Course Descriptions

Course Numbering System

Course numbers appearing in this catalog follow a few basic guidelines. Those numbered 1-1990 are primarily for freshmen, and those numbered 2000-2990 are primarily for sophomores. The number 2980 is reserved for Directed Study - individual student research under the sponsorship of an instructor. The number 2990 is reserved for Special Topics - courses for which there is a temporary demand or courses offered on an experimental basis.

Directed Studies and Special Topics

The 2980 and 2990 course numbers are available for each discipline with the following common course descriptions:

2980 Directed Study 0.5-3 credit hours

8-45 Study Hours + 0 Lab Hours = 8-45 Classroom Hours

Directed Study is independent study within a subject area or at a subject level not available in regular catalog courses. Faculty assistance in planning and evaluation is required. No more than a total of twelve semester hours Directed Study and Special Topics may apply to an associate degree program. Directed Study may not be taken Pass/No-Pass. Prerequisite: Approval by the instructor, the division chairperson, and the Vice-President for Educational Services and Student Development. Offered on demand.

2990 Special Topics 0.5-3 credit hours

8-45 Study Hours + 0 Lab Hours = 8-45 Classroom Hours

A course, seminar, or workshop within a subject area or at a subject level not available in regular catalog courses. Consult current Schedule of Classes for course title. No more than a total of twelve semester hours of Special Topics and Directed Study may apply to an associate degree program. Offered on demand.

Specially Arranged Courses

These courses are intended to give the student, through independent study, the same experiences and knowledge that he/she would receive in the regularly scheduled class.

Limitations and Conditions

Students may not enroll in more than two Independent Study courses per semester.
Students will pay regular tuition and fees.
Instructors have the right to refuse to offer an Independent Study.
Students must obtain approval by the instructor before registering.
Students may not receive credit for more than four Independent Study courses.

Semester Hours of Credit

Each semester credit hour of a regular academic course represents at least 15 classroom hours and from two to three times as much outside study. Each semester hour of a laboratory, internship, clinical experience or practicum represents a minimum of 30 to 60 contact hours, with additional outside study.

Prerequisite Courses

When related courses are offered in a series, with each subsequent course building on knowledge and skills specifically covered in the previous course, students may be required to complete the series in order. In such cases, each course is a “prerequisite” for the following course; the students are not allowed to skip ahead without demonstrating that they have the ability to undertake advanced study.

Many courses list prerequisites or permission of instructor. It should be noted that a student is responsible for insuring his/her success in a course when a prerequisite is waived. It is not the responsibility of the instructor. Students should also check with transfer institutions concerning transferability of courses when a prerequisite was waived.

Course Scheduling

Many courses are offered every semester on the three campuses. However, the college cannot guarantee that every course listed in the catalog will appear on all of the semester and summer session schedules.