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SENATE PAPER # S-13
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/PRELIMINARY PROPOSAL
UNIVERSITY NETWORK
A proposal for a general education
program at Simon Fraser University
[1
Submitted by the Senate Committee
on
N.
M.
I.
G.
Li
O
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J.
J.
S.
General Education:
Baird (Coordinating Secretary)
Bawtre e
Garland
Mo lyn e ux
-I. Palmer (for D. Huntley)
Walk 1 e y
Zaslove (for J. Mills)
Wassermann (Chairman)
M
SIGAI
"The forms of sophistication which higher-level
courses in a
.eneral education ought to provide
is not just a better grasp of modes of scienti-
fic concept formation and theory construction,
and the like, all of which have as their aim a
better comprehension of ways of coping with phe-
nomena of various sorts.
They should seek,
first of all, to differentiate among those major
forms of activity that serve to absorb and de
light the minds of men; our dealings with physi-
cal objects; our relations with human (and other)
persons; and our engagements with those creations
of the imagination of which works of art and liter-
ature are merely the most conspicuous. Only in
relation to them do we begin to see what the point
might be in giving an account of those specific
forms of achievement that go by the names of know-
ledge and learning."
H. D. Aiken
Professor of Philosophy & Ideas
Brandeis University -
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Aims of the Program:
1. To
provide an increased emphasis on the connections
between different fields of knowledge, their inter-
dependence and the relevance of each to the context
of contemporary society.
2.
To provide a context within which the individual
disciplines of the University can operate integrally,
supplying for the benefit of both students and faculty
a tangible metaphor for the University's corporateness
and collective purpose.
2.
To provide a prOgram of voluntary activities of all
kinds -- intellectual, creative and recreative -- in
which the student can exercise wide choice and some
control over his experience.
4.• To make provision within the regular course program
for the student's introduction to this integral con-
text, so that he will see the relevance of particular
disciplines to the whole.
5. To create the kind of integrated learning environ-
ment which enhances the student's intellectual and
social growth and prepare him for more responsible
citizenship in contemporary society.
4
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PART I - ORGANISATION
A.
P L A N
/
It is proposed that a program known as University Network
be set up, to include the following components:
1.
Window Courses
These large-enrolment courses have, as their
purpose, the introduction of students to broad
areas of knowledge.
They are given the name
"window courses" because they are seen as "window
openers" on the far horizons of inquiry.
They
are meant to provoke thoughts and to stimulate
the desire for further exploration.
Several
such courses already exist in what is presently
known as General Education.
A number of other
courses currently being. offered within the credit
programs of departments might with minor modifi-
cations, be included as window courses.
Window courses will carry three semester hours of
credit; they will be administered, serviced and
budgeted for on the same basis as conventional
credit. courses and by the department or depart-
ments running them.
The general outline of courses,
however, will have to be approved by the Advisory
Committee and Administrative Head of Network (see
P. 8-9).
Grading for the window courses will be
on a pass/fail basis.
Such a grade system is not
intended to be included in the determination of the
student's grade-point average.
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Each faculty will be responsible for providing a
minimum number of window courses per semester --
this minimum figure to be reached by dividing lower-
/division enrolment by average course capacity, and
'breaking up this figure in the ratio 3 (Arts),
2 (Science), 2 (Education).
This procedure is
expected to provide enough window courses for lower
division students, and a balanced range of options
within the grouping.
Students will be re q
uired to take two window courses
during their first four semesters at the university.
These will normally not count towards fulfilling the
course requirements in the degree program of the
department offering it, but may count (with depart-
mental approval) as an elective, if the students so
chooses.
Some departments may wish a window course to substi-
tute for a 100-level course in their degree program.
However, a student taking such a course as part of a
degree program would not be able to count it also as
fulfilling his Network requirement.
A student must take at least one window course out-
side of his Faculty.
2.
