University of Virginia Library

Experimenting In The University

By PATTI KYLE

Being innovative with your
schedule may seem impossible
at first glance. First-year
students have everything from
College requirements to
pre-registration to contend
with. But a little investigating
into special programs and
seminars can result a schedule
that is interesting, if nothing
else.

The area requirements offer
a tremendous amount of
flexibility in course planning.
In the Humanities and Social
Sciences, any course within the
specified departments and
without any prerequisites may
be taken. Ideally, you won't be
restricted to only introductory
courses, but you won't find
yourself deep in graduate
territory either. Ask your
resident assistant, association
dean or friendly
upper-classman which courses
fall somewhere in the middle.
The smaller classes alone make
it worthwhile.

First-year seminars also
stretch scheduling possibilities.
The seminars are open to
first-year men only, providing
them with the rare opportunity
to work closely with a
professor in a small-group
academic experience. Seminars
are considered electives, and
while they may not satisfy any
area or major requirements,
they will surely satisfy those
discouraged by overcrowded
lecture classes.

First-year seminars also
stretch scheduling possibilities.
The seminars are open to
first-year men only, providing
them with the rare opportunity
to work closely with a
professor in a small-group
academic experience. Seminars
are considered electives, and
while they may not satisfy any
area or major requirements,
they will surely satisfy those
discouraged by overcrowded
lecture classes. One word of
warning: the first-year seminars
have limited spaces and do fill
up fast.

It is important that
first-year men plan ahead if
they want to declare a major
early or apply to a
departmental honors program.
Prerequisites are listed in the
catalogue or are available from
the respective departments.

Students also have an
option of electing the
University Major. This is an
interdisciplinary major
designed by the individual
student, under the guidance of
a faculty advisor – another
example of the University's
flexible curriculum.

After you've found out
what you have to take,
investigate the wide range of
possibilities for electives. While
its good to have courses related
to your intended major,
experimenting outside your
ordinary interests may pay off
in the long run. You'll
probably find out you look
forward to that studio art
course after all those reading
courses. At the very least,
you'll have broadened your
education. If you're worried
about a low grade in the
elective, look into the pass/fail
regulations. The "Special
Condition Request Forms" will
be made available with the
add-drop cards.

Finally, the Experimental
University annually offers
those indispensable courses
which you just can't find in the
academic catalogue. In the
past, they have offered
Volkswagen repair courses,
basic electronics, outdoor
gardening, ballet, and
bartending. (No credit toward
a degree is given.)

In a less practical vein,
courses in meditation and
religion have been offered
before. Sunrise hikes and
backpacking are also special
features.

The teaching staff of the
Experimental University is
all-volunteer, and any students
who have creative, practical, or
intellectual interests are
encouraged to contact the
university at 296-9723. A
catalogue of course offerings
for this year will be available
soon.