Understanding special topics courses
General definition and usage guidelines
A “special topics” course is defined as any course offered for credit in which the subject matter or content may vary within specific sections across terms as indicated by that course’s title and description in course inventory.
Special topics courses should be used on a temporary basis to address specific issues within a field of study that do not currently align with existing approved courses, or to evaluate demand for a new course or area of study.
By their nature, these courses should not be included as required courses for any degree program, but can be used as program electives where appropriate.
Special topics courses should not be used to repeatedly offer the same content within sections over multiple terms as a means to avoid proposing a dedicated course through the approval process.
Departments are strongly encouraged to submit new course proposals for such topics which will be taught on a recurring basis using the Course Inventory Management form: https://nextcatalog.tulane.edu/courseadmin/.
Individual schools typically have additional guidelines on Special Topics course usage and limitations. Consult with your school dean’s office for more information.
Variable title attribute for special topics courses
Special Topics courses at Tulane are coded with the course attribute -RVCT “Variable Title.” This attribute allows departments to update the course title each semester at the section-level in CourseLeaf CLSS.
Special topics course repeatablility
Most special topics courses can be repeated by students for additional degree-applicable credit provided that the course sections attempted cover varying material. Course repeatability is generally set at 99 attempts for Special Topics courses.
Should a department offer more than one special topics course in a term, they must offer them with different course numbers.
Special topics course numbering
Numbering conventions for Special Topics numbers vary across the university’s schools.
In many schools, the numbers “81” are the second and third digit indicate special topics course numbers.
Special Topics course numbers are listed in the course inventory section of the catalog: https://catalog.tulane.edu/courses/.
Requesting special topics courses in your inventory
When new subject codes are established, the Office of the University Registrar will create special topics courses along with other standard courses such as transfer, independent study, and internship. Should additional special topics courses be needed, academic schedulers or chairs should submit this request to the Registrar using the Registrar Support Form located our website using the “Contact Our Office” button. https://registrar.tulane.edu/