Course Types & Components
The following definitions apply to in-person, hybrid, and fully-online classes. The associated Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR) policy is provided for further clarification of each definition. For suggestions on calculating contact hours for hybrid and fully-online classes, see examples compiled by the Office of Digital Learning.
Definitions for House Numbered Courses (e.g., Seminar, Colloquium, and Workshop) are provided here and on a handout defining both standard and house-numbered course types and components.
Course Type | Definition | Required Contact and Homework Hours |
---|---|---|
Lecture | Standard course type. Lecture courses are led by the instructor and may include a variety of pedagogy types. | At least 15 contact hours of recitation, lecture, discussion, testing or evaluation, seminar, or colloquium, as well as a minimum of 30 hours of student homework is required for each unit of credit. |
Lab | A course set aside for supervised laboratory or field experimentation, observation, or practice in a field of study or a course incorporating practical experience. | Laboratory courses require a minimum of 45 contact hours per unit of credit. Field trips will be counted hour-for-hour as laboratory meetings. |
Discussion | Interactional meeting typically serving as a secondary component that can include activities such as demonstrations, hands-on engagements, case studies, field experiences. | At least 15 contact hours of recitation, lecture, discussion, testing or evaluation, seminar, or colloquium, as well as a minimum of 30 hours of student homework is required for each unit of credit. |
Studio | A course set aside for supervised creative and/or artistic endeavors incorporating practical experiences and possibly individualized instruction. | Studios must involve at least 30 contact hours and at least 15 hours of homework for each unit of credit. *Note: Music instruction and specialized types of music performance offerings must conform to the requirement for accreditation of the National Association of Schools of Music. |
Related Guidelines & Links:
Policy Amendment Memos:
Related Policies: