The University Senate of Michigan Technological University
Proposal 16-11
(Voting Units: Academic)
“Proposal for an Interdisciplinary Graduate Certificate:
The International Profile Certificate”
Revised November 30, 2010 – Graduate School
Reference: FY10-05
1. General Description
This proposal recommends
the establishment of a Graduate Certificate called the International Profile.
This non-departmental certificate would be available to all degree-seeking as
well as non-degree-seeking students enrolled in the Graduate School at Michigan
Technological University.
Title of Certificate: The International Profile Certificate
Catalog Description
The International Profile Certificate recognizes
advanced study in any field, but with a substantial international perspective
that demonstrates an ability to bridge cultural and
language barriers and collaborate effectively.
2. Rationale
Professional work in most
fields requires the ability to work with people in a wide variety of cultural
and physical environments. Educational
programs can include exposure and demonstrated success in working all over the
world, and in dealing with all aspects of work on a global basis. The degree offerings of a university should
reflect accurately the training of students in international contexts.
Michigan Tech has strong
and growing international programs. Important examples of these are the eight Peace
Corps Masters International Programs, D80, the
ATLANTIS program, SustR and TIES in Mexico, and specific agreements and research
programs with other institutions around the world. These programs involve
substantial language and cultural training and have changed the focus of their
home departments substantially, so that international work is developing even
more rapidly than before. International Exchange programs for graduate
students, such as EHaz and ExCit have triggered significant international
exchanges and multi-university course developments. The development of the
Michigan Tech Chapter of Engineers Without Borders,
the Aqua Terra Tech Enterprise and other international Senior Design efforts
and the D80 Center are grass roots developments that have affected many
different graduate programs. We believe that the International Profile is a
necessary and appropriate educational opportunity for postgraduate students
that will offer them an attractive supplement to their graduate degrees in this
era of rapid paced technological change and with a strong need for
international bridging. In addition to language and cultural coursework,
students will spend one or more semesters abroad doing research, internships
and/or coursework.
The International Profile
Certificate is designed to:
(1) encourage students to pursue
international research, internship and course opportunities ;
(2) deepen students' understanding of world cultures and global
issues;
(3) develop a world-wide perspective on science, engineering and
social issues, such as global change and natural hazards;
(4) encourage a basic proficiency in
another language, and
(5) enhance
intercultural communication skills3. Related Programs
Undergraduate minors such
as “Study Abroad Minors” or “International Minors” exist at many universities
(see University of Minnesota, Auburn). A
12 credit PhD Minor exists in Global studies at the University of Indiana, and
we expect that many such examples are now developing on many campuses. At Michigan Tech graduate minors do not
exist, so a certificate seems the best current option.
4. Projected Enrollment
Based on likely faculty
participants and current graduate enrollments, we estimate that approximately
20 students may be enrolled at any time.
For example, there are currently 80 students enrolled in the Peace Corps
Master’s International Programs, 15 in the ATLANTIS program, 3 in SustR, and
other students involved individual international research.
5. Scheduling Plans
This graduate certificate
program is primarily a regular (daytime) program with an international
component of at least one academic term.
6. Curriculum Design
A total of 12 credits are
required for the International Profile Certificate for degree seeking students
and 15 credits are required for non-degree seeking students. Students must earn
a grade of B or higher in each of the courses counting toward the certificate.
As an interdisciplinary certificate, a maximum of 6 credits is allowed in
courses at the 3000- and 4000- levels.
(A) Foreign Language
Requirement. (proficiency for degree seeking students,
3 credits minimum for non-degree seeking students).
(1) For non-degree seeking
students, three credits at level III or higher in a foreign language course.
(2) For degree seeking
students this requirement may be satisfied by any of the following:
(a) three
credits at level III or higher in a foreign language course.
(b) a
score on the Michigan Tech language proficiency test which would allow the
student to enroll in a level III or higher foreign language course.
(c) a
score of 63 or higher on a CLEP foreign language examination.
(d) a
rating of Intermediate Mid on the ACTFL test or Language Proficiency Interview, or
(e) a documented score of 3 or above on the
Advanced Placement Exam
(f) other evidence of equivalent language proficiency approved by the
Certificate’s committee. Appeals of the
committee’s decision may be made to the Dean of the Graduate School.
(B) International and Intercultural Awareness (5
credits minimum). Students select a
minimum of 5 credits from the following list of courses.
