General Education & a Bates Education
Achieving breadth and depth of study
New General Education Requirements for students entering the College in September 2007 as members of the Class of 2011
A Bates education balances breadth of knowledge and depth of study. Through the sustained focus of the major, students develop expertise in one or more areas. Every student declares at least one major, but many students double major. Students may also declare a minor, which offers directed study, though in fewer courses.
General Education: Introduction
To achieve breadth and depth in his or her education, each student takes courses beyond the major. General Education requirements help students develop a range of skills across many disciplines and challenge them to think in complex, interdisciplinary ways. Courses and units that meet General Education requirements are taken throughout a student’s career at introductory, intermediate and advanced levels.
In March 2006 the Bates faculty approved new General Education requirements, which go into effect with students entering the College in September 2007 as members of the Class of 2011. This overview of the new General Education requirements provides guidance to first-year students in planning their courses over the next year. Additional information is provided for faculty advisors.