| Course Descriptions |
Course Title Prerequisite
MS 101 - Machine Shorthand None
Basic principles of computer-compatible machine shorthand are introduced, including
acceptable brief forms, phrases, writing by sound, transcribing from shorthand notes, and
mastery of the machine keyboard. A minimum competency of 40 words per minute is
required. Daily assignments are given. Exposure is given to a variety of materials and
formats, including business letters, one-voice Q&A, Jury Charge, Literary material, proper
names and numbers. . (80 lab hours/70 lecture hours - 11 credits)(7.5 federal credits)
MS 102 - Machine Shorthand MS 101
All theory principles will be reviewed and reinforced. Speaker identification will be
introduced. Discussions on sound alike and homonym resolutions are also a source of
concentration. The remainder of classroom time is spent speedbuilding and mastering any
principle of theory that is unclear through the use of supplemental theory reinforcements.
Must observe one mock U.T. Law School Deposition. (Includes MS 102A, 102B, and MS
102C)(380 lab hours/170 lecture hours - 36 credits)(includes MS 102A/MS102B/MS102C)
MS 102A - Machine Shorthand MS 101
Students must pass one 3-minute literary at 60 words per minute, over unfamiliar material,
1.2 syllabic density, with a minimum competency of 95 percent accuracy. (80 lab/70
lecture hours - 11 credits) (7.5 federal credits)
MS 102B - Machine Shorthand MS 102A
Students must also pass the following test over unfamiliar material with a syllabic density of
1.2: one 3 -minute Literary at 80 words at 95 percent accuracy.
(140 lab/60 lecture - 13 credits) (10 federal credits)
MS 102C - Machine Shorthand MS 102 B
Students must pass two 5-minute 100 words per minute testimonies (97 %)), two 5-minute 80
word per minute jury charges ((95%), and two 5-minute 60 literary (95) exams with a
minimum to receive credit for this segment of the course.
(160 lab/40 lecture - 12 credits)(10 federal credits)
MS 103 - Machine Shorthand III MS 102
Emphasis is placed on building speed and mastery of Q&A, Jury Charge and Literary
material. Students must pass five-minute tests over unfamiliar material as follows: two 5-
minute Q&A's at 120 words per minute (97%) two 5-minute Jury Charges at 100 words per
minute (97%), and two 5-minute literaries at 80 (95%) words per minute. (160 lab hours/20
lecture hours - 10 credits)
QA-3 federal credits/JC - 3 federal credits/Lit-3 federal credits
MS 104 - Machine Shorthand IV MS 103
Emphasis is placed on building speed and mastery of Q&A, Jury Charge, and Literary
material. Students must pass five-minute tests over unfamiliar material as follows: two 5-
minute Q&A's at 140 words per minute, two 5-minute Jury Charges 120 words per minute, and
two 5-minute Literary tests at 100 words per minute, each with a minimum of 97 percent
accuracy. Typing requirements of two five-minute typing tests passed at 60 words per minute
with five or less errors should be met before moving to the next speed class. (140 lab
hours/10 lecture hours - 8 credits)QA-2.5 Federal credits/JC-2.5 Federal credits/Lit-2.5
Federal credits
MS 105 - Machine Shorthand V MS 104
Emphasis is placed on building speed and continued mastery of Q&A, Jury Charge, and
Literary material. Medical dictation is continued and three- and four-voice testimony is
introduced. Real-time writing by individual students on a rotating basis in multi-voice class.
Students must pass two 5-minute Q&A's at 160 words per minute, two 5-minute Jury Charges
at 140 words per minute, and two 5-minute Literary tests at 120 words per minute with a
minimum of 97% accuracy. (160 lab hours/20 lecture hours - 10 credits)
QA - 3 Federal credits/JC - 3 Federal credits/Lit - 3 Federal credits
MS 106 - Machine Shorthand VI MS 105
Emphasis is on building speed and continued mastery of QA, JC, and Literary material.
