Including a list of classes in application package?

[jadoo1989]

I have an interesting problem. Generally, I know the consensus is not to include extraneous information that can be found elsewhere in your application. However, I am applying to a program in which they state a huge preference for people who took certain courses. It's a Latin American/Caribbean Studies program and I majored in Spanish. My transcript is generally readable, but my university has a practice where the name of the course is either obscure looking on the transcript or omitted entirely. For instance, I took a history special topics class that had the title "Cuba: From Emancipation to Revolution". This class is probably THE most relevant class I have taken to deal with the subject matter. How does it show up on my transcript? "HIST: Selected Topics". This occurs in 2-3 other places on the transcript as well.

 

Basically, would it be okay to include a sheet either as part of or separate from my curriculum vitae listing the full, proper names of the courses that I took in Spanish and the ones that I took in history which have to do with the region? I guess I could put it in my SOP, but there's a strict SOP limit and words are precious. 

[zapster]

Yes, definitely include such relevant information - you could do this in a CV, or add a sort of appendix sheet at the end of the CV, or some apps have space for "any other information" where you could include this. Additionally, you could also include it into your SOP, if you can weave it into your overall "story".

[Monochrome Spring]

Yes. Include an annotated transcript of sorts.

 

I'm including one with my applications. I have taken quite a few courses that are listed as "group study" or "independent study", which are actually seminars for my field, practicum coursework, or internships. Graduate schools would have idea about that, unless you let them know.

 

If there isn't a place to add additional information for your particular school, consider making it an extra page of your CV, just for the application. Or, consider adding it in your SOP, if you can make it clear without taking up too much space.

[fuzzylogician]

It doesn't need to be part of your SOP. If there is something specific that you learned in the class that is relevant to your research interests, you should mention that. More generally, you should include a list of relevant coursework that adcom members can easily cross-reference with your transcript and explains exactly what you did in each class. E.g., include the course name and number as they appear on the transcript, the full (meaningful) name, the instructor, your grade, and where relevant the main topics and texts/textbook covered in class. You should only do that for relevant courses and not for your entire transcript. This document can be a supplement or attached to your CV if you can't upload additional documents. 

[sarab]

I just had a professor review my SoP and she said I should include the list of courses on my CV. Good luck!