General Information

The fall of 1998 will mark a new era for Columbus State University when it converts from the quarter system to the semester system. In doing so, it joins the majority of schools in the nation (70%) in the way course credits are earned.

More importantly, the conversion to semesters provides the opportunity for Columbus State University to reexamine, redefine, and remodel its core curriculum such that the core truly is the foundation on which all other learning will build. Core curriculum courses have been selected for their breadth of information, their depth of insight, and their utility to other courses in the curriculum and to modern life. The new core curriculum places greater emphasis on innovative topics and methods--information technology, global perspectives, wellness, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary approaches--without sacrificing traditional areas of learning, such as science, mathematics, social sciences, the arts.

In addition to reassessing the core curriculum, the University has re-examined each course, each program (minor, major, and graduate) and each degree, for the conversion is not merely a change of credit hours for courses, but a re-visioning of what students should know, appreciate, and be able to do.

Finally, the conversion to semesters will enhance learning because the pace is less hectic. Students learn better when information is given to them in smaller amounts over a longer time. The semester system has shorter classes over a longer period (15 weeks) than does the quarter system (10 weeks). Students will have more time to absorb course material and work on projects. More time and energy can be put into teaching and learning since less time will be spent starting and stopping two semesters than three quarters.

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