Course Descriptions

Course Numbering

The College of Wooster uses a five-digit course numbering system. The first three digits indicate the primary course number. The next two digits are the secondary course number and indicate whether there is a special focus for the course. For example:

The first letters are the department or program abbreviation. The next three digits are the primary course number (101 is the primary course number for all Introduction to Historial Study courses). The last two digits are the secondary course number. These two digits indicate that the special focus for this HIST 101 course is The History of Islam. A course with a given three-digit primary course number can only be taken once for credit unless specifically indicated otherwise by the department.

The following policy has been used in assigning primary course numbers:

• 100-level courses are usually introductory courses; some 100-level courses do have prerequisites, and students are advised to consult the description for each course.
• 200-level courses are usually beyond the introductory level, although many 200-level courses are open to first-year students and to majors and non-majors.
• 300-level courses are seminars and courses primarily for majors but open to other students with the consent of the instructor.
• The following numbers are for Independent Study: I.S. 40100 (Junior Independent Study), I.S. 45100 and I.S. 45200 (Senior Independent Study).

In addition to the regular course offerings, many departments offer individual tutorials under the number 40000 and internships under 41000. On occasion, departments will offer a course on a special topic as approved by the Educational Policy Committee, designated 19900, 29900, or 39900.

Abbreviation

In keeping with the general education requirements of the College’s curriculum
(see Degree Requirements ), course listings employ the following abbreviations:

W Writing Intensive (W† indicates that not all sections are Writing Intensive)

C Studies in Cultural Difference

R Religious Perspectives

Q Quantitative Reasoning

AH Learning Across the Disciplines: Arts and Humanities

HSS Learning Across the Disciplines: History and Social Sciences

MNS Learning Across the Disciplines: Mathematical and Natural Sciences

Except where otherwise noted, all courses carry one course credit.

Philosophy

Physical Education

Lifetime Sport and Personal Conditioning Courses

The Department of Physical Education offers courses in a variety of lifetime sports and personal conditioning activities. These courses meet for one-half semester. The focus of these courses is for students to acquire and further develop the fundamental skills/knowledge that would allow them to participate in a selected sport or activity. Students may earn one-quarter credit for each lifetime sport course, and no more than four of these courses may count for degree completion credit. Students who participate on intercollegiate teams may earn .25 course credit (one time) for their participation by registering for PHED 13001-13002.

Physics