Related Activities
2.1
Workshops, Seminars, Clubs
Simon Fraser University already has been offer-
ing students a variety of extra-curricular acti-
vities. A fuller network of short- and long-
term groups, studying and experiencing ideas of
their own in depth, could vitalise the university's
intellectual life. Ideally, these activities
will be 'sparked' by a student's experiences in
his window courses.
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These types of activities are characterized by
the following criteria:
a.
It is recommended that each de
p
artment offer-
•
ing a window course also set up a system of
extra-curricular workshops, seminars, discus-.
sion groups and/or similar activities. Clubs
•
already existing (and new activities) may also
be incorporated into the Network.
b.
Student participation is voluntary.
No cre-
dit is attached to these activities.
c.
Workshops, etc., may operate under both stu-
dent and faculty leadership.
However, it is
clear that official faculty partici
p
ation, ap-
proved by the university administration, is
important in ensuring the success of the pro-
posal.
To this end, it is recommended that
•
each department make appropriate budget pro-
visions.
d.
To ensure maximum student participation, it
is recommended that two 2-hour blocks of time
per week be free of scheduled classes so that
extra-curricular activities may be scheduled.
It is proposed that the following (or a simi-
lar) pattern of unscheduled time blocks be
observed:
i)
one 12:30 - 2:30 block per week
ii)
one 3:30 - 5:30 block per week
The extra-curricular events scheduled for
these times would be in addition to the
regularly scheduled lunch hour events. It
is suggested that, if need be, regular
classes be scheduled through 8:30 p.m. in
order to accommodate this proposal.
is
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e. Workshops, clubs and related activities
may also be scheduled for evenings and
Saturdays. Scheduling is seen as a deci-
sion of individual departments.
2.2
Other Interdisciplinary Courses
A number of courses already offered by the univer-
sity are seen as significant contributors to the
aims and ideals of the Network concept (e.g. The
Political C Social Novel; Mathematics C Art).
It is suggested that additional course offerings
of this kind primarily for senior students be
made available with the following criteria in
mind:
a.
The courses be interdisciplinary
b.
They be no pre-requisite courses
C.
Students enrolled be graded on a pass/fail
basis.
d.
The courses not be numbered under the present
system of upper and lower division stigmata.
e.
Students be admitted with permission of the in-
structor.
f.
Courses may carry credit. It is believed that
the assigning of credit to these courses will
encourage more regular student attendance, and
remove them from the untenable position in
which their no-credit status had placed them.
Credit will be assigned at the discretion of
the department.
g.
Courses be made available to upper level stu-
dents; that upper level students be required/
encouraged to take two such courses during their
last four semesters.
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3.
Technical Instruction
There are a number of technical skill courses presently
being /taught at the university within the general educa-
tion program. These include:
,Reading 001 (Reading
g
Comprehension)
English 001 (Writing)
Physical Development (Swimming, diving,
basketball)
Music 001,2 (Sight reading)
Theatre (Costume, voice production, movement)
Few of these skills are ends in themselves; mostly
they provide students with the techniques to engage in
other activities.
For this reason technical instruc-
tion courses are seen as a part of the Network program,
often feeding technical skills into workshop activities.
The scope of the present skills program will gradually
be widened to make available other basic techniques
•
(e.g. uses of computer, sample analysis, uses of appa-
ratus).
Technical instruction courses may be required
by individual departments for
p
articular students, or as
pre- or do-requisites for workshop grou
p s.
It is re-
commended that either no-credit, or 1/2 credit be assig-
ned these courses, at the discretion of the departments
offering them.
4.
Lectures, Concerts, Productions, Exhibitions, Etc.
The university is already offering a considerable number
of lectures, readings, concerts, plays, exhibitions and
symposia.
Many of these are insufficiently publicized
and poorly attended.
In many cases, students' class
attendance conflicts with these scheduled events.
To
improve existing conditions, it is suggested that:
4.1
the Network system undertake to coordinate
publicity for these events.
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4.2
these activities be continued and the offerings
expanded to include series of lectures, given
each semester under the aegis of Network, by
major figures in education, communications and
other over-viewing fields.
