Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between Curriculum I and Curriculum II?

Curriculum I allows students to choose among a list of courses to fulfill the various area requirements. Curriculum II is an integrated sequence of interdisciplinary discussion-oriented courses that students take together. The program also includes retreats and trips to cultural events in the Twin Cities to enrich classroom learning and nurture the group as a learning community.

Is CII an honors program?

CII is not an honors program - anyone academically qualified to attend Gustavus is eligible. Current upperclassmen represent a wide range of entering test scores. Although CII attracts some of our best students, intellectual curiosity and a desire to explore connections are the most important qualifications. Still, although CII courses are not designed to be more difficult, some students say that they work harder in their CII classes. Furthermore, most students feel that CII course demands are not excessive and that the rewards are worth their efforts.

If the CII courses are interrelated and some courses build on previous ones, is it the same as a major, that is, a study in depth?

No. CII, like CI, is a general education program. The courses build on each other in that first year courses introduce you to the foundations of our society and culture and to fundamental questions about life. Second and third year courses introduce you to a variety of ways of knowing and the senior seminar draws on all you have learned to examine issues in contemporary life. CII gives you a core of common experiences inside the classroom and out that with your range or majors and other experiences we think make for richer and deeper class discussions.

Can I choose any major and still participate in CII?

Yes. If you choose a major that has a large number of required courses (16 or more courses), it is probably in your best interest to plan carefully, but CII fits with all majors. On average, approximately one-third of CII students major in the Humanities, one-third major in the Social Sciences, and one-third major in the Natural Science Division.
Approximately half of the CII juniors each year have also found time to spend either a semester or an entire year abroad. (And we encourage them to do so!

I plan to major in "-----." Will my CII classes count toward that?

As in CI, CII courses can be applied toward certain majors or minors, some cannot. The Curriculum II Director, the office of Academic Advising, and your first-year advisor can often give you specific information on how your sequence of CII courses can be "counted." You may need to check with faculty in your planned major.

Who should apply to CII?

If you love to read and discuss, are intrigued by ideas and questions of meaning and values, and are interested in relationships (past to present; culture to knowledge; general theories to your own life) then CII is for you. While a strong interest in liberal arts and interdisciplinary learning describes many CI students, it defines CII students as a group.

What if I decide after a year or two that CI is what I want?

You can switch from CII to CI whenever you wish. CII courses will apply toward CI requirements. We want you to make your initial decision carefully, however, since you cannot switch from CI to CII nor can anyone "transfer" in to take your place.

What if I am on an athletic team (in a musical organization, etc.) which has events scheduled when there are out-of-class events?

There may be times, for a variety of reasons, when you cannot participate in a particular CII event. The CII events enrich the classroom experience and are related to it but your grades do not depend on attendance at these events. While attendance is not required, these events are part of what makes the CII experience special. They receive very high ratings on student evaluation forms.

Will I get to know CII students only?

No! Approximately 2/3 of your classes are outside CII; housing is completely open; music, athletic and social organizations are for everyone. What is added for you in CII is that there is a group you will come to know who have varied backgrounds and professional interests but who have a common core of knowledge. In fact, it may increase the number of students you get to know well.