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Plan Components

The three main components of the ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú Plan are the Perspectives Areas, Signature Inquiries, and Knowledge in Action.

For course information, please use the links associated with the area you are interested in. 

1. Signature Inquiries (9 hours)

ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú’s Signature Inquiries are curricular innovations designed around 5 major areas for topic-based inquiry, pushing the boundaries of pedagogy. These courses encourage faculty and students working in different academic areas to connect in addressing vital and important needs in today's world that require understanding and solutions from a variety of disciplines. Signature Inquiries guide students to areas of study beyond their primary major(s). They feature authentic, active learning and application of knowledge, and are interdisciplinary at minimum in the course readings, activities, or methodologies. Best of all they are designed for the benefit of non-majors who can employ prior knowledge or skills from these courses into other fields.

Requires 9 hours minimum from 3 different departments/programs that can overlap (i.e. "double dip") with the Perspectives Areas requirement. Students may choose to concentrate on one topic, or they can take hours from different topic areas that include:

2. Perspectives Areas (39 hours*)

Notes regarding this requirement:

• Unlike program requirements, courses in the ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú Plan are not bound by Bulletin Year.
• Course scheduling patterns are subject to change and are determined by each program, department, or college, and they can change without notice.
• Although some PA courses will appear in two or more PA areas, the hours cannot overlap (i.e. "double dip"). 
• However, courses in the PA area can "double dip" with Signature Inquiry hours. 
• Advanced Writing may be completed without an additional 3 hour class.

Area 1 - Formal Reasoning and Communication (9 hours)

• PA1A - (3 hours)
• PA1B - (3 hours)
• PA1C - (3 hours)

Area 2 - Science and Society (12+ hours minimum)

• PA2A -  (6 hours)
• PA2B -  (6 hours minimum; must include one laboratory course).

Area 3 - Arts and Humanities (6 hours)

• PA3A - (3 hours)
• PA3B -  (3 hours)

Area 4 - Global Citizenship (12 hours)

• PA4A -  (3 hours)
• PA4B -  (3-6 hours)
• PA4C -  (3-6 hours)

3. Knowledge in Action (3+ hours minimum)

Throughout their education, but especially as they approach graduation, students are encouraged to look to the horizons at their future in the world. Students participate in experiential learning and, as culmination of their ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú education, a ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú Senior Capstone course. These experiences place a special emphasis on applying knowledge and skills they’ve gained during their time at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú to settings beyond ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú.

Experiential Learning (0+ hours)

• The EL requirement carries no specific credit hour minimum and can be fulfilled by coursework, service learning, independent study, internships, student teaching, performance or portfolio projects.

Senior Capstone (3 hours)

• The SC requirement is met by completing 3 hours in an approved Senior Capstone course during a student's senior year (minimum of 93 hours registered or earned).