The program offers the kind of broad liberal arts background typically required during the first two years of college. But we depart from the typical pattern. We think that an education should be carefully designed. Our aim is to give our students the best possible foundation in the liberal arts and in the sciences, and to help them develop the ability to think analytically, read critically, and write effectively. In General Studies students are taught by faculty members who are actively involved in their fields and who bring enormous enthusiasm to the classroom.
Individual attention is a major ingredient in the program's success.
Classes are small and teachers are readily available for guidance both inside and outside the classroom. Each student has a faculty adviser who will help students plan their education and overcome typical academic obstacles. The curriculum covers the development of Western civilization from ancient times to the present. The subject matter is organized to concentrate on one historical period at a time, with interrelated courses that deal with materials from all of the humanities. For the most part, students read original historical texts rather than textbooks.