AP.2 Course Information

Print-Friendly Page

Return to: Academic Policies  

AP.2.1 General Information

Each course indicates:

• the number of credits earned;
• the repeat status
  • Not Repeatable (student may attempt the course unlimited times during academic career but will receive credit towards the degree only once),
  • Repeatable within Term (student may register and receive credit for more than one section of the course within the same academic term),
  • Repeatable within Degree (student may register and receive credit for more than one section of the course during academic career),
  • Limited to 2 Attempts (similar to ‘Not Repeatable’ but student may only attempt the course twice during academic career),
  • Limited to 3 Attempts (similar to ‘Not Repeatable’ but student may only attempt the course three times during academic career);
• prerequisites;
• corequisites;
• the hours of lecture or seminar per week;
• the hours of laboratory or studio per week (if applicable); and
• semester offered.

Individual instructors set hours for independent study, readings, topics, or similar courses. If a course is listed as having an equivalent course, students may not receive credit for both courses.

AP.2.2 Contact Hours

University course work is measured in terms of quantity and quality. A credit normally represents one hour per week of lecture or recitation, or not fewer than two hours per week of laboratory work, throughout a semester. The number of credits is a measure of quantity. The grade is a measure of quality.

AP.2.3 Course Numbering

Special Course Number Designations:

AP.2.4 University Courses

University (UNIV) courses are special undergraduate academic seminars that appeal to a wide range of majors. These courses fall into three general categories: transitional, interdisciplinary honors, and special topics. To encourage interaction among students and faculty, many of these courses have smaller class sizes. Some UNIV courses satisfy Mason Core  requirements, please see that section of the catalog for more information.

University Transitions Courses

This series of courses focuses on transition through the various stages of college. UNIV 100 – 199 courses help first-year college students adjust academically and socially, hone decision-making skills, learn about services and opportunities for involvement on campus, and solidify resources and techniques for assessing and improving their academic performance. UNIV 200 – 299 course topics focus on success in the second year of college and include choosing a major or career or participating in a Living Learning Community. UNIV 300 – 399 courses have three tracks: the first is for transfer students making the transition to a new university, the second focuses on career readiness for internships and research experiences, and the third is designed for specific groups of student leaders. UNIV 400 – 499 courses have a focus on research and scholarship, as well as life beyond college in the workplace or graduate school.

University Interdisciplinary Honors Seminars

These seminars are offered to students who have demonstrated strong academic performance. They are developed to give high-ability freshmen and advanced-standing students the opportunity to study with a senior professor in a small classroom setting. The Freshman Seminars (UNIV 190 - Freshman Seminar ) are open to eligible first-year students and are taught exclusively by the Robinson professors. Qualified students with 30 or more credits are invited to participate in the UNIV 390 seminars, which are taught by Robinson professors and other distinguished faculty scholars.

University Special Topics Courses

Upper-level University courses are open to all students unless specific prerequisites are indicated. They are usually repeated offerings.