Proposing/Updating Courses

Information about courses that remains the same year over year (e.g., title, number, description, grading basis) is maintained within the University's Electronic Course Authorization System (ECAS). ECAS is also where topics courses and new courses are proposed, reviewed, and approved. 

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Proposing a Topics Course

Topics courses are much more flexible than regular courses, but may only be taught a maximum of two times before it is expected that it is proposed and taught as a regular course, or that it is not offered again. In Psychology, topics courses are offered at the following levels:

  • 3960 Undergraduate Seminar in Psychology: Undergraduate students only
  • 4960 Seminar in Psychology: Typically undergraduate students only, was originally set up for courses formerly taught under the 4993 designator as directed study and usually for courses that may eventually be proposed at the 4xxx level.
  • 5960 Topics in Psychology: May be taken by either undergraduate (juniors/seniors) or graduate students
  • 8960 Graduate Seminar in Psychology: Graduate students only, typically for rotating seminars

Allow at least one semester’s lead time in setting up a topics course for the following semester.  To propose a topics course, review required information for topics courses. Consult with the Associate Director of Curriculum & Instruction at any point with questions on the process.

Proposing a New Course

All new course proposals should be submitted a minimum of one year in advance of the term in which the course will first be offered. Courses may first be offered under the topics designator, but it is not required. Proposals are first reviewed within the department, then submitted for review at the collegiate level, with final review and approval by the Provost’s office. Review the information needed for proposals, and consult with the Associate Director of Curriculum & Instruction at any point with questions on the process.

Updating Existing Courses

Current and historical information about all courses is contained within the Electronic Course Authorization System (ECAS). Any updates must be proposed in ECAS.  Some of the course changes include

  • Title
  • Number
  • Description
  • Enforced Prerequisite(s)
  • Grading basis
  • Cross-listing

Contact the Associate Director of Curriculum & Instruction if you would like to permanently update course information

Christina Wiencke
Associate Director of Curriculum & Instruction
S257 EltH | 626-1732
choldvog@umn.edu
Heidi Wolff
Curriculum and Graduate Services Specialist
S258 EltH | 624-5002
hwolff@umn.edu
Silke Moeller
Academic Technologist
N211 EltH | 625-0644
smoeller@umn.edu
 
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