Technical dictation is introduced. Students must pass five-minute tests as follows: two 5-
minute Q&As at 180 words per minute, two 5-minute Jury Charges at 160 words per minute,
and two 5-minute Literaries at 140 words per minute with a minimum accuracy of 97%. Must
complete six observations of U. T. Mock Law School Depositions to move up in 160 Literary
level.(160 lab hours/20 lecture hours-10 credits) QA-3 Fed. credits/JC-3 Fed. Credits/Lit-3
Fed. Credits
MS 107 - Machine Shorthand VII MS 106
Emphasis is on building speed and continued mastery of QA, JC, and Literary material. Multi-
voice dictation is continued. Students must pass five-minute tests as follows: two 5-minute
Q&A's at 200 wpm, two 5-minute Jury Charges at 180 wpm, and two 5-minute 160 wpm with a
minimum accuracy of 97%. (160 lab hours/20 lecture hours - 10 credits)
QA -3 Federal credits/JC - 3 Federal credits/JC - 3 Federal credits
MS108 - Machine Shorthand VIII MS 107
Every effort is made to simulate, in this particular class, the situation students will face when
they take the National Court Reporters Association Examination (RPR) and State Certified
Shorthand Reporters Examination. In order to qualify for the statement of proficiency
required by the State of Texas, the student at this level must pass three sets of tests which are
dictated within one class hour. The sets consist of 5-minute tests over unfamiliar material as
follows: Q&A at 225 wpm with a minimum of 95 percent accuracy, a Jury Charge at 200
wpm with a minimum of 95 percent accuracy, and a Literary at 180 wpm with a minimum of
95 percent. The student must pass three of these single sitting tests (transcription time – 3
hours) in order to receive credit for this course, take the state exam, and receive a diploma.
Accelerated practice at the levels of 260wpm Q&A, 220 wpm Jury Charge and 200 wpm
Literary is also included at this level. (560 lab hours/40 lecture hours - 32 credits) Develop
speed to 225 WPM in QA, 200 WPM JC and 180 WPM Literary.
Credit for MS 108 will be divided in the following manner:
MS 108A
Four credits will be given when the student completes his/her first Literary test requirement
with a minimum of 97% accuracy. (4 Federal credits)
Four credits will be given when the student completes his/her Jury Charge test requirements
with a minimum of 97% accuracy. (4 Federal credits)
Three credits will be awarded when the student passes a second required Literary test with
97% accuracy. (3 Federal credits) (20-lecture/180 lab - 11 credits)
MS 108B
Four credits are awarded when the student passes his/her second required Jury Charge test at
97% accuracy. (4 Federal credits)
Four credits are awarded when the student passes his/her first required Q&A test with 97%
accuracy. (4 Federal credits)
Three credits are awarded when the student passes his/her second required Q&A test with a
97% accuracy. (2.5 Federal credits) (10-lecture/200 lab - 11 credits)
MS 108C
Three credits are awarded when the student passes his/her first required complete mock set of
exams. (4 Federal credits)
Three credits are awarded when the student passes his/her second required complete mock
set of exams. (4 Federal credits)
Four credits are awarded when the student passes his/her third required complete mock set of
exams. (3.5 Federal credits) (10-lecture/180 lab - 10 credits)
• Computer tutorials are utilized in both theory and all levels of speedbuilding. Homework
may be required in any speed class. Geography will be a component in all literary speeds
and in the 225 Q&A class. Homework and tests must be passed with a score of 70 to move up
to the next speed level (plus speed test requirements.)
• Transfer students must take and pass all seven geography exams with a score of 70 to
graduate. Weekly sight-writing current events are required. The Texas Uniformed Format
Manual is used for all transcripts. The NCRA Code of Professional Ethics is incorporated into
Multi-Voice, CAT 101, and Procedures.
• Geography exams are connected with literary/QA speed. In order to move up in a speed
class, you must be current with the geography requirement for each speed. Homework and
current events must be completed to move up in any speed. Speedbuilding homework must
be completed on a weekly basis to move up in any speed.
English 101 Basic English Grammar None
This basic English course deals with the structure of the English sentence and its
punctuation. Capitalization and number transcription are also covered. An exemption test is
offered for those students desiring to take it. The student must make a minimum of 90
percent on the exemption test to be exempt from Basic English Grammar.
(40 lecture hours - 4 credits) (2 Federal credits)
English 101 A - Spelling None
This class involves an intensive study of English spelling. An exemption test is offered.
Again, a student must make a minimum of 90 percent on the exemption test to be exempt
from Spelling.
(10 lecture hours - 1 credit) (.5 Federal credits)
English 102 Vocabulary Building None
This course is designed to develop skill and confidence in the understanding and use of
today's words. An exemption test is offered. The student must make a minimum of 90
percent on the exemption test to be exempt from Vocabulary Building.
