Option A: Designated Interdisciplinary Concentrations or Second and Dual Majors
Interdisciplinary Concentrations consist of a minimum six courses addressing a common theme, similar in that sense to major or minor programs. They are different, however, in that courses comprising particular concentrations must include a range of the three broad sectors of human inquiry, preferably all three as defined above, but necessarily two of the three. Students must take at least six courses, of which no more than four may be in the same broad sector. When an interdisciplinary concentration does not include two courses from each broad sector, additional courses, as necessary, from the appropriate sectors must be completed. Two additional qualifications apply: Every student must complete at least one course each in quantitative reasoning and natural science with laboratory, and when two additional courses are required from the same sector, students must select courses with different prefixes. Interdisciplinary majors may serve as interdisciplinary concentrations, provided they meet the standards.
Students can also satisfy their breadth requirement by successfully completing a second major or a dual major in elementary, early childhood, or special education, provided they also successfully complete at least two courses from each of the broad sectors. As above, every student must complete at least one course each in quantitative reasoning and natural science with laboratory, and when two additional courses beyond those included in the two majors (or in the two parts of a dual major) are required from the same sector, students must select courses with different prefixes. Similarly, if a student needs only one additional course from a sector, its prefix must be different from the other course.
Option B: Self-designed Interdisciplinary Concentrations or Second Majors
Addressing the same three broad sectors, students are invited to create their own concentrations or second majors. A student must secure the sponsorship of at least two faculty members who teach in disciplines included in the proposed concentration. The student must then submit a formal proposal and plan of studies. Proposals need to include provisions for advising, assessment, and scholarly resources, as well as coursework. All other provisions related to sector requirements as described in Option A, above, apply.
Option C: Breadth Distribution
Each of the three broad sectors of human inquiry is sub-divided into two domains as follows:
1. Arts and Humanities
a. Literary, Visual and Performing Arts
b. World Views and Ways of Knowing
2. Social Sciences and History
a. Behavioral, Social or Cultural Perspectives
b. Social Change in Historical Perspective
3. Natural Science and Quantitative Reasoning
a. Natural Science
b. Quantitative Reasoning
Students satisfy Option C by completing three courses in each broad sector, with at least one course from each domain; eight courses altogether.
Furthermore, in satisfying their Natural Science requirement students must take at least one laboratory course. When two Natural Science courses are taken, they may be in one or two disciplines (unless otherwise specified by major requirements).
Courses taken for major or minor requirements may be used to fulfill Option C requirements as appropriate. Also, courses taken to meet the Broad Sectors of Human Inquiry requirements, including First Year Seminar, regardless of option, may also fulfill Civic Responsibilities requirements, as indicated.