Years 3 & 4: The Individual Concentration Program

Principles underlying the concentration program

Over the course of the concentration program students work in depth on a single topic of their choice. The foundation program will already have exposed you to the methods and subject matters covered by the various disciplines, so that when it comes time to design your Individual Concentration Program, you will be able to make enlightened decisions about how to pursue your academic interests. The Individual Concentration Program investigates one topic or theme, either in a single discipline or across disciplinary boundaries.

Each student's Individual Concentration Program consists of four principal elements:

1. a statement of the Question;
2. a course plan;
3. a list of related readings; and
4. a Capstone project.

It may also include experiential learning components such as a semester abroad, leadership training, service learning, or an internship. In principle, nothing limits the number of Individual Concentration Programs that students develop at Quest - we expect our students to surprise and challenge us.

Out of the 16 blocks of the upper level terms, here's how it works:

1. Seven blocks of courses designed to help answer your Question. These include six upper division courses and a capstone course.
2. 1 - 4 blocks of experiential learning. These can be work internships, service learning courses, outdoor education, leadership training, study abroad courses, and more - it's part of the discussion you'll have with your academic advisor.
3. 2 blocks of non-native language.
4. 3 - 6 blocks of electives in upper division courses

The main focus of the concentration program is depth of understanding - sustained attention to a question of personal importance to the student. Attaining a measure of depth means knowing what a good question is, and knowing how to pursue the answer to it. It is a skill for life, and a preeminent achievement of a liberal arts and sciences education at Quest.