How to Write an MCS Description

​Bulletin Descriptions

Course Title

  1. Designator;
  2. Course Number;
  3. Title;
  4. Credits;
  5. Distribution of hours in parentheses

Course Body

  1. Main Description sentences (25 words or less);
  2. Other information (see below for examples*);
  3. Online/Hybrid statement;
  4. Prerequisites/co-requisites;
  5. Recommended;
  6. UP Course Group identifier, such as (University Program Group II-A: Descriptive Sciences)
*Examples of Phrases for Item 2 in Course Body  (not necessarily in this order)
    • CR/NC
    • Satisfies University Program Group II laboratory requirements.
    • Identical to MSA 110. Credit may not be earned in more than one of these courses.
    • May not be applied to Biology major or minor.
    • Repeatable up to 9 hours when content does not duplicate previous topics.
    • Minimum of 180 hours required for internship.
    • Quantitative Reasoning.
    • May be offered as Writing Intensive.

Example of a Course Description:

AAA 427 Special Topics on Car Insurance 3-9 (Spec)
Special topics relating to car insurance for both personal and business use. CR/NC. Identical to STF 427. Credit may not be earned in more than one of these courses. May not be applied to General Business Major. Repeatable up to 9 hours when content does not duplicate previous topics. This course may be offered in an online or hybrid format. Quantitative Reasoning. May be offered as Writing Intensive. Prerequisite: AAA 100. Recommended: STF 227. (University Program Group I-B: The Arts)

Note: Items 1-5 in the Course Body should end with a period. This assists with cleaning up the text download from SAP.

Questions?  Contact the Senate Office (989-774-3350) or the Editor of Bulletins (989-774-1590)

Prerequisite

Rationale for Course Level

Refer to the course-level rationale guide under resources on the home page.

Suggested Textbooks

Other Requirements and/or Materials for the Course

Course Objectives

Verbs to avoid: understand, articulate, demonstrate.

Suggested Course Outline

Suggested Course Evaluation

Consider using participation (be descriptive) instead of using attendance.