This program offers a minor in African Studies to students who complete the following requirements:
Students wishing to major in AMST must complete 11 courses:
These courses must be listed or cross-listed as AMST courses in the course catalog. Courses may not count toward both the elective and concentration requirements.
Students should normally take this seminar in the Fall of their Junior year. Where compelling circumstances make doing this impossible, arrangements to take the course as a senior may be made with the director of the American Studies program.
AMST majors may enroll in AMST 0701, where they will complete a substantial research project in consultation with an AMST faculty adviser. Research projects are subject to approval by the AMST faculty, who will pair each approved project with an appropriate faculty adviser. Students who envision an AMST 701 project requiring collaboration must be granted departmental approval. Normally, AMST senior projects will be completed in one semester. The senior project may take the form of a formal written document, a multi-media project such as a video, a web project, a creative activity such as a performance, or an installation project. An oral defense is part of senior work. Senior work is one of the requirements for departmental high honors (see Honors section of AMST major requirements).
Honors will be based on a student’s cumulative AMST record.
Concentrations must bring together coherent clusters of four courses that address particular themes, periods, movements, or modes of thought and expression. In consultation with an advisor and with approval of the program, students will develop an interdisciplinary concentration in one of these areas:
For students who matriculate in Fall of 2023 or later
How do people represent their experiences and ideas? How is culture transmitted, appropriated and consumed? How are everyday cultural practices connected to wider social formations and to global flows of people, goods and ideas? Students who choose this concentration will explore the role of artists and the expressive arts, as well as the products, practices, and institutions of commercial culture. Finally, they will develop an understanding of culture as a site of struggle over resources, identities, and the organization of daily life.
How do material objects illuminate the cultural practices of people? What can we learn about cultural formation within a given group by studying material objects created by members of that group? Students who choose this concentration will engage with a broad range of material objects, studying both how they are produced and vested with significance by their producers. Students may also study the places (museums, archives, monuments) where material objects are preserved, considering the complexities involved in preserving, creating, and presenting them to the public.
How do race, ethnicity, and Indigeneity play an important role in everyday lives, institutions, and societies? Deeply examining, comparing, and exploring racial, ethnic, and Indigenous histories, political struggles, and creative and cultural practices opens space to understand individual and collective modes of identity formation. Topics include settler colonialism, racism, and other structures of intra-racial dynamics.
How do individuals and communities interact with state policies and institutions? How are power, wealth, and authority distributed, and how do social groups struggle to effect political change? What role do the arts, music, stories, and traditions play in social and political movements? In this concentration, students can explore critical intersections of cultures and social movements; past and present political crises and events; issues of civic identity, cultural diversity, and social justice; tensions between capitalism, media, and democratic governance; and/or practices of community resistance and empowerment.
How is United States culture shaped through global processes of colonialism, imperialism, capitalism, and/or war? How does an understanding of global connections foster engagement with the complex diversity of the United States? In this concentration, students can also explore the impact and articulation of American culture beyond the United States. Topics include settler colonialism, militarism, migration, global flows of commodities, transnationalism, and cultural and intellectual exchanges across borders.
Self-designed concentrations must be built in close consultation with a faculty advisor and should focus on a cultural theme or interdisciplinary area of inquiry. Potential topics might include: Gender & American Culture; American Environmentalism; Visual Culture; Industrialization of America; and Immigration and Cultural Exchanges.
For students who matriculated prior to Fall 2023
Students who declared the AMST major/minor under these requirements may continue to abide by them.
Students will study popular cultural forms, their reception, and the history of their production in the United States. Courses will especially focus on the conflicts between popular culture as a site of creativity and democratic empowerment on the one hand, and as a product of dominant commercialized cultural industries on the other.
Students will examine specific groups in depth and in comparison, exploring racial and ethnic history, political struggles, creative and cultural practices, and individual and collective modes of identity formation. By studying how and why racial and ethnic identities have evolved in the United States, students will understand their central place in the formation of the American nation.
Students will focus on literary, religious, philosophical, and social thought and its expression in the United States. They will be encouraged to examine particular currents of thought (e. g. evangelicalism, liberalism, romanticism, modernism, progressivism) or modes of expression (e.g. literature, visual art, or film) that have been important to American culture.
Students will explore the importance of landscape and place in American culture. Course work may include the study of American regional geography, the historical and aesthetic dimensions of the built environment, the impacts of urban growth, suburbanization, or the imagining of utopian spaces.
Students will explore the relationship between culture, ideology, and the political system. People create meaning about their personal and public lives through cultural practices, but those practices take place within institutional and ideological structures. Relevant courses might explore ethics and religion; political parties and social movements; feminism and gender studies; and representation and visual culture.
Self-designed concentrations must be built in close consultation with a faculty advisor and should focus on a cultural theme or interdisciplinary area of inquiry. Potential topics might include: Gender & American Culture; American Environmentalism; Visual Culture; Industrialization of America; and Immigration and Cultural Exchanges.
Students may major in AMST jointly with another discipline or program. Students must discuss their rationale for doing so with their advisor in AMST and joint majors must be approved by the faculty in AMST. Required courses for a joint major in AMST are: 1 100-level course, AMST 400, and 4 AMST electives, at least 2 of which must be numbered 200 or higher.
Of the 6 courses for the joint major, students must take at least 1 with significant pre-1900 content.
Students may complete a minor in American Studies by taking the following courses: 1 100-level course, AMST 400, and 4 AMST electives, at least 2 of which must be numbered 200 or higher.
Of the 6 courses for the minor, students must take at least 1 with significant pre-1900 content.
The faculty members of the Program in American Studies recognize the benefits of cross-cultural learning and encourage majors to take advantage of study abroad opportunities. Often students returning from study abroad undertake senior work that responds to their cultural learning while abroad. We encourage students to take courses in their study abroad program that focus on the host culture and thereby allow the best opportunity for cultural comparison.
American Studies majors normally take AMST 0400, a required seminar, in the fall semester of their junior year. Under compelling circumstances that leave only the fall available as an option for study abroad, majors may be able to take AMST 0400 in the fall semester of their senior year. Such arrangements must be discussed in advance with, and approved by, the director of the American Studies program. The American Studies program enjoys being host to exchange students from the American studies programs at the Universities of East Anglia and Nottingham in Great Britain.
A minimum of ten courses will constitute the major; at least eight of these courses (and all the core courses listed in the tracks below) must be fall and spring courses taught at Middlebury (e.g., not winter term courses or transfer credits). For a degree in anthropology, the major must complete the following requirements:
To be eligible for departmental honors, students must complete an independent research project of at least one semester. This typically consists of either a one-semester senior project (ANTH 0700, one credit, usually 25-40 pages) or a two-semester senior project (ANTH 0710, two credits, usually 60-100 pages). Students who wish to work on a project for more than one semester must present their progress for review by two professors who will decide whether the project qualifies for extended study. A one-semester project can be either in the fall or spring semesters; a two- semester project is usually in the fall and winter semesters or in the winter and spring semesters. Variation from these patterns is possible by permission from the department. Senior project requirements for joint majors and other special circumstances will be approved in consultation with both departments.
An ANTH 0700 project requires a project advisor. If the advisor thinks that the project may deserve an A- or A, a second reader must evaluate the project. An ANTH 0710 project requires a committee including the project advisor and a second reader from within the Anthropology Department. It may also include an optional, third reader from another part of the College or the local community. Upon completion of the ANTH 0710 project, there will be an oral defense.
Students who earn an A- or higher on a 0700 or 0710 project and average an A- or higher in all Anthropology courses receive departmental honors.
Any 100-level Anthropology course and four elective courses, no more than one of which can be at the 0100-level and no more than one of which can be a SOCI course. All courses must be taken at Middlebury College. Any exceptions to these rules must be approved by the Anthropology chair.
Any 0100-level course; ANTH 302, ANTH 396, or ANTH 492; and three elective courses from the Anthropology department. All courses must be taken at Middlebury College. Any exceptions to these rules, including anthropology courses taken in other departments or institutions, must be approved by the Anthropology chair.
Joint majors consist of seven courses in Anthropology. Students must take one (1) course at the 100-level, two 200-level courses, 302 or 396 or 492, 306, one 400-level seminar, and one elective. No more than one course may be taken outside of the regular fall and spring semesters at Middlebury (e.g., as a winter term course or transfer credit).
The joint major in Anthropology and Sociology consists of twelve classes. The core courses are any 100-level ANTH course, SOCI 0101 (or SOCI 0105 for students who matriculated prior to the 2024-25 school year), SOCI 0301 or ANTH 0302 or ANTH 0396 or ANTH 0492, and SOC 0305 or ANTH 0306. Students must also take one 400-level SOCI course, one 400-level ANTH course, and six electives. A 700-level course in ANTH or SOCI can replace one of the 400-level courses. No more than two electives may be taken outside of the regular fall and spring semesters at Middlebury (e.g., as winter term or transfer credit courses).
Minimum number of courses: 14, including required senior work
Students majoring in Arabic must take:
Arabic majors are strongly encouraged to spend a minimum of one semester at a Middlebury school abroad site in the Arab world.
Students who study abroad for one semester may count one elective course towards requirement #3 and students who study abroad for a full academic year may count two elective courses taken abroad towards requirement #3.
Study abroad courses are considered ARBC courses for the purpose of requirement #3, even if they carry a different prefix at the study abroad program.
A major may count 0400-level courses towards the fulfillment of the content elective course requirement #3 once the 0400-level language course requirement #2 is complete.
Majors are required to prepare a one-term senior project (ARBC 0700), or a two-term thesis (ARBC 0700/0701, taken in Fall and Winter or Winter and Spring). Senior projects and theses may be written in English, but must demonstrate significant use of Arabic sources.
Departmental honors are determined by a combination of thesis grade and grade point average in ARBC-prefixed courses.
Joint majors with other departments must: 1) complete Arabic language coursework through ARBC 0302 or the equivalent prior to the commencement of senior work, 2) take, at Middlebury College’s Vermont campus, two courses with the ARBC prefix related to the Arab world (cinema, literature, linguistics, gender studies, etc.) in consultation with their Arabic advisor, and 3) complete a senior project that explicitly engages the scholarly methodologies of both departments.
The Arabic Department offers two minors.
The Arabic Minor requires
The Minor in Arabic Studies requires taking five courses with the ARBC prefix, excluding ARBC 0101, 0102, 0103, 0201, 0202, 0301, and 0302.
Requirements for the biology major encourage both breadth across the subdisciplines of biology as well as depth in areas of interest. The introductory sequence is two courses: BIOL 0140 Ecology and Evolution and BIOL 0145 Cell Biology and Genetics. The twelve courses required for the Biology major consist of:
(1-3) BIOL 0140 Ecology and Evolution, BIOL 0145 Cell Biology and Genetics, and BIOL 0211 Experimental Design and Statistical Analysis. We suggest students take these three courses as soon as they can.
(4-5) Two organismal courses from among BIOL 0202 Comparative Vertebrate Biology, BIOL 0203 Biology of Plants, BIOL 0204 Entomology, BIOL 0205 Ornithology, BIOL 0308 Mammalogy, and BIOL 0310 Microbiology.
(6) One full-credit college-level chemistry course with laboratory. AP scores in chemistry or a bypass examination cannot be used to satisfy this requirement. We strongly suggest students take this chemistry course in their first two years at Middlebury, as chemistry is fundamental to understanding topics addressed in many biology classes.
(7-12) Six biology electives from the 0200-0701 level, with the following restrictions:
Courses may be taken in any order, as long as the prerequisites for a course are met. Courses taken off campus can count towards the major, when approved by the department chair. See below for more information on off-campus study.
BIOL 0140 and BIOL 0145, and three elective courses from 0200-, 0300-, and 0400-level courses in the department. One of the electives must be an organismal course (BIOL 0202, 0203, 0204, 0205, 0308, 0310), AND one of which must be at the 0300 or 0400 level.
MAJORS IN AFFILIATED PROGRAMS
Biology department faculty contribute to the programs in Neuroscience and Molecular Biology & Biochemistry. Students may be interested in majors offered by these programs.
See the listing for the program in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry for a description of this major.
See the listing for the program in Neuroscience for a description of this major.
See the listing for the conservation biology focus under the program in Environmental Studies.
ENVS 0166; BIOL 0140; BIOL 0145; BIOL 0211; one organismal biology course, BIOL 0202, BIOL 0203, BIOL 0204, BIOL 0205, BIOL 0308, or BIOL 0310; two other BIOL courses at or above 0200-level, at least one of which must have a lab; one 0100-level ECSC course; ECSC 0201; ECSC 0202; three ECSC courses at or above 0300-level; two-semester senior work with a first semester of either ECSC 0400 or BIOL 0700, and a second semester of either ECSC 0700, ECSC 0705, BIOL 0700, or BIOL 0701. A maximum of three courses taken off campus may count toward completion of BIOL/ECSC electives, with no more than two applied to either BIOL or ECSC electives. A single semester of BIOL 0500 or ECSC 0500 may count as an elective. Per College policy, only two winter term courses can count for major credit.
Students considering graduate or professional school in the life sciences should note that many programs require a year of introductory chemistry, a year of organic chemistry, a year of physics, and a year of calculus for admission. Students are therefore strongly encouraged to meet with their faculty advisors early in their undergraduate career so the advantages of taking additional courses in the natural sciences can be discussed.
Students with an average of 3.5 or higher in departmental courses other than BIOL 0500, BIOL 0700, and BIOL 0701 are eligible for departmental honors, for which successful completion of BIOL 0701 is also required (see below). The Biology Department awards two levels of honors: honors and high honors. All thesis deadlines must also be met.
Students with an average of 3.5 or higher in departmental courses (other than BIOL 0500, BIOL 0700, and BIOL 0701) and a grade of A- or above on their thesis are eligible for honors.
High honors will be awarded to students who meet all of the criteria for honors and who, in addition, have completed theses of exceptionally high quality. Determination of honors or high honors is based on a formal recommendation from the thesis committee and requires the approval of the Biology Department faculty.
The thesis process is described in detail in the “Student & Faculty Research” portion of the departmental website, and all students interested in conducting thesis research should read that section of the website in detail. Normally, research for thesis projects begins during the first term of a student’s senior year (or during the preceding summer). Students interested in field research should talk with a faculty member by winter term of their junior year. All other prospective thesis students should consult with prospective advisors concerning possible thesis projects by spring term of their junior year. Thesis projects must be of at least two terms’ duration (one term of BIOL 0500 or BIOL 0700 and one of BIOL 0701) and result in the production of a written thesis, a public presentation of the thesis research, and an oral defense of the thesis before a committee of at least three faculty members, two of whom must be Biology faculty. With instructor approval, independent research conducted during the summer may be considered as a substitute for the first term of the project. In such cases, the off-campus work would satisfy the BIOL 0500 or BIOL 0700 prerequisite for enrollment in BIOL 0701, but would not itself be credit-bearing. The thesis grade reflects performance in all aspects of the thesis process. Note that although completion of a thesis is one prerequisite for receiving honors, students may undertake a thesis regardless of whether they meet the other criteria for honors.
Because the Biology Department does not offer any introductory course that is the equivalent of an AP or IB biology course, pre-college test scores do not exempt a student from any of the published requirements for the major, minor, or joint majors.
Students interested in taking biology courses off campus are strongly encouraged to discuss their plans with their advisor early in their college careers. Biology credit for an off-campus course will be given only after the department chair reviews the course material upon a student’s return to campus. The following restrictions apply to all biology courses transferred to Middlebury:
When a course is offered at Middlebury with a lab or prerequisites, an equivalent off-campus course must also include a lab or prerequisites.
See guidelines on off-campus study under Student Resources.
The program’s major and minor allows students to attain degrees of mastery by concentrating on an interrelated set of topics within a geographic area or by comparing aspects of the topic(s) inter-regionally or globally. Three required core courses will provide the framework on which students will organize their own majors in consultation with the program’s director.
To complete the major a student must take eleven (11) courses:
Five (5) that acquaint students with Black Studies as a recognized field of study.
Three (3) clustered courses that concentrate on a region or topic (either of which may be comparative).
Three (3) electives that concentrate on a region or topic (either of which may be comparative).
In consultation with their advisor and/or the Director of Black Studies, students must take a minimum of eight courses that satisfy the BLST major. Of these eight courses, five are required and include BLST 0101, BLST 0201, BLST 0301, BLST 0399, and BLST 0400+.
The remaining three elective courses must inform, complement, and complete the joint major. Students may take BLST 0700 or BLST 0710 (honors senior thesis) as one of their three elective courses, subject to approval of their academic advisor and the Director of Black Studies.
To complete the minor in Black Studies a student must take six (6) courses:
Two (2) that acquaint students with Black Studies as a recognized field of study.
Four (4) clustered courses that concentrate on a region or topic (either of which may be comparative).
One of these four courses must be at the 400-level in either Black Studies or cross-listed with Black Studies. Students will work with the director of the program in selecting the courses that will fulfill their proposed concentration.
The Department of Chemistry offers a chemistry major, an American Chemical Society certified major (required for students pursuing departmental honors), and a chemistry minor. Each program is highly flexible, allowing students to tailor their academic program to diverse interests and goals, including in the areas of biochemistry, chemical biology, environmental chemistry, materials science, medicine, and engineering, as highlighted below in VI. Planning your Path in Chemistry. The flexibility of the chemistry curriculum makes consultation with an academic advisor essential, particularly for students who may be interested in graduate school. The department also participates in a joint interdisciplinary major in environmental studies-chemistry and an interdisciplinary major in molecular biology and biochemistry, which prepare students for a wide range of pursuits in science and beyond.
The department offers three courses as starting points on your chemistry journey at Middlebury College: CHEM 0102 Foundations in Chemistry, a half-credit course focused on foundational chemical concepts and problem-solving skills; CHEM 0105 General Chemistry, a full-semester course with lab that provides the background needed to launch into an array of 0200-level intermediate courses; and CHEM 0107 Advanced General Chemistry, a full-semester course with lab that provides a more advanced dive into a broader set of topics than CHEM 0105. Students may not receive credit for both CHEM 0105 and 0107. The CHEM 0102 major/minor requirement is automatically waived for students who begin their study of chemistry in CHEM 0105 or 0107.
To determine the appropriate first chemistry class for you at Middlebury, most students must take the department’s placement test. Students who have earned AP Chemistry scores of 2 or higher or have completed IB Chemistry (SL or HL) do not need to take the placement test. Use the table below and your scores to determine the correct course for you to start chemistry.
| If you scored… | You should enroll in… |
| Middlebury Placement exam score <9 | CHEM 0102 Foundations in Chemistry |
| 2-3 on the AP Chemistry exam, Completed IB Chemistry, Middlebury Placement exam score >9 |
CHEM 0105 General Chemistry |
| 4 or 5 on the AP Chemistry exam, 6-7 on the IB Chemistry exam |
CHEM 0107 Advanced General Chemistry, when offered (most fall semesters), otherwise CHEM 0105 |
For Frequently Asked Questions about the Chemistry majors and minor, please visit our Chemistry FAQs page!
Chemistry Major (CHEM)
Consists of at least 9 courses in chemistry and up to 3 courses in math and physics cognates, depending on placement
American Chemical Society (ACS)-certified major (ACS-CHEM)
Consists of at least 12 courses in chemistry and up to 4 math and physics courses, depending on placement. Compared to the major, the ACS-CHEM major requires additional chemistry breadth and depth, a second semester of physics, and senior thesis research, ACS-CHEM is required for students pursuing departmental honors.
Chemistry minor
The Chemistry minor consists of 5.0-5.5 courses in chemistry, depending on placement :
Environmental Studies - Chemistry joint major
See the listing for the Environmental Chemistry focus under the Program in Environmental Studies.
Molecular Biology and Biochemistry interdisciplinary major
See Program in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry.
Many students participate in independent research (CHEM 0500 non-senior independent work) or CHEM 0700 senior independent work) or complete senior thesis projects (typically as CHEM 0400 and CHEM 0701). Students who are interested in research should apply for a research position during one of the two annual (Fall and Spring) research application windows, which will be announced via email to majors and minors and is posted on our website. Students who are interested in completing a senior thesis project should meet with their academic advisor for guidance in seeking a research advisor no later than winter term of their junior year. A two-term senior thesis is required for the ACS-CHEM major, but students may participate in independent research or in the senior thesis program without pursuing the ACS-CHEM major.
Students who successfully complete the ACS-CHEM major with a minimum grade point average of 3.00 in the non-thesis requirements and earn at least a B grade on their thesis (CHEM 701) are awarded departmental honors. The thesis grade is determined collectively by the members of the Department of Chemistry faculty. High Honors may be awarded at the discretion of the department faculty to students who earn honors and demonstrate exceptional achievement in both the thesis program and departmental course work.
The chemistry majors and minor are highly flexible, allowing students to tailor their academic program to diverse interests and goals. This flexibility makes consultation with an advisor essential, especially for students who may be interested in graduate school.
To allow maximum flexibility, including promoting the possibilities for studying abroad or completing the ACS-CHEM major, we recommend that all prospective majors seek to complete
We recognize that this timeline is not always possible. The timeline should not be considered as a strict requirement for majoring in chemistry; it simply increases flexibility.
