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Widening the Circle:
Creating Momentum for Curricular
and Structural Change
A M Y D O L I N G , C O R YA N N E H A R R I G A N , A N D
STEVEN J. GRIFFITH
S I M P S O N C O L L E G E , I N D I A N O L A , I O WA
Transition Timeline
JUNE 2006
SUMMER 2007
FACULTY CONCERNS
General education is:
Too Large
Unfocused
Check-box
ACADEMIC YEAR 08/09
Criteria working groups
write specific learning
objectives for each
designation.
Volunteer working
groups respond to a new
strategic initiative.
AUGUST 2008
FALL 2007
Elected Committee (LPWG)
Academic Structures
General Education
ACADEMIC YEAR 07/08
Gen Ed model chosen:
Principles for Gen Ed:
First-Year Experience
Areas of Engagement
Embedded Skills
Capstone in the Major
Be deliberate
Be interdisciplinary
Have built in assessment
Contain a first-year
experience
The Engaged Citizenship Curriculum
(unanimously approved by faculty)



I SIMPSON COLLOQUIUM
II AREAS OF ENGAGEMENT

The Arts

Civic Engagement

Diversity and Power in the United States

Ethics and Value Inquiry

Global Perspectives

Historical Perspectives in Western Culture

Scientific Reasoning
III EMBEDDED SKILLS
• Written Communication (4)
• Quantitative Reasoning (2)
• Critical Thinking (2)
• Information Literacy (2)
• Oral Communication (2)
• Collaborative Leadership (2)
• Intercultural Communication (1)
 IV SENIOR CAPSTONE IN THE MAJOR
April 2009
The new curriculum reflects AAC&U
learning outcomes
AAC&U
NEW CURRICULUM
Intellectual/Practical Skills
All Courses and Embedded Skills
Intercultural Knowledge
Intercultural Communication, Global
Perspectives, Diversity and Power,
Historical Perspectives, The Arts
Physical/Natural World
Scientific Reasoning
Ethical Reasoning and
Action
Ethics and Value Inquiry
Civic
Knowledge/Engagement
Civic Engagement
Teamwork/Problem Solving
Collaborative Leadership
Integrative Learning
Senior Capstone
THE BIG PICTURE
• Built on learning objectives and criteria
• Focuses on what students need to be
productive and engaged citizens
• Students take fewer courses, but go into more
depth
• More time outside of class for faculty and
students working on hands-on projects
• More time demonstrating ability
Faculty
and Staff
Review
Panels
Transition Team and
General Education
Directors
Open
Meetings
with
Students
Criteria Working
Groups
Faculty
Training
Sessions
Admissions
Working Group of
Faculty and Staff
Dean and Volunteer
Faculty
Public
Relations
Registrar
Contact Information:
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
www.simpson.edu/academics/curriculum/html