The CCR is making policy recommendations to clarify the ICC.
We on the CCR are aware that there have been various interrpetations of the ICC that might be affecting how departments are designing their curriculum for the new general eductation system. One big question has been whether the ICC allows a course to be both a requirement for a major and a Theme/Perspective course for the ICC. The answer is yes, although double-dipping is not allowed between major and Theme/Perspective. Also, that course must pass the committee screening for its Theme/Perspective like any other proposed course. The follow-up question is what happens when a student takes a course like this for a Theme/Perspective and then decides to switch to that major? The CCR has just made a policy recommendation on this point, which is on its way to APC for approval.
When a student takes a course for a Theme/Perspective and later chooses a major for which that course is required, the student must opt to use that course for either the Theme/Perspective or the major but not both. If the student chooses to use the course for the Theme/Perspective, she/he will be required to take an additional course in the major. If the student chooses to use the course for the major, she/he will be required to take another course in the Theme/Perspective.
Given this recommendation, options for the department would include substituting another course for the required major course or waiving the required major course, knowing that the student would still need to meet the credit hour requirements for the major.
Communication: The CCR is committed to improving communication with the faculty as we move forward to implement the ICC. For example, a list of courses already approved for the ICC is up on the ICC website. We will also be visiting Faculty Council with updates. We are looking for suggestions on other policy issues that need to be addressed and ways in which we can better communicate. Please email me at jrossen@ithaca.edu with your ideas and suggestions. Thanks!
Jack Rossen, Chair, CCR
https://www.ithaca.edu/intercom/article.php/20121017105000857