Academic Rigor

Academic Rigor ensures that at PCCC:
* Courses have appropriate and consistent intellectual challenge to students for each course level.
* The scope and intensity of course content is appropriate to the level and credit hours proposed.
* The course content is appropriate to the level and credit hour proposed.
* Course content is similar to comparable courses offered at other higher educational institutions.
* The rigor is the same, regardless of the type of educational delivery mode.

Course levels are consistent with the rigor of the courses as follows:
Pre-100 Level Courses
These are foundational courses preparing students for college-level study. Students taking such courses typically operate at the knowledge and comprehension levels of basic skills but may be provided opportunities to develop at the application and analysis levels.

While these courses are not part of degree requirements, they are vital for student success in subsequent courses.

100-Level Courses
These are typically introductory courses presenting basic concepts and terminology. Sequential courses might have prerequisites. Students in such courses are expected to operate largely at the knowledge and comprehension levels but should be provided opportunities to develop at the application and analysis levels.

200-Level Courses
Such courses are at an intermediate level of difficulty, and sometimes survey a subfield within a discipline. They often have a pre-requisite. Students taking such courses should solidify their abilities at the knowledge and comprehension levels and be provided with ample opportunity to develop their application and analysis skills. Students may also be provided with the opportunity to develop their synthesis and evaluation skills.

300-Level Courses
Such courses integrate the skills and knowledge from earlier levels and deepen knowledge of more abstract and challenging material. They often have a pre-requisite. Students operate at the application and analysis levels and will be provided opportunities to develop their synthesis and evaluation skills.