Course Outlines

A course outline is a foundational curriculum document that supports teaching and learning by clearly identifying course learning outcomes, assessment and evaluation methods, learning activities, and required learning resources. It communicates what learners are expected to achieve and how their learning will be assessed throughout the course.

Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) are a key component of every course outline. If you are new to outcomes-based curriculum design, visit What are Learning Outcomes? to learn more about the purpose and characteristics of effective learning outcomes. For guidance on developing high-quality outcomes and associated Embedded Knowledge and Skills (EKSs), visit Writing Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) and Embedded Knowledge and Skills (EKSs).

While official course outlines are generated through the Course Outline Mapping and Management System (COMMS), the Course Outline Template can be used to draft and organize the information that will be entered into COMMS to create the final course outline.

Course Outline Exemplars

The following examples demonstrate how course outlines are structured across different credential types:

For more information on course outline evaluation categories and how they are represented on the Weekly Schedule document, review our Assessment and Evaluation Tipsheet.