what is the course description

by Corene Johns 6 min read

What is a Course Description?

  • a short, pithy statement which informs a student about the subject matter, approach, breadth, and applicability of the course
  • focuses on content ... we are looking for a list of topics
  • about 80 words maximum.

A course description is. a short, pithy statement which informs a student about the subject matter, approach, breadth, and applicability of the course.

Full Answer

How to write a course description?

a short, pithy statement which informs a student about the subject matter, approach, breadth, and applicability of the course. about 80 words maximum. A course description is used for: enrollment, Axess, and the Bulletin: students need to know what a course is about in a short, content-filled way. mobile devices.

How to write successful course descriptions?

Nov 30, 2017 · Course descriptions report information about a university or college's classes. They're published both in course catalogs that outline degree requirements and in course schedules that contain descriptions for all courses offered …

How to find course descriptions?

Course Description In writing a course description, be sure to include the following information: What will students learn in the course (i.e., knowledge, skills, attitudes, as opposed to topics)? Why will learning this matter to students? How will the course help students develop as scholars, learners, future professionals?

What is required to complete a course?

The course description is vital to getting people to enroll in your course. A good course description can mean many enrollments while a poor course description can doom your course before it starts. Ideally, you should work with your class sponsor in writing the course description. Find out if you can or should submit a course description, and then follow these guidelines. …

How do I write a course description?

The following are tips for writing a course description:The course description should be no longer than 100 words.Write from a student-centered perspective.Use present tense and active voice.Use clear and simple sentence structure and language.Use gender neutral language.More items...

What is course description College?

A course description is a brief summary of the significant learning experiences for a course. Course descriptions appear in individual Course Outlines and in the Program of Studies (POSs) for individual programs.

Is syllabus same as course description?

A course description is usually written in paragraph form with complete sentences. A syllabus often contains timelines, calendars, outlines, bullet points and tables or infographics that quickly and concisely relay important information.

How do I write an online course description?

2:4216:08How to Write a Course Description that Converts: 13 Tips and Best ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThat really works first add a course tagline. Every online course should have a great one or twoMoreThat really works first add a course tagline. Every online course should have a great one or two sentence tagline. If you can't describe your course in two sentences.

How long should a course description be?

The description should run from 30 words to 120 words in length. Fewer than 30 is too sketchy. Too few words make the course look insubstantial and may not allow for enough information to be included. If a description is, more than 120 words, it is too long.Sep 30, 2015

Why is course description important?

It communicates important information about a class such as course outcomes, class expectations, and grading structures. Both instructor and student are obligated to follow the content of the syllabus.May 1, 2012

What is the main difference between curriculum and syllabus?

Syllabus is the focused outline of a subject. Therefore, the main difference between curriculum and syllabus is that curriculum is a set of guidelines set out for educators whereas a syllabus is a more descriptive list of concepts that are to be taught in a class.Apr 14, 2016

What does a course description look like?

Course Description Guidelines should be no longer than 125 words. should begin most sentences with a verb. should be student-centered and explain how the reader would benefit from the course. should be written in the present tense and active voice.

Course Numbers

Course numbers are commonly 3 digits, though some larger schools use 4-digit course numbers, with the first digit approximately tracking students' class standing and the remaining digits signifying the individual course.

Credits to be Earned

The number of credits reflects the hours per week the class meets, taking outside preparation time into account. The credits record progress toward degree requirements and facilitate coursework transfer between schools.

Prerequisites

Class restrictions and prerequisites inform students of prior coursework that must be completed or other constraints on class enrollment. For example, advanced or upper-level courses may require students to complete 100-level courses as a prerequisite.

How to Enroll

Registration information may also be provided as part of the course description. This information could include enrollment deadlines, deadlines for adding or dropping classes, and instructions on how to enroll.

Why is a course description important?

The course description is vital to getting people to enroll in your course. A good course description can mean many enrollments while a poor course description can doom your course before it starts. Ideally, you should work with your class sponsor in writing the course description.

What should a description focus on?

Your description should focus upon the content of the course or the learner, not upon the course itself or you as the teacher. To attract learners, the description should emphasize the benefits to the learner coming from either the results of attending the course or from the value of the subject matter itself.

What is batik art?

Batik is an age old art of fabric coloring using wax and dye. This workshop is open to beginning and advanced students. It covers preparation of cloth and dyes, some design principles and sources, effects of different wax techniques and mixtures, color theories related to the craft, and the various finishing methods.

How long should a course description be?

Your job in writing a course description is much easier, since Where and When are in the logistics section, and the Who is irrelevant or a useless gesture (don’t write, “Everyone should take this course.”) Here are a few guidelines for the description: The description should run from 30 words to 120 words in length.

What happens if you don't read your course description?

Many if not most course descriptions are repetitive, dull or grammatically sloppy. If people do not read your course description, they will not take your course. Look at a typical course catalog.

What is logistics in a class?

Logistics. Logistics include the teacher’s name, class location, day, length, cost, material fees, course number and other adjunct information. The course sponsor normally provides this information, although you should be aware of all information pertinent to your class. The course description.

How many words should a teacher's biography be?

Don’t use useless or meaningless sentences, such as “Time allowing we will discuss other areas.”. The teacher biography. The teacher biography should be 15 to 50 words in a separate paragraph underneath the course description. Some organizations run all of their teacher biographies at the end of the catalog.

What is a course description?

A course description provides a basic overview of what a class offers. A course description includes a course prefix, course number, course title, lecture and lab contact hours, semester credit hours, description of the class and prerequisites, according to Texas A&M University. It usually denotes what department is offering ...

Why is it important to write a course description?

However, a course description is generally written to help students decide if the course is one they want or need to take.

Why do we need a syllabus?

You'll continually refer to it to remember important test or quiz dates, project deadlines and course requirements. You might need to double-check the instructor's policies or look up the teacher's office hours so you can schedule an appointment or tutoring session. A syllabus might also help you budget how much you need for textbooks ...

What is a syllabus in college?

A syllabus is much more detailed and lists textbooks and reference materials necessary for the class, important test dates, projects and points or grades necessary to pass the class.

Do you need to refer to the course description again?

Once you read a teacher's or administrator's course description and determine whether you want to take the course, you don't usually need to refer to the description again. There's not enough specific information to help you complete assignments or accomplish academic tasks.

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