BA4710
CE5993
CE5990, 5991, 5992
EC3100
FW5770
FW5720
GE5001
HU3253
HU3261
HU3262
HU3263
HU3264
HU3502
HU3504
HU3545
HU3850
HU 4271/4281/4291
HU 4272/4282/4292
HU 4273/4283/4293
HU 4626
HU 5050
HU 5116
PSY3070
SS3100
SS3410
SS3610
SS3620
SS3940
SS4210
UN4000
Course descriptions are in
Appendix 1.
(C) Required International Experience. Students must take a minimum of 6 credits at
a university or research center or undertake supervised coursework or research
outside of the United States over at least one complete academic term. No more than three of these credits may be
research credits. Credits not taken
through Michigan Tech must be coursework credits.
(D) Integrated International Studies (1 credit)
UN 5555 Integrated International Studies
Seminar (1 credit)
UN 5555 will be proposed as
a new course, but is not yet in the binder process.
7. New Course Description
UN5555 Integrated International Studies
Seminar (1 credit, fall,
spring). Prerequisite: graduate
standing, instructor approval. Instructor approval will generally not be
granted unless the student has completed one semester of graduate study in a
foreign country. Seminar discusses the
cultural differences of implementing research in a foreign country. Case studies and history of universities in
other countries are included.
Teaching of the course will
be coordinated by the Certificate Director.
The course will initially be taught by Drs. Rose and Orr. Letters of support are shown in Appendix 2.
A draft syllabus is shown
in Appendix 3.
8. Costs and Additional Resources
No new library resources
will be required. No additional
computing resources will be required nor will additional computing fees be
required beyond those already required for each department. Letters concerning teaching costs for the
seminar are shown in Appendix 2. No
additional equipment is required. No
additional space is required; the seminar can be taught in current university
space.
9. Faculty Resumes
Proposing faculty are:
William I Rose, Geological Engineering & Sciences
John Gierke, Geological Engineering & Sciences
Alex Mayer, Civil and
Environmental Engineering
Blair Orr, Forestry and
Environmental Sciences
Andrew Storer, Forestry and
Environmental Sciences
Resumes are attached in
Appendix 4.
10. Administration and Policies
The Certificate will be
housed in the Graduate School and day to day administration will be handled by
the International Profile Certificate Committee. The Committee will be appointed by the Dean
of the Graduate School and will consist of the Certificate Director, one member
with expertise in foreign languages from the Humanities Department who is a
member of the graduate faculty and one at-large member from the graduate
faculty. The Certificate Director will
be appointed by the Dean of the Graduate School.
Appendix 1.
Course Descriptions
BA 4710 - International Management
Study of managing work in a
global context.
Assesses impact of culture and the international environment
(economic, social, legal, technological) on management, personnel, marketing,
accounting, and finance strategies. Examines
international business structures from licensing to joint ventures. Develops attitudes and skills leading to increased international
effectiveness.
Credits:
3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: On Demand
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore, Junior
Pre-Requisite(s): BA 3700 and EC 3100(C)
CE 5990 - Civil Engineering Graduate Seminar
Detailed study and group discussions of current
literature and graduate research projects related to the broad field of civil
engineering. Topics will be combined to address the student's area of interest,
including construction, environmental, geotechnical, structures,
transportation, and water resources. External speakers discuss current related
issues.
Credits:
1.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-1-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
CE 5991 - Environmental Engineering Graduate Seminar
I
Presentations and discussion of current literature
and research related to the broad field of environmental engineering.
Credits:
1.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-1-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
CE 5992 - Environmental Engineering Graduate Seminar
II
Presentations and discussion of current literature
and research related to the broad field of environmental engineering.
Credits:
1.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-1-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring
CE 5993 - Field Engineering in the Developing World
Study of applying appropriate and
sustainable engineering solutions and technology in the developing world. Concepts of sustainable
development are covered. Topics are drawn from several areas of engineering,
including water supply/treatment, wastewater treatment, materials, solid waste,
construction, and watersheds.
Credits:
2.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-1-2)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled
in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
EC 3100 - International Economics
Introduction to international economics, including
balance of payments, accounting, foreign exchange markets, international trade
theory, barriers to trade, trade and development, regional economic
integration, and current U.S. international economic issues.
Credits:
3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Pre-Requisite(s): EC 3001 or (EC 2002 and EC 2003) and UN 2002
FW 5720 - International Forestry Seminar
Seminar for students who have
completed FW5730.
Synthesizes field work in a theoretical framework. Covers macro aspects of development theory.
Credits:
1.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-1-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Pre-Requisite(s): FW 5730
FW 5770 - Rural Community Development Planning and
Analysis
Context, analysis, and monitoring
of development processes of rural communities in tropical countries.
Credits:
2.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Restrictions:
May not be
enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman,
Sophomore, Junior
GE 5001 - Intercultural Natural
Hazards Communication in Latin America
Perception of risk and hazards in
Latin American cultures.
Available technology for mitigation and its practicality and
perception. Working effectively with hazard agencies.
How to measure mitigation effectiveness. Indigeous and European over prints in Latin American life.
Credits:
2.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions:
May not be
enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman,
Sophomore
HU 3261 - Communicating Across Cultures
Comparative study of
interpersonal communication across cultures by both foreign and American
students, with emphasis on cultural patterns, attitudes, values, and nonverbal
behaviors.
Instructor selects cultures for study from Third World, Western, or non-Western
regions.
Credits:
3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: On Demand
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1002 or UN 1003
HU 3262 - Topics in Francophone Cultures
An introduction to Francophone
cultures (in English) in a comparative perspective. Includes a
survey of French history and its influence on modern-day French and Francophone
societies through movies, media, and recent technologies, and a critical
examination of cross-cultural differences between French and American cultures.
Credits:
3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: On Demand
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1002 or UN 1003
HU 3263 - Topics in German-Speaking Cultures
An introduction to
German-speaking culture (in English) in a comparative perspective. Includes a
survey of Central-European history and its influence on modern-day
German-speaking societies through movies, media, and recent technologies, and a
critical examination of cross-cultural differences between German and
North-American cultures.
Credits:
3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: On Demand
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1002 or UN 1003
HU 3264 - Topics in
Spanish-Speaking Cultures
An introduction to
Spanish-speaking culture (in English) in a comparative historical perspective. Includes a
survey and a critical cross-cultural examination of Latin-American culture and
Spanish-speaking societies (European, Caribbean, and North, Central and South
American) through literature, music, film, art and other media. Spanish-speaking cultures and North American society.
Credits:
3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1002 or UN 1003
HU
3502 - World Mythologies
Survey of
the major mythological systems of the world with particular attention to those
areas of commonality among various civilizations. Films may
provide contextual background.
Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1002 or
UN 1003
HU
3504 - Studies in the Novel
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters
Offered: On Demand
Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1002 or
UN 1003
HU 3545 - Literature Across Borders
Study of literary genres, themes, and movements, with emphasis
on comparing and contrasting perspectives reflected in literatures from Western
and non-Western cultures. Topics may focus on historical, social, aesthetic,
and cultural factors as they influence these literatures. Films may be used.
Credits:
3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab:
(0-3-0)
Semesters Offered:
Fall - Offered alternate years beginning with the 2004-2005 academic year
HU 3850 - Cultural Studies
Examines the way that culture communicates values, feelings,
beliefs; structures differential relations of power and possibility; creates
difference and hierarchy. Considers the struggles over meaning that open up possibilities
for diversity and change.
Credits:
3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab:
(0-3-0)
Semesters Offered:
Spring
Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1002 or UN 1003
HU 4271 - Modern
Language Seminar I-French
Language
and power. Critical study of the representation of
politics, economics, and social institutions in literature, film, and authentic
documents from French, German, and Hispanic language communities.
Students read texts in French and English translations. Course offered third
year beginning 2009-2010.
Lec-Rec-Lab:
(0-3-0)
Individual
and society. Critical study of the relationship
between the individual and social institutions in literature, film, and authentic
documents from French, German, and Hispanic language communities.
Students read texts in French and in English translation. Course offered third
year beginning 2010-2011.
Credits:
3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab:
(0-3-0)
Pre-Requisite(s):
HU 3274 or HU 3275
Technology
in literature and film. Critical study of
the representation of modern technology in literature, film, and authentic
documents from French, German and Hispanic language communities.
Students read texts in French and in English translation. Course offered every
third year beginning 2008-2009.
Credits:
3.0
Language
and power. Critical study of the representation of
politics, economies, and social institutions in literature, film, and authentic
documents from French, German, and Hispanic language communities.
Students read texts in German and in English translation. Course offered every
third year beginning 2008-2009.
Credits:
3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab:
(0-3-0)
Individual
and society. Critical study of the relationship
between the individual and social institutions in literature, film, and
authentic documents from French, German, and Hispanic language communities.
Students read texts in German and in English translation. Course offered every
third year beginning 2009-2010.
Credits:
3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab:
(0-3-0)
Semesters Offered:
Fall, Spring - Offered alternate years beginning with
the 2001-2002 academic year
Pre-Requisite(s):
HU 3284 or HU 3285
Technology
in literature and film. Critical study of
the relationship between modern technology and literature, film, and authentic
documents from French, German, and Hispanic language communities.
Students read texts in German and in English translation. Course offered every
third year beginning 2010-2011.
Credits:
3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab:
(0-3-0)
Language
and power. Critical study of the representation of
politics, economies, and social institutions in literature, film, and authentic
texts in French, German, and Hispanic language communities. Students
read texts in Spanish and English translation.
Credits:
3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab:
(0-3-0)
Pre-Requisite(s):
(HU 3294 or HU 3295) and UN 2002
Individual
and society. Critical study of the relationship between
the individual and social institutions in literature, film, and authentic
documents from French, German and Hispanic speaking communities.
Students read texts in Spanish and in English translation.
Credits:
3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab:
(0-3-0)
Technology
in literature and film. Critical study of
the relationship between modern technology and literature, film, and authentic
documents from French, German, and Hispanic language communities.
Students read texts in Spanish and in English translation.
Credits:
3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab:
(0-3-0)
Semesters Offered:
On Demand
Focuses
on international workplace communication. Introduces
theories of globalization. Topics may include localization, contrastive
rhetoric, technical translation, and international usability.
Credits:
3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab:
(2-1-0)
Semesters Offered:
Spring
Credits:
3.0; Repeatable to a Max of 9
Lec-Rec-Lab:
(0-3-0)
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
Lec-Rec-Lab:
(0-3-0)
Semesters Offered:
On Demand
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
PSY 3070 - Cross-Cultural Psychology
Introduces the student to cross
cultural psychology and sociocultural theory as it is applied to psychology. Examines
research on cultural specific and universal behaviors. Emphasizes the benefits and challenges of diversity in
organizations and diversity skills that promote interpersonal and
organizational success.
Credits:
3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: On Demand
Pre-Requisite(s): PSY 2000 and (UN 1002 or UN
1003)
SS 3100 - Developing Societies
An overview of the developing
world. Asks "What is development?" in ecological, human, and
economic terms. Explores variation among developing societies and
elements of internal differentiation, including cultures, regions, classes, and
genders. Emphasizes active student exploration of strategies for change,
including technology, business, and political transformations.
Credits:
3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring - Offered alternate years beginning with the
2000-2001 academic year
Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1002 or UN 1003
SS 3410 - World Resources & Development
Examination of the human
geography and resources of various world regions. Emphasizes factors affecting prospects
for development, including population dynamics, natural resource endowment,
social and cultural systems, and spatial structure of society. Case studies of
individual countries supplement general concepts and theories.
Credits:
3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Summer - Offered
alternate years beginning with the 2001-2002 academic year
Pre-Requisite(s): UN 2002
SS 3610 - International Law
Explores the principles, content,
and logic of public international law, the law of nations. Students brief cases, prepare
longer briefs to defend a side in a moot case, and engage in a moot court.
Credits:
3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring - Offered
alternate years beginning with the 2000-2001 academic year
Pre-Requisite(s): UN 2002
SS 3620 - International Environmental Technology
Policy
Explores the relationship between
markets and government policies in moving national economies and corporations
toward "greener" technology choices. Topics may include industrial
ecology, regulation, innovation, and pollution prevention. Course employs
examples from U.S., Canada, EU, and Japan. When possible, students work on a
real-life project for a client.
Credits:
3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring - Offered alternate
years beginning with the 2001-2002 academic year
Pre-Requisite(s): UN 2002
SS 3940 - World Affairs
The study of current issues and
themes in world affairs and of significant world tension areas. Detailed examination of central
issues in selected recent regional or international conflicts or high profile
internal problems in selected countries.
Credits:
3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: On Demand
Pre-Requisite(s): UN 2002
SS 4210 - Global Change in Culture and Society Since
1400
Explores the increasing
interconnectedness of world cultures since 1400. The course examines the social,
economic, and political changes that accompanied the rise of world capitalism
from multiple theoretical perspectives. Themes include colonialism, agency,
resistance, world-systems theory, and globalization.
Credits:
3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring - Offered alternate years beginning with the
2007-2008 academic year
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1002
UN 4000 - Remote Sensing Seminar
A seminal series that covers
topical issues in remote sensing, ecosystem research, and global change. Required for
all students with a minor in remote sensing.
Credits:
1.0; Repeatable to a Max of 2
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-1-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Restrictions:
May not be
enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman,
Sophomore
Letters of Support
Course Syllabus
Faculty Resumes
Adopted by Senate with amendments (in red): 2 March 2011
Approved by Administration: 21 March 2011