Eleanor Roosevelt College
Eleanor Roosevelt Courses, Curricula and
Program of Instruction
Eleanor Roosevelt is widely regarded as one of the most visionary
and influential American public figures of the twentieth century,
and her life and achievements continue to inspire men and women
everywhere. She was one of the first to champion human and civil
rights for all Americans during the Great Depression and the Second
World War. After the war, she was the architect of the United Nations
Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In the decades that followed,
her tireless efforts to promote international understanding and
human rights earned her worldwide respect and the title First
Lady of the World.
The College
Eleanor Roosevelt College (ERC) was established in 1988,
and is currently home to almost 3,400 men and women. The
college serves students interested in pursuing academic
excellence,
establishing the groundwork for future success, and becoming
lifelong learners and effective world citizens.
ERC fosters the ideal of a comprehensive education that develops
intellectual capacities and expands general knowledge. The core
curriculum exposes students to a variety of academic disciplines,
providing a foundation that is suitable for all majors, whether
in the natural or applied sciences, the social sciences, or the
humanities and the arts. It prepares students for opportunities
to study and conduct research with UCSD faculty and scholars.
The world in which todays students will make their careers
is one of rapid scientific and technological change, rich cultural
diversity, and intense social and political interactions. ERCs
general-education curriculum and co-curricular programs build
knowledge of other cultures and skills for working in the rapidly
changing environment of the twenty-first century. Students seeking
careers in fields as diverse as business, law, medicine, public
policy, engineering, the sciences, and the arts or humanities
find ERCs curriculum and programs equally valuable and relevant.
At ERC, shared educational goals are pursued in a supportive
community where students are valued and respected, where they
are challenged and helped to succeed, and where they can develop
independence and confidence about their roles in society.
General Education
The general-education requirements at ERC are designed to provide
all students with a broad intellectual foundation. The curriculum
offers undergraduates opportunities to learn about the various
fields that may be open to them, thus assuring that their choices
in selecting a major, pursuing graduate study, or seeking employment
will be based on clear understandings about the nature of the
work and their own interests and talents.
Advanced Placement Credits
University credit may be granted for College Board Advanced
Placement Tests on which a student earns a score of 3 or higher.
The credit may be applied toward general-education requirements
(approximately half of which can be met by Advanced Placement
credit), elective units for graduation, as subject credit for
use in a minor, or as a prerequisite to a major. For further details,
see the advanced placement chart in Undergraduate Admissions,
Policies and Procedures.
ERC academic counselors provide information about advanced placement
or courses that meet the general education requirements of the
college. Students should take advantage of the counseling available
in the Academic Advising Office to help them effectively incorporate
the college general-education requirements into their academic
program.
ERC General-Education Requirements for Students Entering as
Freshmen
The Making of the Modern World (six quarters)
This interdisciplinary sequence of six courses incorporates
humanities (literature, history, and philosophy) and social sciences
as well as writing. The courses examine Western and non-Western
societies, cultures, and state systems both historically and comparatively.
The Making of the Modern World (MMW) is taught by faculty from
many disciplines, including anthropology, history, literature,
political science, and sociology.
MMW is designed to help students search for connectionsbetween
past and present, among the societies and civilizations that have
inhabited the earth, and among the ways that humans have used
to make sense of their experience.
At ERC, the university writing requirement is met through MMW
and relies on those courses for its content. Instruction and practice
in writing, in turn, help students master the course content and
analyze and synthesize the material. In all fields, written communication
skills are among the most important qualifications graduates take
to the job market and graduate school. Writing is assigned in
MMW 26; the second and third quarters include intensive
writing instruction and carry two additional units of credit.
For more details, see The Making of the Modern World
in the department listings.
Natural Sciences (two quarters)
Two courses are to be chosen from selected offerings in biology,
chemistry, physics, and/or earth sciences.
Quantitative Methods (two quarters)
Two courses are to be chosen from selected offerings in pre-calculus,
calculus, statistics, symbolic logic, or computer programming.
