Course Numbering and Labeling Policy

AUDIENCE

All academic departments responsible for creating and listing courses.

PURPOSE

Thomas More University courses must conform to an established numbering system (Prefix, Course Number, Course Suffix) to ensure appropriate levels of rigor for the academic program(s) with which the courses are associated.

DEFINITIONS

Prefix: A three (3) letter code that identifies the subject area of the course.

Course Program: Undergraduate or Graduate

Course Number: The three (3) digit sequence that identifies level of the course.

Course Suffix: A single or double letter identifier after that course number which specifies the course is offered in an approved, special pedagogical format (e.g., BIO 101L).

Cross-Leveled: Courses which share content and learning outcomes but are numbered and offered at two different levels of rigor.

Cross-Listed: Courses which share common learning outcomes, are numbered the same, and have the same level of rigor, but have different prefixes.

THE POLICY

Thomas More University courses must conform to an established numbering system (Prefix, Course Number, Course Suffix) to ensure appropriate levels of rigor for the academic program(s) with which the courses are associated. The course level is based on student learning outcomes and the complexity of content. Graduate level courses must be progressively more advanced in academic content than undergraduate courses.  Course prefixes designate a specific discipline or field, which determines the appropriate faculty credential requirements.  Courses that are offered via multiple departments must follow cross-listing procedures. Courses that are offered at multiple levels must follow cross-leveling procedures. For courses that serve a special purpose, the appropriate course suffix must be designated. Any changes to number, cross-listing, cross-numbering, and/or suffix must be approved according to the Academic Program Definitions and Process Guide and the Course Inventory Modification Form. All courses are listed in the Thomas More University Academic Catalog.

This policy applies to new courses submitted for approval after May 10, 2019.  Courses approved prior to May 10, 2019 are grandfathered.  This exception is revoked for any courses applying for modifications to the course number.

Academic departments are responsible for determining the appropriate course number and label.  Nothing in this policy implies the imposition of requisites or modifications without the approval of the appropriate department. 

RELATED POLICIES AND APPLICABLE LEGAL OR ACCREDITATION STANDARDS

Credit Hour Policy

SACSCOC Principles of Accreditation: Foundations of Quality Enhancement, standard 10.7

PROCEDURES

Course Prefix

Course prefixes designate a specific discipline or field, which determines the appropriate faculty credential requirements.  The prefix must match Thomas More University’s established prefixes, if applicable.

Course Program

Credit-bearing courses are designated as undergraduate or graduate.  Graduate level courses must be progressively more advanced in academic content than undergraduate courses. 

Course Numbering
Courses should be numbered according to the appropriate level as determined by the stated student learning outcomes of each course and the complexity of content.  Academic departments determine the appropriate course pre-requisites necessary for success in each course. 

• 000 - numbered courses present basic skills for students who do not meet the University’s criteria for performance for the 100 level. This is the remedial level and uses the remedial grading system.  Courses at this level do not count towards the required hours needed for graduation and do not satisfy any core or major requirement. 
• 100 - numbered courses: Introductory lower-level undergraduate courses in which students are introduced to concepts.  Instruction and learning activities focus on basic knowledge, skills, dispositions, and/or competencies. 
• 200 - numbered courses: Lower-level undergraduate courses in which students develop knowledge, skills, dispositions, and/or competencies. Instruction and learning activities focus on expanding complexity and contexts with the introduction of new material.
• 300 - numbered courses: Upper-level undergraduate courses in which students further develop knowledge, skills, dispositions, and/or competencies. Instruction and learning activities focus on expanding complexity and contexts, either with introduction of new material reinforcing skills or significant application of concepts.  300 level courses are typically courses in the major or core focused on concepts relevant to program or core student learning outcomes. 
• 400 – numbered courses: Advanced upper-level courses in which students apply the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and/or competencies that have already been developed and are necessary for mastery of program or core student learning outcomes. Instruction and learning activities are focused on integrating knowledge, skills, attitudes and/or competencies in multiple contexts and at multiple levels of complexity.  Assessment is focused on demonstrating achievement of the program or core student learning outcome. 
• 500 – numbered courses: Post-baccalaureate/graduate courses presenting introductory or general knowledge in a particular field or discipline. Content must be progressively more advanced than undergraduate courses.  These courses may be cross-leveled with 400 – level undergraduate courses.  See the cross-leveling procedures below. 
• 600 – numbered courses: Master’s level graduate courses
  

Cross-Listing

Cross-listed courses will have different course prefixes but must have the same learning outcomes, fixed (not variable) credit hours, grading mode, repeat rules, and instructor(s).  As such, cross-listed courses are considered equivalents and credit may only be earned once.  Cross-listed courses may only fulfill one core requirement.  Individual departments determine how cross-listed courses fulfill major requirements.  Special topics, independent study, tutorials, practice teaching, and internship/practicum courses cannot be cross-listed.  An example of cross-listed courses includes CRJ 226: Juvenile Justice and SOC 226: Juvenile Justice.

Cross-Leveling
Cross-leveled courses will follow the numbering convention described below and will have the same final two digits. Cross-leveled courses will have the same prefix, title, fixed (not variable) credit hours, repeat rules, and instructor(s). Special topics, independent study, tutorials, practice teaching, and internship/practicum courses cannot be cross-leveled. If a course is taken at one level, it may not be repeated at the higher level. The syllabus for these courses must outline the student learning outcomes at each level.  If the course is cross-leveled between undergraduate and graduate programs, the graduate syllabus must include student learning outcomes at a higher level, describe additional work required to earn graduate credit, and include the grading system applicable to graduate students.  An example of cross-leveled courses includes SPA 531: Issues in Spanish Translation and SPA 431: Issues in Spanish Translation.

Suffixes

The following suffixes may be applied to designate that a course or specific course section carries a special purpose.

A: Indicates course is approved as part of the Education Program curriculum for level P-5 (elementary).
B: Indicates course is approved as part of the Education Program curriculum for level 5-9 (middle).
C: Indicates course is approved as part of the Education Program curriculum for 9-12 (secondary).

L: Indicates a stand-alone laboratory course.

Experimental Courses

Experimental Courses may be offered as Special Topics under 155, 255, 355, 455, 555, or 655.  Each topic may be offered up to two times using the special topics course number, after which it must be approved as a distinct course. 

REFERENCING THE POLICY

Course Inventory Modification Form

Curriculum Map Instructions and Legend

HISTORY

APPENDIX

There are no appendices to this policy.

APPROVALS

Temp Text

Maria C. Garriga, Acting Provost

*The University reserves the right to modify, amend, or terminate this policy at any time.