(50 lecture hours - 5 credits)(2.5 Federal credits)
English 103 Advance Punctuation for Court Reporting 101, 101A, 102 (English)
This advanced-level course emphasizes the application of basic and advanced rules of
punctuation and capitalization in specific and sometimes unique transcript-production
situations. (40 lecture hours - 4 credits) (2 Federal credits)
Law 101 Introduction to Law None
This is a basic introductory course dealing with general principles of law. (50 lecture hours -
5 credits) (2.5 Federal credits)
Law 102 Legal Terminology None
This course is designed to enable students to become proficient in recognizing, using, and
spelling legal terms. Terms are illustrated through discussion of various points of law.
Emphasis is placed on learning and recognizing Greek and Latin terms. (50 lecture hours - 5
credits) (2.5 Federal credits)
Court Reporting Procedures 10 Law 101 & 102
This class includes instruction in the role of the reporter in trials, depositions and
administrative hearings, marking, and handling of exhibits, indexing and storage of notes,
reporting techniques, researching citations, transcript preparation and production, proper use
of library and reference materials, the profession and related job opportunities, reporting and
transcribing voir dire, proofreading and distribution and discussion of NCRA Code of
Professional Ethics, knowledge of professional responsibility, and professional associations as
well as resume writing and interviewing techniques.
(40 lecture hours - 4 credits) (2 Federal credits)
Medical 101 - Medical Terminology None
An intensive study of the medical words likely to be encountered in court reporting is
presented in this class. Audio/visual presentations incorporate an effective memory
technique which enables students to remember the meanings of hundreds of Latin and Greek
elements or word parts. This knowledge can then be applied to interpretation and
understanding of thousands of complex medical terms. (50 lecture hours-5 credits) (2.5
Federal credits)
Medical 102 - Anatomy/Physiology Med 101
This audiovisually supplemented class presents advanced terminology with emphasis on
more in-depth anatomy and physiology, including the basic organization and structure of the
body.
(40 lecture hours - 4 credits) (2 Federal credits)
Medical 103 - Medical Dictation Med 101
Unfamiliar medical material is dictated at a slower-than-average pace for students to learn to
write medical words in machine shorthand. For example, for students writing at 180 words
per minute, the medical dictation would be done at 140 words per minute. The purpose of
this class is writing unfamiliar technical, medical words, not building speed.
(10 lecture hours - 1 credit) (.5 Federal credits)
Medical 104 - Medical Transcription Med 103
Students at this level are required to type six of the twelve short weekly transcriptions given in
this class and pass a minimum of six with a minimum of 90 percent. Development of
medical dictation accuracy is continued.
(20 lab hours - 1 credit) (1 Federal credit)
Keyboarding 101 None
Students should have a functional knowledge of the typewriter keyboard before entering the
school. Basic letters and report forms are introduced. Emphasis is on speed and accuracy
increasing. Students will be required to take Keyboarding each quarter until they have
successfully passed two 5-minute tests at 60 words per minute with a maximum of 5 errors.
The objective of this course is two 30 wpm timed writings with a minimum of five errors.
(40 lab hours/10 lecture hours - 3 credits) (2.5 Federal credits)
Keyboarding 102 Keyboarding 101
The objective of this class is the development of speed and accuracy to 60 wpm with a
minimum of five errors in a 5-minute timing. All typing requirements should be met before
the student is allowed to leave MS 104.
(40 lab hours/10 lecture hours - 3 credits) (2.5 Federal credits)
Technical 101 MS 101-105
The objective of this class is the development of any current terminology in science,
aviation, space, asbestos, petrochemicals, communications or current avocations. Each
transcript must have a minimum grade of 90 percent or better to qualify as a completed
assignment. Unfamiliar technical material is dictated at varying speeds in this class.
