectiveness of the new curriculum and additional strategies for attracting and retaining top students.
