Course Component Type Definitions
Approved by the Committee on Academic Policy & Procedures {CAPP}, April 2019
ACT – Activity
An activity is an organized group application to develop a performance criterion or skill through continued practice.
FLD – Field Experience
A field experience is an observation-based activity in an authentic professional setting. Professional settings can include campus-based locations. Field experience often precedes internship, practicum, and student teaching activities.
IND - Independent Study
A course in which a student is provided an opportunity for individualized, self-paced, original study or investigation or directed readings in a major or field of specialization. Normally a contract or plan is used, and the student is supervised by faculty or practitioners. Generally independent studies do not have defined meeting days or times.
INS - Individual Instruction
Individual instruction encompasses individual-oriented supervised training or practice sessions. This designation is typically applied in areas of professional training that lead to licensure or certification.
INT – Internship
An internship is a planned, educationally-related work experience that integrates knowledge and theory with practical application and skill development in professional settings. Internships focus on independent application of skills and knowledge in the workplace setting. Program faculty meet with the student 2-3 times during the internship to evaluate their progress and performance.
LAB – Laboratory
Laboratory instruction is the application of methods and principles to student-oriented practice, often in a hands-on way. This designation is primarily used in science and engineering. The laboratory time is separate from the lecture although it is often associated with a lecture component.
LEC – Lecture
A lecture is the traditional method of instruction in which students are taught a subject by a member of the faculty. Typically instruction delivered via lecture tends to be more instructor centered than discussion oriented.
LES – Lessons
Lessons are individual-oriented supervised training sessions. This designation is typically applied in the performing arts.
PRC – Practicum
A practicum is the supervised practical application of previously studied theory in an authentic professional setting. Professional settings can include campus-based locations. A licensed or credentialed professional often provides supervision.
QZ – Quiz
Quiz sections are components of another course that enable room reservation for large group exams. The quiz component is not to be used as a stand-alone course type without association with another course type.
REC – Recitation
A recitation is an interactive meeting that combines formal presentation, review and interaction between the students and a faculty member. It is usually combined with a lecture as the primary component. Recitation sessions often review the lecture content, expand on the concepts and usually allow for question and answer time.
RSH – Research
Under the supervision of a faculty member or group of faculty, the student conducts research that is expected to lead to a specific project such as dissertation, thesis, report or publication. Assignments might include data collection, experimental work, data analysis or preparation of a manuscript. This component is appropriate to use for continuing registration.
SEM – Seminar
A seminar is a class that emphasizes discussion, presentations by students, and written research papers. Seminars often involve synthesizing content from a variety of sources and are typically appropriate for graduate students.
STD – Studio
Studio is the application of methods and principles to student-oriented practice often accompanied by various forms of interaction between faculty and students. Students use time in class to produce original works that demonstrate learning. Frequently, only a portion of the assigned work is completed during class time, requiring students to use the technology and equipment in the studio environment outside of studio class time.
TCH – Student Teaching
A course requiring students to instruct or teach at an entity external to the university, generally as part of the culminating curriculum of a teacher education or certification program.