Readback is part of the requirement for this class. Material is dictated below the speed at
which the students are currently writing. (20 lab hours/10 lecture hours - 3 credits)
(1.5 Federal credits)
Multi-Voice Dictation 101 MS 101-104
The objective of this class is to identify speakers, set up colloquy formats and parentheticals
commonly used in deposition or courtroom situations and to produce transcripts utilizing the
Texas Uniform Standard Manual. The student must complete ten pages of transcript taken
from a simulated or actual deposition or courtroom setting in two hours or less with 95%
accuracy. (20 lecture hours - 2 credits) (1 Federal credit)
Multi-Voice Dictation 102 Multi-Voice 101
This class will focus on the development of multi-voice skills and identification at increasing
speeds. A ten-page transcript is required to be produced in two hours or less with 95%
accuracy. (10 lecture hours - 1 credit) (.5 Federal credit)
Multi-Voice Dictation 103 MS 101-106
The grade in this multi-voice class is dependent upon the student's completion of ten pages
of transcript taken from simulated/actual deposition, real-time writing, or courtroom setting in
two hours or less with 95% accuracy. Six 20 – page transcripts will be due throughout the
class via CAT. Development of speed, accuracy and confidence in multi-voice situations is
continued. (20 lecture hours - 2 credits) (1 Federal credit)
CAT 101 Computer Aided Transcription English 103
Students are given hands-on training with actual court-reporting software. Students are given
the opportunity to see how a computer dictionary is built and how to edit rough text. Various
types of computer-aided transcription systems are discussed as are word processing systems,
system support, computer terminology and maintaining efficient CAT habits as well as
understanding real-time and on-line transaction, litigation support, information on related
software packages such as real-time edit, and an overview of video applications for the court
reporter is presented in detail. The prerequisite may be waived for those who have a B.S. /
B.A. degree. (20 lab hours/30 lecture hours - 4 credits)(2.5 Federal credit)
Real-Time (computer) 101A None
Students who are familiar with court-reporting software are taught concepts which apply to
real-time writing. Development of dictionary for real-time writing is continued. (20 lecture
hours - 2 credits) (1 Federal credit)
Real-Time Edit 101B Real-time 101 A
This course is advanced real-time writing with emphasis on problems particular to real-time
transcription such as number transcription, homonyms, and proper names.
Continued development of dictionary for real-time writing is continued. Real-time notebook
required. (20 lab hours/10 lecture hours - 2 credits) (1.5 Federal credit)
CAT 102 CAT 101
Students will spend this time perfecting their ability to produce salable transcripts and
continuing to develop their dictionary. To receive credit for this course a minimum of 12 U.
T. Mock Law School Depositions must be completed during their educational career. (30
lecture hours/20 lab - 4 credits) (2.5 Federal credit)
Practicum 101 Court Externship MS 101-107
Students spend a minimum of 30 verified hours of actual writing time with an official court
reporter in a courtroom under actual court conditions. (Real-time externship, if available.)
The supervising reporter must verify that the student appeared and did actual writing in
court. Students are expected to type a minimum of 20 pages of salable transcript of this
court work for submission to the Court Reporting Procedures' Instructor. Development of
dictionary building will continue. (30 hours externship/20 lab/2 credits) (2.5 Federal credits)
Practicum 102 Freelance Externship MS 101-107
Students spend a minimum of 30 verified hours of actual writing time with certified freelance
reporters on deposition work. The supervising reporter(s) must verify that the student appeared
and did actual deposition writing. (Real-time externship, if available.)
Students are expected to type up a minimum of 20 pages of salable deposition work for
submission to the Court Reporting Procedures' Instructor. Students will utilize and continue
to develop their dictionary. (30 hours externship/20 lab hours - 2 credits)(2.5 Federal credits)
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS MOCK LAW DEPOSITIONS
U. T. Mock Law School Depositions are held in the evening usually in February and
September.
They are held on campus here at Kussad Institute of Court Reporting.
Students must observe a total of six depositions in order to prepare for the transcripts that will
be required in their educational career. Twelve U. T. mock depositions are required for the
CAT 102 Class. These transcripts are produced using court reporting software. Students start
producing U.T. depositions in the 180 QA speed after the completion of the first computer
class.
The institute reserves the right to change the requirements, the curriculum or the hours of
attendance to comply with changing regulations by the National Court Reporters Association,
The Texas Workforce Commission, The Department of Education, The Veterans
Department, The Texas Court Reporting Certification Board or The Council on
Occupational Education.
MS 101 - Machine Shorthand None
Basic principles of computer-compatible machine shorthand are introduced, including
acceptable brief forms, phrases, writing by sound, transcribing from shorthand notes, and
mastery of the machine keyboard. A minimum competency of 40 words per minute is
required. Daily assignments are given. Exposure is given to a variety of materials and
formats, including business letters, one-voice Q&A, Jury Charge, Literary material, proper
names and numbers. . (80 lab hours/70 lecture hours - 11 credits)(7.5 federal credits)
MS 102 - Machine Shorthand MS 101
All theory principles will be reviewed and reinforced. Speaker identification will be
introduced. Discussions on sound alike and homonym resolutions are also a source of
concentration. The remainder of classroom time is spent speedbuilding and mastering any
principle of theory that is unclear through the use of supplemental theory reinforcements.
