As tasked at the Department of Communication Studies retreat in the Summer 2008, the Curriculum Committee embarked upon an effort to clarify and expand course descriptions of second and third-year level courses with the ultimate goal of compiling a "Curriculum Resources for Instructors" file that contains Extended Course Descriptions, a bibliography of potential readings, previous syllabi, and key contact faculty for each course. The committee envisioned these Extended Course Descriptions as approximately 2-3 paragraphs in length, with an optional attached bibliography from which instructors could draw material. This material would offer suggestions only, and would be updated frequently.

This ongoing process is being undertaken for two primary reasons: 1) strengthen the CS curriculum, and 2) provide a resource for instructors, which will be particularly valuable for new faculty or those teaching a course for the first time. This project aims to strengthen the CS Curriculum by building a commonality in the Department’s approach to delivering its curriculum, enabling the Department to avoid repetition, to encourage the commensurability between courses, and to encourage the development/maintenance of consistent and cumulative learning as students progress through their undergraduate degrees.