4
•
3 these events be scheduled during the two hour
time blocks when no classes are scheduled, to
enable optimum attendance.
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B.
ADMINISTRATION
I
STAFF
It is
proposed that the administration of the Uni-
versity Network program be charged to an administra-
tive head, who will exercise his office with an
advisory committee of three members.
It is clear that the success of a program of the
scope of the proposed University Network will dep-
end on a number of factors, such as:
1.
the quality of individual offerings
2. each department's commitment and participation
3. planning for future and for other innovative
additions
4. administration and coordination of the various
components.
It is
suggested that vital areas of responsibility
such as those mentioned above not be left to already
over-committed faculty and administration, but that
the post of Administrative Head or Director of the
University Network be established.
1.
Administrative Head (Director)
The following proposals are made with respect
to this position:
1.1 That this be a full-time, full salaried
position, with appropriate secretarial
and clerical staff (administrative staff).
1.2 That this position be equal in rank to
that of dean.
1.3 That this position have a seat on Senate.
l.& That the administrator be responsible for
the organisation,administra-tion and imple-
mentation of the University Network program.
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1.5 That the person to serve in this capacity
be selected by a committee consisting of
the 3 Deans and the members of the Senate
Committee on General Education.
2.
Advisory Committee
This committee will serve in an advisory capa-
City to the Director, and the following proposals
are made with respect to its membership:
2.1 That this committee have three members.
2.2
That the Dean of each Faculty appoint one
member and that, insofar as possible,
membership consist of such persons as the
Assistant to the Dean of Arts; and Assis-
tant to the Dean of Education, etc.
2.3 That each Dean appoint an alternate member,
who may sit on the committee with no vote,
•
but who become.s a voting member during the
•
original member's research semester.
It is further recommended that the policies and
programs of University Network be approved by
•
the Senate.
II.
PROCEDURES
1.
Information
1.1 A brochure will be published outlining the
University Network program, including its
general structure, philosophy and aims.
The brochure will detail Network offerings,
including window courses and locations and
plans of all group activit
y
and contain in-
strctions for registration.
1.2 The Senate Committee on General Education
agrees to assume responsibility for the
.
publication of the initial brochure by 1st
August, so that the new program may be put
• into operation by 1st September, 1967.
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1.3 University Network program will be de-
tailed in each new academic calendar.
1.4 Hereafter, the brochure will be published
under the aegis of the Administrative
Head, at the beginning of each new semester.
1.5 The Administrative Head and his staff will
be responsible for keeping the University
community informed of the larger events,
through press releases, posters and other
public announcements.
1.6 The publicity facilities of the Communica-
tions Centre will be available to the
administrative staff.
2. Registration
2.1 Students will register for window courses,
other interdiscilinry courses and techni-
cal instruction courses during normal re-
gistration times.
2.2 Administrative staff will serve as advisors
during general registration.
2.3 Registrar will control enrolment ceilings
and insure eligibility of students for the
course in which they seek to register.
Class lists will then be turned over to
the individual departments giving the
courses.
Registration information for workshops,
seminars, clubs, etc., will be contained
in the brochure.
3.
Grading
Individual departments will be responsible for
the assignment of grades.
F'inal grade
lists will be turned over to the RecTistrar.
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4.
Space - Time
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4.1
Departments which need particular space,
time and equipment needs for window courses,
other interdisciplinary courses and techni-
cal instruction courses may request these from
Administrative Head and his staff.
4.2
Departments may request particular space,
time and equipment needs for workshops,
clubs, seminars, etc., from Administrative
Head and his staff.
4.3
Administrative Head will collate requests
and will make application to the Registrar
for scheduling as.required.
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C.
BUDGET
The Univrsity Network program will require a budget alloca-
tion for/the following items:
1. Administration
1.1
Administrative Head (Director)
1.2
Administrative Staff -
Coordinating Secretary
Stenographer
Typist
1.3 Publicity -
Brochures
Advertising (Peak)
Printed posters
Lectures and Special Events
Programmes
Miscellaneous
1.4
Office supplies and equipment -
typewriters
calculator
stationery
postage
telephone
travel
2.
