Design Your Own Curriculum: Freedom and Flexibility in Higher Education
In today's rapidly evolving academic landscape, universities that embrace personalized educational experiences are gaining significant traction. This narrative explores some prominent universities and colleges where students can craft their own curricula, showcasing the unique ways these institutions foster individual academic journeys, intellectual curiosity, and creativity.Amherst College: A Pioneer in Open Curriculum
Amherst College has been at the forefront of academic freedom and flexibility since 1971. Gone are the rigid constraints of traditional college curricula. At Amherst, the emphasis is on exploration, independent learning, and interdisciplinary studies. First-year students are required to take an intensive reading/writing seminar, but the topic and direction are entirely up to them. This year, some of the exciting seminars include 'Progress: What is Mainstream Music?', 'Liquid Gold: The Science and History of Olive Oil', and 'The Nuclear Age'. While there is a need to choose and declare a major by the end of the second year, the path to achieving it is highly customizable. Many upper-level courses are dedicated to independent research and directed reading, providing students with the opportunity to dive deep into their areas of interest. Additionally, Amherst encourages students to take classes from nearby institutions such as Wellesley, Mount Holyoke, Hampshire, and the University of Massachusetts, including their graduate programs.Exploring Diverse Paths
Amherst's shopping period, akin to Yale's 'datare', allows students to experiment with various courses and adjust their schedules before making definitive decisions. This system ensures that students can explore a wide range of subjects while building a coherent academic foundation.Marlboro College: An Unconventional Approach to Higher Education
Marlboro College in Marlboro, Vermont, offers an even more unique academic experience. For the first two years, students engage in small class settings of around 10-20 students each. Here, they pass a clear writing requirement and work closely with an advisor (one of the professors) to explore their interests and build a foundational knowledge base. This process culminates in the creation of a 'Plan of Concentration', a comprehensive academic project that students start in their third and fourth years.Developing the 'Plan of Concentration'
The 'Plan of Concentration' is a key question that intersects multiple traditional disciplines, to be explored through rigorous and increasingly self-driven study. Students select a plan sponsor (or two) who will guide and support them in their academic journey. Over the next two years, students take traditional classes, tutorials tailored specifically for them, and small classes that focus on intersecting interests. Typically, this includes a semester of field work or other applied exploration, leading to a deeper understanding of the chosen topic.Senior Year: The Culmination
In their senior year, students are fully immersed in their 'Plan of Concentration'. This involves extensive research, writing, and sometimes hands-on projects such as performances, experiments, or detailed case studies. The end product is often a comprehensive academic paper or project, akin to a dissertation defense, which students must present to an outside evaluator chosen by themselves and their plan sponsors. Upon acceptance, they receive their diploma, and their plan is published in the school library and printed in the graduation booklet.For example, my own 'Plan of Concentration' was in American Studies and Sociology with a focus on Communication, drawing from disciplines such as Anthropology, Psychology, and Education. The project explored the socio-historical context of community development on the Internet and how the World Wide Web was reshaping culture, community self-identity, and literacy.
Once the project is completed, students are encouraged to share their findings, promoting a culture of open dialogue and collective learning. This process fosters critical thinking, innovation, and a genuine interest in exploring new intellectual territories.
Why Choose These Universities?
Both Amherst College and Marlboro College stand out for their commitment to personalized education. They recognize that students have unique learning styles and interests, and they provide the tools and resources to nurture these aspects. This approach not only enhances academic achievements but also prepares students for a diverse and complex world where adaptability and creativity are crucial.These institutions not only enable students to create their own curricula but also challenge them to think critically, solve problems creatively, and develop a deep understanding of their chosen fields. Ultimately, they foster a sense of ownership and engagement that is essential for long-term success and personal fulfillment.