The sequence consists of two, laboratory-based courses offered for three credit hours each. The first course examines the time independent understanding of the natural world primarily associated with the disciplines of chemistry and physics. The second course views the natural world through the historical perspectives associated with astronomy, biology, and geology. Human Values is a two-course sequence in which students are asked to examine their own and others' ideas about central moral and political values. Instructors draw upon combinations of literary, philosophic, religious, political, and artistic sources to encourage students to reflect on their own value judgments and on the thoughts and feelings that can be used to support or challenge their judgments.
Students select two courses from two of four categories.
Three of the categories follow from the three integrated core sequences. One interdisciplinary category involves courses that bridge at least two of the sequences. Each category contains a small but diverse list of courses. All courses in these categories build on knowledge and skills emphasized in one or more of the integrated core sequences. Social Science Perspectives Category 1 courses will be in-depth explorations of historical or contemporary problems from the perspective of the social sciences.