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by Rick Upchuch (Author)
Curriculum Development and Assessment, 3rd Edition is a practical guide for anyone responsible for developing, evaluating, or teaching college-level courses. Written for faculty, program directors, instructional designers, and academic leaders, this book provides a clear, systematic framework for building courses that promote deep, meaningful learning.
Grounded in decades of teaching and administrative experience, the text moves beyond theory to offer concrete steps, examples, and templates that help educators design curriculum with intention and clarity. Each chapter addresses a critical component of course construction-from crafting effective course descriptions and measurable learning objectives to aligning assignments, learning activities, assessments, and faith integration within a coherent educational philosophy.
This expanded 3rd edition introduces two significant additions.
First, a full chapter on Cognitive Load Theory shows how managing intrinsic, extraneous, and germane load leads to stronger learning experiences and more balanced course design. Second, the book integrates the rapidly evolving role of generative AI, offering guidance on how AI can support curriculum development without replacing pedagogical judgment.
At the center of the book is the U-CAT (Upchurch Curriculum Audit Tool) and the U-CATO for online courses-practical instruments that allow educators to evaluate course structure, balance weekly workload, map assignments to learning outcomes, and ensure appropriate rigor across delivery modes. These tools give instructors and administrators a transparent method for analyzing curriculum and improving alignment across programs.
Whether you are building a course from scratch, revising an existing syllabus, training new faculty, or overseeing curriculum quality across an institution, this book provides a step-by-step approach that brings clarity, coherence, and purpose to the design process. It is especially valuable for institutions committed to integrating a Christian worldview into academic programs, with guidance on meaningful faith integration that enhances rather than distracts from disciplinary learning.
Curriculum Development and Assessment, 3rd Edition is both a reference guide and a practical toolkit-designed to strengthen the craft of teaching and to support the development of courses that truly facilitate student learning.
