Mar 28, 2024  
2017-2018 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2017-2018 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Course Descriptions Information


Special Courses

Certified Prior Learning Courses - Credits awarded for learning obtained via sources that have been previously identified are identified with a “CPL” on the transcript.

Directed Study Courses - identified with a “DS” (unless the title includes the type of course) and a code of x92x – x93x. A DS course allows the student to conduct specific studies under the direction of a professor, who guides the topic choice and research process. In special circumstances the professor may be compensated.

Field Experience Courses - Identified with a “FLD” (unless the title includes the type of course) and a code of x97x. Students do short-term, on-site observations and evaluations in a discipline. Field experience courses may be repeated for credit. (A special Field Experience Fee may be required.)

Guided Research Courses - identified with a “GR” (unless the title includes the type of course) and a code of x92x – x93x. A GR course allows the student to conduct research under the direction of a professor, who guides the topic choice and research process. (A special Guided Research Fee equivalent to the Independent Study Fee may be required.)

Independent Study Courses - Identified with an “IS” and a code of x80x - x83x (if not a catalogued course). An IS course is specifically formatted to be delivered by a professor according to the individual student’s needs and learning style outside of a regular classroom setting. The IS course topic, requirements, and expectations are communicated through a course syllabus/contract between the student and instructor that specifies the nature and extent of interaction between the student and instructor and the expectations for satisfactory course completion. This syllabus along with the Request for Independent Study form must be submitted to the dean responsible for the department in which the course is offered. Based on the nature of the course and the student, the instructor of an IS course may require a number of face-to-face meetings. (A special Independent Study Fee is charged for Independent Study courses.)

Internship and Practicum Courses - Identified with an “INT” (unless the title includes the type of course) and a code of x94x - x96x. These allow the student a length of time at a specific location(s) where he/she makes application of the broad-range of theoretical learning while under the direct supervision of a professional in the discipline. (A special Internship or Practicum Fee may be required.)

Portfolio Courses - Credits awarded for learning verified through faculty assessment of students’ portfolios are identified with a “PRT” on the transcript. (A special Portfolio Assessment Fee is required.)

Special Topic Courses - Identified with a “TOP” (unless the title includes the type of course) and a code of x84x – x88x. TOP courses are periodically included in the semester schedule to enrich the curriculum and are not listed specifically in the catalog. A professor instructs a semester-length structured class regarding a specific topic. These may be repeated for credit on different subjects.

Travel Courses - Identified with a “TVL” (unless the title includes the type of course) and a code of x89x – x91x. Travel courses are faculty-led experiences that combine classroom-based preparatory teaching with on-site instruction in selected locals. Travel courses are periodically included in the semester schedule and are not listed specifically in the catalog. Special fees to cover course expenses may be charged.

Undergraduate Assistant Courses - Identified with a code of x66x – 69x. An undergraduate student of the university contracted on a part-time, temporary basis for the performance of academic services including research or general assistance with academic programs. An individual engaged in this capacity must be enrolled in an academic program of the university. Prerequisite: instructor’s permission.

Undergraduate Teaching Assistant Courses - Identified with a code of x66x – 69x. An undergraduate student contracted on a part-time, temporary basis to carry out instructional activities or lab supervision. The primary responsibility of this position is to assist faculty members in performing instructional tasks. An individual engaged in this capacity must be enrolled in an academic program of the university. Prerequisite: instructor’s permission.

Curriculum

REGULAR CURRICULUM COURSES - Regular offerings of the University (usually offered at least once every two years) are listed below. Each semester a Semester Course Schedule is produced listing the offered courses, available online and from the Registrar’s Office. The last digit of the course code denotes the credit value of the course.

CORE CURRICULUM WRITING PRACTICE COURSES MEET THE FOLLOWING GUIDELINES - Instructors of WP courses are not expected to teach writing skills beyond what is normally expected within their discipline. But, they are to provide a number of writing assignments appropriate to the discipline. Instructors should refer students with weak writing skills to the Writing Center for help.

Writing Practice Courses contain:
3 credit course – a combination of 21 pages of formal and informal writing. Of those, at least two assignments which are graded and at least six pages must be formal writing. At least 25% of the course grade is based on the written assignments.
2 credit course – a combination of 14 pages of formal and informal writing. Of those, at least two assignments which are graded and at least four pages must be formal writing. At least 25% of the course grade is based on the written assignments.
1 credit course – a combination of 7 pages of formal and informal writing. Of those, at least two assignments which are graded and at least two pages must be formal writing. At least 25% of the course grade is based on the written assignments.