In Foundations courses, students examine questions central to human thought, perception, expression, and discovery, and encounter ideas that transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries. While completing their distribution requirement, students become familiar with the traditional areas of the liberal arts, and with a non-Western culture and language studies. Both Foundations courses and the distribution requirement prepare students to deepen their intellectual experiences through their Major and their Exploration. During the second semester of the sophomore year, a student decides upon a concentration in an area of strong intellectual interest. Through the Major, the student gains a deep understanding of issues and methods of inquiry characteristic of one specific field.
Explorations compose the third part of the curriculum.
Explorations are conceived as a continuation of general education beyond the introductory stage. In an Exploration, students select a set of courses which enable them to explore an area of interest outside the major with some depth and focus. Students design an Exploration in consultation with their major academic advisers. A significant part of the curriculum consists of Electives, through which students can investigate subjects of interest or disciplines that complement the major. Students are encouraged to elect a First-Year Seminar at the beginning of their education to develop skills in critical reading, critical writing, oral presentation and use of learning resources.