Numbering
A three-digit system is used for numbering courses. The first digit indicates the level of the course. The course levels are:
| 100 |
Courses open to all students unless otherwise noted |
| 200 |
Courses for which students should have completed work in an appropriate discipline at the 100 level |
| 300 |
Courses for which students should have completed work in an appropriate discipline at the 200 level |
| 400 |
A small group of courses, such as advanced seminars primarily for majors, for which students should have completed 300–level work |
The College realizes that exceptions occasionally should be made to these course prerequisites. Under appropriate circumstances, permission of the instructor will entitle a student to direct entry into courses above the 100 level.
Since the majority of departments leave it up to the discretion of the instructor to waive the prerequisite, the phrase “permission of the instructor” has been removed from the prerequisite definition for most courses in this catalog. It is incumbent on the student to provide sufficient evidence to the instructor as to why they should not be required to complete the prerequisite course(s).
The term “course” indicates one semester’s work. A hyphen between numbers indicates a two-semester sequence organized as a unit. Admission to the second semester of a sequence without the first semester’s work may require the permission of the instructor. Credit is given for the work of the first semester without the second unless the course description states otherwise.
The semester in parentheses following course titles indicates the semester of offering:
| |
(Fall) |
First semester |
| |
(Spring) |
Second semester |
| |
(Fall or Spring) |
Either spring or fall semesters, typically not both |
| |
(Fall and Spring) |
Offered both fall and spring term |
The Schedule of Courses issued by the registrar each spring lists courses to be offered in each semester the following year. Though the need seldom arises, the administration may withdraw a course when there is not sufficient registration for it or when circumstances necessitate its withdrawal.
The notes area of the course description will indicate if the Plus-2 option is available for the course. (see Individual Study)
Special Topics Courses
Special topics courses (195, 295, and 395) provide flexibility in the curriculum to meet a variety of situations. Courses may be designed to meet the interests of a group of students, to fit the talents of a visiting professor, to study a current problem, or to meet similar educational situations. Special topics courses may be offered in any department and are normally semester-long courses for two or four credits. Special topics may also be offered, however, as short courses by visiting professors for one or two credits. Special topics courses offered are listed in the registration material for each semester.
| 195 Introductory Special Topics (Fall or Spring) |
1, 2, or 4 credits |
May be repeated for credit if different topics are offered.
| 295 Special Topics (Fall or Spring) |
1, 2, or 4 credits |
May be repeated for credit if different topics are offered.
| 395 Advanced Special Topics (Fall or Spring) |
1, 2, or 4 credits |
May be repeated for credit if different topics are offered.
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