<p>I'm in a sense begining my college search, and I think I really do know what I want, and that is a college that places a big emphasis on the individual student. With that said, could anyone point me in the direction of some colleges that have individualised studies programs? I know NYU has the Gallatin School, and if anyone could provide some information on how that school works I'd be a very happy boy, but what are some other colleges, or programs within larger universities, that place a priority on allowing the student to design a course of study that suits their wants and/or needs?
btw, I'm mostly interested in small liberal arts college with low student faculty ratios and average class sizes, but I'm open to programs within larger colleges.</p>
<p>Hampshire College. </p>
<p>Hampshire students qualify for the Bachelor of Arts degree by completing a full-time program composed of three levels, or Divisions, of study.</p>
<p>Students complete Division I during their first three semesters. The first two semesters constitute the First-Year Program, in which students take a First-Year Tutorial with their advisors and complete eight courses, which must include a course in each of the college's five Schools and meet seven Division I learning goals. The third semester involves systematic evaluation and reflection upon their first-year work, with development of a plan for Division II.</p>
<p>In Division II students develop a plan of study for their Concentration, as well as continue other learning endeavors as part of their liberal education. They explore their chosen field or fields of emphasis through an individually designed program of courses, independent work and, often, internships or field studies.</p>
<p>In Division III, or Advanced Studies, students complete a major independent study project centered on a specific topic, question, or idea.</p>
<p>In addition to these requirements, students must include volunteer service to Hampshire or the surrounding community as part of their Hampshire education and, in Division III, are asked to look beyond the specific focus of their work by integrating their scholarship into the larger academic life of the college. The faculty also expect all students to consider some aspect of their Hampshire work from a non-Western perspective. A complete description of Division I, II and III, which comprises the College's academic program, may be found in Non Satis Non Scire, the Hampshire College policy handbook.</p>
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<p>How does that sound?</p>
<p>That sounds really good actually. How do Divisions 2 & 3 function? Are the classes in seminar style, tutorial. lecture, or some sort of hybrid?</p>
<p>To be quite honest, I'm not sure. They sent me information in the mail, but my parents saw the price tag ($39K tuition) and tossed it before I could finish looking at it. If I had to guess though, I'd say it would depend on your major...erm...i mean, concentration :D</p>