Lecture course
A lecture course generally has an enrollment greater than 20 students and is not limited in size. Lectures present the substance, theory and modes of inquiry associated with the subject matter. Although pedagogies vary, lecture courses ordinarily meet for a total of three or four hours a week and hold one of the hours as a dedicated discussion section in smaller groups. Teaching fellows are ordinarily assigned to lecture courses when enrollment mandates multiple discussion sections.
Conference Course
A conference course places more emphasis on discussion than research; it usually has an enrollment of about 25 students (35 maximum), and meets once a week for 2-3 hours, incorporating lectures as well as student papers and research. Conference courses do not ordinarily have final examinations.
Seminar Course
A seminar is usually limited to 12-15 students, has few, if any, lectures, and emphasizes student presentations, papers, and research. Enrollment decisions for these courses are at the discretion of the instructor of record, however, the expectation is that HDS students will have priority in admittance to these courses.
Colloquium Course
Colloquia are academic field offerings often restricted to students with academic emphasis and training in particular fields. Enrollment decisions for these courses are at the discretion of the instructor of record.