​Language change in University Program Group IV approved by Academic Senate


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Dr. Jiafei Yin voices her opinion during the continued discussion about the wording of a proposal during the Academic Senate meeting Feb. 24 in Pearce Hall. 

A proposal to change wording in Group IV of Central Michigan University’s  University Program education requirements was approved by the Academic Senate Tuesday.

The proposal changes the wording in Group IV from studies in global cultures to studies in cultures and diversity and emphasizing studies in cultures outside of the Anglo-American tradition.

The proposal was passed by 67 percent vote in the senate.

After heated debate at the Feb. 10 Academic Senate meeting the proposal was sent to the executive board for further discussion.

“Some of the discussion last week was about if students should understand a global view, but if this sub group is defined broadly, will it cross over with others and confuse students,” said Senator Mary Senter “Some courses like World Religions fits in 1A. 1B has Musics of the World. If we define this subgroup as globe ‘whatever,’ these would cross over too.”

Students are required to complete 27 credit hours in the UP, with at least one course selected from each of the four subgroups.

Interim Journalism Department Chairwoman Jiafei Yin argued the senate has been spending too much time debating the intent of the language and not its meaning. She opposed removing "global" from the UP group.

“We keeping going back to the history trying to understand the intent,” Yin said.  “If we’re going to do an overhaul then let’s do one. I haven’t heard a valid argument why we are not.”

Before the proposal passed, an amendment to change "Anglo-American" to people outside the U.S. was proposed due to low understanding as to what Anglo-American meant, but was voted down.

Changes in the language will not take effect until the next University Bulletin is published.

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