What is a Course Map?

The Course Map contains the following categories. 

  • Course-Level Objectives (CLOs): 
    • These describe specifically what the students will be able to do upon completion of the course, after the successful completion of each module. 
    • These objectives are broader and more encompassing than their corresponding Module-Level Objectives.
  • Module-Level Objectives (MLOs): 
    • These are the smaller, more granular objectives in the individual modules, which will scaffold and build up to the larger learning objectives at the course level. 
    • Each MLO must support at least one CLO. 
    • Show the alignment between the two tiers by placing the CLO code (CLO 1, CLO2, etc.) in parenthesis at the end of each MLO.
  • Instructional materials: 
    • Anything students consume to prepare for assessment. 
    • It might include reading textbook chapters, reviewing PPTs, watching videos, visiting websites, etc. 
    • Show the alignment between each instructional material and its corresponding MLO by placing the MLO code (MLO 1.1, etc.) in parenthesis at the end of each item.
  • Learning activities: 
    • Anything students do to PRACTICE the concepts and skills before assessment. 
    • This might include textbook questions, vocab practice, H5P activities, discussion forums, etc. 
    • These can be graded or ungraded. 
    • Show the alignment between each learning activity and its corresponding MLO by placing the MLO code (MLO 1.1, etc.) in parenthesis at the end of each item.
  • Assessments: 
    • Anything that assesses student knowledge or skills learned (and practiced) so far in the course. 
    • These are typically exams, tests, midterms, finals, etc. 
    • Show the alignment between each assessment and its corresponding MLO by placing the MLO code (MLO 1.1, etc.) in parenthesis at the end of each item.


Each course item can only appear in 1 category (no double-dipping). Make sure to include the aligned MLO for every item. 


Course Map Template:

Click to download a template of a blank Course Map that you can fill in as needed.


Course Map Examples: