Serving San Jose City College
Vol. 39, No. 11
Friday, October 3, 1986
G.E. course overhaul?
Celebrate!
Photo by Sheldon J. Griffith
Mike Tejero and Steve Gomez (number 83) 'celebr ate ' after the City College
Jag~ars .rou~ed the Santa R~sa Cubs, previously ranked number one in norther n
Cahforma, m last Saturday s game with a final score of 33-6. pages 4 and 5. Story on page 7.
See photos on
By Deborah Kerr A complete overhaul of General Education requirements, along with the addition of four to five core classes, has been proposed by the SJCC Task Force on General Education. A draft report by the committee dated May 23, stated, "Over the years, each part of the degree has expanded and merged, thereby essentially destroying the purpose and meaning of general education." In what he termed as the "first change in the G.E. pattern in the last 20 yrs," Dean of Instruction Dr. Leo E. Chavez, who heads the committee, said that the proposed plan develops a core group of all classes in which all graduating and transfer students must attend. All G .E. classes would be repl~ced with classes that..Q_verlap and mtegrate themselves. "Two to three years ago, the Faculty Senate passed the present G.E. list," Dr. Chavez said. "The list numbers several hundred requirements and makes a mockery of G .E. because it is so specialized." "Everyone should have in common a core curriculum," he said. "The proposal provides. focus, unifies all aspects of education, and makes a statement students can graduate with." According to Dr. Chavez, students will all have to take the same core classes, regardless of their major. The classes will include three units of "Arts, Literature, Philos.ophy and Foreign Language," and six units in the "Development of the Western Intellectual Tradition" (literature and philosophy emphasis). Also included are six units of "Social, Political and Economic Instutions; (supplanting History
17A-B, 1 and Political Science 1), and three units on "Understanding Self-Development," all of which have not yet been specifically defmed. The proposal also calls for 42 units of G.E.; one and one-half to three units of Computer Literacy; and 18 units towards the major, which adds only three more units to present requirements. Results of this proposition could include the cancelling of smaller specialized classes, range of course restrictions, and merging of other classes, according to Dr. Chavez. Such a dramatic curriculum changeover sparked anger in Jack Burrows, history 17 A and 17B instructor over a class entitled "The Development of American Institutions," replacing his classes. · "This new course is kind of a bastardized thing," he said. "They (administrators) are always demanding more math classes and trying to do away with history," he continued. "Students couldn't fupction without history - and they only use math to balance their· checkbooks." Burrows feels that the whole reason the administration would approve such a plan is to "innovate," or improve the college's image. Ironically, he further stated that both Dr. Chavez and Dr. Skinner are former history instructors. "The national trend has moved back towards humanities and City College moves towards computers," he said, referring to the ~roposed computer literacy reqwrement. For continuing students who fear that all pandamonium might break out if the entire G.E. system is changed, Dr. Chavez · See CHANGE, page 7
Assoc. Justice stresses education By Helen Ryan "Education is the · key to opportunity," Associate Justice Edward A. Fanelli of the California Supreme Court said to an audience of 250 people in the City College Theater. Fanelli was the keynote speaker at a City College convocation, September 25, that kicked off a year-long celebration of the school's academic theme of "Freedom anc;l Responsibility." Throughout his speech, the Associate Justice elaborated on the connection between freedom, responsibility and education. Quoting John F. Kennedy and Thomas Jefferson, he explained the need for education in a democracy. "It really is difficult to imagine a people able to defend their freedom and carry out their
responsibilities in the absence of satisfactory education," he said. "Success in the working world depends a great deal on your ability to communicate," he continued, stressing the need for students to learn and use good English. Fanelli used the academic theme to talk about the committment required of students. "The freedom to study the subjects you please carries a responsibility to share your knowledge with your classmates." He chided some students for having, "a fast food view of education. They pay a few dollars; they drive around the comer to the classrooms and expect their education to be served piping hot." Fanelli added that students
growing pains page 2
should not view education this way. "Look at your education as primarily an individual matter. Your professors can and should point you in a fruitful direction, but you must be willing to make the journey." He asked students to be grateful to their parents who raised and prepared them for college. He said raising children to adulthood is not easy and that he should know, having raised three of his own. "The freedom that you have from them (your parents) implies a responsibility to act as mature adults. Make your parents proud of you. Let them enjoy the vicarious satisfaction of your achievements." Fanelli was asked if he favored tuition in community colleges during the question and answer
period that followed his speech. Citing his nine ~ear experience as a trustee in the West Valley Community College District, he said he favored tuition but added "No one should be denied ~ edt~:cation in this country on the basiS that he cannot pay for it." The son of Italian immigrants, Fanelli attended Santa Clara University where he earned degrees in political science and law. Before his appointment to the appellate court, he practiced law in San Jose. He was appointed to the California Supreme Court in November of 1985 by Governor George Deukmejian and will be up for voter confirmation this November. "Isn't this a great country
The Jags from practice to victory page 4-5
Edward A. Panelli where someone with humble beginnings can still reach the top?" Fanelli asked the audience. -
104.1 debuts on the FM diat
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