Course & Classroom Access Guidelines

Topics

The challenge is to teach a course pitched at two levels at once: to engage and challenge the most sophisticated of a departments majors while introducing new methods to those who have never before ventured into this.
Unknown

American Cultures Course Development Guidelines

When instructors have questions about how to best develop a course and address the expectations of the subcommittee, they should email Victoria Robinson. The subcommittee strongly suggests that instructors consult with Dr. Robinson prior to submitting their final materials.  Meeting dates at bottom of page.

Historical list of approved AC courses: at Berkeley(link is external) | at other colleges(link is external)

In order to make a decision, the Subcommittee needs instructors to submit the following:

  • A cover letter answering, in detail, the three questions from the guidelines. Cover letters should also offer details regarding the actual materials used in the classroom. 
  • A completely developed syllabus.

Academic Senate Guidelines for Proposing Courses to Fulfill the Breadth Requirement in American Cultures

Please visit the AC Subcommittee Senate guidelines page for the approval of courses meeting the American Cultures requirement, the following information is provided as guidance for preparing course syllabus submission:

  • There is no "template" for an American Cultures Course.
  • A 'completely developed syllabus' necessarily includes a complete list of assignments, details regarding weekly lecture/discussion topics, and a reading list.
  • The Subcommittee’s expectations may be summed up by the three "questions" posed within the AC Course Approval Guidelines.
  • "Does the course address theoretical and analytical issues relevant to understanding race, culture, and ethnicity?" How?
  • "Is the course integrative and comparative within the larger context of American society, history, culture, economy, or environment?" How?
  • "Does the course take substantial account of groups drawn from at least three of the following: African Americans, indigenous peoples of the United States, Asian Americans, Chicanos/Latinos, and European Americans?" How is each group incorporated into the course?

Academic Senate Committee Meeting Dates

All materials should be submitted directly to the Academic Senate in 320 Stephens Hall #5842. To view this year's subcommittee meeting dates, please visit the AC Subcommittee Review Schedule).