Course Description Guide

Instructional Methods

NVCC courses are presented in a variety of ways. For details about our instructional methods visit: https://nv.edu/Academics/Academic-Programs/Instructional-Methods

Nolo Courses

NoLo = No or Low Cost Textbooks

Courses marked as “NoLo” contain text-based materials that are no cost or low cost, and will not exceed $40. Check course descriptions for the “NoLo” tag to take advantage. NoLo = Total Course Materials <= $40. College and course participation may vary. Visit http://www.ct.edu/oer#nolo for more information on how you can search for your NOLO course on mycommnet.edu.

Waiver of Course Prerequisites

In certain circumstances, course prerequisites may be waived. The student must demonstrate to the program coordinator and/or Division Leader that he/she has mastered the basic concepts of the prerequisite course. Permission to waive a prerequisite should not be taken for granted. Waivers are NOT automatic and will be handled and granted on an individual basis.

Note: All courses listed in this catalog may not be offered during the current academic year.

Credit Courses Which Do Not Apply to Electives or Degrees

The following courses do not satisfy the elective or degree requirements in any program except where specifically listed.

ENG*H063, 096
ESL*H012, 013, 015, 017, 022, 025
HLT*H093
MAT*H075, 092, 094, 095

Helpful Definitions When Selecting Your Program and Courses

1. Credit Hours (credits) - College work is measured in units called credit hours. A credit-hour value is assigned to each course and is normally equal to the number of hours the course meets each week. Credit hours may also be referred to as semester hours.
2. Lecture Hours (lec.) - The number of clock hours in the fall or spring semester the student spends each week in the classroom. This time frame is different for the shorter summer sessions.
3. Laboratory Hours (lab) - The number of clock hours in the fall or spring semester the student spends each week in the laboratory or other learning environment. This time frame is different for the shorter summer sessions.
4. Prerequisite - A course that must be successfully completed, or a requirement such as related life experiences that must be met before enrolling in another course. Unless otherwise noted in a course description, a grade of D- or higher constitutes successful completion of a course in order to meet prerequisite requirements.
5. Corequisite - A course that must be taken during the same or earlier semester as the course in which one is enrolling.
6. General Education Core - A term which refers to courses as listed under the 11 competencies of Naugatuck Valley Community College’s General Education Core which the faculty of the College considers essential to its degree programs. Refer to General Education Core  .
7. Electives - Courses which may be chosen from items 8, 9, or 10.
8. Liberal Arts Electives - All courses listed in the general education core.
9. General Electives - All courses listed in the catalog. Students who have taken restricted courses may apply the courses as general electives if they change programs. Students should consider transferability of courses when choosing general electives.
10. Directed Electives - Credit courses that satisfy specific program requirements. These courses are listed with each program area.
11. Language Equivalencies - The following equivalencies satisfy the modern language requirements:

• Three years of high school work in a single foreign language, ancient or modern, or
• Two years of high school work and an added semester of a college course at a more advanced level in a single foreign language, or
• Two semesters of a single foreign language in college.

Note: Students may also take CLEP (College Level Examination Program) to satisfy the modern language requirements. Information on these tests is available from the Testing Center.

This College continues to add and adjust courses, course designations, and course numbers to its offerings. The general education core and the definitions will be adjusted accordingly.

SELF-PACED COURSES

Some of the courses listed in the description are offered as “self-paced” which means that they are conducted in an alternate way to the regular class scheduled meetings. These courses are offered through the standard text books, and specially prepared materials, and/or video/audio tapes. Students are guided through the courses by a relevant member of the faculty. Students should be aware that self-discipline is required for the successful completion of self-paced courses. Permission from a counselor, the relevant faculty member or Division Leader is required before students register for self-paced courses. The student may register at any time. The course must be completed by the end of the succeeding semester.

INDEPENDENT STUDY

Independent study courses may not be taken if the course is being offered in the same semester.

Policy Changes

Naugatuck Valley Community College reserves the right to change requirements, courses, prerequisites, regulations, tuition, fees and other policies without prior notice. The President of the College upon written request may make waivers of these policies, due to extenuating circumstances. The catalog does not constitute a contract and is for informational use only.