The Course Description is a detailed explanation of what a student can expect from the course during the semester. It may be accompanied by a syllabus, a daily or weekly calendar of course topics and assignments. Either way, at the start of class the student gets a preview of the rest of the semester.

Usually Course Descriptions are distributed on the first day of class. Course Descriptions are important. Students should keep them. Also remember that course descriptions are available online once the semester starts. They are archived online so that a student may access them later, if need be.  Course descriptions are frequently useful in clearing up questions which may come up when a course is transferred to another institution.  See Quick Links for a link to the course description archives.

The course description has a number of standard elements, ranging from contact information for the instructor to course policies and expectations. The course description a student receives is different from the course description in the catalog. Think of it as an elaboration of the catalog description, which is brief and general. This description will likely expand upon the catalog description, listing topics to be covered, identifying any special emphasis, discussing the approach the professor will take, and covering practical matters such as the textbook used in the class.