Window and Other Courses
Courses in the University Network program will be
serviced, staffed and budgeted for by individual
departments, who will include them in their budget
requisitions.
To implement the program for the
Fall, 1967, semester, it may he necessary for the
departments to apply to the President's fund for
special allocation.
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PART II - PROGRAMS
The fol]owing examples of
p
rograms are proposed by the
Faculty
;f
Arts, the Faculty of Education and the Fa-
culty Of Science as University Network offerings. Some
of the offerings included are tentative, pending further
modification by individual faculties.
The suggestions
are neither all-inclusive nor final.
I.
FACULTY OF ARTS
A.
Window Courses
1.
History - The Afro-Asian World
(presently being offered)
2.
English - Literature in a Hurry
(presently being offered)
3.
English - The Historical Novel
4.
English - Mass Media
5.
DML - Literature in Translation
6.
Linguistics C Culture
7.
Psychology - Studies in the Modification of
Human Behavior
8.
Psychology - The Brain C Behavior
9.
Psychology - The Psychology of Human Differences
10.
Philosophy - Aesthetics .0 Literary Criticism
11..
Philosophy - Introduction to Philosophy
12.
Geography - Twentieth Century Man C His
Environment
13.
Economics - Evolution C Revolution in the Economic
.
Development Of Nations
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Or
B.
Workshops, Clubs, Etc.
1.
Economics - Economics Club
(presently in existence)
2.
Geography - Geography Society
(presently in existence)
C.
Technical Instruction Courses
1.
Reading 001 - Reading & Study
(currently offered)
2.
English 001 - Writing
(currently offered)
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II.
FACULTY OF EDUCATION
A.
Window Courses
1. /
Education 201 Theoof Education
(An intensive examination of the process
whereby persons are educated)
Faculty sponsor: Dean MacKinnon
Maximum enrolment: 500
2. Education 202
Education in a Modern Society
(Learning processes in modern society: schools,
educational media, 6 socio-political factors
influencing education)
Faculty sponsor: Dr R. Harper
Maximum enrolment: 325
3. Phys Dev. 242
Man 6 Movement
(Identification C interpretation of the student's
biokinetic status)
•
Space requirements: Lecture room C gymnasium facility
Faculty sponsor: Dr W. Ross
Maximum enrolment: 100
4. Communications 100
Explorations in Communication
(Perceptual, imaginative and expressive experiences
as exemplified in artistic, scientific C social
fields)
Space requirement: Theatre
Faculty sponsors: M. Schafer, M. Bawtree, J. Juliani,
J. Behrens C I. Baxter.
B. Workshops, Clubs, Etc.
1.
Experimental Field Study in the Chinese Community
of Greater Vancouver.
This study, currently undertaken by 8 students
upon completion of B.S.F. 424, is a voluntary,
non-credit project coordinated by Mrs S. Rogow,
i1
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ii
and is an example of behavioral research in
education.
It is anticipated that future
expressions of student interest will provoke
other kinds of investigations ouside the course
structure.
2.
Tutoring Service for Culturally Deprived Chil-
dren and Potential School Drop Outs
University students volunteer services to assist
school children with academic difficulties.
Tutoring is done on a one-hour basis after
school-hours.
3.
Contemporary Dance Symposium
(with guest artists)
L
i.
CymnasticsClinjc
is
(with guest expert gymnasts)
5.
Team F, Individual Sports Clinics
(with visiting international teams)
6.
Officiating Workshop
(A program to qualif
y
officials for intramural
games)
7.
Recreational Leadership Workshop
(A program to orient volunteers for playground
supervision)
8. Intramural
Child Sports Program
(This already existing program is sponsored
•
by the Athletic Department.
Approximately
700 students are serviced through the 14 exis-
ting clubs.
Another 700 students participate
in some form of intramural activity.)
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9.
Communications Centre Worksho
Production workshops and. formal-instruction
type workshops already exist in the offerings
of the Communications Centre.
