2006 Curriculum: Course Numbering System

A detailed explanation of the course numbering system can be found in the “Reserved and Assigned Course Numbers" [pdf file]. In general, however, the system works as follows:

• 50-099   First Year Seminars and other courses reserved for special purposes.
• 100-199  “Introductory”–level undergraduate courses
• 200-399  Undergraduate courses deemed to be above the “introductory” level.
• 400-699  Courses open to undergraduates and graduate students.
• 700-999  Graduate courses

With the exception of the important distinction between introductory and non-introductory courses, students generally should not assume that courses have been arranged in ascending order of difficulty or specialization (i. e., ENGL 420 is “harder” than ENGL 340).  The logic behind any departmental numbering scheme will be specific to that department.