Deciding between the Chemistry Major and the ACS-certified chemistry major
Students planning on careers in chemistry (e.g., graduate school, industry) are encouraged to consider the American Chemical Society (ACS)-certified chemistry major. In this major, students engage in all the coursework and hands-on experiences that our national chemistry professional society considers a comprehensive and rigorous undergraduate training in chemistry. Compared to the CHEM major, the ACS-CHEM major requires additional chemistry breadth and depth, a second semester of physics, and senior thesis research. It is a demanding nationally recognized major and is required for students pursuing departmental honors (see section V.), but it is not for everyone; the large number of required courses can impose scheduling constraints that make it more difficult to study abroad or to complete other courses of study (e.g., a minor). The ACS-CHEM major is not required for successful transition to graduate school or a career in chemistry, although many graduate programs do expect additional coursework beyond the minimum CHEM major requirements, as outlined below.
Aligning Flexibility in the Major with Interests and Career Goals
Depending on the chosen major (CHEM or ACS-CHEM), students may have flexibility in choosing one of the courses within the “Chemical Core” and will definitely have flexibility in choosing four electives. This section provides some guidance regarding choosing electives that best align with some interests and career goals. These suggestions do not replace individualized guidance from your academic advisor. In addition to particular chemistry courses, some graduate programs may expect additional courses in other disciplines, such as physics, math, or biology.
Careers within traditional areas of chemistry. Within the course choices available, we strongly recommend that students who are considering careers in traditional areas of chemistry, including physical, organic, inorganic, and analytical chemistry take:
Careers at the biological intersections with chemistry. Regardless of the chosen major (CHEM or ACS-CHEM), we strongly recommend that students who are considering careers at the biological intersections with chemistry, including biochemistry, chemical biology, toxicology, pharmacy, or biotechnology take:
Careers in the health professions. Both the CHEM and ACS-CHEM major are great options for students planning on careers in a broad range of health professions, including medical, veterinary, and dental careers. The courses expected for health professions fields vary widely. Students interested in health professions are strongly encouraged to consult with health professions and science advisors in the Center for Teaching, Learning, and Research to discuss the nuances of different health fields: (https://www.middlebury.edu/teaching-learning-research/student-resources/health-professions)
For those specifically planning on medical school, a typical pre-med curriculum within the Chemistry Department would include the same courses recommended above for the biological intersections with chemistry:
Aligning Flexibility in the Minor with Interests and Career Goals
All minors take introductory chemistry (CHEM 0102 Foundations in Chemistry and CHEM 0105 General Chemistry or CHEM 0107 Advanced General Chemistry) and CHEM 0205 Organic Chemistry I. Three electives (including at least two laboratory courses and one course at the 0300-level or higher) offer considerable flexibility to align the minor to student interests and goals. Example electives choices for students with specific interests include:
For students who matriculated prior to Fall 2025 and have chosen to adhere to the older requirements.
Students can elect to major in chemistry, biochemistry, environmental chemistry (joint major), or molecular biology and biochemistry.
(available to students who matriculated prior to Fall 2025)
Chemistry
MATH 0121*, MATH 0122*, PHYS 0108 or PHYS 0109*, PHYS 0110 or PHYS 0111, CHEM 0103* (offered through spring 2025), CHEM 0104 (offered through spring 2026) or CHEM 0105 or CHEM 0107, CHEM 0203 (or 0205), CHEM 0204 (or 0305), CHEM 0311 (or 0411), one of CHEM 0351 (or CHEM 0455), or 0355, and two electives chosen with an advisor’s approval from CHEM 0200-, 0300- or 0400- courses. Independent study courses (CHEM 0400, CHEM 0500, CHEM 0700, or CHEM 0701) cannot count as electives.
Honors in Chemistry
MATH 0121*, MATH 0122*, PHYS 0108 or PHYS 0109*, PHYS 0110 or PHYS 0111, CHEM 0103* (offered through spring 2025), CHEM 0104 (offered through spring 2026), CHEM 0105 or CHEM 0107, CHEM 0203 (or 0205), CHEM 204 (or 0305), CHEM 0311 (or 0411), CHEM 0355, CHEM 0351 (or 0455), CHEM 0431, CHEM 0400, CHEM 0701.
Biochemistry
MATH 0121*, MATH 0122*, PHYS 0108 or PHYS 0109*, PHYS 0110 or PHYS 0111, CHEM 0103*(offered through spring 2025),CHEM 0104 (offered through spring 2026), CHEM 0105 or CHEM 0107, CHEM 0203 (or 0205), CHEM 204 (or 0305), CHEM 0313 (or 0422), CHEM 0322, and two electives chosen, with an advisor’s approval, from CHEM 0200-,0300- or 0400-level courses or BIOL 0314. Independent study courses (CHEM 0400, CHEM 0500, CHEM 0700, or CHEM 0701) cannot count as electives.
Honors in Biochemistry
MATH 0121*, MATH 0122*, PHYS 0108 or PHYS 0109*, PHYS 0110 or PHYS 0111, CHEM 0103*(offered through spring 2025), CHEM 0104 (offered through spring 2026) or CHEM 0105 or CHEM 0107, CHEM 0203 (or 0205), CHEM 204 (or 0305), CHEM 0311 (or 0411), CHEM 0313 (or 0422), CHEM 0322, CHEM 0355, CHEM 0425, CHEM 0400, CHEM 0701.
Environmental Chemistry
See the listing for the Environmental Chemistry focus under the Program in Environmental Studies.
Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
See Program in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry.
*Students who have scored a 4 or 5 on the advanced placement examination in chemistry or an IB Chemistry (SL or HL) score of 6 or higher do not need to take the placement test, will be waived out of CHEM 0103, and should enroll in CHEM 0107, when offered, or CHEM 0104 (available through spring 2026) or CHEM 0105. All others must take the department’s online placement examination to determine which course they should start in (CHEM 0103, 0104/0105, or CHEM 0107).
see Section IV.
Students who successfully complete the honors coursework (Section VIII) with a minimum grade point average of 3.00 in the non-thesis requirements, and earn at least a B grade on their thesis (CHEM 701) are awarded departmental honors. The thesis grade is determined collectively by the members of the Department of Chemistry faculty. High Honors may be awarded at the discretion of the department faculty to students who earn honors and demonstrate exceptional achievement in both the thesis program and departmental course work.
Full majors in Chinese are required to complete either CHNS 0701 and CHNS 0702 (Senior Honors Thesis) or CHNS 0700 (Senior Essay or Translation Project). CHNS 0701 and CHNS 0702 is a one-semester plus J-term sequence that should normally be taken during the fall and J-term. CHNS 0700 is a one-semester course that may be taken during the fall or winter. The Chinese department discourages students from postponing completion of senior work until the final semester of full-time study.
Joint majors in Chinese are encouraged but not required to do a senior thesis (CHNS 0701 and CHNS 0702) or project (CHNS 0700). A joint thesis or project should, when feasible, combine the two fields of study of the joint major.
All senior work, whether CHNS 0700 or CHNS 0701 and CHNS 0702, must include a major focus on work with primary sources in Chinese. All senior work should focus on Chinese literature; qualified students may petition the Chair for permission to do senior work on other aspects of Chinese culture (e.g., film or linguistics).
To be eligible for the CHNS 0701 and CHNS 0702 Senior Honors Thesis, students majoring in Chinese (full, double or joint) must have completed language study through at least CHNS 0302 (or equivalent), taken at least two Chinese literature/culture courses, and maintained an average of B+ or better in Chinese department courses. Complete guidelines for the completion of the CHNS 0701 and CHNS 0702 thesis (and the CHNS 0700 project) are available from the Chinese Department.
Both full and joint majors may qualify for honors. Eligibility for departmental honors in Chinese requires completion of a senior honors thesis graded B+ or better and a grade point average of B+ (3.35) or higher in all courses taken that satisfy or could potentially satisfy the requirements for the major as listed above (full) and below (joint), including courses taken in the summer in the Chinese School and/or during study abroad. Only courses that satisfy or could potentially satisfy major requirements count toward honors (i.e., courses taken abroad that do not fall into this category do not count) and all such courses count (e.g., if more than four courses toward major requirement {b} are taken, all count). The department may award honors for completion of an exceptionally impressive senior essay or translation project that is graded A if the student has an average of B+ or higher in all qualifying courses (as defined above). High honors will be awarded for a grade point average of 3.5 or higher in all qualifying courses (as define above) and a senior thesis of A- or better. Highest honors are reserved for students who earn a grade of A on the senior thesis and who have an average of 3.75 or higher in all qualifying courses (as defined above).
Along with other required courses and senior work as described in the International and Global Studies major section, the Chinese language component of an IGS major requires completion of the following: 1) completion of CHNS 0202 or the equivalent (students are strongly encouraged to complete CHNS 0302 or the equivalent before study abroad, preferably in the summer Chinese School); 2) one semester at one of the three C.V. Starr-Middlebury College Schools in China; 3) upon return from China, any one, preferably two, of the following: CHNS 0411, 0412, 0425, 0426, or 0475.
Optional: CLAS 0700 Senior Essay (fall/winter or winter/spring), CLAS 0505 Independent Senior Project (fall or spring). (Note: Students who wish to do an optional senior essay or independent senior project must secure the sponsorship of a member of the classics department in the semester before the essay or project is to be undertaken.)
Honors: B+ average or better in courses taken for the major (excluding senior work). B+ or better in the General Examination (CLAS 0701) and in the Senior Seminar (CLAS 0420). (Note: A student who does an optional senior essay or independent senior project may arrange with the chair, in the semester prior to undertaking the project, to offer that grade in lieu of the grade for CLAS 0420 for the calculation of departmental honors.)
Joint Major: Students interested in a joint major in Classics and another discipline should consult the chair. The joint major in Classics typically requires ten courses in Greek and Latin (normally six in one language and four in the other); CLAS 0701, and senior work that combines Classics with the other major.
The minor in classics may be configured in one of the following four ways:
Study Abroad Guidelines: Study abroad in the Mediterranean can enrich our majors’ experience of the ancient world, because it affords them the opportunity to see the places that they have been learning about in the classroom. Students also find it stimulating to be surrounded by people with similar interests from other institutions. Thus, while our curriculum does not in any way necessitate study abroad, the faculty is happy to work with students who wish to pursue it as part of their Middlebury degree in classics or classical studies.
For those students who want to go abroad, we strongly recommend a semester rather than a year. The three programs we endorse are the ICCS (the Inter-Collegiate Consortium for Classical Studies in Rome), CYA (College Year in Athens), and Arcadia (also in Athens), all of which offer semester-long programs. Admission to the ICCS in particular, however, is highly competitive, and students may have a compelling academic rationale for studying elsewhere. Accordingly, we have also approved students who wished to study for a semester at foreign universities with strong classics departments. These have included Trinity College Dublin, the University of Edinburgh, Cambridge University, and the University of Vienna. For some students, a rewarding alternative to study abroad during the academic year has been participation in a summertime archaeological excavation.
We discourage students from going abroad before they have had at least three semesters of whichever ancient language(s) they are learning. As part of their program of study abroad, students normally take at least one course in each ancient language of study, and select additional courses that are appropriate substitutes for courses in the major. In order to be fully prepared for senior work, however, students will need to have completed a significant portion of the courses required for the major, in particular CLAS 0150, before going abroad.
Generally speaking, we are as flexible as we can be in helping majors to identify courses in programs abroad that allow them to stay in step with their cohort in Middlebury and to be prepared for senior work. Unless we are familiar with the institution, the instruction, and the content of the courses, we rarely grant credit to non-majors for classics courses taken away from Middlebury. In all cases (majors, non-majors, potential majors, and minors), students must consult with a member of the classics department before leaving Middlebury to plan and receive approval for work done at other institutions.
Optional: CLAS 0700 Senior Essay (fall/ winter/spring); CLAS 0500 Independent Senior Project (fall/winter/spring). (Note: Students who wish to do an optional senior essay or independent senior project must secure the sponsorship of a member of the classics department in the semester before the essay or project is to be undertaken.)
For complete descriptions of the courses listed above, see listings under the appropriate departments.
Honors: B+ average or better in courses taken for the major (excluding senior work). B+ or better in the General Examination (CLAS 0701) and in the Senior Seminar (CLAS 0420). (Note: A student who does an optional senior essay or independent senior project may arrange with the chair, in the semester prior to undertaking the project, to offer that grade in lieu of the grade for CLAS 0420 for the calculation of departmental honors.)
Joint Major: Students interested in a joint major in Classical Studies and another discipline should consult the chair. The joint major in Classical Studies typically requires four semesters of either Greek or Latin; CLAS 0150; one course from section A2 and one course from A3 under the requirements for the major; CLAS 0701, and senior work that combines Classical Studies with the other major.
During their course of study, students of Comparative Literature will also become familiar with current comparative methodologies as well as relevant cultural and critical theories. These methodological skills support students’ work as they pursue a flexible and individualized pathway through their program of study, which culminates in an article-length comparative essay. The program is designed to accommodate students at all levels of language proficiency.
Majors in Comparative Literature will develop a plan of study with the guidance of a faculty advisor with expertise in the students chosen primary language and literature, and the Director of the Comparative Literature Program.
The basic structure of the program is as follows:
1. One primary language of study AND
2. Four courses in a secondary language. Students’ first language cannot be their primary language, but it can be their secondary language. For example, English cannot be the primary language of a student whose first language is English, but it can be the secondary language.
To be eligible for honors students must have a GPA in the major of 3.7 and a B+ or above on their essay. Students with eligible honors theses will also have a defense before the last day of exams.
*An elective is a CSCI course numbered between 0303 and 0499, and 0701, and winter term CSCI courses numbered 1050 and above. One elective can be substituted with MATH 0228 or MATH 0328.
**A list of pre-approved Responsible Computing courses is maintained by the department.
For students who matriculated before Fall 2024, one elective can be substituted with MATH 0216, 0218, 0228, or 0328.
For students who matriculated before Fall 2022, a fifth elective but no Responsible Computing course is required; one elective can be substituted with MATH 0216, 0218, 0228, or 0328.
For students who matriculated before Fall 2020, a fifth elective but no Responsible Computing course is required; one elective can be substituted with MATH 0200, 0216, 0218, 0228, or 0328.
Departmental Honors
TBA
Required for the Minor
Advanced Placement and Waivers
Students whose preparation indicates they can bypass one or more courses numbered 0201 or lower should speak to a faculty member to determine the appropriate first course, and with approval of the department chair may waive the bypassed classes from the major requirements.
Beyond these shared foundational courses, students take additional courses specific to one of three tracks: Choreography and Performance, Production and Technology, and Theory and Aesthetics.
There are Five Foundational Courses in Dance. These courses are required for a Major, Joint Major, or Minor in Dance:
To graduate with a singular Major in Dance, students choose one of three tracks: Choreography and Performance, Production and Technology, and Dance Studies. See below for the additional course requirements for each of the Major Tracks:
This track represents the core curriculum of the Dance Department for students primarily focused on contemporary approaches to technique, composition, and performance. The culminating senior work in this track will consist of formal concert work and a written thesis.
Two additional elective courses from the following disciplines (by advisor approval): Studio Art, Architecture Studies, Theatre, Film and Media Culture
Two of the following: DANC 240 (Writing the Body), DANC 277 (Body and Earth), DANC 286 (Global Contemporary Dance), DANC 360 (Choreography and Performance), DANC 380 (Dance Company), DANC 461 (Advanced Dance Improvisation)
Two additional elective courses from the following disciplines (by advisor approval): English and American Literatures, History, Philosophy, Sociology, Anthropology
One of the following: DANC 361 (Movement and Media), DANC 370 (Production Workshop), DANC 380 (Dance Company), DANC 460 (Performance and Production), 461 (Advance Dance Improvisation)
One of the following: DANC 277 (Body and Earth), DANC 286 (Global Contemporary Dance), DANC 360 (Choreography and Performance), DANC 361 (Movement and Media), DANC 370 (Production Workshop), DANC 380 (Dance Company), 461 (Advance Dance Improvisation), or DANC 500 (Research Methods)
Honors or high honors are awarded to graduating seniors in the Dance Department based upon a grade point average of A– or better in department and cognate courses, a grade of A– or better on the DANC 0700 Senior Independent Project, and overall distinction in the program. Normally only full majors will be eligible for high honors.
Required for the Major
The Earth and Climate Sciences major consists of 11 courses within the department and two additional STEM cognate courses, as follows:
(1) One 0100-level course.
(2) Both core courses: Geological Evolution of Vermont (ECSC 0201), Climate Dynamics (ECSC 0202).
(3) Six elective (0300 level) courses. Up to three of these elective courses – with Chair’s approval — could come from a combination of ECSC 0500, non-Middlebury coursework, or upper-level STEM cognates, with no more than two electives coming from any one of these sources.
(4) Two cognate courses (any Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, or Physics laboratory course, or Math 0116 or higher), although we recommend more if planning to attend graduate school in the Earth sciences.
(5) Two Credits of Senior Work (ECSC 0400 and either 0700 or ECSC 0705)
The two-course senior sequence (ECSC 0400 and either 0700 or 0705) is the culmination of the Earth and Climate Sciences major and consists of original research by the student. ECSC 0700 is a semester of independent senior thesis work, whereas ECSC 0705 undertakes community-connected research as a class. ECSC 0701 is an optional second semester or Senior Work for students undertaking a full-year thesis project. The requirements for the major listed above are considered to be minimal. We suggest students planning a career in the Earth sciences take additional courses in other sciences and mathematics, as well as additional Earth science courses. The requirements for the major allow for considerable flexibility and thus students should consult regularly with their Earth and Climate Sciences department advisors for the selection of specific courses.
Earth and Climate Sciences Minor
A total of five courses is required, including one introductory course plus both core courses (ECSC 0201, 0202) and two electives Only one ECSC 0500 or off-campus course can count as an elective toward the minor.
Environmental Studies-Earth and Climate Sciences Joint Major
One introductory course (ECSC 0112 preferred), both core courses (ECSC 0201, 0202), three electives (0300 level) and two credits of Senior Work (ECSC 0400 and either ECSC 0700 or ECSC 0705) focused on an environmental topic. One of the 300-level electives – with Chair’s approval — could come from either ECSC 0500 or non-Middlebury coursework. Students wishing to pursue graduate study in Earth or environmental sciences are advised to take additional science and math courses and should consult with their advisor.
Biology-Earth and Climate Sciences Joint Major
Requirements for the Joint Major with Earth and Climate Sciences: ENVS 0166; BIOL 0140; BIOL 0145; BIOL 0211; one organismal biology course, BIOL 0202, BIOL 0203, BIOL 0204, BIOL 0205, BIOL 0308, or BIOL 0310; two other BIOL courses at or above 0200-level, at least one of which must have a lab; one 0100-level ECSC course; ECSC 0201; ECSC 0202; three ECSC courses at or above 0300-level; two-semester senior work with a first semester of either ECSC 0400 or BIOL 0700, and a second semester of either ECSC 0700, ECSC 0705, BIOL 0700, or BIOL 0701. A maximum of three courses taken off campus may count toward completion of BIOL/ECSC electives, with no more than two applied to either BIOL or ECSC electives. A single semester of BIOL 0500 or ECSC 0500 may count as an elective. Per College policy, only two winter term courses can count for major credit.
Departmental Honors
Departmental Honors in Earth and Climate Sciences are based primarily on outstanding work in original research (ECSC 0700 and/or 701) and are related to course grades only in the context of guidelines in the College Handbook.
Required for the Major
The program for an Earth and Climate Sciences major consists of 11 courses within the department and two additional cognate courses. These courses must include:
(1) One 0100-level course (we strongly recommend Environmental Earth and Climate Sciences (ECSC 0112), Elements of Oceanography (ECSC 0161) or Dynamic Earth (ECSC 0170).
(2) Four core courses: Bedrock Geology of Vermont (ECSC 0201), Mineralogy (ECSC 0211), and Structural Geology (ECSC 0281) are required, plus either Landscape Evolution (ECSC 0251) or Water Resources and Hydrogeology (ECSC 0255).
(3) Four elective courses (ECSC 0200-level or higher) chosen from the Middlebury Earth and Climate Sciences curriculum. A maximum of two electives (total) can be ECSC 0500, courses taken off campus (with approval of the Chair), or a combination of the two.
(4) Two cognate courses (any Biology, Chemistry, or Physics laboratory course, or Math 0116 or higher).
(5) Two Credits of Senior Work (ECSC 0400 and either ECSC 0700 or ECSC 0705)
The two-course senior sequence (ECSC 0400 and either ECSC 0700 or ECSC 0705) is the culmination of the Earth and Climate Sciences major and consists of original research based on field and/or laboratory investigations by the student. ECSC 0700 is a semester of independent senior thesis work, whereas ECSC 0705 undertakes community-connected research as a class. ECSC 0701 is an optional second semester of Senior Work for students undertaking a full-year thesis project. The requirements for the major listed above are considered to be minimal. We suggest students planning a career in geology or the earth sciences take additional courses in other sciences and mathematics, as well as additional Earth and Climate Sciences courses. The requirements for the major allow for considerable flexibility and thus students should consult regularly with their Earth and Climate Sciences department advisors for the selection of specific courses.
Earth and Climate Sciences Minor
A total of five courses is required. The minor shall consist of one introductory course (either ECSC 0112 or ECSC 0161 or ECSC 0170), plus four upper-level courses, which must include ECSC 0201 or ECSC 0211. After completing an introductory Earth and Climate Sciences course, students who intend to minor in Earth and Climate Sciences should arrange specific upper-level courses with the Earth and Climate Sciences chair or designate. Only one ECSC 0500 or off-campus course can count toward the minor.
Environmental Studies-Earth and Climate Sciences Joint Major
One introductory course (ECSC 0112 preferred), both core courses (ECSC 0201, 0202), three electives (0300 level) and two credits of Senior Work (ECSC 0400 and either ECSC 0700 or ECSC 0705) focused on an environmental topic. One of the 300-level electives – with Chair’s approval — could come from either ECSC 0500 or non-Middlebury coursework. Students wishing to pursue graduate study in Earth or environmental sciences are advised to take additional science and math courses and should consult with their advisor.