For students majoring in scientific fields, these courses are
preparation for major study; for students who will continue their
studies outside the sciences, they provide a basic understanding
and appreciation of methods and developments in the fields. Many
of the selected courses are designed for non-science majors.
Foreign Language (zero to four quarters)
ERC students are required to demonstrate basic conversational
and reading proficiency in a modern foreign language, or advanced
reading proficiency in a classical language, by completing the
fourth quarter of foreign language instruction (or equivalent)
with a passing grade.
Students may also complete this requirement by demonstrating
advanced language ability on a special proficiency exam. Students
considering this option should consult with an ERC academic counselor
during their first year at UCSD.
Advanced placement scores in language or literature, and IB
scores in language, may exempt students from all or part of the
ERC language requirement.
College-level language study is a prerequisite for study abroad
in most non-English speaking countries and enhances understanding
of those societies. Students wishing to study abroad in non-English
speaking countries may need to take additional language classes,
and will need to take all language courses for letter grades.
Fine Arts (two quarters)
Two four-unit courses are required, to include study of both
Western and non-Western music, theatre, dance, and/or visual arts.
These courses help students appreciate the rich range of human
expression to be found in cultures and ages other than their own.
Regional Specialization (three quarters)
Each ERC student selects three courses dealing with a single
geographic region of the world. The college has defined regions
broadly enough to assure course availability and narrowly enough
to ensure coherence of subject matter. These courses may be chosen
from offerings in humanities, social sciences, and fine arts.
At least two of the three must be taken at the upper-division
level. See Minors below about application of this
course work to an optional ERC minor.
Upper-Division Writing Requirement
To demonstrate competency in written English at the upper-division
level, students submit to the Academic Advising Office a paper
or papers of specified lengths that were written for one or more
upper-division courses and graded C or higher. Papers are
returned to students after Academic Advising Office staff certify
that they meet the upper-division writing requirement.
Sample Program
A program like the sample one shown here would lead to completion
of most general- education requirements during the first two years
of college. Some variation will occur depending upon a students
academic preparation, choice of major, and individual interests
and priorities. For example, students planning to major in science,
math, or engineering will be taking many prerequisite courses
for their major; those courses typically also fulfill the general-education
requirements in natural sciences and/or quantitative methods.
FALL
|
WINTER
|
SPRING
|
FRESHMAN
YEAR |
|
|
MMW 1
|
MMW 2
|
MMW 3
|
Foreign
Language |
Foreign
Language |
Foreign
Language |
fine
art |
quantitative
methods |
quantitative
methods |
Entry
Level Writing requirement,
major, or elective
|
fine
art
|
major
or elective
|
SOPHOMORE
YEAR
|
|
|
MMW
4
|
MMW
5
|
MMW
6 |
Natural
Science |
Natural
Science |
major
or elective |
major
or elective |
major
or elective |
major
or elective |
major
or elective
|
major
or elective
|
regional
specialization
|
JUNIOR
AND SENIOR YEARS
|
|
|
regional
specialization (2)
|
|
|
major
course work |
|
|
electives
|
|
|
Transferring to ERC
Transfer students may meet most ERC general-education requirements
before entering UCSD if they have followed articulation agreements
with community colleges, or taken courses elsewhere that ERC deems
equivalent in content to UCSD courses that meet the colleges
requirements.
All transfer students must take three quarters of MMW, and it
is recommended that the three courses be taken in sequence. Students
who have not met their freshman writing requirement elsewhere
must complete it by taking MMW 2 and/or MMW 3 as part of this
three-course requirement.
All transfer students must also take two upper-division regional
specialization courses and satisfy the upper-division writing
requirement. See Graduation Requirements below.
Grading Options
- No more than 25% of total UCSD units counted in satisfaction
of degree requirements may be taken on a Pass/Not Pass basis.
- Electives may be taken on a Pass/Not Pass basis except if
they are to be applied to majors or minors. Check with the appropriate
department or college for rules applying to specific majors
or minors.
