Guidelines for Writing Course Descriptions for Course Approvals
UC San Diego Extended Studies
When you submit course approvals in CourseLeaf, you'll need to include the official course description (These are different from the marketing description of the course that appears on the website). Official course descriptions should briefly convey what a course is about and what students will learn. When writing course descriptions, it is important to keep them evergreen, meaning they should remain relevant over time without needing frequent updates. Follow these key principles:
1. Focus on the Course Goal
Begin your course description with a clear sentence that expresses the main goal or central focus of the course. This should briefly explain what the course is about and what students can expect to gain from it in terms of knowledge, perspective, or skills. Focus on the big-picture purpose — not on how the course is delivered, but on what it’s fundamentally trying to explore or achieve. Aim for active language (e.g., “This course examines…” or “This course will explore…”) and avoid vague phrases like “designed to introduce…” or “covers various topics.”
Example Sentences:
- Software Engineering: "This course establishes a framework for designing robust and scalable software solutions."
- Art History: "This course critically examines the pivotal shifts in artistic philosophy and practice from the late 19th century to the present."
- Biology: "This course provides a conceptual understanding of the molecular mechanisms that govern life, from the level of the cell to the organism."
2. Outline Broad Topics
After stating the main goal of the course, include a brief summary of the general topics or themes it will cover. Focus on broad, conceptual areas rather than specific content that might change over time. For example, instead of listing individual readings, tools, or weekly units, highlight overarching subject areas, theoretical frameworks, or fields of inquiry. Aim for 3–6 key themes that give a sense of scope without being too detailed. This helps students and reviewers quickly understand what the course encompasses without tying the description to specific versions, materials, or formats. Use timeless language — for instance, “data visualization,” “global health policy,” or “modernist literature” — that will remain accurate even as the course evolves.
Software Engineering: "Topics include version control, agile methodologies, object-oriented design, and software testing."
Art History: "We will explore impressionism, post-impressionism, cubism, and abstract expressionism."
Biology: "This course covers cell structure, metabolism, genetics, and the principles of evolution."
3. Keep it Timeless and Neutral
Keep the language of the course description neutral, general, and free of time-sensitive or changeable or instructor-dependent details. Avoid mentioning specific textbooks, assignments, exams, materials/tools or software, teaching formats, or instructional methods. Also, leave out prerequisites, grading policies, and class activities, like group work or lab sessions. These elements can change frequently and are better placed in syllabi or course registration notes. The only exception is software or tools that are **the subject of the course** (e.g., “Introduction to Python” or “Watercolor Landscape Techniques”). Strive for language that emphasizes enduring concepts and ideas, rather than details tied to a particular instructor or specific offering of the course.
Good Example:
This course explores sustainable business models and corporate social responsibility. Emphasis is placed on real-world case studies to understand the ethical and financial impacts of business decisions.
Poor Example:
This course is taught by Professor Smith and will use the textbook "Sustainable Practices in Business." Students will have two exams, a group project, and a final presentation. The course is taught on a Tuesday and Thursday afternoon.
4. Stay Within 500 Characters (when possible)
Aim for concise descriptions that are about 3–4 sentences long. While 500 characters isn’t a hard limit, shorter is generally better for clarity and catalog formatting.
Example of a Strong Course Description
This course examines the social, political, and cultural forces that shape global migration patterns. Students will explore topics such as displacement, citizenship, borders, labor, and identity through historical and contemporary perspectives. Emphasis is placed on understanding migration as a dynamic process influenced by globalization, conflict, policy, and human agency.