Departmental Honors
Departmental Honors in Earth and Climate Sciences are based primarily on outstanding work in original research (ECSC 0700) and are related to course grades only in the context of guidelines in the College Handbook.
The economics major consists of a minimum of 11 approved courses in four sequences. At least six of these eleven courses, including the electives taken at the 0300- and 0400-levels and the 0701/0702 sequence, must be taken at Middlebury College in Vermont. Note that although the 0701/0702 sequence is taken over two semesters (Fall/Winter or Winter/Spring) and counts as two credits towards the minimum 36 college requirements, it only counts as one course towards the economics major requirements. ECON 0240 and ECON 0500 do not count towards the major requirements. Economics electives taken during the winter term will count towards the major requirements only if so designated in the winter term catalog.
ECON 0150 and ECON 0155. Neither ECON 0150 nor ECON 0155 assumes any prior exposure to economics, but both courses presume a thorough working knowledge of algebra. Note: Students must pass ECON 0150 and ECON 0155 with at least a C- to be admitted into ECON 0250 and ECON 0255 respectively without a waiver.
The quantitative sequence in economics consists of two courses. The first course can be ECON 0111 (formerly ECON 0210), STAT 0116 (formerly MATH 0116), MATH 0310, PSYC 0201 or STAT 0201. (ECON 0111 may not be taken concurrently with STAT 0116 (formerly MATH 0116), MATH 0310, PSYC 0201 or STAT 0201. Credit is not given for ECON 0111 if the student has taken STAT 0116 (formerly MATH 0116), MATH 0310, PSYC 0201 or STAT 0201. Students with strong mathematical background wanting to take MATH 0410 (Stochastic Processes) should take MATH 0310 rather than STAT 0116 (formerly MATH 0116) or ECON 0111 (formerly ECON 0210), since MATH 0310 is a prerequisite for MATH 0410. The second course in the sequence is ECON 0211. Students must pass ECON 0111 (formerly ECON 0210) with at least a C- to be admitted into ECON 0211 without a waiver.
The intermediate theory sequence consists of ECON 0250 and ECON 0255. Note: We recommend that the theory and quantitative sequences be ideally completed by the end of the sophomore year for students studying abroad and, for all students, we strongly recommend that they are completed by the end of the junior year.
Majors are required to take at least five electives, one of which must be at the 0400-level and one of which must be any of the following: a 0300-level course, another 0400-level course, or the ECON 0701/0702 senior workshop sequence. The other three electives may be 0200-, 0300-, or 0400-level courses.
The 0300-level courses are advanced electives exposing students to frontier research in specific subfields of economics that have intermediate theory as a prerequisite. The 0400-level courses are seminars that typically enroll no more than 16 students, have intermediate theory as a prerequisite, and serve as a capstone experience for the major. Emphasis is placed on reading, writing, and discussion of economics at an advanced level. The 0701/0702 workshops are seminars that typically enroll eight students, have intermediate theory and a field course as a prerequisite, and involve writing an independent research paper. The difference between an ECON 0400-level seminar and an ECON 0701/0702 workshop is the degree of independence the student has and the level of sophistication expected in the paper.
For students beginning Fall 2024: To be eligible for honors in economics, students must take the Senior Research sequence (ECON 0701 and ECON 0702) during their senior year. The purpose of the two-term Senior Research sequence is to foster independent student research, culminating in a research paper in the style of an economics journal article. Prior to enrolling in ECON 0701, students must have taken a minimum of six economics courses at Middlebury approved to count towards the major requirements. Each course in the sequence will have no more than eight students who will work on their projects for two terms (typically either fall/winter or winter/spring) and will include both individual meetings and group meetings to develop new techniques and present and discuss research. Students who have prearranged a research topic with the professor will be given priority in admission to the seminar. Also, because of limited resources for guiding senior work, students with a single major in economics will be given priority over double majors who will do senior work in other departments. Students interested in pursuing departmental honors must take the Senior Research Workshop sequence (ECON 0701 and ECON 0702). To receive any level of departmental honors the student must complete all ECON courses that can count towards the major requirements (both core and elective courses) that are at the 200-level or higher for a letter grade (not credit/no credit).
Honors requires a minimum grade of A- in ECON 0701 and ECON 0702, and have a 3.5 or higher GPA in all economics courses taken at Middlebury approved to count towards the major requirements.
High Honors requires a minimum grade of A in ECON 0701 and ECON 0702, and a 3.75 or higher economics GPA.
Highest Honors requires a minimum grade of A in ECON 0701 and ECON 0702, and a 3.9 or higher economics GPA.
For more detailed information on how the economics GPA is calculated, please contact the department coordinator.
For students who began prior to Fall 2024: To be eligible for honors in economics, students must take the Senior Research sequence (ECON 0701 and ECON 0702) during their senior year. The purpose of this two-semester sequence is to foster independent student research, culminating in a research paper in the style of an economics journal article. Prior to enrolling in ECON 0701, students must have taken a minimum of six economics courses at Middlebury approved to count towards the major requirements. Each course in the sequence will have no more than eight students who will work on their projects for two semesters (either fall/winter or winter/spring) and will include both individual meetings and group meetings to develop new techniques and present and discuss research. Students who have prearranged a research topic with the professor will be given priority in admission to the seminar. Also, because of limited resources for guiding senior work, students with a single major in economics will be given priority over double majors who will do senior work in other departments. Students interested in pursuing departmental honors must take the Senior Research Workshop sequence (ECON 0701 and ECON 0702). To receive departmental honors the student must receive a minimum grade of A- in ECON 0701 and ECON 0702, and have a 3.5 or higher GPA in all economics courses taken at Middlebury approved to count towards the major requirements. High Honors requires a minimum grade of A in ECON 0701 and ECON 0702, and a 3.75 or higher economics GPA. Highest Honors requires a minimum grade of A in ECON 0701 and ECON 0702, and a 3.9 or higher economics GPA. For more detailed information on how the economics GPA is calculated, please contact the department coordinator.
Please refer to the International Politics and Economics section of the catalog for details about the major or visit the International Politics & Economics website for the most current information. Note: Students are not allowed to double major in Economics (ECON) and International Politics and Economics (IPEC).
Please refer to the Environmental Studies Program section of the catalog (under Social Science foci) for details about the major or visit the Environmental Studies website for the most current information. Note: Students are not allowed to double major in Economics (ECON) and Environmental Economics (ESEC).
Please refer to the Environmental Studies Program section (under Social Science foci) for details about the major or visit the Environmental Studies website for the most current information. It is possible to double major in Economics (ECON) and Environmental Policy (ESEP), however, double counting of Economics courses towards each major is not allowed, except in cases where a specific course is listed as required by both majors.
Although Middlebury College no longer awards credit for AP exam scores, qualifying scores may still be applied to the 11-course economics major requirements. Students must submit an official score report to the Office of the Registrar. The same rules apply where ECON courses are requirements for other majors.
Students who score a 5 on the Advanced Placement exam in Macroeconomics or Microeconomics can waive ECON 0150 and/or ECON 0155 respectively.
Students who score a 5 on the Advanced Placement exam in Statistics are strongly encouraged to enroll in Economic Statistics (ECON 0111); however, they may also elect to waive ECON 0111 with a score of 5 on the Advanced Placement Statistics exam.
Students who score a 4 on the Advanced Placement exam in Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, or Statistics must earn a B- or better in the corresponding intermediate-level course ECON 0250, ECON 0255, or ECON 0211, respectively, to waive the introductory-level Economics course (ECON 0150, ECON 0155 or ECON 0111). Note: Students are required to complete an additional elective for each of these courses when a grade of B- or higher is not earned in the corresponding intermediate-level course.
Although Middlebury College no longer awards credit for IB or A-Level exam scores, qualifying scores may still be applied to the 11-course economics major requirements. Students must submit an official score report to the Office of the Registrar. Students who wish to use qualifying IB higher level (HL) or A-Level scores in economics as prerequisites should also request a placement code by completing the Economics Placement Code Request Form found on the department’s Student Resources web page under ECON Placement Information. The same rules apply where ECON courses are requirements for other majors.
Students who have completed an International Baccalaureate and have earned a score of 7 on IB HL Economics or a grade of A on A-Level Economics should begin their studies of Macroeconomics and Microeconomics with ECON 0250 and ECON 0255. These students will waive ECON 0150 and ECON 0155.
Students who have earned a score of 6 on IB HL economics or a grade of B on A-Level economics are encouraged to begin their studies of Macroeconomics and Microeconomics with ECON 0250 and ECON 0255, but they may elect to enroll in ECON 0150 or ECON 0155. Students majoring in Economics will need to replace the other introductory course with an ECON elective.
Students may take economics courses in approved programs (abroad and domestic) and have those courses count towards the major and/or the general graduation requirement. Summer school courses will not generally be given credit for the major unless there is an overriding reason to take a summer school course. Any summer school course must meet a minimum of six weeks and have at least 36 hours of class time. Students planning to take courses off-campus should discuss the proposed course(s) with their advisor and get pre-approval from the department chair. Upon completion of the course(s), students should submit their course material and a copy of their transcript along with a Transfer Credit Application Form to the department chair for departmental approval. After receiving departmental approval, students must submit their forms to the Registrar’s Office for final approval by the director of off-campus study. Note: Transfer Credit Forms are not required for courses listed in the Course Information Data base (CID) as approved to count towards the major. However, students must notify the Registrar’s Office of any transferred courses approved in the CID that they wish to be counted towards their major requirements. Courses having a BU (Business) or MGMT (Management) prefix will not normally be considered the equivalent of an economics course. No credit will be given for business courses taken over the summer. A maximum of one general credit will be given for a business course taken through a junior year abroad business program. Business courses taken in a non-business program will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Those that match the department’s offerings, and have strong liberal arts content, have the best chance of receiving credit.
Graduate programs in economics or finance [other than a Masters of Business Administration (MBA)] generally require a high degree of mathematical sophistication. Students thinking of continuing in such a program are encouraged to: (i) take MATH 0310 in place of ECON 0111 (formerly ECON 0210); (ii) select economics electives with significant mathematically and statistically rigorous content [recommended courses fulfilling the elective requirements of the economics major include: ECON 0212, ECON 0229, ECON 0280, ECON 0390, and ECON 0411]; (iii) take a number of additional courses in mathematics and computer science [recommended courses include: CSCI 0101, MATH 0315, MATH 0318, MATH 0323, MATH 0410, and MATH 0423]. Good training for graduate school might include being a statistics tutor or having worked as a research assistant at Middlebury College or at a Federal Reserve Bank, or as an intern at a research institute or NGO. Students thinking about this option should discuss their plans with their advisor and other faculty members.. Masters of Business Administration (MBA) programs look for students who have taken a wide range of courses across the curriculum rather than for students who have narrowly focused on economics and math. Thus, it is not necessary for someone planning to go on in business or to an MBA program to have majored in economics. MBA programs normally expect that students have worked for a couple of years in business, government, or similar organization before they begin the MBA program. The appropriate coursework for these MBA programs is a wide range of liberal arts courses.
Through the investigation of educational theory, policy, research and practice from a variety of disciplinary perspectives students learn to think critically and creatively about the processes of teaching and learning and about the place of education in society. Education Studies offers a double major for those students who seek teacher licensure in either elementary (EDEL) or secondary (EDSL) education, and a minor in general education (EDGW) for those who are interested in the field of education, but who do not seek teacher licensure. Students may not choose to major in Education Studies as a stand-alone major. The double major option is available only to those students seeking teacher licensure.
Students interested in earning a Vermont teaching license should meet with the Director of the Education Studies Program as soon as possible in their course of study. The four, state-required elements that must be satisfactorily completed in order to be recommended for Vermont initial educator licensure are: (i) Relevant coursework that satisfies the content requirements of the endorsement, (ii) Professional Semester, (iii) Vermont Licensure Portfolio, and (iv) state- required examinations such as Praxis. The specific course requirements for elementary and secondary teacher licensure are as follows:
A major in another discipline. EDST 0115 (Education in the USA), EDST 0215 (Culturally Responsive Pedagogy), EDST 0300 (Models of Inclusive Education), EDST 0237 (Educational Psychology: Learning in Schools), EDST 0238 (Educational Psychology: Learning in the Community), EDST 0305 (Elementary Literacy and Social Studies Methods), EDST 0306 (Elementary Science Methods), EDST 0307 (Elementary Math Methods), EDST 0317 (Children and the Arts) or approved art internship, Professional Semester (see below).
Elementary licensure students must complete both the SCI and DED Distribution Requirements.
A major in the endorsement area. EDST 0115 (Education in the USA), EDST 0215 (Culturally Responsive Pedagogy), EDST 0300 (Models of Inclusive Education), EDST 0237 (Educational Psychology: Learning in Schools), EDST 0238 (Educational Psychology: Learning in the Community), EDST 0327 (Field Experience in Secondary and Special Education), EDST 0505 (Independent Study Secondary Methods taken twice with different placements), Professional Semester (see below).
Middlebury College is authorized to recommend licensure in the following subject areas for secondary education (grades 7-12): Modern and Classical Languages: French, German, Russian, Spanish; English; Mathematics; Science; Social Studies. Art (grades K-12).
(Fall semester only; by application and approval): Students who elect to pursue licensure either in Elementary (grades K-6) or Secondary (grades 7-12) education must apply to the Education Studies program for acceptance into the Professional Semester. The Professional Semester is a four credit, full-time, student teaching experience in a local school, with a master teacher, and under the supervision of a college-designated supervisor. If accepted to the Professional Semester, students complete EDST 0410 (the student teaching seminar) and either EDST 0405-7 (elementary) or EDST 0415-17(secondary). Education Studies faculty make the final decision regarding where and with whom a student is placed for the Professional Semester. Students may elect to complete the Professional Semester in either their senior year or in a ninth semester with the degree awarded following completion.
Students should understand that while Middlebury College grants their undergraduate degree, it is the Agency of Education of the state of Vermont that issues the Vermont teaching license. Therefore, in a rare and exceptional circumstance, a student may be accepted into the Professional Semester, complete the coursework requirements for that semester, but not meet all of the requirements to earn a Vermont educator license. In that exceptional instance, a student would graduate with a double major from Middlebury College, but without Vermont teacher certification. Admission to the Professional Semester does not guarantee state certification.
Students interested in completing a minor in Education Studies should meet with a professor in the Education Studies Program to organize a thoughtful course of study. The Education Studies minor consists of five courses, two of which are required and three of which are selected at the discretion of the student in consultation with an EDST faculty advisor. There is no option for a major in general Education Studies.
Students must complete three of the 5 required courses prior to enrolling in the Senior Seminar.
2. Electives (3 courses):
Students may request to include a non-EDST course, such as a Winter Term internship, or a course taken abroad as one of the five courses. In each instance, students must secure prior approval from Education Studies faculty for any non-EDST course to fulfill the requirements for the minor.
Students majoring in English may choose the Literature Track or the Creative Writing Track.
Students who choose the Literature Track will take a total of 11 classes in the ENGL department (transfer credits from other institutions must be approved), as follows:
These requirements are intended to offer students broad and historically grounded training in the discipline as well as a range of different pathways through the major. Students should confer closely with their advisers concerning their choices of electives.
A joint major in English with a Literature focus requires a minimum of eight ENGL courses, including three required courses: 1) ENGL 0103 or CMLT 0101; 2) ENGL 0205; 3) a joint thesis or other project that integrates both parts of the joint major. In addition, students will choose at least five electives from the available offerings, making sure that these courses satisfy the following requirements (one elective may be a CRWR course):
Students minoring in English with a Literature focus will take a minimum of six courses, including 1) ENGL 0103 or CMLT 010; 2) ENGL 205; 3) one ENGL elective bearing the REC tag; 4) one ENGL elective bearing the Pre-1800 tag; 5) one 400-level Advanced Seminar; and 6) one additional elective, which may be a CRWR course. A single course may fulfill more than one distribution requirement. See Major Requirements, above, for more description of these course requirements.
Students who choose the Creative Writing Track will take a total of 11 classes, as follows:
A joint major in English with a Creative Writing focus requires a minimum of nine courses, including 1) ENGL or CMLT101; 2) ENGL 205; 3) three creative writing workshops, at least ONE of which must be at the 300 level 4) an ENGL course bearing the REC tag; 5) an ENGL course bearing the Pre-1800 tag; 6) a 400-level ENGL Advanced Seminar; and 7) a Senior Thesis or Independent Project that integrates both parts of the joint major. See Major Requirements, above, for more description of these course requirements.
*Students wishing to undertake a joint major in ENGL (either track) and Theatre should be advised that senior work will normally consist of two full-credit classes, ENGL 0708 and THEA 0708. We strongly recommend that these classes be taken in the same semester, with the understanding that a central goal of the joint major is the thorough integration of both aspects of the joint major. A single-credit, single-semester joint project remains an option for those who wish to pursue a joint thesis that does not include a practical component such as acting or directing.
*Students wishing to undertake a joint major (either track) in ENGL and Film and Media Culture (FMMC) should follow the joint major requirements listed above. Such students may also wish to take FMMC electives such as FMMC 0257 – Storytelling in Film and Media and FMMC 0279 – Film and Literature. Students on the Creative Track wishing to write a screenplay for their joint thesis must take specifically FMMC/CRWR 0106 – Writing for the Screen and FMMC/CRWR 0341 – Writing for the Screen II—prior to beginning the thesis.
*Students writing a joint thesis (either track) with HIST or HARC should register for HIST 0700 and 0711 or HARC 0710 and 0711.
Students minoring in English with a Creative Writing focus will take a minimum of six courses, including 1) ENGL 103 or CMLT101; 2) ENGL 205; 3) one CRWR 100-level course; 4) one CRWR 300-level course; 5) one 400-level Advanced Seminar; and 6) one additional elective, which may be ENGL or CRWR. See Major Requirements, above, for more description of these course requirements.
The ENGL senior program consists of an optional creative or critical Honors Thesis of 30-35 pages in length (ENGL 0700, CRWR 0701). Students may write a thesis in either the fall or the spring semester of their senior year, and may, with the permission of their thesis advisor, attach an independent study semester (ENGL 500 or CRWR 560 in Fall, Winter, or Spring) to their thesis semester (Fall, Spring only) to provide more research time for broader topics or projects.
CRWR 0701 requires the prior completion of three CRWR workshops, at least one of which must be 300-level, and a grade of at least B+ in the 0300-level course before undertaking a thesis.
All students will participate in an oral defense of their work with the advisor and additional readers (ideally two) of the project. Students completing a joint thesis should include the advisers from both departments and one additional reader. Additional readers may be other ENGL/CRWR faculty, faculty outside the department, or interested scholars or writers from outside the college. Students are encouraged to complete their 400-level [junior seminar] requirement before embarking on their senior work. Students must have a minimum 3.5 GPA in ENGL courses to be eligible to write a Senior Thesis.
To be eligible for departmental honors, students must complete a senior thesis.
Individual faculty members also have the opportunity to hire a student research assistant to assist them in their scholarly work. Collaborative research and writing projects sometimes grow from these arrangements.
Departmental honors will be awarded to those students who achieve a departmental GPA of 3.85 and who complete an Senior Thesis (ENGL 0700 or CRWR 0701) in the fall or spring of the senior year. Completing a Thesis does not guarantee a student will receive honors. (See the ENGL website for more information on the Honors Thesis guidelines.) In determining the numerical average of course grades, all courses designated ENGL or CRWR will be counted, as will all other courses that fulfill requirements for the major (including those taken abroad or at other institutions). Joint majors are eligible to receive honors. In determining joint honors, all courses that fulfill requirements for both majors will be counted.
The environmental studies major is composed of course work in four areas: four environmental studies core courses; 7-8 courses in a focus area; two environmental cognate courses; and an integrative capstone experience. Except for transfer students, the core courses and capstone experience must be Middlebury College courses, which for the purposes of the Environmental Studies major are defined as those offered by the undergraduate college during fall, winter, spring, and summer terms. The student’s advisor must approve any non-Middlebury College courses within the focus area; the ES Director must approve any non-Middlebury College courses within the rest of the major. A maximum of three non-Middlebury College courses may be credited toward completion of the major.
I. Core Course Requirements
All majors are required to complete four core courses, ENVS 0112, ENVS 0211, ENVS 0215, and ENVS/GEOG 0261.
For students who matriculated before Fall 2025
All majors are required to complete four core courses, ENVS 0112, ENVS 0211, ENVS 0215, and one spatial analysis course, chosen in consultation with your advisor, from among the following: GEOG 0251, ENVS/GEOG 0261, GEOG 0271, or GEOG 0281.
If possible, ENVS 0112 should be completed by the end of the fourth semester, and all four core courses by the end of the sixth semester. However, students unable to meet that goal may enroll in later semesters.