Must observe one mock U.T. Law School Deposition. (Includes MS 102A, 102B, and MS
102C)(380 lab hours/170 lecture hours - 36 credits)(includes MS 102A/MS102B/MS102C)
MS 102A - Machine Shorthand MS 101
Students must pass one 3-minute literary at 60 words per minute, over unfamiliar material,
1.2 syllabic density, with a minimum competency of 95 percent accuracy. (80 lab/70
lecture hours - 11 credits) (7.5 federal credits)
MS 102B - Machine Shorthand MS 102A
Students must also pass the following test over unfamiliar material with a syllabic density of
1.2: one 3 -minute Literary at 80 words at 95 percent accuracy.
(140 lab/60 lecture - 13 credits) (10 federal credits)
MS 102C - Machine Shorthand MS 102 B
Students must pass two 5-minute 100 words per minute testimonies (97 %)), two 5-minute 80
word per minute jury charges ((95%), and two 5-minute 60 literary (95) exams with a
minimum to receive credit for this segment of the course.
(160 lab/40 lecture - 12 credits)(10 federal credits)
MS 103 - Machine Shorthand III MS 102
Emphasis is placed on building speed and mastery of Q&A, Jury Charge and Literary
material. Students must pass five-minute tests over unfamiliar material as follows: two 5-
minute Q&A's at 120 words per minute (97%) two 5-minute Jury Charges at 100 words per
minute (97%), and two 5-minute literaries at 80 (95%) words per minute. (160 lab hours/20
lecture hours - 10 credits)
QA-3 federal credits/JC - 3 federal credits/Lit-3 federal credits
MS 104 - Machine Shorthand IV MS 103
Emphasis is placed on building speed and mastery of Q&A, Jury Charge, and Literary
material. Students must pass five-minute tests over unfamiliar material as follows: two 5-
minute Q&A's at 140 words per minute, two 5-minute Jury Charges 120 words per minute, and
two 5-minute Literary tests at 100 words per minute, each with a minimum of 97 percent
accuracy. Typing requirements of two five-minute typing tests passed at 60 words per minute
with five or less errors should be met before moving to the next speed class. (140 lab
hours/10 lecture hours - 8 credits)QA-2.5 Federal credits/JC-2.5 Federal credits/Lit-2.5
Federal credits
MS 105 - Machine Shorthand V MS 104
Emphasis is placed on building speed and continued mastery of Q&A, Jury Charge, and
Literary material. Medical dictation is continued and three- and four-voice testimony is
introduced. Real-time writing by individual students on a rotating basis in multi-voice class.
Students must pass two 5-minute Q&A's at 160 words per minute, two 5-minute Jury Charges
at 140 words per minute, and two 5-minute Literary tests at 120 words per minute with a
minimum of 97% accuracy. (160 lab hours/20 lecture hours - 10 credits)
QA - 3 Federal credits/JC - 3 Federal credits/Lit - 3 Federal credits
MS 106 - Machine Shorthand VI MS 105
Emphasis is on building speed and continued mastery of QA, JC, and Literary material.
Technical dictation is introduced. Students must pass five-minute tests as follows: two 5-
minute Q&As at 180 words per minute, two 5-minute Jury Charges at 160 words per minute,
and two 5-minute Literaries at 140 words per minute with a minimum accuracy of 97%. Must
complete six observations of U. T. Mock Law School Depositions to move up in 160 Literary
level.(160 lab hours/20 lecture hours-10 credits) QA-3 Fed. credits/JC-3 Fed. Credits/Lit-3
Fed. Credits
MS 107 - Machine Shorthand VII MS 106
Emphasis is on building speed and continued mastery of QA, JC, and Literary material. Multi-
voice dictation is continued. Students must pass five-minute tests as follows: two 5-minute
Q&A's at 200 wpm, two 5-minute Jury Charges at 180 wpm, and two 5-minute 160 wpm with a
minimum accuracy of 97%. (160 lab hours/20 lecture hours - 10 credits)
QA -3 Federal credits/JC - 3 Federal credits/JC - 3 Federal credits
MS108 - Machine Shorthand VIII MS 107
Every effort is made to simulate, in this particular class, the situation students will face when
they take the National Court Reporters Association Examination (RPR) and State Certified
Shorthand Reporters Examination. In order to qualify for the statement of proficiency
required by the State of Texas, the student at this level must pass three sets of tests which are
dictated within one class hour. The sets consist of 5-minute tests over unfamiliar material as
follows: Q&A at 225 wpm with a minimum of 95 percent accuracy, a Jury Charge at 200
wpm with a minimum of 95 percent accuracy, and a Literary at 180 wpm with a minimum of
95 percent. The student must pass three of these single sitting tests (transcription time – 3
hours) in order to receive credit for this course, take the state exam, and receive a diploma.
