Graduate Course
Characteristics
When is it a graduate class?
Presentation Goals
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At the end of the presentation you will
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Understand the process utilized by the GAC
Curriculum subcommittee
Distinguish between graduate and undergraduate
course objectives.
Facilitate the course approval process
GAC Curriculum Committee
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Evaluates the following:
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Course justification and memoranda associated
with the course
Course objectives
Proposed student activities
Technical aspects of the submission
Why is this course a graduate
course?
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What is the level of knowledge required for
admission?
What are the characteristics of graduate
courses in the field under consideration?
How does the proposed course meet these
criteria?

E. Kintgen, Associate Dean for Research and University Graduate School,
Indiana University, Memorandum 1993
Where to answer the Question-
Why is this course a graduate course?
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In the Justification section of the application for
new course approval
In an accompanying letter or memo
Demonstrate the graduate level of the course in the
accompanying syllabus
Characteristics of a
Graduate Course
A Graduate Course -
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Course description and syllabus will include
prerequisite courses which demonstrate
advanced nature of class or advanced standing
Course objectives require a higher order level
of abstract thought
Performance expectations of students are
graduate level
Characteristics of Graduate Level
Course Objectives

Higher order level of
abstract thought
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Bloom’s Taxonomy is a
reasonable guide

Provides verb choices
associated with the
various levels of cognitive
learning, affective and
psychomotor activities

Taxonomy levels most often
associated with Undergraduate
Course Objectives
Knowledge
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Understanding
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Defines, describes,
identifies, labels, lists
Describe, discuss,
estimate, explain,
understands
Application
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Apply, assess, develop,
implement, participate,
uses
Types of Undergraduate Objectives
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Knowledge of specific facts, trends,
sequences, classifications, categories,
principles and generalizations, theories
Demonstrates understanding of information by
stating a problem in own words or presenting
information in another format.
Application of previously learned information
in new and concrete situations to solve
problems that have single or best answers
Examples of Undergraduate
Objectives
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To introduce the basic concepts of domestic
and international policy
To describe the growth and expansion of
initiatives
To discuss how the participation of all the
players will reduce costs
To identify sources of information
Taxonomy levels most often
associated with Graduate Course
Objectives

Analyze

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Evaluate

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Compares, contrasts,
correlates, discriminates,
differentiates
Criticizes, defends, interprets,
justifies, reframes, supports
Create
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Collaborates, develops,
individualizes, initiates,
integrates
Types of Graduate Objectives

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Analyze or break down information or concepts into
component parts. Each component is identified and
understood as is the relationship of these components
to the whole. Distinguishes between facts and
inferences.
Make judgments about the value of ideas or materials.
Select the most effective solution and justify
Creatively apply prior knowledge and skills to
produce a new or original whole
Examples of Graduate Objectives
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Analyze and articulate the competing interests and
actors as well as historical factors which created and
perpetuated the health system in the US. (NURS D743)
Define, differentiate and critique major types of study
designs relevant to implementation research. (GRAD G610)
To develop appropriate epidemiological research
hypotheses and study designs applicable to cancer
prevention, screening and control interventions.
(PBHL P505)
Questions?