Course Numbering Policy
Four Digit Course Numbering
The university will move towards a 4-digit course numbering system for the 2009-2010 academic calendar. As is the current practice for designating half- and double-credit courses, a letter suffix will be added as follows:
H for half-credit
Y for single-credit
D for double-credit
Q for quarter-credit (EDUC courses)
The following number series are to be used for thesis, field, reading and special topic courses:
4th Year – Thesis: 4010Y (single-credit) and 4020D (double credit)
3rd year – Field Courses: 3850 – 3859 (H, Y, D, Q letter suffix as required)
4th year – Field Courses: 4850 – 4859 (H, Y, D, Q letter suffix as required)
3rd year – Reading Courses: 3900 – 3909 (H, Y, D, Q letter suffix as required)
4th year – Reading Courses: 4900 – 4909 (H, Y, D, Q letter suffix as required)
3rd year – Special Topics Courses: 3950 – 3959 (H, Y, D, Q letter suffix as required)
4th year – Special Topics Courses: 4950 – 4959 (H, Y, D, Q letter suffix as required)
Implementation
As specified in the recommendation approved by Senate, the move to a 4-digit code will be implemented in the 2009-10 academic year. Departments are encouraged to consider developing a rationalized numbering system and, if they do so, will have to submit the list of new course numbers to USC by 2008 10 17. If departments choose not to create a new system, the editor of the calendar will add a ‘0' and the credit letter suffix to each course and adjust the numberings of Special Topics courses etc., as necessary, in the department's calendar listing.
Departments with cross-listed courses are expected to discuss their respective numbering systems and come to an agreement on how such courses will be numbered. USC is unlikely to approve numbering changes of cross-listed courses where the change requires two or more separate course codes.
Departments are encouraged to use a 4-digit number for any courses being submitted to USC for the 2007-08 calendar in order to reduce the number of exclusions in the calendar the following year when the new system will be fully implemented.
(approved by Senate on 2007 04 07, revised 2007 10 30)