Accelerated practice at the levels of 260wpm Q&A, 220 wpm Jury Charge and 200 wpm
Literary is also included at this level. (560 lab hours/40 lecture hours - 32 credits) Develop
speed to 225 WPM in QA, 200 WPM JC and 180 WPM Literary.
Credit for MS 108 will be divided in the following manner:
MS 108A
Four credits will be given when the student completes his/her first Literary test requirement
with a minimum of 97% accuracy. (4 Federal credits)
Four credits will be given when the student completes his/her Jury Charge test requirements
with a minimum of 97% accuracy. (4 Federal credits)
Three credits will be awarded when the student passes a second required Literary test with
97% accuracy. (3 Federal credits) (20-lecture/180 lab - 11 credits)
MS 108B
Four credits are awarded when the student passes his/her second required Jury Charge test at
97% accuracy. (4 Federal credits)
Four credits are awarded when the student passes his/her first required Q&A test with 97%
accuracy. (4 Federal credits)
Three credits are awarded when the student passes his/her second required Q&A test with a
97% accuracy. (2.5 Federal credits) (10-lecture/200 lab - 11 credits)
MS 108C
Three credits are awarded when the student passes his/her first required complete mock set of
exams. (4 Federal credits)
Three credits are awarded when the student passes his/her second required complete mock
set of exams. (4 Federal credits)
Four credits are awarded when the student passes his/her third required complete mock set of
exams. (3.5 Federal credits) (10-lecture/180 lab - 10 credits)
• Computer tutorials are utilized in both theory and all levels of speedbuilding. Homework
may be required in any speed class. Geography will be a component in all literary speeds
and in the 225 Q&A class. Homework and tests must be passed with a score of 70 to move up
to the next speed level (plus speed test requirements.)
• Transfer students must take and pass all seven geography exams with a score of 70 to
graduate. Weekly sight-writing current events are required. The Texas Uniformed Format
Manual is used for all transcripts. The NCRA Code of Professional Ethics is incorporated into
Multi-Voice, CAT 101, and Procedures.
• Geography exams are connected with literary/QA speed. In order to move up in a speed
class, you must be current with the geography requirement for each speed. Homework and
current events must be completed to move up in any speed. Speedbuilding homework must
be completed on a weekly basis to move up in any speed.
English 101 Basic English Grammar None
This basic English course deals with the structure of the English sentence and its
punctuation. Capitalization and number transcription are also covered. An exemption test is
offered for those students desiring to take it. The student must make a minimum of 90
percent on the exemption test to be exempt from Basic English Grammar.
(40 lecture hours - 4 credits) (2 Federal credits)
English 101 A - Spelling None
This class involves an intensive study of English spelling. An exemption test is offered.
Again, a student must make a minimum of 90 percent on the exemption test to be exempt
from Spelling.
(10 lecture hours - 1 credit) (.5 Federal credits)
English 102 Vocabulary Building None
This course is designed to develop skill and confidence in the understanding and use of
today's words. An exemption test is offered. The student must make a minimum of 90
percent on the exemption test to be exempt from Vocabulary Building.
(50 lecture hours - 5 credits)(2.5 Federal credits)
English 103 Advance Punctuation for Court Reporting 101, 101A, 102 (English)
This advanced-level course emphasizes the application of basic and advanced rules of
punctuation and capitalization in specific and sometimes unique transcript-production
situations. (40 lecture hours - 4 credits) (2 Federal credits)
Law 101 Introduction to Law None
This is a basic introductory course dealing with general principles of law. (50 lecture hours -
5 credits) (2.5 Federal credits)
Law 102 Legal Terminology None
This course is designed to enable students to become proficient in recognizing, using, and
spelling legal terms. Terms are illustrated through discussion of various points of law.
