Bulletin 2007-2008 - Austin College

Writing Competency RequirementCourses across the curriculum with an intensive writing component are designedto build upon and reinforce writing skill development initiated in Communication/Inquiry. Courses approved for this requirement give students opportunities for seriouspractice and/or revision of their written work. In class and in individual conferencesstudents receive special instruction in writing techniques specific to their assignmentsand course discipline. Course guidelines and a list of approved courses are availablein the Office of the Registrar.ElectivesEach student’s academic program is further supplemented by elective courses asneeded for completion of at least 34 course credit units.Special Program OptionThe Special Program is available to students who wish to design a non-traditionalor interdisciplinary major or minor not listed in the college Bulletin. Those pursuingthis option must describe carefully in writing their educational background, levelsof achievement, and how the specially designed major or minor will assist them inmeeting their educational goals and objectives. The Special Program is particularlyadaptable to the needs of students interested in studying interdisciplinary subjectareas or in preparing for unique career fields.The student and mentor discuss the written statement and prepare a detailedplan or learning contract for achieving goals and objectives. Students meet thesame requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degree as listed above except for theBreadth Dimension and the major or minor. The degree plan includes in essayform a statement of the design of the major or minor and how courses andexperiences will be used to achieve an education of breadth and depth. Eachstudent must satisfactorily complete the Breadth Dimension and a major andminor, but no set list of courses or number of course credit units must be includedin either. The proposed special program is submitted to the Academic StandingCommittee for approval.Departmental Honors ProgramThe Departmental Honors Program is designed to challenge superior students in theirfinal year of undergraduate study to use their disciplinary training to delve deeper intoa topic of interest in the major. The program emphasizes independent investigationand culminates in completion of a bachelor’s thesis that is defended by the studentin an oral examination administered by the student’s thesis committee. The thesiscommittee consists of three faculty members; two of the members should be fromwithin the department or program of the student’s major and the third from outsidethe student’s major. In some cases, specific departments have additional requirementsfor participation in the program. Successful completion of the Departmental HonorsProgram is indicated on the student’s diploma as “Honors in (Discipline or Field).”Admittance to the program is by invitation only and is intended for students whoare within three semesters of graduation. In no case will students who have lessthan five months of study remaining before graduation be considered. A studentwho has excellent research potential and has been performing at an exceptionalACADEMIC PROGRAM| 51