A Common Learning Agenda (Revised July 1997)
CLA Document
I. Foundation Seminar
One course required of all students in their first year. Foundation Seminars on appropriate topics may count toward the Broadened Perspectives Requirement; or, in some cases, Foundation Seminars may count toward the Disciplinary Breadth requirement.
II. Distribution Requirements
- Disciplinary Breadth
Requirements in each division, criteria may be developed by divisions. Courses may be interdepartmental or interdisciplinary if they meet the division's criteria.
Humanities–4 courses provided that not more than two courses are offered by the same department.
Social Sciences–2 courses provided that each course comes from a different discipline.
Natural Sciences and Mathematics–3 courses; 2 lab sciences and 1 of the following: another course in natural science, a mathematics course, a computer science course, or a science or engineering course from outside the division that the division finds suitable. - Broadened Perspectives for the 21st Century
Foundation Seminars and Disciplinary Breadth courses also may doublecount as Broadened Perspectives courses if they address the relevant topics in a significant way.
- Perspectives on the Natural and Fabricated Worlds–1 course Courses would focus on (a) the influence and impact of technology on society and the environment or (b) principles that help us to live harmoniously with the natural world.
- Perspectives on Human Diversity–1 course
Courses would address themes of human diversity either within or across national borders. This requirement may also be satisfied by a semester of study abroad.
III. Disciplinary Depth
A departmental, interdepartmental, or college major.
IV. Capstone Experience
One integrative course or equivalent experience during the senior year or second semester of the junior year.
V. Writing Program
University requirement of one W-1 and two W-2 courses; may also count toward requirements for Foundation, Distribution, Disciplinary Depth, or Capstone requirements.