The following
workshops are currently offered:
9.1 Summer Major Production - "The Devils" by
John Whiting. Director: J. Juliani
9.2 "The
Noon Show" - Friday lunch-hour produc-
tions of short plays, lectures, revues,
readings, tapes, improvisations, extravaganzas.
Administered by P. Bettis.
9.3 Mise-en-scene - A group exploration into the
making of theatre.
Summer play project:
"King Lear." Director: J.
Juliani
9.4 Videoplay - Controlled ex
p
eriments in the use
of vireo equipment in theatre rehearsal and
production techniques.
Director: J. Visscher
9.5 Playwrights' Forum - An opportunity for reading
.
and discussing original plays
with
fellow
playwrights.
Open to all who have some
experience of writing, preferably of playwriting.
C.
Technical Instruction
Physical Development -
The Physical Development Studies Department will
offer approximately 40 sections of sports, aquatics,
gymnastics, and dance activity classes.
The maxi-
mum enrolment would be about 800 students. Times,
space allotment, and faculty are handled entirely
through the Physical Development Studies Department.
Although the exact program has not been set for Fall
1967, it will likely consist of such activities as
badminton, fencing, social dance, handball, body con
-
ditioning, weight training, wrestling, gymnastics,
swimming, diving, scuba diving, synchronized swimming.
Registration will take place in the P.D.C. a week
after regular registration.
It is also pro
p
osed that
these skills courses be 1/2 unit credit and be graded
on a PASS/FAIL basis.
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2..
Communications Centre already offers the
following:
2.1 Lighting W. Irwin)
An introduction to the lighting control board
together with some principles o
f
theatre
lighting design. Control Booth (Theatre).
2.2 Sound W. Irwin)
An introduction to the theatre sound equipment
and to the basic principles of assembling and
editing special effects tapes. Control Booth
(Theatre).
2.3 Costume
An introduction to costume design and to
pattern-making and cutting
2.4 Voice
Movement
Coaching designed primarily for casts of
"The Noon Show" and the major production.
D.
Interdisciplinary, Non-prerequisite Courses
1. Communications 300
(An intensive exploration of artistic and scientific
perceptions and the ways in which these are
given expression in art, music, drama, film and
in scientific areas)
Students work directly with specialists in areas
of their choice.
Admission by written permission of Faculty
Faculty sponsors: University Residents of the
Communications Centre.
2.
The following courses may be included as University
Network offerings for upper division students as
PASS/FAIL electives
,
outside their own discipline.
(These courses would also 'enrol students in the
normal course program, who would receive standard
grades.
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2.1
BSF
424
Behavioral Research in
Education
(A critical examination of the major re-
search findings of those behavioral sciences
which contribute to the understanding of
educational processes)
Space re
q
uirement: Seminar room
Faculty sponsor: Mrs S. Rogow
Maximum enrolment: 25
Registration: Standard registration procedure
2.2 BSF 425
Learnina and the Process of
Education
(A critical examination of the theoretical
and research contributions of the behavioral
sciences to the understanding of learning
within the context of formal educational en-
vironments)
Space requirement; Seminar room
Faculty sponsor: Miss P. Hindley
.
Maximum enrolment: 25
Registration: Standard Registration procedure
2.3 8SF 426
Cognitive Development
(The nature of development of hghigher thought
processes in children and adolescents)
Space requirement: Seminar room
Faculty sponsor: Dr R. Harper
Maximum enrolment: 25
REgistration: Standard Registration procedure
2.4 •SPF 431
The Development of Educational
Ideas and Institutions
(The, historical evolution of educational prac-
tices and institutions from Plato to Skinner)
2.5 SPF 432
Contemporary Issues in World
Education
(The relationship between socio-economic and
philosophical factors in educational
development.)
.