II. Focus Course Requirements
Majors must complete the 7-8 course requirements for one of 17 established foci. Foci fall into one of four academic divisions: arts, humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences. These divisions govern which cognate courses a student may take. Courses taken within the focus that are not specified must be approved by the student’s advisor, who must come from the student’s focus. As indicated, some foci automatically qualify the student for joint major status. Environmental Studies foci are as follows (specific requirements for each can be found further below):
Arts Foci:
Humanities Foci:
Natural Science Foci:
Social Science Foci:
III. Cognate Course Requirements
Two cognate courses must be selected from the approved list of cognates, subject to the following:
For ES majors with a focus in the Natural Sciences (ESBI, ESSC, and ESCH):
1 cognate from the approved list in the Social Sciences or Integrated Courses
1 cognate from the approved list in the Humanities/ARTS or from the Integrated Course list
For ES majors with a focus in the Social Sciences (ESEC, ESGG, ESEP, ESEJ, ESAN, ESCP)
1 cognate from the approved list in the Natural Sciences with a lab (this course should be completed by the end of junior year)
1 cognate from the approved list in the Humanities/ARTS OR from the Integrated Course list
For ES Majors with a focus in the Humanities or Arts (ESAE, ESDA, ESHI, ESAT, ESTH, ESET, ESLI, ESWR):
1 cognate from the approved list in the Natural Sciences with a lab (this course should be completed by the end of junior year)
1 cognate from the approved list in the Social Sciences OR from the Integrated Course list
Because integrative courses represent more than one academic division, they inherently represent an academic division outside the division of the student’s focus; therefore, all integrative courses can be counted by all majors toward completion of the cognate requirement, subject to the rules above. Not all approved cognates are offered each semester. Please check with relevant departments regarding course offerings.
IV. Advanced Integrative Capstone Requirement
After completing the required core courses, majors must complete the community-engaged environmental studies practicum ENVS 0401, open to juniors and seniors.
All seniors are required to take ENVS 0401, the ENVS senior seminar devoted to community-connected learning and requiring significant interdisciplinary work. ENVS does not universally require senior independent work; however, some foci within ENVS do.
Majors who are not required to complete independent senior work in their focus may, in consultation and approval of an advisor, apply to complete (optional) senior independent work in ENVS. Senior work in ENVS may be carried out as a one-term senior project (ENVS 0700) or as a multi-term senior thesis (ENVS 0700/0701).
All senior independent work carried out in ENVS or toward honors eligibility (i.e., carried out in a focus department) in Environmental Studies must be on a topic pertinent to the relationship between humans and environment; be supervised by at least one faculty advisor who is appointed in or affiliated with the environmental studies program; and must be presented publicly. In consultation with the thesis committee, students may present as part of the Spring Research Symposium or as a separate event arranged with the committee and ES Program.
For additional important details regarding the integrative capstone requirement and/or senior work options, please visit the senior work page.
The minor in environmental studies consists of five courses: three environmental studies core courses to be completed by the end of the sixth semester: ENVS 0112; ENVS or ENVS/PSCI 0211; and ENVS or ENVS/ENAM 0215; one course selected from among: ART 0348, DANC 0277, ECON 0265, ENGL 0227, ENVS 0209, ENVS 0210, ENVS 0220, ENVS 0230, ENVS 0395, ENVS 0485, HARC 0231, HIST 0222, PHIL 0356, PSCI 0214, PSYC 0233/0333; and one course from among: BIOL 0140, CHEM 0370 (formerly CHEM 0270), ECSC 0112, ECSC 0161, or ECSC 0323 (This lab science course should be completed by the end of sophomore year). Except for transfer students, the environmental studies core courses must be taken at Middlebury College. With the approval of the Environmental Studies program director, a maximum of one course taken off campus may be credited toward completion of other (e.g., non-core course) minor requirements.
Environmental studies majors who focus in architecture, biology, chemistry, earth and climate sciences, geography, or anthropology automatically qualify as joint majors. Students may pursue a joint major between environmental studies and other majors. The other major usually overlaps the student’s focus and represents additional coursework in the focus. Students interested in completing such a “non-automatic” joint major should consult with the chair of their focus department about joint majors. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the environmental studies major, there is no reduction in course requirements for the environmental studies component of a joint major.
Environmental Dance: ARDV 0116; DANC 0160; DANC 260; DANC 0277 or
DANC 1025; DANC 0284; DANC 0376; DANC 0700.
Environmental Studies-Architecture joint major: HARC 0130; HARC 0230; HARC 0231 (joint major capstone); HARC 0259; HARC 0330 (or a pre-approved substitute); one additional course taken in the department that deals with architectural history, theory or practice, urbanism, or modern/contemporary visual culture; HARC 0731 and HARC 0732, to be taken sequentially. Note: This joint major does not result in a professional degree in architecture. Students wishing to pursue graduate study in architecture are advised to take additional science and math courses and should consult with their advisor.
Environmental Studio Art: One 100- or 200-level drawing course; HARC 0327 (strongly suggested) or other approved substitute in the history of art-practice; ART 0348; four electives in studio art, three of which must be at the 300-level; ART 0700.
Environmental Theatre: ARDV 0116 or THEA 0101; THEA 0102; THEA 0208; DANC 0277; THEA 0235 or a THEA literature course chosen in consultation with advisor; two THEA electives of which only one may be a Production Studio course; and completing a crew requirement. The crew requirement must be completed by the end of the 5th term and will normally be satisfied by undertaking a running crew assignment on a for-credit production; the requirement may also be fulfilled by stage managing a faculty show, or by completing THEA 0119 or THEA 0129.
Environmental History: HIST 0222; three 100-300-level HIST courses; one 400-level HIST course or equivalent approved by adviser; HIST 0600 or equivalent approved by adviser; one additional course from the ENVS humanities cognate list or an approved substitute.
Environmental Literature: ENAM 0103 or CMLT 0101; ENAM 0205; three approved environmental literature courses (see full list) of which one must be at the 100-200 level and one must be at the 300-400 level; one term of senior independent work, typically ENAM 0700, or, upon approval, a senior thesis, typically ENAM 0700/ENVS 0701.
Environmental Writing: ENAM 0103 or CMLT 0101; CRWR 0170 or CRWR 0175; two approved environmental literature courses (see full list) of which one must be at the 100-200 level and one must be at the 300-400 level; two 300-level writing workshops; one term of senior independent writing, typically ENAM 0701.
Religion, Philosophy, and the Environment: ENVS 0395; PHIL 0356; ENVS 0700; and four courses in accordance with either the Religion track or the Philosophy track.
Religion track:Four RELI 100-200 level courses of which, at least, two should focus either on a particular religious tradition (e.g. Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism) or on a particular geographic area (e.g. religions of South Asia) and, at least, one should focus on an alternate religious tradition/geographic area. ANTH 0211 or HIST/PHIL 0237 maybe substituted for a 200-level course with approval of the advisor.
Philosophy track:PHIL 0150 or PHIL 0151; at least one ethics course selected among: PHIL 0205, PHIL 0210, PHIL 0285, or an approved alternative; at least one philosophy of science course selected among: PHIL 0214 (strongly recommended), PHIL 0216, or an approved alternative; an additional PHIL course selected in consultation with the advisor.
Students with strong comparative interests in both religion and philosophy should consult with their advisor.
Conservation Biology (Environmental Studies-Biology joint major): BIOL 0140; BIOL 0145; BIOL 0392; two field methods courses chosen from BIOL 0203, BIOL 0205, BIOL 0304, BIOL 0308, BIOL 0323, BIOL 0371 and BIOL 0445; one organismal course chosen from among BIOL 0202, BIOL 0203, BIOL 0204, BIOL 0205 BIOL 0308 and BIOL 0310; and two BIOL electives chosen from the 0200-0700 level (only one of which can be BIOL 0500 or higher). Notes: BIOL 0203, BIOL 0205, and 0308 may count toward the field methods or the organismal requirement but not towards both. Winter Term courses offered through the Biology Department can be used to satisfy one of the elective courses; BIOL 0211 is a prerequisite for independent study in Biology (BIOL 0500 and higher). ENVS 0401 satisfies the required joint work for ENVS-BIOL joint majors. Students wishing to pursue graduate study in biology are advised to take additional science and math courses and should consult with their advisor.
Environmental Studies-Chemistry joint major:
For students who matriculated in Fall 2025 or later AND those who matriculated prior to Fall 2025 but choose to follow the newer requirements.
CHEM 0102 Foundations in Chemistry (half-credit) (CHEM 0102 is automatically waived for students who begin their study of chemistry in CHEM 0105 or 0107.); CHEM 0105 General Chemistry or CHEM 0107 Advanced General Chemistry; CHEM 0203 Organic Chemistry I; CHEM 0211 Foundations of Analytical Chemistry; CHEM 0411 Instrumental Analysis Laboratory; CHEM 370 Environmental Chemistry; and one CHEM course at the 0200-0400 level or an independent study course (CHEM 0400, 0500, 0700). Students wishing to pursue graduate study in chemistry are advised to take additional science and math courses and should consult with their academic advisor.
For students who matriculated prior to Fall 2025 and have chosen to adhere to the older
requirements.
Environmental Studies-Chemistry joint major: CHEM 0103 (offered through spring 2025) and CHEM 0104 (offered through spring 2026) or CHEM 0105 or CHEM 0107; CHEM 0203 (or CHEM 0205), CHEM 0204 (or CHEM 0305); CHEM 0270 (or CHEM 0370); and CHEM 0311 (or CHEM 0411). Students wishing to pursue graduate study in chemistry are advised to take additional science and math courses and should consult with their academic advisor.
Environmental Studies-Earth and Climate Sciences Joint Major
One introductory course (ECSC 0112 preferred), both core courses (ECSC 0201, 0202), three electives (0300 level) and two credits of Senior Work (ECSC 0400 and either ECSC 0700 or ECSC 0705) focused on an environmental topic. One of the 300-level electives – with Chair’s approval — could come from either ECSC 0500 or non-Middlebury coursework. Students wishing to pursue graduate study in Earth or environmental sciences are advised to take additional science and math courses and should consult with their advisor.
Conservation Psychology: PSYC 0105; PSYC 0201; PSYC 0202; PSYC 0233/0333; PSYC 0416 or PSYC 0423, and two additional courses to be determined in consultation with the student’s advisor.
Environmental Economics: ECON 0155; ECON 0111; ECON 0211; ECON 0255; ECON 0265; ECON 0465, ECON 0466 or ECON 0467; one course from among INTD 0222, ECON 0228, ECON 0365, ECON 0425, ECON 0427, ECON 465, ECON 0466, and ECON 0467.
Environmental Justice: ENVS 208 (EJ in the Anthropocene); one course from the foundations list; three courses from the electives list; and two courses from the advanced list. Substitute or additional courses not listed here, including Winter Term courses and off-campus courses, may count toward the focus with the approval of an ESEJ faculty adviser. This is a social science-based focus, so majors in ESEJ follow the cognate course requirements for the social science division. Majors may count any humanities course listed for the focus (HIST, RELI, ENAM, PHIL, HARC, CLAS) as a cognate if they do NOT count it toward the focus. In choosing their natural science cognate, ESEJ majors are encouraged to consider CHEM 270, Environmental Chemistry and Health for their natural science lab cognate.
Environmental Policy: ECON 0155; ECON 0265; ECON 0111 (formerly ECON 0210) or MATH 0116 or PSYC 0201 or STAT 0201 or STAT 0118; PSCI 0214 or ENVS 0485; PSCI 0421 or PSCI 0452; two courses from among ENVS 0208, ENVS 0209, ENVS 0310, and any PSCI courses at the 0200-0300 level.
Environmental Studies-Geography joint major: GEOG 0100 or GEOG 0151; one GEOG course numbered between 0250 and 0300; four additional geography elective courses numbered below GEOG 0400, at least one of which must be numbered below 0250; and one 0400-level seminar or one 0700-level senior independent project. At least two of the electives must be semester-long courses completed on the Middlebury campus. The electives and seminar must be selected in consultation with, and approved by, the student’s Geography advisor. ENVS 0401 satisfies the required joint work for ENVS-GEOG joint majors.
Environmental Studies - Anthropology joint major.
Choose one course from the following: ANTH 0103, ANTH 0107, ANTH 0109 or ANTH 0159
Students must take: ANTH 0211 and ANTH 0302
Choose one course from the following: ANTH 0306, ANTH 0396 or ANTH 0492
In addition, students must take three electives related to environmental topics from the Anthropology curriculum or ENVS 0210 or ENVS 0485 in consultation with the student’s advisor.
Students pursuing senior work may only count one semester towards their elective requirement. No more than one elective may be taken outside of the regular fall and spring semesters at Middlebury (e.g., as a winter term course or transfer credit). Any departures from this program must be approved by the Anthropology department chair.
For students interested in studying the environment from perspectives for which there is not an established focus (e.g., international environmental studies, food studies), we recommend that students select the established focus that most closely meets their goals, select cognates that complement these goals, and, when possible, select topics on course assignments and projects that complement their goals and interests. Students are also encouraged to consider the possibility for intersecting study abroad opportunities with their goals and interests. Finally, students might consider completing a minor in environmental studies alongside a major of their choice. Students are encouraged to meet with the ES Director or with faculty advisors who advise for foci related to their interests to discuss their options.
Program honors will be awarded to majors who complete a multi-term senior thesis on a topic pertinent to the relationship between humans and the environment and meet the following requirements: the thesis must be supervised by a faculty advisor who is appointed in or affiliated with the environmental studies program; the work must be presented publicly, orally defended before their committee, and be of superior quality (B+ or higher); the student must achieve an average GPA of B+ or higher in courses taken toward completion of the major. Courses counting toward the GPA in the major include core courses, courses taken in fulfillment of focus with the exception of senior thesis courses (i.e., 700-level courses are excluded), cognates, and ENVS 0401 (if taken). If extra cognates or courses within the focus were taken, those with the highest grades will be applied toward completion of the major and toward the GPA calculation for honors eligibility.
Students must complete ten courses to satisfy the requirements for a major in Film and Media Culture. Before declaring a Film and Media Culture major, the student must have completed or be currently enrolled in one of the basic core courses. Those courses are as follows:
FMMC 0101 Aesthetics of the Moving Image; FMMC 0102 Global Film Histories I or FMMC 0103 Global Film Histories II; FMMC 0104 TV and American Culture; and one production course - either FMMC 0200 Filmmaking or FMMC 0106 Screenwriting. The basic core courses should be completed by the end of the junior year.
One 0300 level course in theory — FMMC 0354, FMMC 0355, FMMC/GSFS 0358, FMMC 0360, or another approved 0300 level course — typically to be completed during junior year; and FMMC 0700 Film and Media Senior Tutorial.
Four additional FMMC courses, with at least two of these being critical studies or history courses. With the prior permission of a student’s academic advisor, one winter term FMMC course may be counted as an elective. Independent study courses will typically not count as an elective unless approved by the department chair for exceptional circumstances. Students taking courses focused on film and media taught in a foreign language, either at Middlebury or abroad, may request major elective credit from their advisor. Note that courses may not count toward both FMMC and another department’s major or minor. Courses transferred from other institutions will normally count only as an elective toward the FMMC major, not to fulfill core requirements.
Minors must take at least 2 introductory courses from the list of FMMC 0101 Aesthetics of the Moving Image, FMMC 0102 Global Film Histories I, FMMC 0103 Global Film Histories II, or FMMC 0104 TV and American Culture. In addition, minors must take four additional courses that are listed or cross-listed as FMMC, with at least one course at the 0300 or 0400-level. At least one of the four electives must be a critical studies or history course.
The joint major with FMMC is a combination of two disciplines, culminating in a joint senior project; the plan for joint majors is negotiated between the student and the two departments in which the joint program of study is pursued at the time of declaring the joint major. The senior project must combine aspects of both majors and in most cases will require approval, supervision, and evaluation from either departments or programs. The Film and Media Culture part of the joint major requires a minimum of seven courses, including three introductory-level courses (FMMC 0101, FMMC 0102, FMMC 0103, or FMMC 0104), one 0300-level theory course, FMMC 0700 Film and Media Senior Tutorial (or the equivalent senior project course in the other department), and two electives, at least one at the 0200-level or above. FMMC supports a concentration in American Studies, as detailed on its page.
A common joint major is ENAM/FMMC, combining an interest in storytelling in both literary and visual forms. Joint ENAM/FMMC majors are required to fulfill the basic Joint requirements for FMMC as listed above, and are encouraged to take the relevant electives FMMC 0257 Storytelling in Film and Media and FMMC 0279 Film and Literature if possible. Students who wish to write a screenplay for their joint senior project are required to take FMMC 0106 Screenwriting and FMMC 0341 Advanced Screenwriting; additionally, their screenwriting project must be tied to literary topics or issues (including adaptation).
The faculty of Film and Media Culture will award honors to select students based on their overall excellence in film and media coursework with a minimum GPA of 3.8, and on the merit of their senior project.
Middlebury students can minor in Food Studies, or submit an Independent Scholar proposal if they want to go more deeply into Food Studies than the minor or another department’s major will allow. For the Independent Scholar process, please check the Degree Program and Projects section of the Middlebury Handbook and talk with the Food Studies Program Director.
The minor requires completion of 5 courses, distributed as indicated below, and an immersive learning experience.
1) Two introductory courses, selected from the following (noting that some courses have prerequisites):
2) Two elective courses related to food, from any department:
Examples:
3) One upper-level seminar or course (i.e., 300 or 400 level) focused on Food Studies, selected from the following (noting that some courses have prerequisites):
OR an Independent Study (500- or 700-level) on a topic selected by the student and supervised by a Food Studies affiliated faculty member, integrating issues relevant to Food Studies
NB: Depending on the courses available in the student’s final year, other upper-level seminars or courses may be substituted for the ones listed above with approval of the Food Studies Director.
4) Immersive learning experience. This may be an internship (through the FoodWorks or Shepherd Fellowship Program, one of the Food Tracks offered through Study Abroad, or independent); service-learning associated with a course; or an independent study connected with a community-based organization. When declaring the minor, the student should explain the immersive learning experience s/he intends to do.
If courses allow students to do independent research, students are expected to use the opportunity to explore food or agricultural issues. Students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of international study, and to take courses relevant to the Food Studies minor while abroad. Note that Middlebury has Food Studies tracks in Italy, Spain and Chile.
Courses may be substituted for the introductory or elective courses with the approval of the program director. Approval requires submission of a petition form. Approval of a course for minor credit requires the student to show that they made connections between the course material and their study of Food Studies, for example by writing a final paper on a food systems or agricultural topic. Students must turn in this paper or other approved course material for review for credit.
To declare the minor, submit the following to the Program Director: (1) a minor declaration form and (2) a 500-750 word statement explaining how the classes you chose fit together and further your educational goals within Food Studies, and how your immersive learning experience contributes. The deadline for declaring a minor is the end of the Add period of your 7th semester at Middlebury.
Total of no fewer than 10 courses. All courses for the major must be taught in French.
I. Two introductory-level courses in reading and culture: FREN 0209, FREN 0220-0229, or specified courses in France (Paris, Poitiers, Bordeaux), or Cameroon; or equivalent in the Middlebury Summer Language School of French when offered.
II. One course in contemporary French or Francophone studies: FREN 0230-0239, courses on contemporary France, or specified French or Francophone studies in France (Paris, Poitiers, Bordeaux), or Cameroon; or equivalent in the Middlebury Summer Language School of French when offered.
III. One course on the history of France or a Francophone region or country.
IV. Three advanced courses in French or Francophone studies (FREN 0300-level).
V. One of the FREN 0300-level courses in category IV must be taken in the final two semesters in the Department of French and Francophone Studies.
VI. One unit of senior work, (FREN 0605) or Senior Honors Thesis (FREN 0700) for Honors Candidates.
During their senior year, majors must take at least one advanced course (FREN 0300-level) in French at Middlebury in addition to the senior work or Senior Honors Thesis.
Other courses counting for the major include:
(1) At the Vermont campus: FREN 0205, among others; certain advanced courses offered during the winter term (with permission of the department chair); certain language school summer courses at the 0300 (intermediate) or 0400 (advanced) level; and,
(2) In France and Cameroon: language and linguistics courses; comparative literature (with a major French or Francophone component); French or Francophone arts, theatre, cinema, television, or politics.
All majors study abroad for a semester or a year in a French-speaking country. The year program carries nine units of credit; the semester program carries four or five units of credit. In order to ensure that students are exposed to a variety of disciplines, no more than five units (full-year program) or three units (semester program) may be counted toward the French and Francophone Studies major. Most courses in France will be at the advanced level.
The French and Francophone Studies Department does not offer a joint major.
Minimum of five courses, FREN 0205 and above, including at least two introductory courses (FREN 0209, FREN 0220-0239) and at least one course at the advanced level (FREN 0300-level) to be taken during the student’s final two semesters. The minor may include courses taken at the Middlebury School in France or the School in Cameroon (maximum of two from the semester program, three from the full-year program). Students electing the French minor are encouraged to consult with faculty members in the French & Francophone Studies Department about course planning.
During their final year at Middlebury and upon completing at least two of the three required 0300-level courses in French or Francophone studies, majors are required to complete a Senior Work (FREN 0605) consisting of a significant research paper of at least 30-40 pages. Majors should consult about their project with a faculty member before registering for FREN 0605.
During their final year at Middlebury exceptional students with a grade point average in French and Francophone Studies of 3.8 or higher may petition the department to pursue an independent project for Honors in French and Francophone Studies. Candidates for Honors may propose a Senior Honors Thesis (FREN 0700) consisting of a significant research paper of at least 50-60 pages. Eligible students should consult the departmental guidelines and present their proposals well in advance of registration for the term in which the work is to be started. The thesis will take two semesters to complete. Winter-Spring for regularly admitted students and Fall-Winter for Febs. The department will determine whether to award honors, high honors, or highest honors on the basis of a student’s work in the department and performance on the senior honors project.
