Mar 29, 2024  
2013-2015 University Catalog 
    
2013-2015 University Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Curricula Information



Course Descriptions

Course descriptions briefly describe the content or subject matter to be covered and provide additional information on units of credit, the level of instruction (see course numbering code), prerequisites and the type of course (lecture, laboratory, activity, seminar and individually supervised work).

A laboratory course which accompanies another course should use the letter L. A variable topics course shall use the letter T.

A controlled entry course is one that has enrollment requirements in addition to any prerequisite courses. Additional requirements include prior approval of the instructor, special academic advisement, a qualifying exam, a placement test, an audition, a teaching credential, or similar special qualifications. Controlled entry courses are designated in the class schedule by using an appropriate explanatory class note.

Course Numbering Code

The first number in each course designation is intended to indicate the level of complexity of the course. In addition, the first number also is a rough index of the student’s year of study at the University. The following are guidelines for course numbering.

001-099

Courses that carry no credit toward a degree or credential. Generally developmental, remedial or pre-college in content.

100-199

Lower-division courses designed primarily for freshman level, but also open to other students. These courses are generally introductory in nature and are usually designed without prerequisites.

200-299

Lower-division courses designed primarily for sophomore level, but also open to other students. Although there is no clear distinction between lower-division courses listed at the 100 or 200 level, there is an inherent assumption that students in these courses have acquired skills appropriate to the second year of University-level work.

300-399

Upper-division courses designed primarily for juniors, but also open to other students. Third year or junior-level coursework is likely to emphasize specialization in the disciplines. It is expected that specific prerequisites are used to indicate the necessary competencies required for study at this level. These courses do not give graduate credit.

400-499

Upper-division courses designed primarily for seniors, but also open to other students. Prerequisite work is required. Coursework is intended to provide depth of understanding or additional focus appropriate to the disciplines. Courses at the 400 level are sufficiently sophisticated for inclusion on graduate study plans if additional assignments are given to graduate students.

500-599

Courses designed for graduate students who are enrolled in advanced degree programs. The courses of study are advanced and specialized in nature and require substantial undergraduate preparation. Undergraduate students may enroll if they have reached senior status, have the prerequisites required for entry into the course, and have gained consent of the instructor. Courses at the 500 level may be used on doctoral study plans if the approved program provides for such use.

600-699

Courses designed for graduate students beyond the master’s level who are enrolled in doctoral programs. The courses of study take up advanced topics using sophisticated approaches that presume prior study at the graduate level within the same, or a closely related, discipline. Master’s program students may enroll only with consent of both the instructor and the graduate adviser. Closed to undergraduates.

700-701

Course numbers for graduate and post-baccalaureate students (including those seeking a credential) to maintain continuous enrollment during a particular semester when they are not enrolled in regular courses. These numbers do not represent courses and do not therefore grant credit.

900-999

Courses specifically designed for professional groups seeking vocational improvement or career advancement. Credit for these courses does not apply to undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees or credentials at the University.

Special Course Numbers

For uniformity, certain types of courses have been listed by all departments and colleges with the same numbers: 499 and 599 are used respectively for undergraduate and graduate independent study; 496 for student-to-student tutorials; 497 and 597 for a project; and 598 for a graduate thesis.

Explanation of Course Notations

Certain notations are uniformly used in the course descriptions in this catalog.

  1. The figure in parentheses following the course title indicates the number of semester units for the course. Courses offered for varying units are indicated as (1-3) or (3-6).
  2. A course listing such as African American Studies 108 (Same as Linguistics 108) indicates that a student taking the course may enroll in either of those two disciplines.
  3. A notation such as (Formerly 433) following the course title and the number of units indicates the same course previously was numbered 433.

Student-to-Student Tutorials

The student-to-student tutorial provides a formal way to encourage students to learn through teaching. It also provides tutoring to all students who need and want tutorial assistance.

In those departments that choose to offer such courses, the courses are numbered 196 or 496 and carry one to three units of credit. The prerequisites include a grade point average of at least 3.0 and/or consent of the instructor. The tutor and tutee(s) will work in mutually advantageous ways by allowing all involved to delve more carefully and thoroughly into the materials presented in this specific course.

One to three students may be tutored by the tutor unless the instructor decides that special circumstances warrant increasing the usual maximum of three tutees. Three hours of work per week are expected for each semester unit of credit, and this work may include, apart from contact hours with tutees, such other activities as: tutorial preparations; consulting with instructors; reporting, analysis and evaluation of the tutorial experiences; and participation in an all-University orientation and evaluation program for tutors.

