<p>Hi. I am an incoming freshman for the class of 2007. One night when I was feeling bored, I decided to look through classes to figure out what I might take next year. Then I decided I should maybe find out exactly what distribution requirements exist so I could get them out of the way.</p>
<p>I found this page when digging through the University of Michigan Website, and it confused me. A lot.</p>
<p>For example:</p>
<p>
[quote]
Quantitative Reasoning Requirement</p>
<p>Students are required to take one or two courses from an approved list which focus on the methodology of quantitative analysis. The goal is to ensure that students achieve a level of proficiency in using and analyzing quantitative information.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>That's great...but how am I supposed to know if I'm supposed to take either one or two courses?</p>
<p>
[quote]
Area Distribution</p>
<p>Students must complete 30 credits outside of their field of concentration distributed over the following six categories: Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities, Mathematical and Symbolic Analysis, Creative Expression, and Interdisciplinary. Through this requirement the student gains an understanding and appreciation of the major areas of learning and a coherent view of essential concepts, structures, and intellectual methods which typify these disciplines.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Must these be distributed evenly, or can I take a bunch of Humanities courses and almost none of any of the others?</p>
<p>Also, if anyone can explain what on earth the bolded part is saying, that would be appreciated...</p>
<p>
[quote]
English Composition Requirements</p>
<p>Part I. First-Year Writing Requirement (Introductory Composition). All students entering the University must satisfy the First-Year Writing Requirement. They may do so by taking a two-credit Writing Practicum their first term and a four-credit first-year writing course their second term or by completing a first-year writing course alone. Choosing which path to follow is based on student self-assessment. This voluntary placement system is designed to allow students to select the course that will most appropriately challenge them. Academic advisors and Sweetland Writing Center faculty are available to help students make this choice.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Uh okay...so I can either spend 2 semesters learning how to write or do it "alone"? I don't like either of those options that much. I'm guessing that's not what they're trying to say here...can you just take a FYW course first semester for four credits and not deal with it anymore?</p>
<p>The page also lists the First Year Writing Requirement twice. I'm assuming that's just a mistake made by whomever put up the page, right?</p>
<p>In short, the site seems a little too confusing for my taste. So I was wondering if somebody might be able to explain to me in a straightforward fashion what distribution requirements exist for a person to graduate from LSA regardless of major?</p>
<p>Also, how do AP credits factor into this? Can they be used for the Area Distribution?</p>