- Courses that meet the following ERC general-education requirements
may be taken Pass/ Not Pass: fine arts, foreign language, natural
sciences, quantitative methods, and one regional specialization
course. All other general-education courses must be taken for
letter grades.
Leadership and Community
ERC students are recognized for their strong sense of community.
These bonds are created in part by common classroom experiences
in MMW. They also grow from shared explorations in a variety of
college programs in which students take active roles: college
and campus-wide student government, service to the campus and
the larger community, the acquisition of leadership skills, and
sports and social activities.
The college is home to UCSDs International House, which
offers informative and dynamic discussions for the campus community
at its weekly International Affairs Group meetings. ERC also hosts
(with the Programs Abroad Office) a retreat each fall to welcome
back study abroad returnees from all six colleges and assist with
their re-integration into the UCSD community.
Expanding Horizons
Students whose interests extend beyond our borders are encouraged
and assisted in finding opportunities to spend part of their college
career in another country. There are many options, including short-term
or year-long academic programs, work opportunities, and career-related
internships.
At one time or another, men and women from ERC have studied
in more than forty different countries in Europe, Africa, Latin
America, the Middle East, and Asia.
Students on university financial aid who participate in the
UC Education Abroad Program pay UCSD fees and retain their financial
aid packages, which are budgeted to include study abroad expenses.
In addition, there are a number of sources for scholarship aid
designated for study abroad.
Majors
An ERC student may pursue any of the approximately 125 undergraduate
majors offered at UCSD. Students may complete more than one major,
provided they comply with all Academic Senate regulations concerning
double majors. To declare a double major, a student must have
accrued at least ninety but no more than 135 units, have at least
a 2.50 GPA, and meet university requirements regarding total maximum
number of units earned and quarters attended at UCSD.
Most majors require the completion of specified pre-major
or prerequisite courses at the lower-division level before enrollment
in upper-division major courses. For some majors, admission to
upper-division course work is contingent upon a satisfactory GPA
in certain pre-major courses. Students are strongly encouraged
to work closely with department advisers as well as college academic
counselors to assure adequate and timely preparation for their
majors.
Completion of certain majors may take more than four years or
the minimum 180 units required for graduation. Time-to-graduation
in other instances may be affected by a students level of
preparation for upper-division work in the major or by a decision
to change major. See The Undergraduate Program(s)
in respective department listings.
ERC Individual Studies Major
ERC offers an Individual Studies major to meet the needs of
students who have defined academic interests for which suitable
majors are not offered at UCSD. Students who find themselves in
this situation should consult a college academic counselor at
the first opportunity.
This major includes regular course work and often independent
study, representing a minimum of twelve upper-division four-unit
courses. A regular member of the faculty serves as adviser to
the student. Students admitted to the Individual Studies major
may enroll in ERC 199, an independent study course supervised
by a faculty member, who tailors the content to fit the major.
Qualifying seniors pursuing an Individual Studies major may
undertake an honors thesis research project (ERC 196) under the
tutelage of their faculty mentor. See Eleanor Roosevelt
College in the department listings.
Further information about an Individual Studies major may be
obtained from the ERC Academic Advising Office.
Minors and ERC Special Minors
Minors are not required at ERC. However, completion of a minor
can be an educational or pre-professional asset. All students
have the option of completing any approved departmental or interdepartmental
minor.
Alternatively, students may wish to combine foreign language
course work with an associated regional specialization to earn
an ERC Special Minor in, for example, Asian Studies or Middle
Eastern Studies. Such minors must conform to Academic Senate policies:
For students entering the University before January 1998, this
means completion of at least six courses (twenty-four units),
of which at least three (twelve units) must be at the upper-division
level. Students entering in January 1998 or later must complete
at least seven courses (twenty-eight units), of which at least
four (sixteen units) must be at the upper-division level. Upper-division
courses applied toward a minor may not be used to meet the requirements
of the major.
