Common Core Course Proposal General Criteria

With the implementation of the new Common Core Program, a comprehensive set of criteria and guidelines will be established for evaluating course proposals and overseeing the delivery of Common Core courses.

General Criteria for Common Core Courses in Foundations and Broadening Groups

In alignment with the goals and objectives of the Common Core Program, the following general criteria will serve as guiding principles for Common Core courses within the Foundations and Broadening groups:

•    The course should broaden students’ horizons;
•    The course should be open to all students with an understanding that courses in the Broadening group
      should have a primary target for non-major students; 
•    The course should not have a pre-requisite; 
•    The course should enhance students’ competencies; and
•    The course should challenge students to consider social, cultural, or philosophical issues.

General Criteria for Courses in the Experiencing group

The criteria for courses in the Experiencing group may vary, reflecting the diverse objectives and goals of the Common Core Program. Click here for the detailed criteria for courses in the Experiencing group, and the code assignment details.

Approval Process and Review of Common Core Course Proposals

The approval process for Common Core course proposals is designed to ensure that all courses meet the established educational standards and align with the objectives of the Common Core Program. This systematic review involves multiple stakeholders, including faculty members, academic committees, and administrative bodies, to guarantee that proposed courses contribute effectively to the development of academic level and essential competencies in students. Click here for more details.

Course Proposing Eligibility for Each Common Core Area

Course instructors should observe the following course proposing eligibility for Common Core areas in the Foundations and Broadening groups:

• Two of the Foundations courses, Cognitive Foundations of University Education: Critical Thinking and Data Literacy (CTDL) and Behavioral Foundations of University education: Habits, Mindsets, and Wellness (HMW), are centrally offered by AIS. Faculty members who are interested in teaching CTDL and/or HMW courses should indicate their interests to their Schools/AIS.
• Center for Language Education (CLE) would be the sole offering unit of English Communication (E-Comm) courses. 
• Both the CLE and the Division of Humanities (HUMA) may present courses for the Chinese Communication (C-Comm) area. 
• Faculty members, schools, departments, teaching teams, and units are welcome to submit course proposals for any Common Core areas in the Broadening group.
• Non-academic units interested in submitting Common Core course proposals need to be partnered with an academic unit in course development and delivery.

Course proposing eligibility for the Experiencing group can be found here.