Course Approval Special Topics Courses
- 1. What is the difference between a special topics and a permanent course? When should I use them?
- 2. How do I notify CPC and the Registrar that I will be teaching a one time special topics course?
- 3. What is the deadline for approval of a one time special topics course?
1. What is the difference between a special topics and a permanent course? When should I use them?
A special topics course may only be taught once; then it needs to be proposed as a permanent addition to the curriculum (a dispensation may be sought for visiting faculty who will not be remaining at Kenyon). A course a faculty member intends to propose for permanent adoption may begin as a Special Topics Course. Special Topics courses must carry the number _91 (for either semester, e.g., fall or spring, mid-level, history, special topic: HIST 291)
2. How do I notify CPC and the Registrar that I will be teaching a one time special topics course?
Forms Use the CPC Special Topics Form
Requests should include the faculty member's name, the department, course number (x91 for fall or x92 for spring, where x indicates the level of the course), the title, and a course description. Forms may be sent to the Registrar by email (as attachments). Multiple courses may be included on the same form. The process might be made more efficient if the department chair were to compile, as much as is practicable, all special topics for the department and forward them in one document. The Registrar will compile a list of special topics courses for review and reporting by CPC.
3. What is the deadline for approval of a one time special topics course?
Because the new course catalogue will contain only courses adopted to the permanent curriculum, special topics will not be listed. The deadlines for reporting to CPC are as follows:
March 1 for fall preregistration
August 25 for fall enrollment -- Emergency changes only!
October 1 for spring preregistration
January 10 for spring registration -- Emergency changes only!