2.0 Credit, Loads, and Academic Standards

Credit/Contact Hours (Course, Course Components)

2.0.1.1 Instructional Components Definitions

In general, undergraduate courses are developed on the principle that one credit hour of lecture equates to fifteen (15) class hours per session. Laboratory, Clinical Practice, Cooperative Work Experience, and Practicum credit is determined by curriculum-specific needs and program accrediting agencies. The descriptions include:

2.0.1.1.1 Lecture

The lecture class hour is a nominal hour of classroom activity (a minimum of 50 minutes) devoted to formal instruction. This definition is applicable only when the course format requires that the teacher is actively involved in instructional activities. Students will be expected to work at out-of-class assignments pertaining to the course on a regular basis, generally averaging two hours of out-of-class study for each hour of formal class activity. Lecture type courses require preparation for class by both faculty members and students.

2.0.1.1.2 Laboratory

A laboratory class hour shall consist of a minimum of 50 minutes of educational activity in which students will be carrying out experiments, perfecting skills, or practicing activities under the direction of a faculty member. Laboratory instruction is normally combined with another mode such as lecture for a cohort of students in the same class and is used to reinforce concepts or skills learned as a result of another teaching method. Laboratory type courses require preparation for lab by both faculty members and students.

2.0.1.1.3 Clinical Practice

A clinical practice class hour, a component of many health and human services programs, is a form of laboratory instructional delivery strategy, which is applicable only to these programs, for practical purposes. A clinical practice class hour is a minimum of 60 minutes and is similar to regular laboratory hours except that it may occur in a facility that provides professional clinical services to the public. The instructor will always be a faculty member of the college and responsible for the design of the learning experience, its implementation, and the evaluation of student progress toward achieving predetermined course objectives.

2.0.1.1.4 Cooperative Work Experience

Cooperative work experience is paid employment experience related to a student’s occupational objectives coordinated by a member of the professional staff and/or instructor of the college who assists the student and his/her supervisor in planning the experience and visits the site of the experience for a student/supervisor conference at least once during the semester. The instructor assigns the course grade after appropriate consultation with the supervisor and/or professional staff.

2.0.1.1.5 Practicum

Practicum is an unpaid learning activity related to a student’s occupational objectives in which a work experience is integrated with academic instruction. It includes such concepts as internships, externships, field experiences, etc. in which the student applies previously or concurrently learned concepts to practical work situations within an occupation field.

2.0.1.1.6 Private Instruction

Private instruction, also referred to as applied instruction, is music instruction in voice or an instrument, in a weekly private session with a focus on musical technique, interpretation, and performance practice. 1-hour credit is equivalent to 15 thirty minute lessons per semester.

2.0.1.2 Contact/Credit Ratios

Suggested ratios include, but are not limited to, the following individual or integrated combination of components. Ratios may be adjusted to meet the specified requirements of individual programs or accrediting organizations. Generally, where contact hours are appropriate, contact hours for one (1) credit hour are as follows: