Course design refers to the process of developing course materials, assessments, and learning experiences that align with your goals for student learning and produce enduring understanding (Wiggins & McTighe, 1998). An intentionally designed course provides the foundation for making informed teaching choices and for guiding students through the learning process.

In this section, we provide some resources instructors can use to begin the process of course design. If you would like more assistance in designing or redesigning a course, Center for Teaching staff are available to guide you through the process. 

Transparent Course Design Asynchronous Workshop

This self-paced online workshop will allow you to explore strategies for increasing students' sense of belonging and engagement by clearly communicating about the elements of your course. 

Backward Design

This resource offers guidance on designing intentional courses through backward design, starting with defining desired learning outcomes and working backward to develop aligned assessments and instructional activities.

Course Goals and Objectives

This PDF guide offers instructors insights on how to think about their learning goals and objectives to inform their course design.  

Teaching Gen Ed Courses

The Center for Teaching offers several resources instructors can use as they design, redesign, propose, and/or teach general education courses. 

Request a consultation

We offer consultations on various course design models, including integrated and backward course design, Experiential Learning, Community Engaged Courses, and Connection, Engagement, and Empowerment.