Definitions of Courses

Experimental: A course where full information may not be determined until the course has been taught on a trial basis. Quantity of offerings should be limited, generally three at most. Experimental courses represent opportunities for faculty to try out innovative and imaginative ideas and to test potential new courses.

Field experience/practicum/internships: Activities outside the classroom, which correlate to and supplement other course material. Generally used for research or other practical experience, as an introduction to a range of professional experiences.

Honors: Enriched courses designed to support students in an environment conducive to significant in-class interaction. Generally, a small course with limited student enrollment.

Independent research/study: A course designed between faculty and student on a topic of mutual interest. Largely self-directed and limited to a one-to-one teacher student ratio.

Lab: First-hand experiential learning, practical application of course concepts/theories. Students are directly engaged in the learning through hands-on experimentation and exploration.

Lecture: Especially good for sharing large quantities of information and summarizing key points. Lectures may include material presented by the instructor, may include discussions, class participation, and/or interactive activities.

Seminar: Small classes, driven by discussion and active learning. Students take on greater responsibility for the process of learning.

Special topics course: An opportunity to teach a course that might address a timely current-events issue. Subject matter or content may vary from semester to semester.

Source: Sen. Doc. No. 22-080