Residential College and Other Queries.

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Michigan
1

<p>Hello there! I'm a student from Southeast Asia who may be applying to the University of Michigan, and I was hoping I would get answers to the following questions:</p>

<p>1) What is the LSA Residential College and how are classes conducted? </p>

<p>2) How is the RC different from the LSA academically? How is applying for an RC major different? How is college life different when in the RC compared to regular UMich schools?</p>

<p>3) Can I take a major in RC, and double major in another degree, either in LSA or MTD? Can I even double major, with one major from RC, another from MTD, and a minor from LSA?</p>

<p>4) What is the difference between all the Theatre courses? There are 4 excluding Musical Theatre and I don't seem to note a clear distinction between them.</p>

<p>5) How does the Drama major in the RC differ from the Theatre courses offered by the MTD?</p>

<p>Sorry for the immense number of questions, and thank you for the help! :)</p>

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<p>Hi Janelle. I’ll take a stab at your questions, but please take with a grain of salt.</p>

<ol>
<li>Residential College is a language-intensive, humanities-styled liberal art program that requires you live in a particular residence for 2 years, take a heavy load of language courses, and provides the opportunity for more intimate class settings with fewer students and a socratic/seminar approach to <em>some</em> of your classes.</li>
</ol>

<p>2) I am a parent, but know some kids in RC – my best guess is not radically different, except maybe a little more of a discussion-style learning environment, and a maybe RC attracts folks who have a preference for alternative learning and lifestlyle – but can’t really accurately generalize this.</p>

<p>3) Talk to an adviser at the RC program about these combos. I don’t feel a double major with MTD is a good fit because of the intensity of the RC language credits versus the intensity of MTD curriculae. My son is an MTD student interested in RC and for his degree it simply was not viable. Your mileage may vary, though, so investigate!</p>

<p>4) I will hazard to say there is a profound/substantial difference among the theater courses once you get beyond the surface descriptions. MTD is a nationally and for that matter, world-renowned performing arts conservatory with audition or portfolio admits only. The degree is a professional pa degree (BFA). Those selected demonstrate passion, commitment and prior experience/training – and come from all over the place. </p>

<p>So, while UMich is outstanding, and its regular BA classes in theater will be rigorous and high qualilty, it simply will not be the same as the intensity, sequence, and peer-factor of MTD.</p>

<p>If you’re serious about MTD, specialize. Life does not reward one for hedging their bets.
If you want two majors and RC, I’m not certain that you actually even CAN pursue the BFA (at least within 4 years), nor is it likely that you should, as you perhaps do not share the level of vocational focus you will find among the MTD students. </p>

<p>Most MTD students CAN however pursue a dual degree, that requires usually 5+ years. It’s not pretty usually in terms of time and sanity, but some handle it just fine. But that’s still two degrees, not two majors and RC concentration…</p>

<p>So I guess what I’m saying is that if you want multiple majors, it’s a sign that perhaps your first, deepest and most enduring passion is not theater when it comes right down to it.</p>

3

<p>RC Student here! I just finished up my freshman year. </p>

<p>The RC is definitely unique compared to LSA courses I’ve taken. You must master another language within your freshman year or you’ll be required to take additional courses. That, or you could test out of another language. I did French so if you have any questions about that in particular feel free to send me a message. The language component of the RC really isn’t something to be afraid of – you’ll have to take the same number of language courses for the LSA requirement anyways so all the RC really does is squeeze them in and make them worth twice as much. </p>

<p>My RC classes in general have anywhere from around 10 students for my discussion classes to around 30 for lecture type classes. </p>

<p>The RC does have a tendency to have some quirky students but that only adds to the fun! Really, that’s how I would describe my freshman year: fun. And I came out of it feeling well rounded, able to speak conversational french, and better prepared to take on a degree in the arts as well as in foreign languages. </p>

<p>East Quadrangle (The hall where the RC is located) is being closed down for next year for renovations, so the Residential college is going to be a bit different, if only temporarily. Either way, your best friends will probably be other RC kids and it’ll probably shape your social scene as well (the parties you go to, the concerts, plays etc) Not saying you’ll be in a cult by any means, just most RC kids seem to get along best with most other RC kids, and it’s fun that way! (My best friend is a business major, just saying the majority of my friends!) </p>

<p>Anyways I’ll stop rambling. If you have any RC specific questions feel free to ask!</p>

<p>edit: technically the RC does have one other language course after your proficiency (The LSA requirement, better put as saying 4th term (4 semesters)). A readings course where you further master your language.</p>