1986 Intellectual Heritage became a requirement for matriculated students in all 11 of Temple University's undergraduate schools and colleges. Meanwhile, IH has added texts that represent important science and non-Western texts which have challenged or helped to change the shape of Western thought. Thus, students across the University read primary texts, whenever possible whole and complete instead of excerpted. I ntellectual Heritage is a two-course sequence which focuses upon the laws and disciplines upon which nations and their institutions have been built, and upon the values of leadership and personal integrity that support Western cultural and social accomplishments. A s writing-intensive courses, the Intellectual Heritage courses require students to write essay examinations, and either a series of short essays or a term paper.
Many instructors also require journals.
Writing-intensive courses include direct instruction in writing and revision, and are supported by the University Writing Center. A pre-requisite to the IH courses is College Composition. Most students enroll in IH as Sophomores. The program is taught by Presidential, limited contract, and adjunct part time faculty. All departments in the University participate.