Along with other required courses and senior work as described in the International and Global Studies Major section, completion of the French language component requires: (1) proficiency in French (a minimum of two of (FREN 0209, FREN 0220-0239) or work in the French summer school at the 0300 level or above); (2) at least one semester, and preferably a year, at the Middlebury College School in France, or in Cameroon, or in another French-speaking country; and (3) one or more courses at the 0300-level upon return from abroad.
(1) Language proficiency: see above; (2) regional specialization: choose from FREN 0230 and courses at the 0300-level, or others (Vermont campus), in consultation with the track director; courses in French or Francophone studies at Middlebury in France or in another French-speaking country; (3) disciplinary specialization: two courses from (FREN 0209, FREN 0220-0239); three advanced French or Francophone studies courses at Middlebury or one of the Middlebury Schools in France; (4) at least one semester, and preferably a year, at the Middlebury College School in France or in another French-speaking country; and (5) one or more courses at the 0300-level, or 0400-level language school summer courses, or senior independent work in French, upon return from abroad.
Middlebury offers both year and semester abroad programs in France (Paris, Poitiers and Bordeaux) and in Cameroon. Students planning to study in France or Cameroon must have completed two full years of college credit by the time they undertake their study abroad; they must have successfully completed at least one course beyond FREN 0209 by the time they arrive abroad; and they must have an average in French of at least B. We expect all applicants to demonstrate their commitment to French and maintain their fluency by continuous study of French from the time of their enrollment at Middlebury and to maintain their academic level if they are accepted to study abroad. They are required to take a French course in the semester before studying abroad. Students may count three courses from the semester program, five from the full year program toward a major in French; two courses from the semester program and three from the full year program toward a minor in French.
It should be noted that while students wishing to attend one of our programs in France or in Cameroon must demonstrate a level of proficiency in the language that will allow them to function successfully in the French or Cameroonian university setting, they need not be French majors: the C.V. Starr-Middlebury School in France (Paris, Poitiers, and Bordeaux) offers students the opportunity to take courses in history, history of art, economics, cinema, political science, psychology, sociology, studio art, the natural sciences, and the environment, among other disciplines, in addition to courses in languages and literature. Students interested in studying abroad should speak to someone in the Office of International Programs & Off-Campus Study well in advance of applying. If students intend to count courses from their study abroad institution toward their major or minor, they will need to seek prior approval from the department chairs. The Office of Off-Campus Study will provide information about the program and application forms.
For students who matriculate in Fall of 2022 or later
The major requires a minimum of ten courses as outlined below.
Major requirements (10 courses total)
1. Core (5 courses):
GSFS/SOCI 0191
GSFS 0200
GSFS 0289
GSFS 0320
GSFS 0435
2. Distribution Requirements (2 courses, one in each):
A. Feminist Approaches to Science Technology, Health, and Medicine (FemSthm)
GSFS/BLST 0414 Black Listed
ENVS/GSFS 0209 Gender, Health & Environment
GSFS 0329 Politics of Reproduction
HIST/GSFS 0311 Gender, Sexuality & Psychiatry
GSFS/ENGL 0242 Critical Conditions
B. Global and Decolonial Feminisms (GloDeFem)
GSFS 0262 Mobile Women
GSFS 0310 Beyond#MeToo
GSFS/FMMC 0264 Indian Cinema
GSFS/SOCI 0313 White People
GSFS/SPAN 0389 Decolonizing Porn
GSFS/ANTH 0337 Love, Sex & Marriage
GSFS 0318 Third World Feminism
GSFS/SPAN 0487 Witches in Global Visual Culture
SPAN/GSFS 0492 Patriarchy’s Toxic Imagination
3. Electives (3 courses bearing the GSFS prefix)
Senior work + two electives (2 courses with GSFS prefix)
or
Three electives (3 courses with GSFS prefix)
Senior Work: Senior work is optional and by application only. To be eligible to conduct senior work, students must first complete Feminist Engaged Research. During Feminist Engaged Research, students will receive information regarding how to apply to continue their research or projects. If students are granted approval, they will then enroll in GSFS 0700 for a one semester essay or project. If students want to complete a two-semester thesis or project following the completion of Feminist Engaged Research, they will register for GSFS 0700 as well as GSFS 0710.
Joint Major: The joint major requires a minimum of seven (7) courses each in the two departments/programs. For GSFS, the requirement includes:
GSFS 0191
GSFS 0200
GSFS 0289
GSFS 0320
GSFS 0435
Distribution (2 courses, one in each)
a. Feminist Approaches to Science, Technology, Health, and Medicine (FemSTHM)
b. Global and Decolonial Feminisms (GloDeFem)
Minor Requirements: The minor requires a minimum of five courses including:
Two of the following courses: GSFS 0191, GSFS 0200, GSFS0289, GSFS 0320 or GSFS 0435
Any three electives with the GSFS prefix.
Ten (10) Courses:
GEOG 0251 (Mapping Global Environmental Change)
GEOG 0261 (Human Geography with GIS)
GEOG 0271 (Cartography)
GEOG 0281 (Place Based Data and Analysis)
At least three of the electives must be semester-long courses, completed on the Middlebury Campus.
*Pre-req for 0400 is at least one elective numbered over 0250.
*Pre-req for 0700 is at least one elective at the 0300 level
Students wishing to pursue independent 0700-level senior work must have a proposal approved by a primary advisor and second reader prior to registering for the 0700-level credit.
Seven (7) Courses:
At least two of the electives must be semester-long courses completed on the Middlebury Campus.
*Pre-req for 0400 is at least one elective numbered over 0250
*Pre-req for 0700 is at least one elective at the 0300 level.
Students wishing to pursue independent 0700-level senior work must have a proposal approved by a primary advisor and second reader prior to registering for the 0700-level credit.
The Geography minor consists of 5 courses: one course at the 100-level; one course numbered between 0250 and 0300; three additional geography courses numbered below 0400.
In order to complete a senior thesis, students must have a proposal approved by a primary thesis advisor and a secondary reader prior to registering for the first GEOG0701 credit. It is strongly encouraged that students considering a thesis discuss their ideas with an advisor during the semester prior to registering for formal thesis credits.
Students who seek to earn honors must have at least a 3.5 GPA in the major and are required to complete substantive independent work (GEOG0700, GEOG0701, or other work deemed appropriate by the faculty). Honors candidates must also present their work in a public forum. These presentations will typically take place in the final two weeks of the semester or as part of campus-wide events like the Spring Research Symposium. Honors will be conferred by the Department based on the quality of three factors: the final product, major GPA, and public presentation.
Students are normally required to complete eight courses in German, above GRMN 0299, including at least one advanced level seminar (above GRMN 0399) or a 0700 level honors thesis during the senior year. Where appropriate, one course may be taken in English. At the beginning of each term a placement test is administered for incoming students to determine which course would be most suitable for their level of competence. The department expects that majors will spend at least one semester of study in a German-speaking country before graduating. Normally, they will spend one or two semesters at the Freie Universität in Berlin, the Universität Potsdam and/or the Johannes Gutenberg-Universität in Mainz.
Students majoring in German will need to enroll in at least one course above 0299 before going abroad. This course can be taken in the Middlebury German Department or during the German School in the summer. They will also need to enroll in two courses on campus after their return from Study Abroad. As a fulfillment of their degree requirements, German majors may count not more than 5 courses taken outside of the German Department at Middlebury College.
To be a candidate for honors, students must have an average of at least B+ in German. Honors work (a senior thesis or project) is normally done during a student’s last year at Middlebury.
The German minor consists of a sequence of five courses, taught in German, starting at or above the 0200-level. At least three of those courses must be at the 0300-level or higher and at least three of the five required courses have to be taken during the regular academic year at Middlebury College. First-year students who place above the 0200-level in the placement test must take at least one 0400-level course as part of their minor.
The Middlebury School in Germany has sites located in Berlin, Potsdam and Mainz.
The minor in Global Health is more flexible than many other majors and minors on campus. Students design a course of study within the minor that fits their own educational goals. Choosing courses therefore requires substantial thought and planning on the part of the student.
The minor in Global Health is available to students who complete the courses listed below. No course for the minor may also count towards a student’s major. No more than two courses taken from the same department may count towards the minor.
All students must take a total of five courses for the minor:
(1) the core course:
GHLT 0257 Global Health
(2) One of the following methods courses (if the methods requirement is met through coursework for a major, students may substitute an additional elective in place of a methods class):
(3) Three elective courses; no more than one course may be a 0100-level course. Classes that count as electives are listed on the “Courses” tab. Please note, different requirements apply to students matriculating in the fall of 2024 or later.
Many other appropriate courses exist on campus, depending on the educational goals of a particular student. Courses may be substituted for the methods or elective courses with the approval of the program director. Approval requires submission of a petition for course credit form. Approval of a course for minor credit requires the student to show that they made connections between the course material and their study of Global Health, for example by writing a final paper on a public health topic. Students must turn in this paper or other approved course material for review for credit.
To declare the minor, submit a minor declaration form ideally before the end of your sophomore year but no later than one week before the end of the add period of your seventh semester at Middlebury.
In addition, students minoring in Global Health are strongly encouraged to take advantage of Middlebury’s resources by studying abroad, preferably in a program with health-related courses, and by becoming proficient in a foreign language.
The minor consists of five courses, some of which can be taken in the summer at the Middlebury School of Hebrew or abroad. Courses taken elsewhere may be granted credit with the permission of the director of the Studies in Modern Hebrew and Israeli Society. Students should plan the minor knowing that beginning Modern Hebrew is only offered in the fall term.
Students have two options: Either take two semesters of Modern Hebrew starting at the level of HEBM 0102 or higher and three content courses about Israeli society or take three semesters of Modern Hebrew, starting at the level of HEBM102, and two content courses about Israeli society. The content courses must be at HEBM 200 level or higher and may be in English. When appropriate, students may substitute independent study (HEBM 0500) for one of the courses required for the minor.
Students interested in studying Classical Hebrew should contact Professor Ted Sasson at sasson@middlebury.edu.
The History Major with a specific geographical focus within the history department provides a broad understanding of the development of human societies and cultures throughout history and around the world. Students will have an opportunity to examine how governments, societies, and individuals have shaped and have been shaped in specific geographical regions of interest to them.
Students must take 11 history credits before graduation including: (1) at least one but no more than three 0100-level credits; (2) three credits, 0200-level or above, in three of the following seven areas: North America; Europe; Latin America and the Caribbean; the Middle East and North Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; South and Southeast Asia, including the Pacific; North Asia including China, Korea, Japan, and the Asian Steppes; (3) two 0400-level reading seminars in two different geographical regions, one of which may be trans-regional for those not writing a thesis OR one 0400-level reading seminar for those writing a thesis; (4) HIST 0600.
Of the eleven credits required for this track, one must be comparativeand two must deal primarily with the period before 1800. Courses which qualify as comparative or for the pre-1800 requirement are identified in the course descriptions. Students planning to spend all or part of the junior year abroad should consult with the department before the second semester of their sophomore year. Students planning to go abroad or away for a full year may request to have a maximum of three courses count towards the major. Students planning to go abroad for one semester may request to have a maximum of two courses count towards the major. Upon their return to Middlebury, students must fill out the transfer of credit form from the Registrar’s office and have it signed by the chair as soon as possible. Students may take a maximum of two cross-listed HIST/CLAS courses to fulfill History requirements. HIST 0400 and 0600 seminars must be taken in the history department at Middlebury. Cognates or other departmental seminars will not be accepted.
Students who have earned a minimum 3.5 GPA in at least 5 history department courses (including up to two courses taken abroad) and at least a B+ in HIST 0600, are eligible to write a two-term honors thesis (HIST 0700). See information below.
Up to two IB courses or AP history courses, with a grade of 4 or 5, can count toward the major requirements by obtaining a waiver from the department chair. Thus, with approval, up to two of the 11 required history major credits may be waived, but no degree credit for graduation will be issued.
Students must take at least eight credits in history, chosen in consultation with a faculty advisor. Cognates are not allowed. A student must take: (1) at least one course in two of the following seven areas: North America; Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe; Middle East and North Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; South, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific; North Asia including China, Korea, Japan, and the Asian Steppes and one course that is trans-regional or comparative. The choice of courses should depend upon the need to achieve an intellectual coherence and integrity in the student’s program; (2) two 0400-level reading seminars, one of which must be taken in the senior year and enable students to combine work from both disciplines, or one 0400-level reading seminar for those writing a thesis. (3) HIST 0600. HIST 0400 and 0600 seminars must be taken in the history department at Middlebury. Cognates or other departmental seminars will not be accepted. No more than two courses may be taken abroad or at another undergraduate institution.
Students who have earned a minimum 3.5 GPA in at least 5 History department courses (including up to two courses taken abroad) and at least a B+ in HIST 0600 may choose to write a two-term honors thesis (HIST 0700). Joint majors choosing to write a thesis must combine the skills of both major disciplines in their thesis.
AP and IB credit cannot be counted towards a joint major in history.
Students must take at least five credits, including one 0100-level course, one 0200-level course and one 0400-level course. Students are strongly encouraged to take HIST 0600 as one of the elective courses. HIST 0400 and 0600 seminars must be taken in the history department at Middlebury. No more than two courses may be taken abroad or at another undergraduate institution. Cognate courses cannot be counted towards the minor. AP and IB credit cannot be counted towards a minor in history.
The History of Science, Medicine, and Technology Track (HSMT) within the history department provides a broad understanding of the development of science and its contested role in society throughout history and around the world. Through this track, students will have an opportunity to examine how governments, societies, and individuals have shaped and been shaped by science, medicine, and technology.
Students must take 11 history credits before graduation including: (1) at least one but no more than three 0100-level courses; (2) five courses that focus on HSMT. At least 4 of these courses must be HSMT-designated courses within the history department. In consultation with and at the discretion of the history department Chair, 1 course may be a cognate from another department, from another college or university, or from study abroad; (3) two 0400-level reading seminars for those not writing a thesis OR one 0400-level reading seminar for those writing a thesis. When possible 400-level seminars should be in HSMT; (4) HIST 0600. A senior thesis will count as 1 HSMT course if on a relevant HSMT topic.
Of the eleven credits required for this track, one must be comparative and two must deal primarily with the period before 1800. Courses which qualify as comparative or for the pre-1800 requirement are identified in the course descriptions. Students planning to spend all or part of the junior year abroad should consult with the department before the second semester of their sophomore year. Students planning to go abroad or away for a full year may request to have a maximum of three courses count towards the major. Students planning to go abroad for one semester may request to have a maximum of two courses count towards the major. Upon their return to Middlebury, students must fill out the transfer of credit form from the Registrar’s office and have it signed by the chair as soon as possible. Students may take a maximum of two cross-listed HIST/CLAS courses to fulfill History requirements. HIST 0400 and 0600 seminars must be taken in the history department at Middlebury. Cognates or other departmental seminars will not be accepted.
Students who have earned a minimum 3.5 GPA in at least 5 history department courses (including up to two courses taken abroad) and at least a B+ in HIST 0600, are eligible to write a two-term honors thesis (HIST 0700).
Up to two IB courses or AP history courses, with a grade of 4 or 5, can count toward the major requirements by obtaining a waiver from the department chair. Thus, with approval, up to two of the 11 required history major credits may be waived, but no degree credit for graduation will be issued.
Students must fulfill the following requirements: (1) 8 credits in history, as specified under “Joint Major Requirements”; (2) of the 8 credits, 5 must focus on HSMT, and one must be a 400-level seminar taken in the history department or a senior thesis, which may count as 1 HSMT course; (3) in consultation with and at the discretion of the history department Chair, 1 course may be taken abroad. Cognates or other departmental seminars will not be accepted. AP and IB credit cannot be counted towards a joint major in HSMT track.
Students who have earned a minimum 3.5 GPA in at least 5 History department courses (including up to two courses taken abroad) and at least a B+ in HIST 0600 may choose to write a two-term honors thesis (HIST 0700). Joint majors choosing to write a thesis must combine the skills of both major disciplines in their thesis.
The department does not offer a minor in HSMT.
As a rule, the History Department has no pre-requisites except for in designated 400-level courses. Courses are not arranged hierarchically; they are arranged thematically and chronologically, with the 100-level courses being the broadest and the 300 and 400-level courses being the most specific in subject matter.
These courses deal with events and processes that affect human societies over long periods of time and across broad geographical areas not confined to national boundaries. Courses include components that act as introductions to the field of history.
These are lecture courses that deal with a single cultural or national entity, or a clearly related group of such entities, over a substantial period of time (usually a century or more).
These courses, for the most part, are topically focused courses. Many of them are lecture courses and some are taught in a seminar format. These are not, however, seminars that fulfill the reading seminar requirement.
These topically based seminars, which usually meet once a week involve reading and analyzing texts, discussions, student presentations, historiography and writing or producing a final project. The history department offers many types of seminars: seminars on a topic within a given country or region; transnational or global seminars, digital humanities seminars and public history seminars. Seminars are open to all students except those designated for seniors and juniors. See course description for requirements. A list of seminars is available from the department.
In this course students discuss historical methods and writing strategies to create convincing historical narratives. With the approval and guidance of the professor, students complete a 20-25-page research paper based on primary and secondary sources. Students take this course in the fall of their junior year or with permission in the spring. If students are away for the entire junior year, they can take the course in the fall of their senior year.
If students have earned a minimum 3.5 GPA in at least 5 History department courses (including up to two courses taken abroad) and at least a B+ in HIST 0600, they may choose to write a two-term honors thesis (HIST 0700). Writing a thesis is a prerequisite for departmental honors. Students must submit a thesis proposal to the department chair and coordinator one week prior to course registration for the term in which the thesis is to be started. Students opting to write a thesis must also take at least one 0400-level reading seminar prior to graduation, but preferably before their last semester at Middlebury. Students may not write a thesis in the same semester that they are taking HIST 0600. If students submit a request to write a senior thesis in the semester in which they are taking HIST 0600, they may receive conditional approval pending the completion and grade in HIST 0600.
Approved students will write a two-term thesis under an advisor in the area of their choosing. The department strongly encourages students to write their theses during the fall and winter terms. Winter/Spring theses are also acceptable with the permission of the chair and the theses advisor. On rare occasions and for compelling reasons, a student may initiate a thesis in the spring of an academic year and finish in the fall of the following year with the approval of the department. All students beginning their thesis in a given academic year must attend the Thesis Writers’ Workshops held in the fall and winter of that year. Further information about the thesis is available from the department.
To receive departmental honors, high honors*, or highest honors** students must have completed an honors thesis(HIST0700) with a grade of B+, A-*, or A** and must have achieved an overall average of at least 3.5, 3.67*, or 3.75** in all departmental courses.
The 0100-level courses (0100-0199) deal with events and processes that affect human societies over long periods of time and across broad geographical areas not confined to national boundaries. These courses include components that act as introductions to the field of history.
These are lecture courses that deal with a single cultural or national entity, or a clearly related group of such entities, over a substantial period of time (usually a century or more).
These courses, for the most part, are topically focused courses. Many of them are lecture courses and some are taught in a seminar format. These are not, however, seminars that fulfill the reading seminar requirement.
Unlike the courses below the 0400 level, which are primarily lecture courses, these courses are reading seminars on particular periods or topics. They are open to all students, although in cases of overcrowding, history majors will be given priority. First-year students are admitted only by waiver.
All history majors are required to take HIST 0600 their junior fall or, if abroad at that time, their junior spring or senior fall semester. In this course students will conceive, research, and write a work of history based on primary source material. After reading and discussion on historical methods and research strategies, students will pursue a paper topic as approved by the course professors.
All senior history majors who wish to receive honors will write a two-term thesis under an advisor in the area of their choosing. The department encourages students to do their theses during the fall (700) and winter terms (701). Fall/spring theses are also acceptable and, with permission of the chair, winter/spring. On rare occasions, with departmental approval given for compelling reasons, a thesis may be initiated in the spring of an academic year and finished in the fall of the following year. All students beginning their thesis in a given academic year must attend the Thesis Writers’ Workshops held in the fall and winter of that year. Further information about the thesis is available from the department.
Ten (10) Courses:
A joint major consists of seven (7) courses:
A proposed program of study, including educational rationale and specific courses to be taken, must be submitted to the Architectural Studies director for approval before registering as a joint major.
The Architecture and the Environment joint major consists of fourteen courses:
For Architectural Studies (seven courses):
For Environmental Studies (seven courses):
The minor consists of five courses:
The Architectural Studies GPA is calculated based on those courses that satisfy the requirements for the major and joint majors. Only courses taken at the Middlebury College campus and applied towards Architectural Studies will be used in the calculation of GPA for purposes of determining honors. Honors are awarded to students with a GPA of 3.5 and a thesis grade of B+ or higher; high honors to students with a GPA of 3.7 and a thesis grade of A- or A; and highest honors to students with a GPA of 3.8 and a thesis grade of A.
The major, joint majors and minor in Architectural Studies do not result in a professional degree in architecture. Many graduate architecture schools expect applicants to have taken college-level courses in calculus and physics. Please consult with your advisor if you are considering a career in design. Students may acquire hands-on experience by participating in the Architectural Studies/Habitat for Humanity of Addison County projects, the summer design+build program, several other co-curricular initiatives, as well as architectural internships.
Please Note: Courses taken outside of the department may, by prior approval, be used to satisfy major, joint major, and minor requirements.
The major consists of ten courses encompassing multiple geographical regions and cultural traditions:
The joint major consists of seven courses encompassing multiple geographical regions and cultural traditions:
A proposed program of study, including educational rationale and specific courses to be taken, must be submitted to the History of Art/Museum Studies chair for approval before registering as a joint major.
