Policy Table of Contents
CCS employs various course types and instructional methods.
- The course type refers to the specific pedagogical approach used to deliver course content and facilitate learning. Examples of course types include lecture, studio, or independent study.
- The instructional or delivery method refers to how and where the course content is delivered, such as in-person, online, or hybrid. Below are definitions for the different modes of instruction.
Course Types
Course Types categorize the nature and purpose of a course. This categorization is independent of the medium through which the course content is delivered (in-person, online, etc.).
DE Department Elective
Students choose from non-required courses within their major department or from an approved course list outside of their major. Department electives allow students to explore additional subject matter within their field of study or related areas.
FND Foundation
Foundation courses focus on the fundamental skills, techniques, and theories common to all majors, forming a basis for further study toward a career in the visual arts/design. These courses are typically taken in the first year of study and are designed to give students an understanding of the language, concepts, and principles required in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional design, while attending to the need for every student to develop the technical skills and display an appropriate level of craftsmanship required for accomplishment in a variety of media, both traditional and digital.
IND Independent Study
This is an Independent Study or Internship course that meets at times determined by the instructor or business/organization where a student is interning. This course uses the learning management system for instruction and support materials.
Independent Study is available to students who are at Junior or Senior level standing with a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or above. The student may receive approval to work in an area or on a project that is not otherwise offered or addressed in the regular curriculum.
An Independent Study should include opportunities for individual student voice and provide a space for diverse perspectives. Students may receive credit toward graduation for no more than 6 credit hours.
The student must submit to the chairperson of the department in which they wish to study, an Independent Study Proposal of 150 words (no less) of the student’s plan for study and her/his reason for choosing to study independently. Once the department chairperson provides approval and the instructor for the Independent Study is determined, the faculty member must write an Independent Study Syllabus with education goals, learning outcomes, meeting dates, course expectations, timelines, and due dates. Art Education candidates must pass DAE 490 with a grade of ‘C’ (2.00) or higher to qualify for
certification.
INT Internships
Participation in an internship experience allows students to use classroom-learned skills in a related employment experience. Students must work a minimum of 135 hours over the course of the entire semester. To participate students must be of junior or senior status with completion of freshman and sophomore studios. Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8. Seniors may not be eligible to participate in an internship during their final semester. Transfer students must have attended one semester at CCS in addition to meeting the other eligibility criteria.
LAE Liberal Arts Elective
Liberal arts electives are courses that encompass a broad range of disciplines including English, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, visual culture, philosophy, and art history. Elective courses are part of the CCS curriculum and are designed to provide students with a well-rounded education, enhancing critical thinking and problem solving skills. Students may select liberal arts electives outside of their major studio coursework in order to contribute to their interests and educational growth.
LEC Lecture
Lecture courses are designed to deliver content in a structured format, focusing on the delivery of theoretical knowledge, concepts, and principles. These courses typically involve writing, presentations, discussions, and direct instruction from faculty, aiming to provide students with a solid foundation in the subject matter. Lecture courses encourage student engagement through questioning, note-taking, and active participation in discussions to foster a deeper understanding of the topics covered.
NCR Non Credit
Non-credit courses are designed to provide students with opportunities for personal and professional development without concern for earning academic credit. These courses often focus on skill-building, continuing education, and enrichment activities. They can be offered in various formats, including workshops, seminars, and short-term courses, and are typically open to all students regardless of their major or academic standing.
P Pseudo
A pseudo course is a non-traditional course used for administrative purposes. Unlike standard courses that involve regular instruction and credit, pseudo courses are often employed to manage and track various student activities or statuses that are not part of the formal curriculum. These might include placeholder courses for internships, study abroad programs, or other academic activities that need to be recorded in the system but do not fit into the regular course structure.
REQ Required
Required courses are essential components of a student’s curriculum that must be completed to fulfill the degree requirements of their chosen major. These courses are designed to provide students with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for their field of study. Required courses ensure that all students meet the academic standards and competencies set by CCS and the specific programs.
SMR Seminar
A form of academic instruction, typically involving small group discussions, presentations, and active participation. Unlike traditional lectures, seminars are often designed to be interactive, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject matter through engagement and dialogue.
STA Study Abroad
Junior or first-semester senior students in good academic standing have the opportunity to spend a semester (Fall or Winter) or a full year of study at an accredited institution abroad. Further information is available from International Student Services.
STU Studio
Studio courses offer a hands-on, practical approach to learning, centered around the creation and critique of student work. These courses are designed to develop creativity, technical skills, and critical thinking through practice and feedback. Studio environments encourage experimentation, collaboration, and the application of concepts in real-world settings. Students engage in projects, workshops, and critiques that enhance their ability to produce original work and critically evaluate their own and others’ creations.
WKP Workshop
A type of instructional session that emphasizes hands-on learning and practical application of skills or concepts. Workshops are designed to be held in a shorter time period than a typical 15-week semester and are interactive, providing students with opportunities to engage directly with the material, practice techniques, and receive immediate feedback.
Instructional or Delivery Methods
Instructional Methods refer to the format and environment in which the course content is delivered to students. These methods are adaptable to each course type and determine how students interact with the material, instructors, and peers.
GS Guided Study
Guided Study is designed for courses with enrollment of three to seven students and are focused learning opportunities structured in a 15-week format. In a Guided Study, the instructor facilitates instruction through projects by way of appropriate contact hours to best meet the learning outcomes. Faculty and students are expected to meet a minimum of seven times in a 15-week semester or as deemed appropriate by the faculty member and Department Chair.
HYB In-Person with Online Requirements
This course format combines the flexibility of online instruction with the benefits of face-to-face engagement. There is a mix of the course content and assignments that are delivered online and can be accessed asynchronously along with mandatory in-person sessions. These sessions are scheduled in advance and may include activities such as workshops, labs, critiques, or exams. Canvas is utilized to host all online materials, assignments, and interactions, providing a centralized platform for accessing course content and facilitating communication.
IP In-Person
This course format emphasizes face-to-face instruction and interaction within a physical classroom setting. All course activities, including demonstrations, critiques, discussions, lectures, and assessments, are conducted in person, allowing for real-time engagement and direct communication between instructors and students. Scheduled class meetings are a core component, providing structured opportunities for learning, collaboration, and immediate feedback. The in-person format fosters a dynamic learning environment where students can benefit from hands-on experiences, peer interaction, and direct access to on-campus resources. Additionally, Canvas is used to provide online access to grades, the syllabus, and supplemental resources, enhancing the overall learning experience.
ONLA Online with no Scheduled Meeting Times
This fully online course format does not require students to attend any live sessions, offering maximum flexibility. All course materials, lectures, assignments, and assessments are accessible via Canvas, allowing students to complete their coursework at their own pace within the established deadlines. Canvas serves as the primary platform for all course content, including access to grades, the syllabus, and instructions. This modality supports asynchronous learning, enabling students to engage with the content and complete their weekly assignments according to their individual schedules, making it ideal for those balancing various commitments.
ONLS Online with Scheduled Meeting Times
These courses are conducted entirely online but with specific requirements for students to participate in scheduled, real-time sessions. These live sessions are an important part of the course and may involve demonstrations, critiques, discussions, draw-overs, etc. Participation in these scheduled online meetings is essential for developing a collaborative learning environment, allowing for synchronous interaction between students and the instructor. Canvas will be used to host all course materials, grades, the syllabus, and facilitate interactions outside of live sessions. The scheduled times will be scheduled and listed at the time of registration.