How to create a new History course or to change an existing course

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1.  Setting up a new course

• Talk with your colleagues and appropriate staff members about the course details that you must address on the form.  For undergraduate courses, see the Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUS) or the Undergraduate Advisor; for graduate courses, the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) or the Graduate Coordinator.
• Draft a syllabus and any other materials that will support your case.
• Use a word processor program (either MS Word or Word Perfect) to fill out the new course proposal form.  In accordance with the requirements of the Divisional Committee, do not change the format of the form when using a word processor; only fill in the requested information.  (If you are unable to print out the course proposal form, you may need to go to page setup in you word processor program and select "portrait" orientation).
• Course proposal instructions and forms are available in .pdf, MS Word, and Word Perfect format at  http://www.secfac.wisc.edu/divcomm/courses/CourseProposals.htm
• If you would like to cross-list your course with other departments, send them a copy of the proposal with supporting materials and ask for a formal letter of support.  Feel free to see either the DUS or DGS on the advantages and disadvantages of cross-listing.
• Forward your proposal package (including letters from cross-listing departments) to the DUS (undergraduate courses) or DGS (graduate courses), who will present it to an upcoming council meeting for approval.
• Once approved by the appropriate council, it goes to the next department meeting.  It will appear as an automatic-consent item on the meeting agenda, with copies available for review at the front desk.
• Once approved by the department, it will be forwarded to the Curriculum Committee, and appropriate divisional committee for final approval.
• As you might guess, all of this requires a considerable amount of lead time, so plan ahead.

2.  Changing an existing course

• The process is generally the same -- forms and instructions are available at the same site.
• An updated syllabus may be necessary; see the Divisional Committee's instructions for details.
• If the course is cross-listed, remember to secure the approval of cross-listing departments.