The minor consists of five courses encompassing multiple geographical regions and cultural traditions:
Most graduate programs in art history and classical archaeology require students to pass reading examinations in at least two foreign languages. For this reason, students interested in graduate study should pursue at least one foreign language during their time at Middlebury.
Students interested in working in the art world (museums, auction houses, galleries, etc.) may acquire practical experience via internships at the Middlebury College Museum of Art and other museums, as well as by participating in the Museum Assistants Program (MAP) and, during the summer, MuseumWorks at the Middlebury College Museum of Art and the Middlebury Museum Studies program in Oxford, UK.
Please note: Courses taken outside of the department may, by prior approval, be used to satisfy major, joint major, and minor requirements.
The History of Art and Museum Studies GPA is calculated based on those courses that satisfy the requirements for the major and joint major. Only courses taken at the Middlebury College campus and applied towards History of Art/Museum Studies will be used in the calculation of GPA for purposes of determining honors. Honors are awarded to students with a GPA of 3.5 and a thesis grade of B+ or higher; high honors to students with a GPA of 3.7 and a thesis grade of A- or A; and highest honors to students with a GPA of 3.8 and a thesis grade of A.
A major must specialize in one of the following tracks: African Studies, East Asian Studies, European Studies, Latin American and Caribbean Studies (formerly Latin American Studies), Middle East and North African Studies, Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies (formerly Russian and East European Studies), South Asian Studies, Global Environmental Change, Global Gender and Sexuality Studies, Global Migration and Diaspora Studies or Global Security Studies. IGS majors may not double count any courses, including required language courses, towards their regional or thematic specialization.
Regardless of their track, all majors must complete the following: IGST 0101, five regional or thematic courses, three global courses for the regional tracks or three regional courses for the thematic tracks. Students must also study one of the non-English languages taught at Middlebury; study abroad for at least one semester (on a Middlebury Program); complete at least one advanced level language course upon return from abroad; and take a 0400 level IGST senior seminar. With the preapproval of the IGS director, a student may take a thematic global seminar in a department.
There is no IGS minor. However, IGS majors are strongly encouraged to minor in any department or program that offers a minor and can accommodate them, so long as they do not double-count any course. Students wishing to minor in the department that teaches the IGS language of their focus should discuss their minor with the IGS director.
All IGS majors are required to take IGST 0101 and are expected to do so before studying abroad. IGST 0101 is not open to seniors except for those who declared the major as sophomores and spent the fall semester of their junior year abroad. Students who declare their major as a sophomore but have not taken IGST 0101, and plan to study abroad for only one semester must take it in the fall of their junior year prior to going abroad.
Students must become proficient in one of the languages that Middlebury College teaches. Individual language departments determine what level of study constitutes proficiency, and students are expected to do advanced work in their target language. Students will choose a primary foreign language to align with their study abroad experience. All majors must take at least one advanced course in the language of study upon returning from abroad and are encouraged to take more than one. Students who, upon declaring the IGS major, have been determined proficient in one of their region’s languages will continue to take this language at the advanced level and are strongly recommended to take one year or equivalent of another language. The additional language should be chosen in consultation with the advisor.
These tracks have specific language requirements. Please see the individual track requirement sections:
Regional Specialization
IGS majors must take five courses that correspond to their regional track, in at least three departments. See the list of approved courses. At least three regional courses must be taken at Middlebury. For East Asian Studies majors, at least three of the regional courses should be exclusively or primarily on the country that is the focus of language study, and at least one should be on East Asia as a region or the East Asian country that is not the focus of language study.
Global Courses
Students with regional specializations are required to take three global courses; only one can be at the 0100 level. Global courses are thematic, transregional, and/or comparative. They highlight the connectivity of places and stress the circulation and interaction of peoples, cultures, ideas, and other phenomena beyond state boundaries.
Thematic Specialization
IGS majors must take five courses that are specific to their track, in at least three departments. At least three thematic courses must be taken at Middlebury.
Regional Courses for Thematic Tracks
Studentswith thematic specialization are required to take three regional courses that correspond to their language of specialization. Except for students who study abroad an entire year, these courses must be taken at Middlebury.
Students must study abroad for at least one semester (and preferably two) on a Middlebury-approved study abroad program in their region of focus. Study abroad must be in the language of study at Middlebury. Effective for the class of 2021, students who study abroad for one semester may count up to two credits and those who study abroad for a full year may count up to four credits toward the major. Major credit will be granted, pending approval, upon the student’s return from abroad. For regional courses, approval is granted by the regional director and for global courses by the IGS director. Students should share the syllabi and all written work for all courses they wish to count with the track or program director, respectively.
Advanced Placement credit will not count toward the major.
The senior program consists of: (1) a senior IGST seminar at 400-level or with permission of IGS director, a thematic senior seminar in a department and (2) an upper-level course, preferably two, in the language of emphasis after returning from abroad. The language departments will determine which courses fulfill this requirement, in consultation with the program director. South Asian Studies majors or students who major in the thematic track and studied abroad in India do not take an upper-level language course, but rather, one additional regional or global course.
Students who seek to graduate with Honors may elect to write a two-term senior honors thesis. Students are eligible to write an honors thesis if they have a 3.5 GPA or better in all courses that count for the major. These include all language courses, all regional courses, all global courses, all courses taken abroad, and all courses with an IGST designation. Thesis grades do not count in the calculation of the GPA for honors. See thesis guidelines.
Honors are awarded to students with a GPA of 3.5 and a thesis grade of B+; high honors to students with a GPA of 3.7 and a thesis grade of A- or A; and highest honors to students with a GPA of 3.8 and a thesis grade of A.
Seniors wishing to pursue a one semester independent research project should register for IGST 0700.
Students may count no more than one winter term course taken at Middlebury towards IGS requirements, pending approval of the track director. Students wishing to count a winter term course must provide the track director with a copy of the course syllabus.
Language/Culture: Language competency in French or Swahili; satisfactory completion of at least one advanced French course or one independent study in Swahili upon students return from abroad. If French is the language of emphasis, students must study an appropriate indigenous African language to a level of reasonable competence while abroad. The French Department will specify which courses fulfill the French requirement. The African Studies director will specify which courses fulfill the Swahili requirement.
Regional Specialization: See General Requirements above.
Study Abroad: See General Requirements above.
Senior Program: See General Requirements above.
Language/Culture: Satisfactory completion of advanced work in either Chinese or Japanese. The Chinese and Japanese departments will specify which courses fulfill this requirement. Students with native proficiency in Chinese must fulfill the language requirements for Japanese. Students with native proficiency in Japanese must fulfill the language requirements for Chinese. The Chair of the Chinese and Japanese Studies departments or their designees determine what constitutes native proficiency by evaluation students individually through interviews or tests.
Note: IGEA majors whose language is Chinese, the language requirement is: (1) CHNS 0101-CHNS 0202 (strongly encouraged to attend Middlebury Chinese Summer School, or take CHNS 0301/0302); (2) one semester at one of the three Middlebury CV Starr Schools Abroad in China; and (3) one, preferably two, of the following: CHNS 0411, 0412, 0425, 0426, OR 0475 upon return from study abroad in China.
Regional Specialization: See General Requirements above.
Study Abroad: See General Requirements above.
Senior Program: See General Requirements above.
Language/Culture: Satisfactory completion of at least one advanced course taught in the language of emphasis (French, German, Italian, or Spanish). Individual departments will specify which courses fulfill these requirements.
Regional Specialization: See General Requirements above.
Study Abroad: See General Requirements above.
Senior Program: See General Requirements above.
Language proficiency: Spanish, Portuguese, or French
Students who place above introductory level must take a secondary language. This updated dual-language requirement takes effect for the IGLC major in Fall 2025 and forward.
The secondary language requirements vary based on the student’s primary languagae:
Thematic track majors with Latin America and the Caribbean as their region are only required to master on language.
Regional Specialization: See General Requirements above.
Study Abroad: See General Reqirements above.
Senior Program: See General Requirements above.
Language/Culture: Successful completion of three years of Arabic or Modern Hebrew (or the equivalent as determined by the Arabic or Hebrew program). Students who choose Modern Hebrew must be willing to pursue language study beyond Middlebury, if the Colleges Hebrew program is unable to offer a full range of advanced courses.
Regional Specialization: See General Requirements above.
Study Abroad: See General Requirements above.
Senior Program: See General Requirements above.
Language/Culture: Satisfactory completion of at least one advanced course taught in Russian.
Regional Specialization: See Requirements above.
Study Abroad: See Requirements above.
Senior Program: See Requirements above.
Language/Culture: Students must pursue a formal course of study of a South Asian language while abroad. Note: because Middlebury does not currently offer a South Asian language, students are not required to take an additional language course on their return from South Asia; instead, they must take one additional regional or global course.
Regional Specialization: See General Requirements above.
Study Abroad: See General Requirements above.
Senior Program: See Senior Program above.
The planet is facing extraordinary challenges; among them are climate change, loss of biodiversity, environmental degradation, and the unequal distribution of critical resources. Indeed, the environmental challenges that the world now faces have never been more complex, posing greater threat to people around the globe. This track exposes students to the complex relationship between people and their environments at local, national and global scales. It highlights issues of social and environmental (in)justices as experienced cross-culturally, and the ways people have responded to and addressed environmental change.
Language/Culture: See Language Study above. Because issues relating to the environment transcend countries and regions, majors may learn any language taught at Middlebury. Students wishing to study in programs that focus on Global Environmental Issues in an English-speaking country may do so, provided that they also study at least one semester on a Middlebury program in the region corresponding to their language.
Track Requirements: Students must take 5 thematic courses from the list of approved courses. They must take one introductory course, two courses on environmental impact; one course on social (in)Justice and the environment; one course on responses and adaptation to environmental change. No more than one course can focus on the U.S, and not more than one course can be at the 400 level. Some courses are listed in more than one category. Courses cannot double count.
Note: Some courses may have pre-requisites. These courses must be taken in at least three departments/interdisciplinary programs.
Senior Requirements: See Senior Program above.
Concerns pertaining to gender and sexuality, as well as how feminism is articulated around the world, have become central to the interdisciplinary project of international and global studies. The thematic cluster will be comprised of five courses, through which students can gain the knowledge and tools to bring feminist epistemologies to bear on their analyses of international and global issues. Scholars in feminist and queer studies—and in the subfields of postcolonial feminism and transnational queer studies, for example—have centralized the construction of space and place in ways that will be useful to IGS students. The cluster reflects the rigor of feminist and queer analyses of the global and international and is flexible enough to permit choices among students. The core GSFS courses will offer students the theory and methods needed for an engagement with global concerns, while the courses in the breadth requirements will enable an analysis of specific national/transnational courses. Since GSFS is an interdisciplinary program, the track reflects an interdisciplinary approach to questions of gender and sexuality
Language/Culture: See Language Study above.
Track Requirements: Students must take 5 thematic courses from the list of approved courses. They must take one introductory course (GSFS 0191, 0200, or 0289); Feminist Theory (GSFS 0320); one critical race studies course; and two transnational/national feminism courses, one of which should be taken during the study abroad semester.
Study Abroad: See Study Abroad above. At least one study abroad course should transfer as a GSFS elective that meets the national/transnational feminism breadth requirement. In the semester prior to studying abroad, the student should consult with the GSFS director to confirm the proposed course would transfer appropriately.
Senior Requirements: See Senior Program above.
Migrations and diasporas have shaped human political, economic and cultural interaction among diverse peoples across the globe for millennia. Migratory flows, whether forced or voluntary, shape the way individuals “imagine” and construct their communities. This thematic track equips students with the knowledge and tools to understand and analyze the multiple influences of migration and diaspora at a global, national and local scales. In addition to theories of migration and issues of rights, students will examine specific case studies that highlight topics such as justice, belonging, and the migrant experience. GMDS offers students powerful insights into diasporas, exiles, refugees and other types of migrations and the international laws and global forces that shape them. The program’s interdisciplinary and comparative perspectives will allow students to understand and participate in the rich debates around the world.
Language/Culture: See Language Study above.
Track Requirements: Students majoring in IGS/Migration and Diaspora Studies must take 5 thematic courses—in at least three departments across two divisions—from the list of approved courses.
Study Abroad: All Global Migration and Diaspora Studies majors must study a foreign language and study abroad in at least one region corresponding to that language. Because issues relating to migration and diaspora transcend countries and regions, majors may learn any language taught at Middlebury. Students wishing to study in programs that focus on Migration Studies in an English-speaking environment may do so, provided that they also study at least one semester in the region corresponding to their language.
Senior Requirements: See Senior Program above.
Security concerns are generated by a constellation of economic, political, historical, and environmental forces and are experienced at different scales—from the local to the global, and from the individual to the state. By drawing on courses from various departments, this track exposes students to security issues along three dimensions: global, international, and societal. The track highlights strategic concerns and issues of injustice, as well as the causes of insecurity over time and how it is experienced cross-culturally.
Language/Culture: See Language Study above.
Track Requirements: Students must take 5 thematic courses, in at least three departments and across two divisions. They must take one introductory course, two courses on international security issues, one course on societal security issues, and one course on global security issues.
Study Abroad: Security Studies majors must learn a foreign language and study abroad for at least one semester in the region corresponding to that language. Because security issues transcend countries and regions, majors may learn any language taught at Middlebury. Students who wish to study security issues abroad in an English language environment may do so, provided that they also study at least one semester in the region corresponding to their language.
Senior Requirements: See Senior Program above.
PSCI 0103, PSCI 0109, PSCI/IPEC 0304 and three electives in comparative politics or international relations. At least one elective should be a 0400-level senior seminar in comparative politics or international relations. See eligible electives. PSCI/IPEC 0304 must be taken at Middlebury College. Majors are encouraged to take IPEC 0240 prior to PSCI/IPEC 0304.
ECON 0150 or ECON 0250 (only one will count towards this requirement), ECON 0155 or ECON 0255 (only one will count towards this requirement), ECON 0111, IPEC0240 (formerly ECON 0240) and two electives with an international orientation. One elective should be a 0400-level senior seminar. See eligible electives. Majors must take a minimum of five courses in economics, regardless of credits earned at the secondary level (see the Advanced Placement policy for detailed information); at least four economics courses meeting the major requirements must be taken at Middlebury College, including the 0400-level seminar. Majors should take IPEC 0240 prior to PSCI/IPEC 0304. Majors are strongly encouraged to take ECON 0111 prior to any 400-level seminars.
Majors must achieve the language department’s standard of linguistic competence before going abroad or must demonstrate equivalent competence in a language taught at Middlebury College through a language placement exam. Foreign language study while at Middlebury College is strongly encouraged.
Students are required to study abroad at least one semester (Fall or Spring). Under normal circumstances, this will be completed at one of the Middlebury schools abroad. Majors should complete PSCI 0103, PSCI 0109, ECON 0150 or ECON 0250, ECON 0155 or ECON 0255, and ECON 0111 before studying abroad. Majors are encouraged, but not required, to take IPEC 0240 and PSCI/IPEC 0304 before studying abroad.
See the Advanced Placement policy for detailed information. Regardless of any AP credit, student must take a minimum of 5 courses in each discipline.
Winter Term courses count towards the major only if they are listed on the IP&E Courses prior to winter term registration. No more than one Winter Term elective in economics and no more than one Winter Term elective in political science may count toward the major.
Because of the complex and interdisciplinary nature of the International Politics and Economics major, IP&E students are strongly advised not to pursue an additional major or minor, with the exception of a major or minor in their language of focus for IP&E. In addition, IP&E majors may not minor in either economics or political science.
To declare a major, students need to fill out both a major declaration form and an advising wizard form. Discuss your plan for completing the major (outlined on the advising wizard form) with your advisor who can be from either the political science or economics department. Have both your advisor and the Director of International Politics and Economics sign the major declaration form and turn in to the program coordinator and Registrar’s Office.
Early in the first semester of your senior year, complete the IP&E advising wizard form and email to the IP&E Director and Coordinator. When doing this, verify all information using the degree progress worksheet in BannerWeb, including the study abroad requirement, study abroad transfer credits and any AP/IB credits.
In addition to their 12 required courses, qualifying students can choose to write a senior thesis. To launch a thesis project, students must obtain a thesis advisor in both political science and economics, and submit to their advisors a thesis prospectus for formal approval. To identify suitable thesis topics, it is highly recommended that IP&E thesis candidates begin consulting with potential advisors during their junior year. For details, deadlines, and a timetable, see the Honors Thesis page.
The determination of honors, high honors, and highest honors is based on the following:
Honors candidates must have the following:
Note: Thesis grades do not count in the calculation of the GPA for honors, and a thesis cannot be pursued as a fifth course during any term.
During the academic year our program emphasizes the study of literature and culture in the context of language acquisition. The other integral components of Italian at Middlebury are the Italian School (summer immersion program), and the C. V. Starr-Middlebury College School in Italy (junior year or semester), where students can take courses in our beautiful Sede in Florence, or can direct-enroll in our programs at the University of Firenze. These rich programs encourage students to deepen and broaden their study of Italian literature, cinema, history, art history, political science, and many other disciplines. During the academic year in Middlebury, all four levels of courses in Italian are available every semester, and—for qualified students—faculty members are also available to direct independent research projects (ITAL 0550).
For a full or double major in Italian, students must complete ten credits in Italian. The standard curriculum includes: three courses at the 100-level (0101, 0102 and 0103); two courses at the 200-level (0251 and 0252); three credits abroad plus one course at the 300-level at Middlebury (a total of four courses at the 300-level); and one course at the 400-level. Italian majors are strongly encouraged to complete ITAL 0755 (a research project such as an essay, or a creative work such as a Podcast or a video). Majors are normally expected to study at least one semester at the C.V. Starr-Middlebury College School in Florence, Italy, with at least one course at the University of Florence. No more than three credits per semester from Study Abroad in Italy are applicable to the major. A student can complete major requirements at all levels with courses taken at the Middlebury Summer Italian School. Students who place into ITAL 251 or above for their first course at Middlebury must complete two 400-level courses.
For the joint major in Italian, students must complete nine credits in Italian: three credits at the 100-level (ITAL 0101, 0102 and 0103); two credits at the 200-level (ITAL 0251 and 0252); three credits at the 300-level; and one course at the 0400 level. Students must also complete a joint project credited in either of the two disciplines, as well as fulfill the requirements in the second discipline. Students are normally expected to complete one semester at the C.V. Starr-Middlebury College School in Florence, with at least one course at the University of Firenze. No more than three credits per semester from coursework in Italy are applicable to the Italian part of the major. Students who place at ITAL 251 or above for their first course at Middlebury must complete 2 400-level courses.
(European Studies Track)
Along with other required courses and senior work as described in the International and Global Studies major section, the Italian language component of an International and Global Studies major requires completion of the following: 1) Italian courses required for study in Italy (see below); 2) one semester, and preferably a full year, at the C.V. Starr-Middlebury College School in Florence; 3) one 0400-level course in Italian upon return from Italy. Regional specialization requirements for the International and Global Studies major may include ITAL 0290-level courses (in English) as well as 0300-level courses taught at Middlebury or in Italy.
The Italian minor consists of seven courses: ITAL 0101, ITAL 0102, ITAL 103, ITAL 0251, ITAL 0252 (or two courses counted from ITAL 3251-3252-3253 in the Italian Summer School) and two courses at the 0300-level or higher. Students entering the program with a standing beyond the ITAL 0103-level are required to take at least three courses at the 300-level or higher. All courses at the 0300-level can be completed during the academic year at Middlebury, at the Italian School, or at the C.V. Starr-Middlebury College School in Florence.
To earn departmental honors, high honors*, or highest honors** a student must have at least a 3.6, 3.7*, or 3.8** average or above in Italian courses other than the senior project, have a project defense, and receive a grade of at least B+, A-*, or A** on the thesis (ITAL 0755).
All Italian majors, joint majors, minors, and International and Global Studies majors with literature and culture focus in Italian are strongly encouraged to fulfill their college writing requirement by enrolling in CMLT 0101 Introduction to World Literature.
The Italian language proficiency requirements for participation in study abroad in Italy can be completed with any combination of courses at the Middlebury campus (summer or academic year) that culminates with the successful completion of ITAL 0252 during the academic year or ITAL 3253 at the Summer School. Students must also have an overall academic average of at least B-, an average of B in Italian (or additional course work), and be enrolled in an Italian course the semester before departure. Because of the demanding and intensive nature of our programs in Middlebury, and because of the difficulty of finding equivalent programs in the United States or in Italy, we do not accept alternative programs for the fulfillment of study abroad requirements.
Students may study for a semester or for a full year in Italy. Fall and spring term students enroll for language, literature, and civilization courses in September and January. For examples of recent courses, please refer to the course database: http://www.middlebury.edu/international/sa/cid. Students studying in Florence are also expected to enroll in at least one course at the Università degli Studi di Firenze. Subject areas generally offered there include archeology, philology, Italian literature, linguistics, international relations, political science, comparative politics, sociology, history, art history, and history of economics.
The major requires students to achieve proficiency in Japanese language and culture. In addition, students must study in Japan for at least one semester and complete a 0400-level seminar in the Japanese Studies department.
Proficiency in Japanese language requires four years of study (completion of JAPN 0402) or equivalent with at least 4 semesters of language at Middlebury in cases of advanced placement. To meet the language proficiency requirement, students are strongly encouraged to begin the study of Japanese in their first academic year. Students who begin study of Japanese in the sophomore year must attend the summer Middlebury School of Japanese or achieve completion of the equivalent of JAPN0202 before study abroad in Japan.
