Identification of Courses
Each course is identified by a course title and by an alphanumeric code consisting of a two-letter prefix and a three-digit number. The two-letter prefix indicates the discipline in which the course is offered (e.g., CM is a communication course, SN a Spanish course, and EC an Economics course).  "H" (Honors) courses are designated with an "H" following the three digit identification number. "H" courses can often replace the equivalent non-"H" course.

The first of the three digits indicates the level of instruction (i.e., 100, 200, or 300 level). The last two digits, along with the prefix and first digit, serve to identify the course for record-keeping purposes. Also, the last two digits may indicate courses dealing with the same subject at different levels of instruction (e.g., AR110 Introduction to Drawing, AR210 Intermediate Drawing, and AR310 Life Drawing), or a sequence of instruction at the same level (e.g., AC101 Financial Accounting and AC102 Managerial Accounting).

Level of Instruction
Courses numbered 100-299 are lower division courses. Courses numbered 300-399 are upper division courses.

For purposes of identifying levels of instruction, courses numbered 400-499 are considered to be 300-level courses, courses numbered 500-599 are graduate level courses, courses numbered 600-699 are considered to be 100-level courses, courses numbered 700-799 are considered to be 200-level courses, and courses numbered 800-899 are considered to be 300-level courses.

The different levels of courses are intended for different classifications of students as follows:

Courses 100-199
All introductory courses appropriate for incoming freshmen in general education or in the highly sequenced majors (e.g., Art).

Courses 200-299
Courses beyond the introductory level appropriate for sophomores in general
education or in the highly sequenced major, or appropriate for freshmen with
extensive background in the area.

Courses 300-399
In-depth courses with prerequisites appropriate for juniors or seniors in general
education and in majors, or appropriate for sophomores with extensive background
in the area.

Freshmen should not take 300 level courses unless by special permission of the instructor, who might give permission to students with special background or maturity (e.g., older students returning to college).

Courses marked by an asterisk (*) are alternate-year courses, and some of them, therefore, will not appear on the class schedule during a given academic year.

Lectures and Laboratories
Some courses include both lectures and laboratories. For such courses, the number of hours per week in each is given in the course description: e.g., 3 hours lecture: 2 hours lab (per week).

Special Topics Courses
A Special Topics is not a regular catalog course, but is a course which is offered one time or for a limited time. It is intended to allow deparments some flexibility in course offerings. Every particular proposal for a given topoic for a semester must go through regular approval channels for courses.

Special Topics courses may be offered for 100, 200, or 300 level credit, and will be numbered 198, 298, or 398, depending upon the level of credit. Courses offered any given semester will be listed in the Class Schedule for that semester, or in the addendum to the schedule. Students should see the instructor for more information about any particular course.