Defining Course Components

Each course is composed of one or more components-different instructional modes or meeting types, such as labs, studios, lectures, seminars, and precepts. The primary component is the graded component.

Table 2: Course Component Types
Component Type
Description
Laboratory
The hands-on, workshop component of a science course, usually held in a laboratory. A lab is never the primary component of a course.
Class
An instructional unit combining formal presentations, review, and problem solving interaction between the students and teacher. A class component is sometimes a stand-alone component, and sometimes offered with a lecture. However, it is a primary component only if it is the only component type.
Drill
The intensive, practical language training component of a language course. A drill is never the primary component of a course.
Ear Training
The intensive, practical, musical training component of a course. Ear training is never the primary component of a course.
Film
The component of a course where films are presented and watched for review in another component of the course. Film is never the primary component of a course.
Lecture
A large class, usually presented in an auditorium-style setting, which is largely non-interactional. If a course has a lecture component, it is the primary, graded component, and includes all enrolled students.
Precept
The small interactional meetings, usually limited to about 15 students each. There are typically several precepts for each lecture. A precept is never the primary component of a course.
Seminar
Interactional classes that are usually several hours in duration, with 15 to 18 students. Typically, the only component of a course, in which case it is the primary, graded component.
Studio
A hands-on, workshop component of a visual arts, theater, dance, or architecture course. A studio component is usually the primary component of a course.

You define the types of components that can be scheduled for a course on the Components page of the Course Catalog page group. However, the actual scheduling of the individual components is done on the Schedule of Classes page.

To define the course components:

  1. In the Course Catalog page group, click the Components tab.
  2. From the Course Component drop-down list, select the component that will be the course's primary component, most often a Lecture, Class, or Seminar.
  3. Leave the Auto Create checkbox deselected (o).
  4. If the component will be graded, select the Graded Component checkbox (). At Princeton, only the primary component is graded in PeopleSoft.

    Important! If you select the Graded Component checkbox and another component was already specified as the graded component, the Graded Component checkbox will be deselected automatically for the other component.

    5. Tip! The Graded Component checkbox is selected for the first component by default, so if you add the primary component first, you will not need to change the value. If you deselect this checkbox, it remains deselected by default for each component you add, although you can change the value if necessary.

  5. If the component is the primary, graded component, select the Primary Component checkbox (). After you have defined one component as the primary component, this checkbox will be deselected for any other components you add for the course.

    Important! If you select the Primary Component checkbox and another component was already specified as the primary component, the Primary Component checkbox will be deselected automatically for the other component.

    6. Tip! This checkbox is selected for the first component by default, so if you add the primary component first, you will not need to change the value. Once you deselect this checkbox, it remains deselected by default for each of the remaining components you add, although you can change the value if necessary.

  6. Leave the Instructor Contact Hours field blank.
  7. The Default Section Size field is used to set the default enrollment capacity when you schedule the class. The enrollment capacity in the Schedule of Classes automatically stops enrollment during online course selection when the specified number of students is reached.

    8. Enter the preferred size of the component section. The default for this field is 30 students.

  8. Leave the Workload Hours field blank.
  9. From the Final Exam drop-down list, select one of the following values:
    Final
    There is a final exam, scheduled by the Registrar's Office during the final exam period.
    Other
    There is a term paper, lab report, or project in lieu of a final, or the final exam is scheduled on the last day of class, or there is no final. Select this value for non-graded components.
    Take Home
    The final is a take-home exercise.

    Important! Final Exam is a required field, so you must select a value. If the component is a non-graded component-not the primary component-select Other. For the graded component, you can select any of the values.

  10. Leave the LMS File Type field blank.
  11. Leave the Room Characteristics Required area blank, because Princeton is controlling classroom scheduling through Resource25.
  12. If there is an additional component for the course, click the Add Row button in the Course Component area and select a component from the drop-down list. Repeat Steps 5-12 as necessary.
  13. When you are finished with this page, click the Save button on the bottom left to add the new course information to the database.

    Important! Once you leave this page group or record, you cannot make any changes until the course is approved.

    14. Because the course is pending and will not be available for any changes until it has been approved, you are prompted to verify that you are ready to save.

  14. Click Yes if you are ready to save.