Course Design and Development

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Introduction and assignments book

 

The Introduction and Assignments booklet (I&A) introduces the course as a whole. It generally includes the information that needs to be changed from semester to semester or annually. From a practical point of view, this approach makes it much easier to revise these details in a brief booklet that is reprinted regularly. It usually includes:

• an introduction to the course writer/tutor;
• the overall aims and objectives of the course;
• a summary of the course contents;
• a list of the course materials;
• a suggested semester schedule;
• a description of the form of assessment used;
• details of help available (e.g. USP Campus resources, local or satellite tutorials, course tutor visits);
• details of tests and assignments;
• a semester calendar highlighting important dates (e.g. last withdrawal dates, exam week);
• a sample of an exam paper (new course) or a past exam paper (continuing course); and
• a course evaluation form.

Where needed, an I&A may also contain updated content to enhance the content of the course book (between revisions).

The course writer and the I&A
In producing an I&A for a new or revised course, the course writer provides:

• a summary of the course content;
• the prerequisites if any;
• the suggested study schedule;
• assignments;
• an assessment outline;
• brief biodata and a photograph to introduce yourself to the student; and
• any other items agreed on by the course development team.

These elements are discussed with other members of the course team as part of the course development process. For an unrevised course, the course writer provides new assignments for the semester, along with any other updated information required.

>> Assignment guidelines
>> Assignment checklist

>> I&A web presentation
>> Sample I&A booklet
>> I&A web presentation - how to use guide