The topical requirement is intended to encourage students to explore topics of broad intellectual and social relevance through courses taught in academic disciplines which may lie outside their main area of interest. The objective of the topical requirement is to show students how disciplines outside their own affect public life, how different disciplines approach a common topic, and how rich the areas of study are between academic disciplines. Topical courses can provide a place for discussion of values and assumptions at an introductory level not usually found in introductory courses. They are not designed to introduce the discipline to nonmajors. This requirement involves either acquisition of technical skill in mathematics, or practice in the ability to apply that mathematical skill in specific contexts, or both.
Quantitative courses involve the use of advanced algebra, statistics, or calculus.
They provide instruction in quantitative reasoning rather than merely evaluating students' mathematical ability. Courses in logic or computer programming are not considered mathematical for this purpose. This requirement is usually fulfilled by Writing 1, Composition and Rhetoric, which stresses essay development. Students must complete the University Subject A requirement before enrolling in a course which satisfies the composition requirement. Papers are assigned throughout the quarter and editorial comment is provided by the instructor.