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2.6 PD 240
Seminar in Contemporary
Health Issues
(Current health issues affecting the indi-
vidual and society)
Space requirement: Seminar room, Phys Dev
Centre
Faculty sponsor: Dr S. Stratton
Maximum enrolment: 25
Registration: Standard registration procedure
2.7 PD 320
Cultural Aspects of Human
Movement
(The cultural aspects of human motor behavior;
the effects of social institutions on the ex-
pressed values of selected cultures toward
human motor behavior; and an examination of the
pertinent aspects of our present culture which
may reflect implications for the future of
games, sports, dances, and other forms of
physical expression.)
Space requirement: Lecture room, Phys Dev
Centre
Faculty sponsor: Mr J. Day C Miss I. Garland
Maximum enrolment: 25
Registration: Standard registration procedure
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III.
FACULTY OF SCIENCE
A.
Window Courses
1.
Biology 001
Genetics a the Population
Explosion
(Genetics for the la
y
man; the physiology and
control of human reproduction; the evolution of
man.)
Two 1-hour lectures a week.
Space requirement: Lecture theatre
Faculty sponsor: Dr C.D. Nelson
Maximum enrolment: 500
2. Biology 002
Social Implications of
Biological Science
(A series of commentaries on recent advances in
human biology and medicine including genetics and
immunology; the physiology of reproduction; the
physiology of imagination and the future of man.)
Two 1-hour lectures a week.
Space requirement: Lecture theatre
Faculty sponsor: Dr C.D. Nelson
Maximum enrolment: 500
It is proposed that Biology 001 and 002 will be offered
in alternate semesters.
3.
Classical Physical Sciences
(The development of the physical sciences up to
the 20th Century)
Two 1-hour lecturesa week
Space requirement: lecture theatre
Faculty sponsor: Drs Palmer and Walkicy
Maximum enrolment: 500
II
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4.
Modern Physical Sciences
(The development of the physical sciences in the
/20th Century)
Two 1-hour lectures a week.
Space requirement: Lecture Theatre
Faculty sponsor: Drs Palmer C Walkley
Maximum enrolment: 500
It is proposed that Classical Physical Sciences and
Modern Physical Sciences will be offered in alternate
semesters.
B.
Non-prereauisite Courses
.
1. Biology 101
Introduction to Biology
(The facts and principles of biology; the
fundamental properties and functions of micro-
organisms, plants and animals; their molecular,
microscopic and visible structures)
Time: Audio-tutorial tape lecture
1 x 4 laboratory
Space requirement: Arranged by Dept of
Biology
Faculty Sponsor: •Dr Fisher
Maximum enrolment: ?
2.
Biology 102
Introduction to
Biology
(Biology 101 and 102 are offered in alternate
• semesters; Bio
101 is not prerequisite to Bio
102)
Time: Audio-tutorial tape lecture
1 x 4 laboratory
Space requirement: Arranged by Dept of Biology
Faculty Sponsor: Dr Fisher
Maximum enrolment: ?
or
MA 7
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3.
The Five Chimneys of S.F.U., Nuclear Warfare
and the Thinking Citizen
(A lecture course with demonstrations)
Time: 1 x 1 hr lecture a week
Space requirement: Lecture theatre
Faculty sponsor: Dr Pate
Maximum enrolment: 50
4. Mathematics of Art
5.
The Physics of Music
0
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PART TTT
FUTURE EXPANSION AND DEVELOPMENT
Parts I and II of this proposal contain a core of possible
l
activities designed to create a genera education environment
at this universit'.
It is felt
however,
that this environ-
ment must continue to grow, and to expand in diverse ways,
so that students are continually beckoned by the challenges
of
new ideas, contemporary thinking, and vital experiences.
The pages which follow contain some skeleton plans for the
possible future expansion and development of this core net-
work program.
One of the plans has been submitted by a
group, the rest by individual faculty members.
1.
How the Behavioral Science Foundations Department
might contribute to the implementtion of the University
Network program. - Bernie D'Aoust
A.
Window Courses
Although varieties of the famil
y
of behavioral
sciences have been around for over 50 years, they
still insist on attributing their inability to
provide much more than su
p
erficial explanations
of human behavior to their relative youth. Yet
the same period of time has not prevented this
family from division followed by further divi-
sions.
