<p>My DS14 is considering CSS if accepted at Wesleyan, anyone have any thoughts on the program based on students in or recently graduated from it. DS14 is very keen, I am a little concerned there may not be as much flexibility as he might like, but the program sounds wonderful?</p>
<p>@Englishman
What does DS14 and CSS mean? I am assuming DS means dear son, but what is 14 and what is CSS? :-/ </p>
<p>Sorry cc code, DS = Darling Son, '14 CSS = College of Social Studies at Wesleyan University</p>
<p>Haha, the acronyms can get a little ridiculous here.</p>
<p>I’m not a CSS major but know plenty of them. The major is both a rigorous introduction to social, political, and economic theory and probably one of the most cohesive majors as a social group. The department sponsors lunches/events for majors and my impression is that many students establish solid relationships with each other and their professors (To quote their pretentious but also sort of true tagline: “It’s more than a major.”) </p>
<p>That said the program eats up sophomore year. Students have weekly 5 page papers and LOTS of reading. These papers are effectively ungraded, but your entire grade for the year is determined by comps. However, you take all non-major classes pass/fail sophomore year pass/fail. Junior year is much more flexible so you can study abroad or fulfill other requirements if you have another major. Most CSS majors write theses, but it’s possible to write a senior essay instead which is much less stress and work.</p>
<p>I’m not sure what level/kind of flexibility your son wants, but within the demanding structure of CSS it’s possible explore other departments, double major, and study abroad. </p>
<p>Thanks @pemulis, that’s just the sort of input we were looking for, most helpful, DS14 is keen, lets hope he gets an invitation to attend, Thanks again.</p>