Course descriptions

Why?

Part of the communication process for Bologna

Communicate course content Used in course catalogs (both printed

and online versions) and other communication devices to first notify others of the nature of a course

Usually are very precise

From both University of Georgia and University of California Required to be precise

UGA – 50 words or less UC – 1200 characters (including spaces)

University of Georgia offers over 5,000 courses (with 34,000 students)

Similar requirements exist for Bologna The following are guidelines from the two

institutions and should be similar to Bologna needs

Course descriptions

Only list key content areas taught in the course

Do not list how the course is taught Do not list course objectives In general do not include verbs such as

teaches, presents, examines, etc. In general our course numbering system

provides information on the level of a course

Course descriptions

Avoid highly technical jargon and esoteric abbreviations. The course description is an opportunity to inform students and colleagues in other fields--and the wider public--about your discipline.

Not usually necessary to use complete sentences

See examples from UGA catalog and other university catalogs

Course numbering

Courses frequently have a 3- or 4-letter prefix that designates the discipline area of the course

CRSS = Crop and soil science (agronomy) AAEC = Agricultural and applied economics FDST= Food science and technology HORT= Horticulture ENGR=Engineering

Course numbering

Many institutions use their own numbering system, although some U.S. states require a common system among all public universities and colleges

This makes mobility among schools in each state much more straightforward

Courses at different institutions with the same numbers are assumed to be equivalent

Three or four digits are commonly used

Course numbering

First digit refers to level Most degree programs require four years to

complete 1xxx = first year (freshman) 2xxx = second year (sophomore) 3xxx = third year (junior) 4xxx = fourth year (senior) Sometimes 0xxx are available as remedial

courses to help students reach level needed to succeed in first year courses

Course numbering

Different systems are used for remaining digits, but usually they are sufficiently consistent that again communication is straightforward within the organization

Sometimes second digit is number of credits

More frequently refers to level of course within the discipline