Large universities
are often criticized as impersonal academic environments that
leave no opportunity to create meaningful student-teacher
bonds. The Integrated Studies (IS) program is one way that
UC Davis has attempted to address this growing concern. Incoming
freshmen invited to the program are housed together in a single
building holding about 70 residents. Here, they can develop
peer bonds similar to those in smaller, private colleges.
These bonds typically extend beyond the academic and, more
often than not, lead to lasting friendships and romances.
Academically, participants select one IS course every quarter
for their freshman year. These courses are taught by distinguished
faculty who tend to be both active and renowned in their fields.
The classes are made up of no more than 25 students and allow
for much more open and personal interaction between students
and the teacher.
Though they
are members of an academic honors program, the talents and
interests of IS students extend beyond textbooks. This site
is one example. It was put together by the combined efforts
of several students (with the input of the whole program)
not only as a pet project, but also as a way to showcase some
of what goes on in IS and what makes IS students tick. On
behalf of the Integrated Studies Class of 2002, WELCOME!
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