Undergraduate Catalog

University Courses

Interim Coordinator: Dr. Christopher A. Pynes
Office: Sherman Hall 211
Telephone: (309) 298-1066
Fax: (309) 298-2021

The courses listed below are designed to support graduation requirements, Study Abroad, and other opportunities for study not associated with academic departments.

Course Descriptions

LIBRARY (LIB)

101 Introduction to Library and Information Use. (1) Introduces basic concepts and techniques required to find, use, and evaluate library and internet resources with hands-on, entry-level experience and a focus on performing academic work using the WIU Libraries database and open-access resources. Not open to students with credit in LIB 201.

360 (Cross-listed with UNIV 360) Research Methods for General and Professional Studies. (3) Course covers the research process and application of methods appropriate to professional studies. Includes an introduction to research methodologies, project planning, and reporting. Not open to students with credit in UNIV 360. Prerequisites: junior standing; ENG 180 and 280; or permission of instructor.

UNIVERSITY (UNIV)

100 Personal Growth and Well-Being in Higher Education. (1) This course provides first-year students with an introduction to social, intellectual, personal, and physical wellness as they relate to college-level success. Credit cannot be given for both UNIV 100 and CSP 110. Prerequisite: freshman standing with fewer than 24 s.h. earned, or permission of University Courses Coordinator.

102 Academic Refocus. (1) Assists first-year students who do not hold a positive academic status in creating and implementing a plan to address barriers to academic competency, develop support networks, formulate academic success strategies, and utilize campus resources to reach good academic standing. Prerequisite: permission of advisor.

200 Career Exploration. (1) Introduces the concept of career exploration and lifelong career development. Guides students through researching career options and knowledge of one’s personality, interests, and values in relation to career decision making.

360 (Cross-listed with LIB 360) Research Methods for General and Professional Studies. (3) Course covers the research process and application of methods appropriate to professional studies. Includes an introduction to research methodologies, project planning, and reporting. Not open to students with credit in LIB 360. Prerequisites: junior standing; ENG 180 and 280; or permission of instructor.

390 Career Preparation. (1) Assist students in developing tools and skills to effectively market and transition themselves into the workforce, increase student understanding of the job search process, and strengthen the students’ confidence level in setting and reaching their professional goals. Prerequisite: sophomore, junior, or senior standing.

490 Career Internship. (2–12, repeatable to 12) Appropriate, supervised practical work experience in a career related setting. BGS online writing course. Prerequisites: junior/senior standing, 2.00 GPA, and permission of instructor. Graded S/U only.

WESL INSTITUTE (WESL)

010 Foundation in English as a Second Language. (0, repeatable) Basic language and academic skills in reading, writing, listening, speaking, integrated skills, and grammar. Reading strategies; sentence to paragraph writing; guided note-taking; conversation and simple discussion; computer skills. Orientation to American life and culture. 20 hours per week. Prerequisite: admission to WESL Institute. Graded S/U only.

020 Intermediate English as a Second Language. (0, repeatable) Continued development of intermediate language and academic skills in reading, writing, listening, speaking, integrated skills, and grammar. Reading strategies; sentence to paragraph writing; guided note-taking and lecture comprehension; conversation and simple discussion; speeches; computer skills. Orientation to American life and culture. 20 hours per week. Prerequisite: admission to WESL Institute. Graded S/U only.

040 Dual Program in Listening/Speaking or Reading/Writing. (0) For students with advanced skills in English who need additional instruction in either listening/speaking or reading/writing as determined by the WESL Placement Test. Students enroll in University Preparation class 10 hours a week and up to 6 hours of graduate courses or 8 hours of undergraduate courses in the University. Prerequisite: admission to WESL Institute and WIU. Graded S/U only.

060 TOEFL Preparation. (0) Intensive preparation and practice for the TOEFL, test of English as a foreign language, for matriculated non-native speakers of English and University Preparation and Dual Program students enrolled in WESL Institute. Prerequisite: Fully matriculated non-native speaker of English, University Preparation student enrolled in WESL, or Dual Program student enrolled in WESL. Graded S/U only.

Experimental Studies Program

Western Illinois University offers students and faculty the opportunity to explore experiments in learning which lie outside the existing traditional curriculum structure. Under the framework of the Experimental Studies Program, students may design courses (298/498) to fit their specific interests and needs and receive academic credit through sponsorship by a faculty coordinator. Faculty, in turn, may propose new and innovative courses (275/475) for presentation to students on a trial basis with a minimum of the regular approval procedure, thereby permitting an experimental period for refinement before the course is proposed through regular channels for approval. The appropriate department chairperson should be contacted for additional information about the Experimental Studies Program.

275–475 (Title to Be Assigned by Department). (1–3 each) Students should consult the department to determine which experimental courses, if any, are being offered under this number during the current academic year. May not be counted in the General Education Curriculum. Students pursuing undergraduate degree programs may take a maximum of 3 s.h. of 275 and 3 s.h. of 475 from one department for credit toward graduation. A student pursuing the B.A. in General Studies degree may take up to 12 hours of 275/475 courses from one department for credit toward graduation.

298–498 Individualized Studies. (1–3 each) This course is available to students who are interested in the study of topics which are not currently a part of the curriculum. Students should consult their advisor or the department chairperson about procedures. May not be counted in the General Education Curriculum.

Overseas Study

The following courses facilitate the registration and tracking of students who enroll for study outside the U.S.

OVERSEAS STUDY (All)

279 Overseas Study*. (1–18, repeatable to 18) Coursework undertaken as part of an approved University overseas study program. Prerequisite: approval of Study Abroad advisor and department chair.

379 Overseas Study*. (1–18, repeatable to 18) Coursework undertaken as part of an approved University overseas study program. Prerequisite: approval of Study Abroad advisor and department chair.

* Title is flexible as approved by department chair.

OVERSEAS STUDY (OVST)

279 Overseas Study. (0–18) Participation in an approved overseas study for up to one year at another approved university. Prerequisite: approval of Study Abroad advisor.

379 Overseas Study. (0–18) Participation in an approved overseas study for up to one year at another approved university. Prerequisite: approval of Study Abroad advisor.