SICW

=Science in a Changing World= Series of steps to promote this graduate certificate focus and build on faculty strength in this area in the M.A. program Peter Taylor, 30 Nov 07, updated 31 May 08 & 3 Oct 08, and 10 June 09

Description of emphasis/ focus
One area of emphasis in the CCT program is on "science in the context of conceptual development and social change." This is reflected in the "Science in a Changing World" track for the M.A. and Certificate as studies "designed for educators and other concerned citizens who want to explore the relationships among new developments in scientific knowledge, in education, and in society. Innovative and inspiring instructors arrange course material, classroom activities, and teaching/learning interactions that provide students an opportunity to learn about science in its social context, to gain a set of models for their own educational or activist work, and to discuss practices and philosophies of education and social change."

Steps

 * 1. Course offerings.** Stretched out cycle for required courses allowing PT, CS and AM to teach CCT and related electives in this area (as well as reducing chances of course cancellations). In partnership with other programs (esp. Honors, STV, & PPol), aim for 2-3 sections per year, including summer. [Pursue the partnerships, Cross-listings of CCT640 & 650 so that the courses serve as content courses for teachers seeking licensure, Consult with Sci. Ed. faculty to bring attention to these courses. Clarify whether AM & CS's other departmental commitments will allow them to recruit students for and teach electives.]

a) Cont. Ed. publicity of this certificate focus [arrange to appear CCDE catalog, starting Spring 09] b) Continue the annual [|New England Workshop on Science and Social Change]. Budget CCT funds (from CCDE) to provide essential facilities charges for this workshop (at Woods Hole) so that time-consuming grant applications are not absolutely essential (up to $1200/year); c) PT co-teaches a graduate seminar on science-in-society (with innovative, interdisciplinary pedagogy) every few years through Women's Studies & the Boston area Graduate Consortium in Women’s Studies (starting spr '09; continuing spr '11 ) d) PT continues to teach an [|epidemiology for non-specialists] grad. course that is open to UMB & UML students in policy, gerontology, nursing -- get cross listed; see http://sicw.wikispaces.com/Epi ). e) CCT 649, Scientific and Political Change (previously, Science, Technology & Policy) promoted as a Policy course to the Intercampus Marine Sciences School. f) PT applies for major grant for research and outreach around complexities of genes, environment, health, and development. g) SICW-related activities assembled onto one wikispace [done] sicw.wikispaces.com (with subscription paid from CCT's funds if grant funding runs out).
 * 2. Build recognition in the Boston/New England area** for CCT-centered work in this area through:

3a. Dedicate one of the CCT AAs to assistance on these steps (e.g., #4, 6, 8, 9, 11). 3b. Get guarantee that CCT keeps its two 5 hr/week GAs. ([Re]secured for 08-09.) 3c. Secure funds for 10 hour/week assistant who would work through the summers and stay with us beyond graduation (say for 2-3 years in total) (OK through Summer 10).
 * Assistance**

4. Publicity assistance to JFS and cross-listing with PPol [done] to increase chances that her summer elective runs. [Find replacement instructor?]

5. SICW track supercedes the substitution options below. [Track approved June '09] 5a. Advertise the substitution option for students specializing in this area of CCT 649, Scientific and Political Change, for the foundational Phil course. 5b. Advertise the substitution option for students specializing in this area of CCT 652, Children and Science, for the foundational Psych course. [* discussion needed by CCT faculty?]
 * CCT measures**

6. Promote online certificate track in SICW and hybrid MA to librarians, community researchers, college teachers, teachers seeking professional license. Highlight innovative PBL and Action Research teaching in 611, 645 (Biology in Society), 649, 693 (Action Research), WoSt 597

7. Advertize that online SICW certificate students can complete the M.A. through participation in courses at a distance (e.g., PT’s sections: 645, 649, 692, 693, 694, Epi, WoSt). (Require portfolio to be reviewed before approving the transfer from certificate to MA.) > "Several courses are offered in online sections (e.g., CRCRTH 601, 602, 612, 616, 618). These sections are intended primarily for Certificate and non-matriculated students; CCT M.A. students need permission of their advisors to take them in place of face-to-face sections. Several other courses, however, can bring in a small number of students by speakerphone (or "voice over the internet") during regular class meeting times. (Contact the Program for details and the Program Director for approval.) It is therefore possible to complete the entire M.A. at a distance by: undertaking the Certificate through online courses; getting approval to transfer to the M.A. program; and participating in the remaining regular classes at a distance. In no case may students count more than five on-line courses from UMass Boston toward their CCT M.A. degree." ([|publicity for SICW])

8a. Continue [|Inter-college faculty Seminar in Science and Humanities]. 8b. Continue Health In Society Research Discussion Group (started Nov. '07) 8c. Submit proposal for Transdisciplinary Research Workshop to support the Research clusters (submitted, but on hold until clusters get going). 8d. Secure UMB recognition for SICW efforts/initiative/umbrella coordinated by STV and CCT.
 * Interdisciplinary initiatives serving UMB**

9. Participate in revived faculty curriculum development workshops under [|Education for Sustainability] (in conjunction with ES Program). [Funds for stipends would help.]

10. Participate as guest lecturers in revived and revised Science in a Humane World and in other courses.

11. Supervise qualified, experienced CCT students who wish to teach undergraduate Gen Ed seminars.