<p>Interested in learning more about the Program of Liberal Studies, and whether it is a rigorous program that offers smaller classes via seminar v. larger lecture classes. Are PLS students studying hard, writing more, etc. than a standard Philosophy or History major? Coming from an intense high school and having completed 9 AP classes, wondering if this might be a good choice for a student who really enjoys an interdisciplinary approach to studying the humanities? How many students are in a typical Philosophy seminar? How are the professors? Would this compare with a program at a top ranked LAC or Ivy?</p>
<p>I'm not PLS, but I am English, so I cross paths and interests with a lot of PLS kids. Classes seem to be very small - 15 more or less, and never big lecture classes. It is a very intensive program. I think 4 of your 5 classes per semester are required by PLS. However, it has all your college and university requirements built in, so you don't have to worry about that.</p>
<p>Harder than a standard Philosophy/History major? I don't know about that. But that's because you're doing everything, it really is a cross-discipline program. It seems to me like it leans a bit more towards Classics and Literature, although History and Philosophy are definitely well represented. </p>
<p>ND was originally, and still is, a strong Liberal Arts school that happens to do other things too. Our College of Arts and Letters is very strong - our Philosophy of Religion department is universally considered the best in the world. </p>
<p>Personally, I would have done PLS were it not for its restrictive qualities. I really wanted to study foreign languages and study abroad. With all the requirements, it would have been difficult to do either, so I opted with a English/Spanish/Irish Studies combination. </p>
<p>Definitely do some more research on your own, and call the PLS department at ND. I guarantee you they'll find someone for you to talk to one-on-one that can give you more information.</p>
<p>Thanks for the info...the ND literature states that if you're interested in studying abroad and doing PLS, "Students planning to study abroad may begin their PLS major courses during the first year". With the AP credits coming in, maybe a semester abroad could still fit during Junior Year? Need to do more research! And is there NO option to continue world language study if you go PLS? Seems illogical restriction.</p>
<p>There's no restriction, they won't say "you can't do x," but it's a matter of having enough electives free to finish a major or supplementary major. I was 4 years into my study of Spanish when I hit ND, so I knew if I continued it, it would be to finish a supplementary major.</p>