The point we are at today sees the
various branches so divided theoretically and
methodologically that it is almost as hard for
members of different branches to communicate as
it is for members of one branch to talk with laymen.
It might be interesting to elements within the
faculty, the student body, and the behavioral sci-
ences themselves to attend or absent a course, or
even a series of courses, held in the form of
seminars between faculty representatives of the
I.
/47
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various behavioral sciences to try to arrive at
original cross-disciplinary solutions to various
human problems.
Such courses might examine
/such
topics as:
War and Peace
Love and Hate
Education or Training
Cooperation and Competition
Products or Process
Socialisation and Individualism
etc., etc.
Another course which would involve strong coopera-
tion from the philosophy department might be
called:
The Hidden Assumptions of the Behavioral
Sciences.
B.
Workshops
Below are presented three types of activities
which I feel are worth considering here because
they are educational, involve student participation,
are useful to the larger community, and especially,
because I think the students want some such
outlets:
1.
Tutoring.
One way of developing new in-
sights into one's past learning is to help
someone else to learn.
Those helped could
be junior university students or pupils at
various stages in the public schools. Fac-
ulty involvement would coirisist largely of
facilitating contacts (if necessary), off-
ering support to the tutors., and helping
tutors to solve more difficult teaching pro-
blems.
2. Research Assistants. Some students, who are
not interested in studying a behavioral
science, are nevertheless interested in learning.
how the behavioral scientist goes about his
research work.
They are perhaps not so much
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-All ek,
im p
ressed with what the science has forma-
lized as with the methods employed in
studying human behavior.
The latter, after
all, is what they do, as a hobby or a neces-
sity, for a large
p
art of their lives.
3.
Learning-about-learning and' Thinking Groups.
At the prese::t time, neither students nor
most behavioral scientists know much about
what strategies we utilize in solving problems,
or gathering data, how we formulate rules of
behavior in various activities, or how we de--
cide to do the things we' do.
A formal but
non-evaluative setting might help the probe
of such common and relevant aspects of himan
behavior at a university.
2.
Proposal for an extension of the general education
program at Simon Fraser University. - Dr Harvey Gerber.
It is
difficult to speak about one's own field
of interest, its relationship with another field
outside one's acadernicstudies.
One cannot help
giving a rather narrow view of the other field.
But the attempt should be made.
The desirability of having several instructors
work together to plan and teach a course with a
broad and diversified scone is apparent.
In
fact, several major universities have already
undertaken such programs with highly successful
results (e.g. U.C. at Santa Cruz, Fordham). It
is p
roposed, therefore, that a similar undertaking
be implemented at Simon Fraser University, with
the following characteristics:
2.1 That during the student's year or senior
year, he be required to take a 4 (or more)
credit course, graded on a PASS/FAIL basis,
meeting in a lecture 2-3 times a week, with
one tutorial.
..
p
i
SA
A 7
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2.2 That the course deal with one broad
time area, e.g. The Renaissance; The
17th Century, or a general topic, e.g.
Time; Change; etc.
/ 2.3 That instructors from different
academic disciplines, but always in-
cluding arts and science, be involved
in the planning and teaching.
2.14 That students be required to write a
paper at the end of the semester on any
topic acceptable to the instructors and
that this paper incorporate some concerns
outside the student's major area.
Obviously there are problems which must he resolved in
implementing such a program, but commitment to such a
plan would certainly ensure the overcoming of major
obstacles.
. ....
• 3.
Simon Fraser Festival
Theme: Contemporary Civilisation
Jack Behrens
John Baird
Anton Vogt
Arising out of informal discussions among Jack Behrens
(Communications Centre), John Baird (History), and Anton
Vogt (Professional Foundations), the following proposal
is submitted to augment the University Network.
1.
That the ad hoc committee named in the first
instance
aTcuss
their ideas with the faculty
members in the Centre for Communications and
the Arts.
2.
