How to write a good course description

How to write a good course description

• Start with an introduction sentence(s) that explains:
  • Why students should take  the course
  • Why the topic is important
• Include overview sentence(s) that explain what students will experience:
  • What topics are covered in the course
  • What skills, knowledge, attitudes will be gained
  • What are the learning goals
• Include action verbs
  • Examples: Explore, Examine, Gain, Learn, Develop

• Include language that is from the student perspective rather than the teacher or course perspective
  • Examples:
• • Students explore the evolution of ancient civilizations
 to understand the differences between them. Students will have the opportunity to interview individuals in different interest areas.
  • Students study the industry from an international perspective, with emphasis on current business models and future trends. Students identify the growing trends in the industry.
• Include the need/purpose that the course meets 
  • Examples:
    • Introductory course
      • This introductory course examines the fundamental concepts of culture communication and diversity trends.
    • Skills course
      • Through research and discussion, students gain an advanced understanding of how to produce new content.
• Do not include information on how the course may be applied to a specific program.
  • This type of information should be displayed in the program requirements of the specific program.
    • The processes for developing and evaluating theories are examined. This course meets program requirements in the Bachelor of Science program.

Informational text to include

• If the course is repeatable for credit, add "(Repeatable for credit)" at the beginning of the course description
• If the course is cross-listed or slashed or is equivalent to another course, add the following text to the beginning of the course description
  • Cross-listed: "(Cross-listed with ENG 12345)"
  • Slashed: "(Slashed with MATH 51234)"
  • Equivalent: "(Equivalent to BMRT 12345)"