A maximum of three units may be taken each semester. No more than three units of any combination of tutorial courses (496) may count toward an undergraduate degree program. The course must be taken as an elective and not counted toward general education, major or minor requirements. The course can be taken on a credit/no credit basis by the tutor.

Requests for tutors must be initiated by tutees and can be initiated up until the official University census date. Tutors electing to respond to such requests will receive credits at the end of the semester and can register in the course until the official University census date. Both tutors and tutees must submit written reports, analyses and evaluations of their shared tutorial experience to the instructor, and both must participate in an all-University orientation program, as well as in any conference or critique that the instructor of the course may require.

Further information can be obtained from the department in which the student is interested in a student-to-student tutorial.

Independent Study

By registering for an independent study course, a student may pursue topics or problems of special interest beyond the scope of a regular course under the supervision of a faculty adviser. The work is of a research or creative nature, and normally culminates in a paper, project, comprehensive examination, or performance. Independent study units shall not be granted for teaching duties, administering classes, tutoring students or grading courses; or for internships. For independent study used on graduate study plans, 300-level courses may not be used as the sole basis for 499 Independent Study. 300- and 400-level coursework may not be used as the sole basis for 599 Independent Study. 100- and 200-level courses may not be used as any part of the basis for 499 or 599 Independent Study.

Before registering, the student must get a topic approved by the instructor who will be supervising independent study and by the department chair. Independent study used on a graduate study plan must also be approved by the departmental graduate program adviser.

A student may take no more than six units of independent study at the undergraduate level (299 and 499 numbered courses) in a given semester. No more than nine units of independent study may be applied toward completion of the baccalaureate degree.

A graduate student may apply no more than six units of independent study (499 or 599 numbered courses) toward completion of the master’s degree.

Cross-Disciplinary Programs

A cross-disciplinary program is an endeavor involving two or more existing academic departments which need not be within the same college. Such programs are administered by program councils composed of representatives elected by participating departments.

Current programs include:

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Asian Studies, Minor

Asian American Studies Option, B.A.

Ethnic Studies

Asian American Studies, Minor

Environmental Studies, M.S.

European Studies, B.A. and Minor

Gerontology, M.S. and Minor

Latin American Studies, B.A. and Minor

Women and Gender Studies, B.A. and Minor

The program descriptions are located within the departmental section of this catalog.

Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC)

Through arrangements with Loyola Marymount University in West Los Angeles, California State University, San Bernardino, the University of Southern California, and the University of California, Los Angeles, students may participate in the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) program. Aerospace studies classes and leadership laboratories are conducted at various times during the week on the main campuses of LMU, CSU San Bernadino, USC and UCLA.

AFROTC offers a variety of two, three and four-year scholarships, many of which pay the full cost of tuition, books and fees. Successful completion of as little as four semesters of AFROTC academic classes and leadership laboratories can lead to a commission as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force.

For more information, contact the Department of Aerospace Studies (AFROTC) at one of the following universities: Loyola Marymount University at 310-338-2770; CSU,San Bernardino at 909- 537-5440; USC at 213-740-2670; or UCLA at 310-825-1742.

Library Course

Course is designated as LIBR in the class schedule.

302T Library Research Methods for Specific Majors (1)
Library research methodology and introduction to library resources in special subject areas such as business, education and science.

University Studies Courses

Courses are designated as UNIV in the class schedule.

100 College Success (1-3)
Designed for first-time college students in learning communities. Content covers knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for college success and lifelong learning and development. Includes significant reading, writing and co-curricular learning opportunities. One, two and three units in fall and/or spring semesters. Three units maximum.

496 Student-to-Student Tutorial (1-3)
Prerequisites: a 2.75 or higher grade point average and simultaneous assignment as a peer mentor in section of University 100. Instructional assistance to incoming freshmen by advanced peer mentors. In collaboration with faculty member and a student affairs professional, peer mentors assist in a variety of instructional and student support activities, including tutoring, developing topics and modules for University 100, and the analysis and evaluation of the first-year experience.

499 Independent Study (1-3)
Prerequisite: consent of instructor and approved learning plan. Independent research or applied project, under the direction of a faculty member. May be repeated for a maximum of nine total units of credit.