College of Social Science

College of Social Science
New Policy Initiative Regarding ISS Courses
October 31, 2007

The College of Social Science now requires that all SSC study abroad programs of less than 4 weeks duration be lengthened to at least 4+ weeks.
Programs of four-week plus duration, with a carefully and comprehensively specified pre-departure, on-site, and post-return explanation of contact hours content (which is now required annually of all SSC study abroad programs) can persuasively demonstrate the ability to deliver ONE ISS course.
Past Directors of CIS have required syllabi for all ISS study abroad course offering be submitted for review. The Director of CIS will continue this practice and will review ALL ISS syllabi annually for study abroad ISS courses.  Multiple ISS courses will not be approved in any study abroad program.  ISS courses are sequenced and the 200-level course is to be completed prior to taking the 300-level course.

EXISTING study abroad programs that incorporate a College of Social Science class will be required to adhere to the following policies:

• Study abroad programs with an SSC/ISS class will be of 4+ (four plus) week duration
• Study abroad programs may consider offering 1 (One) ISS class
• The Director of CIS will approve the appointment of all faculty to teach ISS classes in study abroad programs
• The Director of CIS will work with faculty to ensure that ISS meets the guidelines/philosophy of IS in terms of course content and contact hour obligations.
  

NEW study abroad programs that incorporate a College of Social Science class will adhere to the following policies:

• study abroad programs with an SSC/ISS class will be of 5+ (five plus) week duration
• Study abroad programs may consider offering 1 (One) ISS class
• The Director of CIS will approve the appointment of all faculty to teach ISS classes in study abroad programs
• The Director of CIS will work with faculty to ensure that ISS meets the guidelines/philosophy of IS in terms of course content and contact hour obligations

After 01/06/2008, SSC will not approve existing study abroad programs of less than four weeks duration.

After 01/06/2008, SSC will not approve new study abroad programs of less than 5 weeks duration.

Please feel free to contact Ms. Oumatie Marajh marajhou@msu.edu, the Director of Study Abroad Programs for the College of Social Science if you have any questions.

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