Emphasis is placed on learning and recognizing Greek and Latin terms. (50 lecture hours - 5
credits) (2.5 Federal credits)
Court Reporting Procedures 10 Law 101 & 102
This class includes instruction in the role of the reporter in trials, depositions and
administrative hearings, marking, and handling of exhibits, indexing and storage of notes,
reporting techniques, researching citations, transcript preparation and production, proper use
of library and reference materials, the profession and related job opportunities, reporting and
transcribing voir dire, proofreading and distribution and discussion of NCRA Code of
Professional Ethics, knowledge of professional responsibility, and professional associations as
well as resume writing and interviewing techniques.
(40 lecture hours - 4 credits) (2 Federal credits)
Medical 101 - Medical Terminology None
An intensive study of the medical words likely to be encountered in court reporting is
presented in this class. Audio/visual presentations incorporate an effective memory
technique which enables students to remember the meanings of hundreds of Latin and Greek
elements or word parts. This knowledge can then be applied to interpretation and
understanding of thousands of complex medical terms. (50 lecture hours-5 credits) (2.5
Federal credits)
Medical 102 - Anatomy/Physiology Med 101
This audiovisually supplemented class presents advanced terminology with emphasis on
more in-depth anatomy and physiology, including the basic organization and structure of the
body.
(40 lecture hours - 4 credits) (2 Federal credits)
Medical 103 - Medical Dictation Med 101
Unfamiliar medical material is dictated at a slower-than-average pace for students to learn to
write medical words in machine shorthand. For example, for students writing at 180 words
per minute, the medical dictation would be done at 140 words per minute. The purpose of
this class is writing unfamiliar technical, medical words, not building speed.
(10 lecture hours - 1 credit) (.5 Federal credits)
Medical 104 - Medical Transcription Med 103
Students at this level are required to type six of the twelve short weekly transcriptions given in
this class and pass a minimum of six with a minimum of 90 percent. Development of
medical dictation accuracy is continued.
(20 lab hours - 1 credit) (1 Federal credit)
Keyboarding 101 None
Students should have a functional knowledge of the typewriter keyboard before entering the
school. Basic letters and report forms are introduced. Emphasis is on speed and accuracy
increasing. Students will be required to take Keyboarding each quarter until they have
successfully passed two 5-minute tests at 60 words per minute with a maximum of 5 errors.
The objective of this course is two 30 wpm timed writings with a minimum of five errors.
(40 lab hours/10 lecture hours - 3 credits) (2.5 Federal credits)
Keyboarding 102 Keyboarding 101
The objective of this class is the development of speed and accuracy to 60 wpm with a
minimum of five errors in a 5-minute timing. All typing requirements should be met before
the student is allowed to leave MS 104.
(40 lab hours/10 lecture hours - 3 credits) (2.5 Federal credits)
Technical 101 MS 101-105
The objective of this class is the development of any current terminology in science,
aviation, space, asbestos, petrochemicals, communications or current avocations. Each
transcript must have a minimum grade of 90 percent or better to qualify as a completed
assignment. Unfamiliar technical material is dictated at varying speeds in this class.
Readback is part of the requirement for this class. Material is dictated below the speed at
which the students are currently writing. (20 lab hours/10 lecture hours - 3 credits)
(1.5 Federal credits)
Multi-Voice Dictation 101 MS 101-104
The objective of this class is to identify speakers, set up colloquy formats and parentheticals
commonly used in deposition or courtroom situations and to produce transcripts utilizing the
Texas Uniform Standard Manual. The student must complete ten pages of transcript taken
from a simulated or actual deposition or courtroom setting in two hours or less with 95%
accuracy. (20 lecture hours - 2 credits) (1 Federal credit)
Multi-Voice Dictation 102 Multi-Voice 101
This class will focus on the development of multi-voice skills and identification at increasing
speeds. A ten-page transcript is required to be produced in two hours or less with 95%
accuracy. (10 lecture hours - 1 credit) (.5 Federal credit)
Multi-Voice Dictation 103 MS 101-106
The grade in this multi-voice class is dependent upon the student's completion of ten pages
of transcript taken from simulated/actual deposition, real-time writing, or courtroom setting in
two hours or less with 95% accuracy. Six 20 – page transcripts will be due throughout the
class via CAT. Development of speed, accuracy and confidence in multi-voice situations is
continued. (20 lecture hours - 2 credits) (1 Federal credit)
CAT 101 Computer Aided Transcription English 103
Students are given hands-on training with actual court-reporting software. Students are given
the opportunity to see how a computer dictionary is built and how to edit rough text. Various
types of computer-aided transcription systems are discussed as are word processing systems,
system support, computer terminology and maintaining efficient CAT habits as well as
understanding real-time and on-line transaction, litigation support, information on related
software packages such as real-time edit, and an overview of video applications for the court
reporter is presented in detail. The prerequisite may be waived for those who have a B.S. /
B.A. degree. (20 lab hours/30 lecture hours - 4 credits)(2.5 Federal credit)
Real-Time (computer) 101A None
Students who are familiar with court-reporting software are taught concepts which apply to
real-time writing. Development of dictionary for real-time writing is continued. (20 lecture
hours - 2 credits) (1 Federal credit)
Real-Time Edit 101B Real-time 101 A
This course is advanced real-time writing with emphasis on problems particular to real-time
transcription such as number transcription, homonyms, and proper names.