Internships
As a way to combine classroom theory and practical experience,
juniors and seniors are encouraged to consider internships under
programs available to any UCSD student and administered by the
Academic Internship Program, Career Services, or UCSD Associated
Students.
Participants work for various lengths of time in enterprises
that match their major interests and career goals. Most placements
are local, but some are in such locations as Washington, D.C.,
Sacramento, Los Angeles, or London.
Working with faculty advisers, students enrolled in academic
internships write research papers integrating their work experience
with their formal studies, and they can earn up to sixteen units
of credit in increments of four, eight, or twelve per quarter.
Graduation Requirements
To graduate with a baccalaureate degree from the University
of California, an Eleanor Roosevelt College student must:
- Satisfy two University of California requirements: the Entry
Level Writing requirement in English composition and the American
History and Institutions requirement. See Undergraduate
Admissions, Policies and Procedures.
- Fulfill the ERC general-education requirements as described.
- Complete an approved departmental or interdepartmental major,
meeting all requirements as specified by the major department
or program.
- Satisfy the senior residency requirement that thirty-five
of the final forty-five units must be completed as a registered
UCSD student. Students studying abroad in their senior year
may petition to have this requirement waived.
- Complete and pass a minimum of 180 units for the Bachelor
of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree. At least sixty of those
(fifteen courses) must be at the upper-division level. The B.S.
degree is awarded in biology, physics, cognitive science, chemistry,
earth sciences, management science, and designated engineering
and psychology programs; the B.A. is awarded in all other majors.
- Earn a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
Honors Recognition
Students who earn a quarter GPA of 3.5 or higher are notified
of having achieved Provosts Honors. Students who
maintain GPAs of 3.5 or higher for a full academic year are awarded
Provosts Honors certificates.
Every spring, ERC holds an academic honors recognition event
to which high achieving students are invited, and graduating seniors
are encouraged to invite individual faculty as their guests.
Also each spring, UCSDs chapter of the Phi Beta Kappa
Society invites to membership seniors who have demonstrated outstanding
academic achievement (3.65 GPA), breadth in their academic programs
(including humanities, language, and quantitative methods), and
good character, among other criteria. See Phi Beta Kappa
in the index.
At Commencement, ERC graduates with extraordinarily outstanding
overall academic records are named Provosts Scholars. Graduates
with final cumulative GPAs equivalent to approximately the top
14 percent of UCSD graduates become eligible for University Honors
and receive their degrees Cum Laude (with honors), Magna Cum Laude
(with high honors), or Summa Cum Laude (with highest honors).
ERC Honors Program
The Freshman and Sophomore Honors programs at ERC have been
established to provide exceptionally motivated and capable students
with enhanced educational experiences in association with faculty
and other honors students.
Selected new students are invited to enroll in the Freshman
Honors Seminar. During fall quarter, students meet with a variety
of faculty members to learn more about their research and about
academic enrichment opportunities at UCSD. Seminar members also
participate in other enriching academic and cultural events.
The Freshman Honors Seminar continues during winter quarter
(and some years through spring quarter) with faculty speakers
who focus on international themes. In winter (and spring) quarters,
these seminars carry one unit of credit each (ERC 20). See Eleanor
Roosevelt College in the department listings.
Sophomores who have earned cumulative grade-point averages (GPAs)
of 3.5 or higher have opportunities to pursue independent study
with individual faculty for credit (ERC 92). See Eleanor
Roosevelt College in the department listings.
Additional honors opportunities are offered in MMW. Students
with excellent grades in MMW 1, 2, and 3 and high cumulative GPAs
are eligible to take honors sections of MMW (4H, 5H, and 6H).
These students attend regular MMW lectures and meet in separate
honors discussion sections. They also attend special guest lectures
and enrichment activities related to course content.
At the upper-division level, students may qualify to enroll
in honors programs offered by their major departments. These programs
usually include research under the direction of a faculty mentor
and the writing and presentation of an honors thesis.
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