Every course must have a course classification. The classification identifies the type of instructional activity associated with the course, such as lecture, seminar, laboratory, activity, supervision, independent study, or other instructional format. Course classification is important because it affects class hours, enrollment expectations, Weighted Teaching Units (WTU), and faculty workload.
Faculty proposing a new course should review the classification options before submitting a curriculum proposal. The selected classification should match the instructional format of the course, not simply the department’s preferred enrollment cap or workload outcome.
How Are WTUs Calculated?
A course's instructional workload is determined by multiplying the number of course units by the workload (K) factor assigned to that type of instruction.
WTUs = Course Units × Workload (K) Factor
Different instructional activities, such as lecture, laboratory, supervision, or activity courses, may have different K-factors. The tables below list the applicable K-factors for each type of instruction.
| Short Description | Course Classification Number | K Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Lecture Discussions Seminars |
C-1 through C-6 | 1.0 |
| Activities | C-7 through C-14 | 1.3 |
| Technical Activity or Laboratory |
C-15 | 1.5 |
| Science and Clinical Laboratories |
C-16 and C-17 | 2.0 |
| Major Intercollegiate Athletic Sports Activities |
C-18 | 6.0 |
| Athletic and Performance Activities |
C-19 through C-21 | 3.0 |
| 45-Minute/Week Faculty Contact Independent or Studio Study, or Supervised Activities |
S-1 | .250 |
| 1-Hour/Week Faculty Contact Independent or Study, Field Work, or Supervised Activities |
S-2 | .333 |
| 90-Minute/Week Faculty Contact Practice Teaching, Workstudy, Thesis Project, and Independent Study |
S-3 | .500 |
| Practice Teaching | S-4 | .667 |
| Social Work Supervision | S-5 | 1.0 |
| Peer-Taught, Non- Workload, or Non- Traditional Instruction |
C-77 and C-78 | 0.0 |
Course Classification System
The Course Classification System provides detailed descriptions of each course classification used at Stanislaus State. Use this reference to identify the classification that best matches the instructional methodology of a proposed course. This resource is sometimes referred to internally as the "Data Dictionary."
| Course Classification | Description | Class Hours per SCU | Normal Lower-Division Class Size | Normal Upper-Division Class Size | Normal Graduate Class Size | Workload K-Factor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C1 | Large lecture | 1 | Facility limits | Not applicable | Not applicable | 1.0 |
| C2 | Lecture and/or discussion | 1 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 1.0 |
| C3 | Lecture/composition; lecture/counseling; lecture/case study | 1 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 1.0 |
| C4 | Discussion | 1 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 1.0 |
| C5 | Seminar | 1 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 1.0 |
| C6 | Clinical processes | 1 | 20 | 20 | 2 | 1.0 |
| C7 | Fine arts and science activities | 2 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 1.3 |
| C8 | Education workshops and social science activities | 2 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 1.3 |
| C9 | Music activity, large group | 2 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 1.3 |
| C10 | Music activity, small group | 2 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 1.3 |
| C11 | Physical education and recreation activities | 2 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 1.3 |
| C12 | Speech, drama, and journalism activities | 2 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 1.3 |
| C13 | Technical activities and laboratories | 2 | Facility limits, normally 24 | Not applicable | Not applicable | 1.3 |
| C14 | Remedial courses | 2 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 1.3 |
| C15 | Technical activities and laboratories | 3 | Facility limits, normally 24 | Not applicable | Not applicable | 1.5 |
| C16 | Science laboratories | 3 | Facility limits, normally 24 | Not applicable | Not applicable | 2.0 |
| C17 | Clinical practice off campus | 3 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 2.0 |
| C18 | Major intercollegiate sports, not more than four per year | 3+ | 20 | 20 | Not applicable | 6.0 |
| C19 | Minor intercollegiate sports | 3+ | 20 | 20 | Not applicable | 3.0 |
| C20 | Major performance | 3+ | 20 | 20 | 20 | 3.0 |
| C21 | Music performance | 3+ | 50 | 50 | 50 | 3.0 |
| S23 | Social work supervision | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable | 12 | 1.0 |
| S24 | Practice teaching | Not applicable | 18 | 18 | 18 | 0.667 |
| S25 | Practice teaching, work study, thesis, and projects | Not applicable | Not applicable | 25 | 25 | 0.48 |
| S36 | Independent study, field work, studio instruction, supervised activities | Not applicable | 36 | 36 | 36 | 0.333 |
| S48 | Independent study, studio instruction, supervised activities | Not applicable | 48 | 48 | 48 | 0.25 |
| C77 | Independent study, studio instruction, supervised activities | Varies | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable | 0.0 |
| C78 | Independent study, studio instruction, supervised activities | Varies | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable | 0.0 |
Course Classification Glossary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Semester Credit Unit (SCU) | The academic credit assigned to a course. |
| Contact Hours | The scheduled instructional time students spend with an instructor each week. |
| Course Classification | The instructional format assigned to a course, such as lecture, laboratory, seminar, or activity. |
| C-Factor | Identifies the instructional classification assigned to a course (such as lecture, activity, laboratory, or seminar). The classification determines the applicable workload (K) factor. |
| Facility Limits | Indicates that the typical enrollment is determined by the capacity of the instructional space, equipment, or other physical constraints rather than a standard numerical class size. |
| K-Factor | The multiplier used to calculate Weighted Teaching Units (WTUs) for a course based on its instructional classification. |
| Normal Class Size | The typical enrollment associated with a course classification for purposes of the CSU Faculty Workload Formula. It is not the course enrollment limit or cap. |
| S-Factor | Supervision Classification used to calculate workload for supervision courses based on enrollment rather than course unites. |
| WTU (Weighted Teaching Units) | The unit used to calculate faculty instructional workload. |
Course Classification FAQs
A course classification identifies the instructional format of a course, such as lecture, seminar, laboratory, activity, supervision, or independent study. Every course must have a classification.
Faculty propose a course classification as part of the curriculum proposal. Academic Programs may provide guidance based on CSU definitions, existing course classifications, and institutional precedent. The Dean has final authority to approve the course classification and associated faculty workload assignment.
The Normal Class Size shown in the Course Classification System is a reference value used as part of the CSU Faculty Workload Formula. It represents the typical enrollment associated with a particular course classification.
It is not the maximum enrollment (course cap) for a course. Course caps are established during schedule development and may vary from term to term based on instructional needs, available facilities, accreditation requirements, or other considerations.
For some course classifications, the normal class size is listed as Facility Limits rather than a specific number. This means the typical enrollment is determined by the capacity of the instructional space or equipment rather than a standard class size.
For example, a tennis activity course may be limited by the number of available courts, while a science laboratory may be limited by the number of laboratory stations. The actual course cap is established during schedule development.
Faculty propose a course classification when submitting a new course proposal. An existing course classification may also be changed as part of a course modification proposal if the instructional methodology of the course is changing. Any proposed change is subject to the established curriculum review and approval process, including review by the College Curriculum Committee and approval by the Dean.
Updated: July 14, 2026