Topic Courses
Courses that are taught with different topics are referred to as "Topic Courses," and
- provide an "umbrella" for topics of closely related course content, learning outcomes and assessment methodologies;
- are valuable for creating a course that makes use of timely issues and requires a fast-tracked approval process;
- courses that a department wishes to offer occasionally;
- are shown in the catalog with generic "umbrella" titles but are offered under specific topics in the Class Schedule;
- appear on students' transcripts with the specific title of the topic;
- are usually repeatable with a different topic; and
- are valid for the life of the "umbrella" course.
- Example of a Topic Course: ENGL 439 Significant British Authors (4 units) repeatable to 12 units with different subtitles (e.g., "Jane Austen," "Victorian Poets," "Blake," "Hardy.")
Proposal Processes for Topic Courses:
- Each college determines its own internal review process. Please check with your dean's office. Note: College of Liberal Arts requires this step.
- For topic approval and scheduling by the Office of the Registrar, depending upon college's requirement of second step, above, either department chair/head or associate dean sends the topic to catalog@calpoly.edu.
- Utilize the forms from the Office of The Registrar Curriculum Handbook Forms Page
Due Date:
- As appropriate, check with GE and/or your college dean's office (see first two steps, above).
- Topics approved at least one month prior to the start of registration for a term can become valid that term.