Topic/Subtitle Courses

Courses that can be taught on several distinct topics are referred to as "Topic Courses."  These courses:

• are listed in the catalog with generic "umbrella" titles but are offered with specific topics/subtitles in the Class Schedule;
• provide an umbrella course format for courses with closely related topics, learning outcomes, and assessment methodologies;
• are valuable for faculty designing a new course with a faster approval process;
• appear on students' transcripts with the specific topic/subtitle; and
• are usually repeatable under different topics/subtitles.

An example of a topic course is ENGL 439 Topics in British Literature (4 units), repeatable up to 12 units with different topics/subtitles like Jane Austen Fiction & Film, Gothic Monsters, and Orwell.

Note that Topic Courses are distinct from Selected Topics Courses (e.g., 270, 470, 471, 570, 571).

 

Source:

Academic Senate Resolution: AS-503-98/CC "Resolution on Experimental Courses". Approved 18 September 1998.

Cal Poly Office of the Registrar: "Curriculum Handbook: Course Policies and Guidelines".

Updated: 9/20/2023