<p>At Reed, the rigor is pretty much predetermined by the school, the required courses, and the level of attainment to proceed to the next level.
The hum110 required course for all freshmen, comes to mind with its required reading list ( for the year) of at least 30 books.
Also the qualifying exam that must be passed junior year in order to prove your readiness for senior year during which you will write & publish a research thesis which you will defend to an orals board.
These things are required of all graduates.
Im not really sure what would be considered an " easier" major at Reed.</p>