That plans be made for an initial festival in
September, 1967, or alternatively in mid-semester;
but that the major intention be to initiate a major
annual event, on a scale and importance equal to
the Edinburgh, Bergen and Baalbek Festivals.
SM
sA A 7
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3.
That - in our proposed series of festivals -
programs in the arts run parallel with lectures
and discussions on the theme chosen:
Contemporary Civilisation
4.
That the most distinguished artists, performers,
scholars, scientistis, and Elder Statesmen of
our time, as well as the most provocative
speakers, be invited to attend.
That the ini-
tial Festival - falling in Centennial Year - be
assumed to fall under the heading "Burnaby Centen-
nial Year" activities, and attempts be made to get
financial aid.
5.
That Heads of Departments be invited to pool re-
sources for visiting speakers; and, if possible,
make any visits not already scheduled coincide
with the first festival.
6.
That Departments in subse
q
uent years, through
their representatives on the Festival Committee,
plan to have distinguished visitor's on campus
at the same time for a festival period.
7.
That formal classes in subject areas be deferred
in favor of the festival period in which all stu-
dents will be able to hear sDeakerS in all sub-
ject areas including Simon Fraser faculty memhrs,
as well as distinguished visitors.
Suggestions 9 Comments
T i'm! n.(4
The first week in September is before serious work
starts in other universities; therefore active aca-
demics are more likely to be free.
Also, within
Simon Fraser, the Summer semester would have a focus
in festival planning.
LI
sii
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Orientation
An "orientation week" is already
,
established practice
in many universities.
The combination of orientation
to the universit y
and the opening of wider horizons
in looking at "Contemporary Civilisation" - including
contemporary arts - would seem highly desirable.
If
done properly it would involve "inter-disciplinary" dis-
cussion, which is a major aim of this university, and
is both a function of the Centre for Communications and
the Arts and also the xtent ion behind our plans for a
General Education program.
Coordination
Distinguished visitors appear on campus from time to
time, for brief periods.
It is difficult to keep track
of them inter-departmentall
y .
If a large number were
to be present, in a coordinated scheme there would be
-several
advantages:
people of international repute would
be more likely to be drawn to our campus, to meet each
other; programs coinciding with the festival would be
arranged to "use them" to the full, across departmental
divisions (though not excluding the special interests
of the departments).
Cooperation
The University of British Columbia and the University
of Victoria should he asked to participate, and to
"lend" personnel, including visitors.
Guest List
The initiators have in mind excellence, "draw-card"
value, and availability.
On all scores they strongly
advocate an idea which they believe to be original:
invitations to distinguished "Elder Statesmen", philo-
sophers, scientists, authors and artists, who may wish
to meet each other in the freedom of our University.
Accordingl
y
, we have made a list of distinguished non-
genarians, octogenerians and septua.generians, including
Casals, Kerensky, Bertrand Russell, Tovnbee, Chaplin...
(make up your own list and send- it to us.)
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Others we have thought of include (at random) Pauling,
Parkinson, Sartre, Luthe-' King, Edmund Wilson,
Trilling, Schlesinger, Robert Kennedy, Carr, U-Thant,
Olivier, Spender, Henry Moore, Maurice West, Steinbeck,
E.E. Cummings, Pearson (the P.M.), Von Braun, St Pierre,
Clare B Luce Buckminster Fuller, Robert Graves,
Ma1aux, Piet Hem, Coward, Bernstein .....(make up
your own list and send it to us).
Obviously, in the first instance visitors invited would
be those recommended by departments willing to sponsor
them, and willing to "share" them.
C
3e 6//t7
The Chairman wishes to express thanks and appreciation to
the original members of the Senate Committee on General
Education, Mini Baird, Iris Garland, Michael Bawtree,
David Huntley, John Mills, Louis Feidhammer and John
Walkley, for the hours of time generously given in
meetings and in the preparation of papers.
Special
acknowledgement is made to Leigh Hunt Palmer and Geoff
Molyneux for major contributions in the final weeks of
work and to Harvey Gerber and Jerry Zaslove for their
interest and support.
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