PDF of the 2012-2013 Academic Catalog - Scripps College

Scripps College Catalog
Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree
239
Language Requirement Statement
Students are strongly encouraged to fulfill their language requirement in an uninterrupted sequence.
In all cases, however, the language requirement must be completed by the end of the first semester
of the senior year.
Mathematics
The extensive use of mathematics in our lives as individuals and as a society indicates that a
knowledge of mathematics is essential for practical living and for professional development. The
math requirement may be met in either theoretical or applied mathematics. Theoretical mathematics
involves methods of inquiry based on rigorous deduction and formal proof that are different from
those in other areas. Applied mathematics is a fundamental tool in the social and natural sciences
and in many other areas. The math requirement may be satisfied in any one of the following ways:
1. By passing Math 23, Precalculus, or a higher-level math course.
2. By placing into Math 30 or a higher-level math course on the placement exam. (The Math
Placement Exam is administered during fall Orientation.)
3. By passing a course in the applications of mathematics, i.e., Biology 175, Applied Biostatistics;
Economics 120, Economic Statistics; or Psychology 103, Psychological Statistics.
4. By passing a course in formal logic (through the Philosophy Department).
Because of the importance of mathematics to the study of the social and natural sciences and to
work in many careers, students are strongly encouraged to continue their study of mathematics
beyond the required level.
Requirements for the Major
Majors are offered in fields in which the senior thesis can be supervised by a member of the
Scripps faculty, and, if the major is offered at Scripps, the Scripps major requirements must
be met.
Before preregistration in spring of the sophomore year, each student must declare a major by filing
an approved junior major form in the registrar’s office. At the same time, the student will select a
faculty adviser within the major field who will assist in planning the future program. Students who
plan to complete two majors must also declare the second major by filing a second approved junior
major form assisted by a faculty member in the second field. Students planning to complete a minor
are encouraged to formally declare the minor at the end of the sophomore year.
A major is an integrated program of study composed of courses and independent work within a
discipline or interdisciplinary program. It should have an inner rationale and coherence of structure.
The basic educational policy of Scripps is to enable students to think independently and critically.
In planning a major, a student should implement this policy by seeking to fulfill the following
goals:
1. Mastery of (a) skills and methods, (b) principles and theory, and (c) essential materials in the
field. This mastery will usually be accomplished by successfully completing certain courses or
a combination of courses and supervised independent study as determined by the department
faculty. Passing the required courses for the major, a minimum of eight semester courses or their
equivalent, with at least a 6.0 (C) grade point average is the basis for this standard.
2. Demonstration of competence in the field. In the areas of music, dance, and theater, a senior
performance and/or a thesis is required as a demonstration of competence. In studio arts, a
senior project is required. In all other fields, competence must be demonstrated by writing a
senior thesis. Senior theses constitute an individual and independent work supervised by two
faculty members (one of whom must be a member of the Scripps College faculty): the director
of the thesis and a second reader chosen in the relevant field. Options consistent with the basic
educational policy of the College may be considered equivalent to the thesis upon approval by
two faculty members and petition to the Committee on Academic Review. Due dates for senior