Preparing a course proposal will be amongst the first steps to take when pitching a class or workshop. Course proposals are also necessary to achieve continuing education hours from professional organizations and associations.
The most common items in a course proposal include:
- The course outline or summary description
- The course or class agenda
- The course or class objectives
- The class outline
- The class format
- The class materials
- The bibliography
- Attached curriculum vitae for each instructor/lecturer
The Class Outline
A description of the class is included in the outline. This is where the instructor-to-be can really sell the course – use descriptive language without flowery jargon. An example of an organic gardening class outline might read like this…
“The Organic Gardener practices a delicate science-art in a yard without pesticides and artificial fertilizers. This Organic Gardening class presents the case for growing without, and enjoying the process. Suitable for gardeners of all levels and colors of thumbs the course will provide information about natural alternatives to pest control and plant management.”
The Course Agenda
This is the class broken down into segments. Here is a sample agenda for a two hour class on organic gardening:
9:00 – Class introduction
9:15 – History & Methods of Organic Gardening
9:45 – Break
10:00 – Principles & Guidelines for the Organic Gardener
10:30 – Discussion
10:50 – Closing comments
Class Objectives
This is what the participants are expected to get out of the class. Depending on the institute the course proposal is pitched to this is generally done in third person. Example objective for the organic gardening class above:
Participants will list organic fertilizer agents
The Class Outline
A course outline will draw from the class agenda. It should be listed chronologically, in the same order it will be taught. For the sample agenda above the class outline might read something like this:
History of Organic Gardening, American and European Methods of Organic Garden Practices, Natural Pesticides, Organic Fertilizers.
The Class Format
A class format will describe what methods of teaching will be used in the class. This may include lecture, discussion, hands-on participation and whether the students will interact with each other and in what manner.
Class Materials
Ranging from class to class materials might include specific resources such as slide shows or a video presentation. Any items the students should be will be introduced here, such as students bringing gardening gloves for a practical demonstration of soils.
Bibliography
A course bibliography will include any materials introduced in the class or used to compile the class. This list will include books, articles, and videos. The bibliography is also referred to as references or works cited.
Pulling the Course Proposal Together
Compile all of the points above into a single document. Attach a curriculum vitae written specific to the class subject being proposed. In the CV include previous speaking engagements and prior courses taught on the topic. The reviewer will want to know what makes the class proposer capable of teaching such a course – education, published articles and work experience in the topic will be important information to include. Some will want to know if the lecturer is capable of speaking to large crowds should the venue require it. It may be appropriate to cite a large speaking engagement, even if it does not relate to the subject, to show the comfort of addressing a large class or seminar.
If an institute has a ready-made form, all of the information can be transferred to that format. Follow up by phone call in two weeks to make sure the institute or school received your submission.
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