Proficiency in culture requires a total of five elective content courses. At least three of the content courses must come from those offered by the department, while two may come from courses taken during study abroad or courses with a focus on Japan taught in other departments at the College (History, Religion, History of Art, etc.) and cross-listed in Japanese Studies. Departmental courses fulfilling the elective content course requirement include all courses below the 0400-level taught by the department in English. At least two elective content courses must be taken before approval for study in Japan. (One of the two courses may be one of the Japan-focused content courses cross-listed in the department.)
Studying in Japan for one semester (Fall or Spring) is required, but studying in Japan for the full junior year is strongly encouraged. Elective content courses taken in Japan may count toward the major as determined by the department on a case-by-case basis.
Seniors are required to take at least one seminar in the Japanese Studies department at the 0400 level.
Successful completion of a 0400-level seminar and JAPN 0700 Senior Thesis with a grade of B+ or above are required for graduation with departmental honors. Departmental honors will be awarded according to the grade point average of courses taken in the department, in the summer Middlebury Japanese School, and in Japan. A grade point average of 3.3 in these courses is required for graduation with honors. A grade point average of 3.75 and a grade of A on the thesis are required for High Honors.
Courses required for the minor in Japanese are completion of language courses to the level of JAPN 0202, or the equivalent, or at least four terms of Japanese in case of advanced placement, and two additional courses offered by the Japanese Studies department in culture, literature, linguistics, or film.
This program offers a minor in Jewish Studies to students who complete the following requirements:
One of the following courses that offer a broad introduction to Jewish Studies:
Four additional courses pertinent to Jewish Studies, one of which must be a seminar (300 or 400-level), from among the following:
Up to two courses in Hebrew language or texts (HEBR or HEBM 0201 and higher) may count toward the requirements for the minor.
Other appropriate courses, including Winter Term courses, may be substituted with the permission of the program director.
The linguistics minor consists of a minimum of five courses: two required introductory level courses and three electives.
Required courses for the minor are as follows:
LNGT 0101 Introduction to Linguistics or LNGT/ANTH 0125 Language Structure and Function
LNGT 0102 Introduction to Sociolinguistics or LNGT/ANTH 0109 Language, Culture, Society
Electives include the following:
LNGT 0101 Introduction to Linguistics
LNGT 0102 Introduction to Sociolinguistics
LNGT/EDST 0107 Introduction to TESOL
LNGT 0109 Language, Culture, Society
ANTH/LNGT 0125 Language Structure & Function
LNGT 0206 Narratives in News Media
JAPN/LNGT 0210 Japanese Linguistics (taught in English)
ANTH 0212 Origins of Writing
ARBC/LNGT 0227 Arabic Sociolinguistics (taught in English)
LNGT 0226 Phonetics and Phonology
APN/LNGT 231 Emotion in Japanese, Spoken and Unspoken (taught in English)
FREN/LNGT 0233 History of French Language (taught in French)
LNGT 0242 Non-Native Speakers
LNGT 0243 How Languages are Learned
LNGT 0250 Morphology and Syntax
LNGT 0280 Semantics, Logic and Cognition
CHNS/LNGT 0270 Chinese Sociolinguistics (taught in English)
SPAN/LNGT 0303 Introduction to Spanish Phonetics/Pronunciation (taught in Spanish)
JAPN/LNGT 0310 Variation & Change in Japanese (taught in English)
SPAN/LNGT 0322 Hispanic Linguistics (taught in Spanish)
FREN/LNGT 0337 French Language and Society (taught in French)
PSYC 0344 Introduction to Psycholinguistics (only via waiver from the instructor)
PHIL/LNGT 0354 Philosophy of Language
GRMN/LNGT 0370 German Linguistics (taught in German)
SPAN/LNGT 0390 Linguistic Variation (taught in Spanish)
ANTH/LNGT 0395 Environmental Communication
ANTH/LNGT 0396 Linguistic Anthropology Method
SPAN/LNGT 0422 Hispanic Bilingualism (taught in Spanish)
SPAN/LNGT 0426 Spanish in the US (taught in Spanish)
CSCI 0457 Natural Language Processing (only via waiver from the instructor for the major restriction, but students must meet the course’s prerequisites)
ANTH/LNGT 0495 Language and the Environment
LNGT 0500 Independent Work
WRPR/LNGT 0110 English Grammar: Concepts & Controversies
WRPR/EDST 0102: The English Language in a Global Context
LNGT 1230 Data Science Across Disciplines
LNGT 1304 Mayan Language Revitalization
Note #1: Students are advised to check with the director for a complete list of courses that count as electives. All electives are taught in English, unless otherwise indicated.
Note #2: In rare cases, students who have taken courses that cover the core content of the 100-level required courses can seek the approval of the director of the Linguistics Program to count such courses towards the required component of the minor.
Note #3: Linguistics courses taken at a Middlebury study abroad program or at another academic institution may be used to fulfill the requirements of the linguistics minor subject to submission of (i) a full syllabus and (ii) written work such as a final paper and/or all exams from such courses.
The overall design of the program is simple, and its expectations are clearly defined. This is a program of study designed for students who by the time of their graduation from Middlebury wish to secure a comprehensive background in a full range of major achievements of world literature, as well as an ability to read and appreciate works of literature in at least one language other than English.
To accomplish those ends, each Literary Studies major is required to take a total of 15 courses in literature over the course of four years. No more than six of these courses may be taken within a single department, and the individual courses may be selected from the literature of any language and of any period. They can be wide-ranging surveys or courses devoted to the study of single authors.
The specific selection of courses is entirely up to the student, but in order to fulfill the requirements for the major, he or she will be expected to take the following:
In addition, in conjunction with an independent reading course taken during the fall semester of the senior year, the student will arrange to take a one-hour oral examination in an area of specialization (as described below) that he or she has defined. This oral examination takes place at the end of the fall semester, and it is followed by a five-hour written comprehensive examination at the end of winter term. The written examination will require the student to demonstrate a knowledge of a range of major works by the authors listed below. For reasons of practicality, the number of authors from this list whose works students will actually have an opportunity to discuss on the comprehensive examination in any given year will be limited to 12.
The following current list will give the student a clear sense of the particular range of major authors it is presumed that he or she will be familiar with by senior year:
In addition to works by authors whose names appear on this primary list, Literary Studies majors will be urged to deepen their general cultural background by becoming acquainted with the Old and New Testaments (especially Genesis, Psalms, Job, Song of Songs, Matthew, John, Revelation, and the Epistle to the Romans), as well as principal works of Plato, Aristotle, Rousseau, Darwin, Marx, and Freud. A full list of the specific works by these authors included on the current Literary Studies comprehensive reading list is available on the Literary Studies Program website, or from the directors of the program.
Beyond the two historical and theoretical courses required for the program (both of which are counted toward the major), the 0300-level foreign language literature course, the senior year colloquium (LITS 0705) and independent reading course (LITS 0701), and the total of 15 courses, the general, defining requirement for the Literary Studies major is the winter term comprehensive examination (LITS 0700), the overall range of which is specified in the comprehensive reading list. In the process of working toward this general literary education, the student will also be expected to use the independent reading course (LITS 0701) to focus on a group of works chosen to represent an individual specialization in the literature of a particular culture (e.g., German, English, American, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, etc.), or period (e.g., the eighteenth century, the twentieth century, etc.), or genre (e.g., the novel, the drama, lyric poetry, etc.). The specific authors and the 10 to 12 texts selected by the student for this specialization will be approved by the director in conjunction with two faculty examiners with relevant expertise in the fields represented. This oral examination is the culmination of the independent reading course (LITS 0701) in the fall semester. At the end of the following winter term, there is a five-hour written winter term comprehensive examination based on the reading list. Students qualifying for honors (a B+ average in the major, including the comprehensive examination) will complete a Senior Honors Essay (LITS 0710) in their final semester.
After completing all the specified requirements, the student will be graduated from Middlebury College as a Literary Studies major with a particular area of interest: for example, epic poetry, European drama, Japanese literature, the literature of the nineteenth century, etc. Should the student wish to pursue graduate study, depending on the nature of his or her interests and preparation, the student would be in a good position to do so in such fields as English or American literature, comparative literature, or the literature of a specific foreign language; in addition, he or she would have a secure background for further studies in such fields as law, political philosophy, religion, journalism, publishing, medicine, and cultural and intellectual history. Literary Studies majors have gone on to do work in all these areas.
As indicated above, students will be eligible for departmental honors in Literary Studies if in their combined performance in literature courses and on the two parts of the comprehensive examination they have achieved an average grade of B+ or higher. Honors will be awarded on the basis of the overall grade average in the major, performance on the comprehensive examination, and a senior honors essay of 30-40 pages to be completed during the spring semester of the senior year (this project counts as one course). A one-hour oral examination on the content and implications of this honors essay is also required, and this examination will be conducted by two faculty members with particular expertise in the fields represented.
Total of 15 courses (no more than six in any one department).
(1) Two courses selected from the historical and theoretical courses listed below, one from each category, as currently offered. (With the permission of the director, alternative courses may be substituted for those specified here.)
Historical:
Theoretical:
(2) One course in literature in a foreign language (normally 0300 level, but FREN 0201 and FREN 0220 series would usually qualify).
(3) At least four literature courses, but no more than six, to be taken within a single department. (Courses in language instruction may not be counted toward this requirement.)
(4) Independent Reading Course (LITS 0701) in Area of Specialization (by genre, period, theme, or national literature), an area of particular interest defined by the student in consultation with the director. A one-hour oral examination, to be taken in the fall semester before the winter term written comprehensive examination in the senior year, is devoted to this area of special interest. The 10 to12 texts required for this examination will be chosen by the student in conjunction with the director and two faculty examiners with appropriate backgrounds in the fields represented.
(5) Senior Colloquium for majors (LITS 0705, open to non-majors if space is available), focused on a range of works on the comprehensive reading list.
(6) Senior Comprehensive Examination (LITS 0700) in preparation for the written comprehensive examination. Students engaged in such preparation arrange to meet with one another over the course of winter term, and often solicit faculty participation in discussions of individual texts they have chosen to work on as a group.
(7) Written Comprehensive Examination (LITS 0700) (on works that appear on the Literary Studies comprehensive reading list), taken at the end of winter term of the senior year. As indicated, this five-hour written examination represents the second part of the comprehensive requirement, the oral specialization examination in LITS 0701 being the first.
(8) Students achieving an average grade of B+ or higher in the program will be eligible for honors. Honors will be awarded on the basis of the overall grade average in courses in the major, performance on the comprehensive examination, and a senior honors essay of 30-40 pages, to be completed (for one course credit) during the spring semester of the senior year; a one-hour oral examination on the content of this essay is administered by two faculty examiners with expertise in the field of investigation represented.
Please Note: Any literature course in the Middlebury College curriculum (and in approved programs abroad or at other U.S. institutions) may be used to fulfill the requirements in the Program in Literary Studies. Hence, in addition to the specific LITS course descriptions indicated below, students majoring in Literary Studies as well as non-majors with an interest in literature are urged to read through the entire literature offering by various departments (including language departments) to secure a full sense of the range of courses available in any academic year.
The major consists of a minimum of nine courses numbered 0300 or above. The requirements are as follows:
The Spanish component of a joint major will consist of at least six courses from departmental offerings numbered 0300 and above, as follows:
• Courses at the SPAN or PGSE 0100 through 0200 levels are Elementary, Intermediate, and Advanced Intermediate language instruction focused on developing skills in speaking, listening comprehension, reading, and writing.
• Courses at the SPAN or PGSE 0300 level introduce significant themes in literature, film and media, linguistics, and cultural studies. For Spanish, these courses are closed to juniors and seniors returning from study abroad.
• Courses at the SPAN or PGSE 0400 level are advanced offerings that explore in greater depth a specific line of inquiry applied to literary, cultural, film and media, or linguistic issues in the Lusophone and/or Hispanophone worlds, and satisfy the International Studies advanced language requirement in Spanish or Portuguese. (If a PGSE 400-level course is not available to a student, a 300-level one would fulfill the requirement.)
All courses taken abroad in Spanish or Portuguese are considered to be at the 400 level, regardless of their course number.
The Spanish minor consists of at least four courses numbered 0300 or above, one of which must be at the 0400-level or above and taken at the Middlebury College campus during the academic year. Courses can be taken on campus during the academic year or at the Middlebury Spanish School, one of our Middlebury Schools Abroad Spanish-speaking sites, or, with departmental approval, at a Spanish-speaking site from study abroad programs sanctioned by Middlebury’s Programs Abroad Committee.
The Portuguese minor consists of at least four courses numbered 0300 or above. Courses can be taken on campus during the academic year or at the Middlebury College Portuguese Language School, the C.V. Starr-Middlebury School in Brazil, or, with departmental approval, at study abroad programs sanctioned by Middlebury’s Programs Abroad Committee. At least one 0300-level or above course must be taken at the Middlebury College campus during the student’s final academic year.
During the senior year, majors and joint majors must complete a 0400-level course.
Language requirements can be found here.
Middlebury College does not count examination-based pre-collegiate programs (AP, IB, etc.) toward college-wide requirements or graduation. These exams do not affect course placement, nor do they count toward the Spanish major or minor. Placement in Spanish courses is determined by an exam administered by the department.
In Portuguese, students must consult the Chair, who will arrange for a placement exam to be administered.
The department expects that majors will spend at least one semester in residence in a Spanish-speaking country. Middlebury Schools Abroad offer both year and semester programs at the following sites:
Internship opportunities are available. For more information on these programs, please see the Schools Abroad. Students who are interested in going abroad and who are also double or joint majors or are thinking of participating in the teacher education program should consult with their advisors in both areas as early as possible to avoid any conflict in plans.
Students who are planning to study abroad in one of our Middlebury Schools Abroad Spanish-speaking sites are required to have taken at least one content course at the 0300 level or above. A content course is one that meets a requirement other than LNG.
For Portuguese, Middlebury’s School in Brazil offers both year and semester programs in Belo Horizonte, Florianópolis, or Niterói. Internship opportunities are available. For more information on these programs, please see the Schools Abroad. Students who are planning to study abroad at the Middlebury C.V. Starr School in Brazil are required to have taken at least one course at the 0215 level or above.
The department will award honors on the basis of a student’s work in the department and performance in SPAN 0705. All students interested in receiving honors must contact their advisors at the start of their last year at Middlebury; either in September or in February. Please see complete information about the requirements in Thesis Guidelines.
Students majoring in mathematics may choose to complete either the standard mathematics major requirements listed below or the Applied Mathematics Track. For more information about applied math at Middlebury, please visit this page.
The standard mathematics major consists of eleven courses total, at least six of which must be taken at Middlebury College in Vermont:
For students who matriculated Fall 2023 or earlier: Students can include a post-calculus course sequence of probability (MATH 0310) and either statistical inference (MATH 0311) or stochastic processes (MATH 0410). Completion of one of these designated sequences (0310→0311 or 0310→0410) may be counted in place of MATH302 for the mathematics major requirement.
Note: Students are strongly encouraged to include a proof-based course such as MATH 0241 or MATH 0247 early in their programs. This is especially helpful prior to taking MATH 0302 or MATH 0323.
Students planning a 3-2 engineering program who wish to major in Mathematics should complete the 700-level senior seminar in their sixth semester at Middlebury.
Eleven courses total, at least six of which must be taken at Middlebury College in Vermont:
Students who need to start the Calculus sequence with MATH 0121 can reduce the elective count by 1, but still must include an elective at the 0400 level.
Please visit this page for more information about Statistics at Middlebury College.
Students who choose the Applied Math Track within the mathematics major must take a total of eleven courses, at least six of which must be taken at Middlebury College in Vermont:
Please visit this page for more information about Applied Math at Middlebury College.
Students who wish to be considered for departmental honors in Mathematics or Statistics must take one additional elective with a MATH or STAT prefix, respectively (12 courses total). Honors designations are based on senior work and GPA within the major.
Six courses total at least half of which must be taken at Middlebury College in Vermont:
The Department of Mathematics does not offer a joint major.
There is no minor in Statistics.
Advanced placement in the department is offered to first-year students whose secondary training indicates they can bypass one or more of the beginning courses in mathematics.
Incoming students should consult the Department of Mathematics and Statistics Placement Information page to see where to begin their study of math and statistics at Middlebury. Those who place out of MATH 0121 and/or MATH0122, according to the criteria listed on the placement page, can waive the requirement for these courses if they decide to pursue a major or minor in mathematics. At the discretion of the department chair, additional courses may be waived in cases where the student has engaged in more advanced mathematical training. In all cases, however, the major must include at least seven Middlebury College or approved transfer courses, and the minor must include at least four.
Note that MATH 0121 is a requirement for the minor in mathematics but is not considered part of the major. Mathematics majors who need to begin the study of calculus with MATH 0121 can count this course as one of their five required electives.
AP Statistics is not a substitute for any of the introductory statistics courses offered by the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at Middlebury.
Because of the wide variation in course offerings at other institutions, students wishing to substitute a course from another college for any course in mathematics must seek approval from the department before registering for the course.
The major requirements for molecular biology and biochemistry center on a multidisciplinary yet integrated approach to examining life at the macromolecular, cellular, and organismal levels. The major requires 14.5 - 15 credits depending on where students begin chemistry instruction at Middlebury, including foundation courses, advanced courses, two quantitative electives, and three electives selected across disciplines. Required foundation courses in physics, chemistry, and biology establish a strong, broad understanding of the science necessary for advanced study. Advanced courses in the core areas of molecular biology and biochemistry are required to build on this foundation. Quantitative electives provide a strong foundation in mathematics and statistical sciences. Finally, elective courses offer advanced opportunities to explore a wide variety of specific topics, including neurobiology, developmental biology, computational biology, data science, molecular genetics, and biochemical mechanisms. Students may engage in mentored independent research in these areas.
To declare the MBBC major, complete a major declaration form and have it signed by an MBBC faculty affiliate who could serve as your academic advisor before forwarding it to the MBBC Director. The MBBC Director will work with you to identify an academic advisor if you need assistance. Feel free to reach out to the MBBC faculty with questions.
A single course may not fulfill more than one requirement.
A single course may not fulfill more than one requirement.
A list of appropriate electives is provided within each suite. However, not all listed courses are offered every year. Also, as other appropriate courses may become available on campus, additional course options may become available in each suite. Majors will be kept informed of currently available courses that are currently available within the two elective suites below.
1. Quantitative Suite (students must take 2 classes in this suite)
2. Advanced Elective Suite (students must take a total of 3 distinct classes in this suite, one of which must be a laboratory course. A semester of independent research qualifies as a laboratory course - ie. BIOL 0500-0701, NSCI 0500-0701, or MBBC 0500-0701.)
*Courses with pre-requisites other than courses already required for the MBBC major (or by waiver for some).
There is no minor in molecular biology and biochemistry.
Prospective students are encouraged to begin the Introductory Chemistry and Introductory Biology sequences and Mathematics during their first three semesters at Middlebury. CHEM 0305 (formerly 0204) may be taken either concurrently with CHEM 0322, or afterwards. BIOL 0331, BIOL 0333 or BIOL 0310 are examples of courses with sections that fulfill the CW requirement.
Students may be able to bypass introductory chemistry courses on qualifying AP scores or proficiency exams. Those who bypass CHEM 0102 (formerly 0103) may begin with CHEM 0105 (formerly CHEM 0104) (fall or spring) or CHEM 0107. Please see Getting Started in Chemistry to learn more about proper placement.
For proper placement into a physics course (0108 or 0109) please contact the Physics department or visit https://www.middlebury.edu/college/academics/physics/placement-information.
Qualifying scores on AP Statistics exams do not satisfy the statistics requirement. Students must enroll in BIOL 0211, MATH/STAT 0116 or STAT 0201. AP Calculus, IB or A-level Mathematics exams, bypass exams, or any pre-college course in calculus cannot be used to satisfy electives in the Quantitative Suite. Students will need to enroll in courses at Middlebury to satisfy this requirement. The Math Department decided student placement in math classes at the College based on either scores on advanced placement exams or a review of high school records.
Some graduate schools may require two semesters each of mathematics and physics. Students interested in the health professions can learn more about the pre-health requirements by reaching out to the health professions team for individual support.
Students considering taking summer courses, a dual engineering program with either Dartmouth or Columbia, or courses abroad must consult with their advisor about transferring credit from another institution. With the approval of the Program Director, transferred credits may count towards the major requirements. If possible, all syllabi should be submitted for courses prior to going abroad or registering for the course.
Research is an important component of a well-rounded academic pursuit; it contributes to the development of independence and creativity, as well as to the depth of knowledge needed to become an active contributor to the scientific community. Majors may undertake independent research with a faculty mentor in MBBC or in other Departments and Programs, provided the research falls within the mission of the major. Any major is eligible to perform an independent study research project (BIOL 0500, CHEM 0500, NSCI 0500, or BIOL/CHEM/NSCI/MBBC 0700) with the consent of a mentor.
Senior thesis research may be initiated by any junior with the consent of a mentor. (See MBBC Research Page). Students considering senior thesis research are urged to begin conversations with faculty early in their junior year (certainly by winter term) because many thesis projects begin during the summer preceding the senior year. Those eligible for honors or high honors in molecular biology and biochemistry will: (1) complete at least two semesters of research, which may include winter term; (2) enroll in MBBC 0701 for their final semester of research; (3) graduate with a minimum GPA of 3.5 for all courses counting towards the major; (4) present a public seminar describing the significance, methodology, results, and conclusions of their research; (5) successfully defend their thesis before a committee of three faculty, two of whom must be affiliated with the MBBC program; and (6) earn a grade of at least B+ for MBBC 0701, as determined by the members of the MBBC program, with the grade based on their research performance, their written thesis, their thesis presentation and their thesis defense.
