Step 1: Understanding Your Destination- The Course Outline of Record (COR)

Overview

Every course begins with an official Course Outline of Record (COR). The COR establishes the required outcomes, content, and evaluation expectations for the course, and serves as the foundation for course design in all modalities.

The COR ensures that all versions of a course in any modality (online, partially online, synchronous, asynchronous, or face-to-face), and taught by any faculty member, maintain:

Academic integrity
Consistent student learning expectations
Accreditation compliance
Clear learning goals

When you design a course, it must align with and reflect the requirements in the COR.

This page will guide you through:

Finding your COR
Interpreting its key components
Beginning the first section of your Course Map

Finding the COR for your course

All Palomar Classes have an official Course Outline of Record (COR). Here are the steps to finding your COR:

Key Sections to Review in Your COR

When you open your COR, focus on:

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

These describe what students must be able to do at the end of the course. You will copy these directly into your Course Map.

Course Objectives

Supporting knowledge and skills that scaffold toward the SLOs.

Course Content

Required topics and knowledge areas your course must cover.

Methods of Evaluation

Types of assessments your course may include.

Methods of Instruction

Permitted instructional approaches (useful when designing activities).

Your Course Map Task for This Module

You can design your course map any way that you'd like, there is no one "right way".

If you are unsure how to design or create a course map, you can get inspiration from the following:

Step 0 — Create a Course Map Document

Download, create, or open your Course Map Template.

Step 1 — Add Your Outcomes

Copy the Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) from your COR into the Landmarks / Outcomes column.

Step 2 — Add Required Content

From the “Course Content” section, list the major required themes or topics.

Step 3 — Add Notes on Evaluation Requirements

If the COR specifies certain evaluation types, note them.

⭐ Tips for Using AI as a Brainstorming Partner

If your COR is complex or unclear, you can use AI to help interpret it.

✔ AI Prompt:
“Here is my Course Outline of Record. Summarize the required outcomes, major topics, and expectations in clear, plain language.”

Need Help?

If you’re uncertain how to interpret the COR:

Contact the Curriculum Chair
Contact your Curriculum Specialist
Reach out to an Instructional Designer
Ask your dean or department chair for clarification

Contact Information: Help with COR to Course and Course Mapping

Click Next to continue.