Continued development of dictionary for real-time writing is continued. Real-time notebook
required. (20 lab hours/10 lecture hours - 2 credits) (1.5 Federal credit)
CAT 102 CAT 101
Students will spend this time perfecting their ability to produce salable transcripts and
continuing to develop their dictionary. To receive credit for this course a minimum of 12 U.
T. Mock Law School Depositions must be completed during their educational career. (30
lecture hours/20 lab - 4 credits) (2.5 Federal credit)
Practicum 101 Court Externship MS 101-107
Students spend a minimum of 30 verified hours of actual writing time with an official court
reporter in a courtroom under actual court conditions. (Real-time externship, if available.)
The supervising reporter must verify that the student appeared and did actual writing in
court. Students are expected to type a minimum of 20 pages of salable transcript of this
court work for submission to the Court Reporting Procedures' Instructor. Development of
dictionary building will continue. (30 hours externship/20 lab/2 credits) (2.5 Federal credits)
Practicum 102 Freelance Externship MS 101-107
Students spend a minimum of 30 verified hours of actual writing time with certified freelance
reporters on deposition work. The supervising reporter(s) must verify that the student appeared
and did actual deposition writing. (Real-time externship, if available.)
Students are expected to type up a minimum of 20 pages of salable deposition work for
submission to the Court Reporting Procedures' Instructor. Students will utilize and continue
to develop their dictionary. (30 hours externship/20 lab hours - 2 credits)(2.5 Federal credits)
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS MOCK LAW DEPOSITIONS
U. T. Mock Law School Depositions are held in the evening usually in February and
September.
They are held on campus here at Kussad Institute of Court Reporting.
Students must observe a total of six depositions in order to prepare for the transcripts that will
be required in their educational career. Twelve U. T. mock depositions are required for the
CAT 102 Class. These transcripts are produced using court reporting software. Students start
producing U.T. depositions in the 180 QA speed after the completion of the first computer
class.
The institute reserves the right to change the requirements, the curriculum or the hours of
attendance to comply with changing regulations by the National Court Reporters Association,
The Texas Workforce Commission, The Department of Education, The Veterans
Department, The Texas Court Reporting Certification Board or The Council on
Occupational Education.
| Course Availability |
- All speed classes MS 101C-MS 108 operate on a continual basis, except for
scheduled holidays and vacations.
- All other courses are offered throughout the year as needed. These classes
are taught at 8:00 am, 9:00 am or 12:00 pm. A maximum of five hours
absences are allowed. Students who do not take any academic course when
offered may be delayed in graduating.
- The academic courses are taught often enough so that anyone can finish this
course in two years, if they complete the academics and speed classes and do
not take a leave of absence.
Considerable practice outside of class is required to complete the program in
two years.
- Theory classes-MS 101 are offered about every six weeks (see calendar), this
class usually is taught from 12:00 – 5:00 pm only, Monday-Thursday. However,
morning classes are sometimes available.
scheduled holidays and vacations.
- All other courses are offered throughout the year as needed. These classes
are taught at 8:00 am, 9:00 am or 12:00 pm. A maximum of five hours
absences are allowed. Students who do not take any academic course when
offered may be delayed in graduating.
- The academic courses are taught often enough so that anyone can finish this
course in two years, if they complete the academics and speed classes and do
not take a leave of absence.
Considerable practice outside of class is required to complete the program in
two years.
- Theory classes-MS 101 are offered about every six weeks (see calendar), this
class usually is taught from 12:00 – 5:00 pm only, Monday-Thursday. However,
morning classes are sometimes available.
Kussad Institute of Court Reporting
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