why have course descriptions

by Ara Wisozk DVM 4 min read

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.

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.Sep 30, 2015

Full Answer

Why do I have to submit course descriptions?

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. …

What should I include in my course description?

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. Our students increasingly use mobile devices for many purposes, and short, to-the-point course descriptions fit …

What are official course descriptions used for?

Mar 01, 2022 · What is Your Course Description? Why is it Important? Your course description explains what your course is about to potential students. It is largely responsible for convincing them that your course -- and your course only -- will change their lives! In your course description, we recommend providing information about 1) the content of the course and 2) how students …

Why are short course descriptions so important?

Aug 01, 2018 · Course descriptions are slightly detailed (usually a paragraph or two) description of: Text used for course. Topics covered by the student in the course. Methods used for instruction (text, real books, inquiry-based activities, etc) How the course will be graded. Amount of credit earned and at what level of rigor.

Why is a course description important?

A course description serves to state the rationale for the course and give an overview of key content covered, skills and knowledge to be learned, and how it will benefit the student.

What is the difference between course description and syllabus?

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.

What is the description of a course called?

A course syllabus is an academic document that communicates information about a specific course and explains the rules, responsibilities and expectations associated with it.

What is course description in syllabus?

A course description is a brief summary statement or paragraph about the nature of a course. Well-written course descriptions use active voice, whole sentences, and direct statements.Oct 12, 2017

How do I write a course description for a syllabus?

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?More items...

What you Need to Know

Use the course description to summarize what your course covers, how it is taught, what students will learn, and what they will gain from the course.

Best Practices for the Tone of Your Description

1. Ask yourself these questions before writing (to make sure you really understand your potential student):

Best Practices for the Structure of Your Course Description

1. Add an introductory 2-3 sentences at the beginning of your description:

Minimum Requirements to Pass our Quality Review Process

Use the course description to summarize what your course covers, how it is taught, what students will learn, and what they will gain from the course.

Method of Instruction

The method of instruction will be self-directed learning under supervision of parent using text, projects, papers, tests and discussion.

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The Obvious

Every syllabus starts out the same. It will say the course name, the instructor’s name, where and when the class meets, the professor’s contact information, and of course their office hours. You might think that it is not important to look over this section, but you never know if you’ll need it.

Course objectives

This is the section that students usually gloss over. I’ll admit that I do too, but this is where your professor actually put the time in to tell you what you should expect to get out of this class. This can be a very helpful section if you end up transferring.

Expectations

I have only seen this section with some of my professors’ syllabuses, but it has been so helpful for those classes. This section outlines what your professor is looking for in class. It is usually a good way of determining how they award those pesky participation points, or what type of writing they expect out of you for term papers.

Course Schedule

I shouldn’t have to explain to you why this is important, but in case you did not know: this section will be your lifesaver. This area will provide all of your readings, all of your quiz and test dates, and let’s you know when assignments are due.

Assignments

A lot of professors will put the assignment descriptions in the syllabus, so you can look at them ahead of time and decide whether or not you’ll start them early. If your professor does include this in the syllabus, than you are responsible for knowing everything about the assignment and should not have questions the day before it is due.

Grading Scheme

This is where your professor will break down how each assignment will affect your grade. Hey don’t worry! Those reading quizzes are included in with the participation grade! Use this information and be strategic.

How to Apply

The University of Arizona is the flagship institution in the State of Arizona and is widely recognized as one of the top twenty academic institutions in the country. Join other outstanding students at the University of Arizona and start your application today. [Learn more]#N#(link is external)

Schedule of Classes

The Schedule of Classes is a comprehensive listing of all credit-bearing courses available each semester.

Dates & Deadlines

Important semester-by-semester dates and deadlines, including the last day to use UAccess for adding, dropping, and changing classes. [Learn more]#N#(link is external)

Course Descriptions

The Course Catalog#N#(link is external)#N#is a comprehensive listing of all credit-bearing courses offered by the University of Arizona since Fall 2010. Courses listed in the Course Catalog may not be offered every semester; for up to date information on which courses are offered in a given semester, please see the Schedule of Classes.

Past Catalogs

Historical course descriptions, academic policies, and degree information can be found listed by year.

Registration

Students who are eligible to enroll in courses may register online through their UAccess Student account. Some departments restrict enrollment in their courses. Students who experience difficulties with course registration should communicate with the offering department, the course instructor, or the Office of the Registrar.

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