Intended as a guide for postsecondary teachers in planning and improving their teaching, this book focuses on seven major decisions to be made in course construction: (1) what needs the methods should satisfy; (2) assessment of student achievement levels and needs; (3) enrollment criteria and students' characteristics and circumstances; (4) the sequence of the course; (5) selection of teaching methods; (6) department organization and its influences; and (7) diagnosis and treatment of course defects. An extensive bibliography is included. (MSE)