For students who matriculate Fall 2024 or later:
Seven required Music courses (including MUSC 0160 or passing placement test score.)
• MUSC 0101
• MUSC 0160 OR passing placement test score
• MUSC 0209
• MUSC 0260
• MUSC 0261
• MUSC 0333
• MUSC 0334
• One performance course at the 0200-level or above (MUSC 0205 counts)
• Two electives at the 0200-level or above
• MUSC 0400 (0101, 0209, 0260, 0261, 0333, and 0334 taken prior)
• MUSC 0704 (senior work) is not a core requirement, but it is required for departmental honors eligibility. Additionally, joint majors are required to take MUSC 0704 but not MUSC 0400, one performance course at the 0200-level or above (MUSC 0205 counts), and one elective at the 0200-level or above.
For students who matriculated prior to Fall 2024:
Majors are required to take MUSC 0101; MUSC 0209; MUSC 0260-0261; MUSC 0333; MUSC 0334; a performance elective such as MUSC 0240, 0243, 0244, or 0500; two 0200-level or above elective music courses; and MUSC 0400 senior seminar.
Music majors will be required to demonstrate basic piano and sight-singing proficiencies in the semester at the end of Theory II (MUSC 0260).
In addition to the curricular requirements, majors are required to participate for four semesters in at least one departmentally-approved ensemble: Afropop Ensemble, Middlebury College Orchestra, Middlebury College Choir, or The Sound Investment Jazz Ensemble.
Joint Majors are required to take MUSC 0101; MUSC 0260-0261; MUSC 0333; MUSC 0334; two 0200-level or above elective music courses; and MUSC 0704 (senior work that combines both majors and is agreed upon by the advisers and department or program chair)
Students who pursue the minor in music are required to complete five music courses, two of which may be general introductory courses (0100 level) and three other courses at the 0200-0400 levels.
Students may test into MUSC 0209 (Composition I) and MUSC 0260 (Music Theory II) by taking a placement exam rather than taking the pre-requisite MUSC 0160 (Theory I). Students must take the placement exam prior to the registration period. All students must contact the Music Department.
Departmental honors in music reflect a student’s overall achievement in and contribution to the department, as well as demonstrated excellence in MUSC 0704 (Senior Work). To take MUSC 0704, students must have at least B+ grade average in music courses; and must submit a proposal for senior work (of one or two semesters in length) by April 1 of the junior year. Of note: MUSC 0704 (Senior Work) does not count as a course toward fulfillment of the music major.
The following ensembles require two semesters of enrollment to earn (1) credit:
Afropop is a dynamic and diverse blend of traditional African music with R&B, rock, pop, reggae, hip hop, funk, EDM, and many other Western and Afro-diasporic styles. Students learn songs by ear and create their own arrangement—most songs use three or four chords and pentatonic melodies. There are no prerequisites. The ability to read music is not required. See course listing MUSC 0205. (D. Kafumbe)
Middlebury College Orchestra is a full symphony orchestra that explores the dynamic repertoire of the last two and a half centuries, from Bach and Mozart to the present day. We welcome students from all disciplines and concentrations. The orchestra presents two concerts a year and is involved in special events. Audition required, open to all students without prerequisite. See course listing for MUSC 0205. (E. Bennett).
Middlebury College Choir performs concerts each fall and spring, participates in Baccalaureate and other College functions, and tours or engages in other projects annually. Audition required, with attention to sight-reading, listening skills, and vocal production. Intent to participate full year/multiple semesters is strongly encouraged. Open to all students without prerequisite. See course listing of MUSC 0205. (J. Buettner).
The Sound Investment Jazz Ensemble uses traditional big-band instrumentation, playing the best of contemporary jazz arrangements as well as classic charts from the 75 years of swing and jazz band history. The ensemble also features student compositions and arrangements when available. An active performance schedule is typical. See course listing of MUSC 0205. (TBD).
While the following groups do not confer course credit, students participating in them receive a half-price discount on private music lessons.
The Jazz Workshop provides a weekly opportunity for jazz students to study subjects including jazz history, repertoire development, jazz conventions, jazz idiom and theory, and to practice strategies and tools, improvisation, and playing in small groups. Previous jazz experience is not necessary, but competency with an instrument is required. Vocalists are encouraged to participate. Beginning jazz players are welcome; advanced students are encouraged to participate. (G. Ingalls)
College Community Chorus performs concerts each fall and spring, usually including a major choral work for chorus and organ or orchestra. Open to all without audition; rehearsals focus on developing choral musicianship. See course listing of MUSC 0205. (R. Romano).
Middlebury Community Wind Ensemble is an off-campus community ensemble that students are invited to join that features woodwind, brass, and percussion; no auditions necessary. There are two performances each semester. Rehearsals take place at Middlebury Union High School. (K. Swanson).
Other Chamber Ensembles: String quartets, woodwind and brass ensembles can be formed and coached for interested students. Independent projects (MUSC 0500) can be arranged for these groups.
Music majors and non-music majors are welcome to take private music lessons with Middlebury College Affiliate Artists. No auditions are required; private music lessons are considered extracurricular and do not confer course credit. The fall and spring lessons series include ten 45-minute lessons; the winter term series includes four lessons. Fees are billed directly to the student’s account (discounts may apply). More information is available at https://www.middlebury.edu/college/academics/music/private-lessons.
The major includes required background and foundations courses, electives, and senior work. Required background courses in biology, psychology, and chemistry, establish a foundation in science necessary for upper-level study. Foundation courses teach students to approach neuroscience from three intellectually different, but related directions. Elective courses offer opportunities to explore a wide variety of neuroscience related areas. Senior work requires all majors to integrate their specific training through research or a senior seminar. Students may be exempt from some introductory courses through placement or bypass exams. For more information on placing out of a specific course, contact the chairperson of the relevant department.
Please note that in accordance with the general college policy regarding interdisciplinary majors, majors in Neuroscience cannot declare more than one minor.
All are required:
Majors must take three electives chosen from within or across the Biological, Psychological, or Philosophical groupings below:
Biological Studies of Neuroscience
Psychological Studies of Neuroscience
Philosophical Studies of Neuroscience
A senior seminar in a neuroscience area, approved by the program. Offerings vary year by year, but possible courses include:
If a student completes their senior work by taking NSCI 0500/0700/0701, they may use one (and only one) senior seminar as an elective towards the major. In that case the seminar will be counted as an elective only after NSCI 0500/0700/0701 is completed. However, if a student fulfills their senior work requirement using a senior seminar, they may not count an additional senior seminar as an elective, unless approved by the instructor in consultation with the program director
During winter term and as course offerings change there may be others that are available for NSCI seminar credit. Seniors can do research with any faculty in the program, or with certain faculty in other departments provided the research project is approved by the neuroscience faculty and the project is related to understanding the nervous system and the mind.
Neuroscience does not allow joint majors.
Majors are encouraged to undertake independent research (NSCI 0500, NSCI 0700, NSCI 0701) with any faculty member in the program. Students considering any senior research should begin conversations with faculty early in their junior year. Those eligible for honors in neuroscience must (1) complete at least two semesters of thesis-related research (one term of NSCI 0500 or NSCI 0700 and one term of NSCI 0701); (2) have a minimum GPA of 3.5* in major courses (excluding NSCI 0500/0700/0701); (3) present a public seminar describing the background, methodology, results, and greater significance of their research; (4) submit a written thesis and (5) successfully defend their thesis before a committee of at least three faculty members, two of which must be affiliates of the Neuroscience Program. The thesis committee may then recommend High Honors after considering these five components of a thesis. *Students graduating prior to May 2027 must meet a minimum GPA requirement of 3.3, whereas students graduating May 2027 and later must meet the indicated 3.5 GPA minimum.
Studying abroad can be a valuable experience that is encouraged, though majors must consult with the Study Abroad Office and their advisor about the advisability of specific programs. The required courses listed for the major specifically by number must be completed at Middlebury College: PSYC 0105, BIOL 0145, a chemistry course (CHEM 105 or 0107), a statistics course (PSYC 0201, BIOL 0211, STAT 116, or STAT 201), NSCI 0251, and NSCI 0252. NSCI electives may be taken abroad if they are determined to satisfy program requirements and are approved by the advisor and the Neuroscience Program Director and the Dean of Curriculum. Students may receive major credit for a maximum of two courses taken abroad. The Neuroscience Program does not grant major credit for independent study projects completed abroad.
AP exams may not be used to bypass PSYC 0105, BIOL 0145, or the statistics requirement. Students who have an AP Chemistry score of 4 or 5 or an IB Chemistry (SL or HL) score of 6 or higher do not need to take the chemistry placement exam and should take CHEM 0107.
In accordance with handbook guidelines, courses taken under the Credit/No Credit option may not be used to satisfy major requirements, with one exception: a first course taken under the Credit/No Credit option in a department or program in which a student subsequently declares a major or minor may, with the approval of the department chair or program director, be counted toward major requirements.
Accordingly, the NSCI program director permits the following:
If PSYC 0105 is taken CR/NCR, the student must take an additional elective for a grade
If CHEM 0103 is taken CR/NCR, the student must then take CHEM 0104 or CHEM 0107 for a grade
If BIOL 0145 is taken CR/NCR, the student must take an additional elective for a grade
PYSC 0201/BIOL 0211/STAT 0116 cannot be taken CR/NCR
Majors must complete no fewer than eleven courses in the department, to include:
Cognate courses may be substituted for no more than two departmental electives, but will not satisfy the departmental distribution requirement; such substitutions require the prior approval of a major’s departmental adviser, and must be at the 0200-level or above.
Majors must complete a one-semester independent research project (PHIL 0710) in the fall of their senior year. Topics and advisers will be decided through consultation with members of the department. PHIL 0710 includes participation in the senior project workshop held for all students completing their independent work.
Students will be awarded departmental honors if and only if they receive a) at least an A- average in courses counted toward the major, and b) an A- on their senior project. Students will be awarded high honors if and only if they receive a) at least an A- average in courses counted toward the major, and b) an A on their senior project.
For the philosophy component of a joint major, students must take nine philosophy courses, including
A total of six courses in philosophy, including PHIL 0180 and at least one course at the 0300 or 0400 level. Minors wishing to take a 0400-level seminar must have completed three other philosophy courses first. Enrollment priority in 0400-level seminars will be given to majors. Students electing the philosophy minor are encouraged to consult with faculty members in the Philosophy Department about course planning.
The physical education program concentrates on lifetime sports and activities, so that all students leave Middlebury College with exposure to sports or recreational activities in which they have developed a degree of skill and interest, which will be an asset to them in later years. Each course carries one unit of physical education credit.
Before graduation, students must complete two courses to receive the required two credits. Students are encouraged to complete the credits by the end of their fourth academic semester at Middlebury (excluding winter term). In the case of transfer students, students are encouraged to complete the requirement by the end of their second semester at Middlebury. Students who have not completed their requirements will not be eligible to graduate.
Students may use participation on varsity intercollegiate teams as a way of satisfying the physical education requirement. The requirement will be fulfilled if a student participates in two seasons of varsity competition. Two-sport athletes may also satisfy both physical education credits through participation on two different varsity intercollegiate teams.
The Physical Education Department also recognizes participation in five club sports. The five club sports that can receive a physical education credit are rugby, crew, water polo, sailing and equestrian, which have a coach on-site for practices and games. In order to receive a physical education credit, students must participate in one full season of crew, rugby, water polo, sailing or equestrian. Each of these club sports will equal one physical education credit per season.
Students who wish to elect additional courses beyond those required for graduation may register with the department for the appropriate season and be scheduled for classes on a space-available basis. Some of the courses and activities follow:
Students may also earn PE credits through programs offered by Student Activities and The Knoll. Approximately 75 courses are scheduled over five sessions each academic year.
The department schedules two seasons of instructional courses in the fall and spring terms and one season in the winter term. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis and is open to students electing courses on a space-available basis. Students unaware of their physical education record should check with the Registrar’s Office to ensure completion of their program prior to graduation. Applications for transfer credit must be made in advance, following college procedure for academic credit transfer. The Registrar’s Office processes credits from transcripts for students transferring to Middlebury.
All requests for medical waivers must come from the student’s physician. Injuries and illnesses suffered on campus will be considered as exceptions to the previous statement and will be handled by the College health center.
The physics program at Middlebury is designed to integrate physics into the liberal arts curriculum, as well as to provide challenging courses and research opportunities for students majoring in physics. Courses and student research activities in astronomy are also part of the physics program.
Courses designed especially for students not majoring in Physics include PHYS 0155 (Introduction to the Universe), PHYS 0106 (Physics for Educated Citizens), selected offerings in winter term, and first year seminars. Students majoring in the sciences for premedical, pre-engineering, and other professional programs, and others who desire a more analytical approach to physics, have two tracks to choose from. Students with little prior exposure to physics may prefer to begin with PHYS 0108 (Physics of Motion), followed by PHYS 0111 (Waves, Optics, and Thermodynamics) or PHYS 0114 (Electricity and Magnetism). Students who have successfully completed high school physics and calculus courses should instead opt for PHYS 0109 (Introductory Mechanics), a more accelerated version of introductory mechanics than PHYS 0108. In addition, all students who complete PHYS 0114 may elect more advanced courses at the 0200-level or above. The physics department does not offer a minor.
For those majoring in physics, we offer a broad range of courses that emphasize a variety of topics in physics while building both theoretical understanding and experimental skills. Middlebury physics majors apply their education in a wide variety of careers. Some pursue graduate work in physics and related fields; others find their physics degrees valuable in engineering, medicine, business, law, teaching, government service, and other pursuits. The physics program is designed to serve the needs of both those intending advanced study in physics and those for whom formal work in physics will end with the Middlebury degree.
The physics department encourages its majors to study abroad to gain experience at international research facilities, improve language proficiency, and pursue academic interests outside of physics. Students who study abroad, or in a 2-1-1-1 pre-engineering program, may be eligible to transfer one upper-level physics course per term off campus for the physics major. Transfer is contingent upon approval of the department chair, for a maximum of two transferred courses. Students should obtain this approval before studying off campus.
Physics majors interested in obtaining high school physics teaching certification should consult the education studies program as soon as possible, preferably no later than the middle of their sophomore year.
The major program consists of eight required physics courses and a minimum of four electives. The required courses begin with: PHYS 0108 (Physics of Motion) or PHYS 0109 (Introductory Mechanics), followed by PHYS 0114 (Electricity and Magnetism), PHYS 0214 (Relativity and Electromagnetism), PHYS 0216 (Waves and Fourier Analysis), PHYS 0218 (Quantum Physics), PHYS 0222 (Experimental Physics 1), PHYS 0350 (Statistical Mechanics), and PHYS 0321 (Experimental Physics 2), or PHYS 0355 (Observational Astrophysics) which satisfy the second semester of college writing. Mathematics, at least through the level of MATH 0122, is also necessary. This may be satisfied either at Middlebury or through appropriate pre-college courses in calculus. The physics major requires a minimum of four PHYS electives, at least one of which must be PHYS 0301 (Intermediate Electromagnetism), PHYS 0318 (Quantum Mechanics) or PHYS 0330 (Analytical Mechanics), and at most one of which may be a designated 100-level elective if taken by the end of a student’s third fall/spring semester. Designated 100-level electives include PHYS 0111 (Waves, Optics and Thermodynamics), and PHYS 0155 (Introduction to the Universe). One of CHEM 0351 or CHEM 0355 may also be counted for elective credit. Other electives must be selected from PHYS courses at the 0200 or 0300 level or approved courses taken abroad within the limits described above. In all cases, at least two electives must be courses in the Middlebury physics department at the 0200 or 0300 level typically selected from courses in spring and fall terms; occasionally physics electives are offered during the winter term. Independent study or senior work courses such as PHYS 0500, PHYS 0704, and PHYS 0705 may not be used for elective credit and does not count toward credit in the major.
For students completing double majors, courses counted towards another major cannot also be counted as electives toward the physics major.
Prospective majors: Students potentially interested in the major should contact the department. Prospective majors must begin the physics sequence no later than the sophomore year (typically no later than the third fall/spring term on campus). Starting in the first year, and completing PHYS 0114 in the first spring term, allows more flexibility in the choice of courses and senior work and increases the feasibility of off-campus study. Students majoring in physics are advised to complete MATH 0122 (or equivalent) by the end of their first two regular fall/spring terms. If prospective majors are unable to do so by the end of their first fall term, please consult the department chair for further guidance through the major. Students planning graduate work in physics or a related subject should elect as many as possible of the core electives: PHYS 0301 (Intermediate Electromagnetism), PHYS 0318 (Quantum Mechanics), and PHYS 0330 (Analytical Mechanics). In addition, MATH 0200 (Linear Algebra), MATH 0223 (Multivariable Calculus), and MATH 0226 (Differential Equations) are strongly recommended for those anticipating graduate study. Most physics majors will find computer programming skills through the level of CSCI 0201 extremely valuable.
Courses in Astrophysics: For those students who wish to pursue courses with a focus on astrophysics we offer courses at all levels of the curriculum, including PHYS 0155 (Introduction to the Universe), PHYS 0255 (Introduction to Astrophysics), PHYS 0355 (Observational Astrophysics) and PHYS 0370 (Cosmological Physics).
With permission of an advisor and the department, students may complete a senior project (PHYS 0704), which involves a significant piece of experimental or theoretical research to be completed in the final year at Middlebury. Topics in recent years have included work in astrophysics, atomic physics, biophysics, condensed matter physics, cosmology, environmental applications, optics, laser spectroscopy, classical and quantum waves, and quantum computing. Outstanding performance in PHYS 0704 may, with the permission of the advisor and department, allow continuation of the senior project as a senior thesis (PHYS 0705). Neither PHYS 0704 nor PHYS 0705 count toward requirements for the major.
A minimum grade average of B in physics courses is required of all honors candidates. To be eligible for departmental honors, a student must also complete a semester-long senior project (PHYS 0704). Honors in physics are awarded primarily on the basis of excellent senior work combined with depth and excellence of coursework in physics. A student’s overall accomplishments in the department, including teaching assistantships and leadership, are also considered in the awarding of honors.
Some students study physics with the intent of eventually doing engineering, either through a dual degree or in graduate school. Students interested in pre-engineering coursework should consult the pre-engineering advisor(s) as soon as possible, preferably before or during their first semester. Students who pursue a physics major en route to a 3-2 engineering degree (in which the Middlebury component is completed by the end of the junior year) take the same eight-course sequence outlined above and two electives, at least one of which must be PHYS 0301, PHYS 0318 or PHYS 0330. Students in a 2-1-1-1 pre-engineering program (those who return to Middlebury for the senior year) take the normal physics major and choose electives in consultation with the pre-engineering advisor(s).
Students who matriculate in Fall 2020 or later will adhere to the following requirements.
Students who matriculated prior to Fall 2020 may choose either the following requirements or the previous requirements, below.
All regular fall and spring term political science courses fall into one of five categories: (1) American Politics, (2) Comparative Politics, (3) International Relations and Foreign Policy, (4) Methods, and (5) Political Theory. A major must take ten regular political science courses, including:
(1) At least one American Politics course
(2) At least one Comparative Politics course
(3) At least one International Relations and Foreign Policy course
(4) At least one Methods course
(5) At least one Political Theory course
Each of the five categories must be fulfilled by a course taken at Middlebury College in Vermont. We recommend that students start with 100-level courses, whenever possible. No more than one of the ten PSCI major credits may be obtained through a winter term course, and the course is eligible to fulfill a category requirement if it has a PSCI designation. No more than one of the ten courses required for the major may be a PSCI 0500 credit. At least seven of the ten courses must be taken at Middlebury College in Vermont.
One of the ten required courses must be a PSCI or PSCI cross-listed 0400-level senior seminar offered by a member of the Middlebury faculty in Vermont. Work done in programs abroad, at other North American colleges and universities, or in the Washington Semester program will not count as the equivalent of a Middlebury seminar. IGST seminars co-taught by PSCI faculty cannot substitute for 0400-level PSCI seminars but will count as an elective towards the 10 required courses in PSCI.
Students who elect to seek departmental honors write a thesis in their senior year. Honors candidates should initiate the process by contacting their prospective faculty advisor during their junior year (including students who are abroad during their junior year). Candidates must submit an honors thesis proposal to their advisor prior to the term(s) in which the thesis is to be written. If the proposal is approved, the student may register for PSCI 0500 (independent project) in the first term of the thesis, followed by PSCI 0700 for the second and third terms. Students may elect to count the PSCI 0500 as one of the ten required courses for the major, but the PSCI 0700 credits must be in addition to the 10 required courses. All students who plan to write a thesis are strongly encouraged to enroll in a Methods course before their senior year. After an oral examination of the completed thesis, honors are conferred or denied on the basis of (1) the level of the grade achieved on the thesis; and (2) the level of the average grade received in other fall and spring courses taken at Middlebury. Courses taken abroad do not count toward the grade point determination. Honors theses candidates will have a political science course average of at least 3.4 and a thesis grade of B+ or higher to attain honors; a political science course average of at least 3.67 and a thesis grade of A- or higher to attain high honors; and a political science course average of at least 3.8 and a thesis grade of A to attain highest honors. For a full description of regulations, check the Thesis Procedures and Schedule page on the PSCI website.
Students with demonstrated preparation and proficiency in the field may elect independent study projects (PSCI 0500). These projects are prepared under the supervision of a member or members of the department. The PSCI 0500 projects may not be substituted for the seminar requirement. The PSCI 0500 projects are reading and research courses; the department will not award PSCI 0500 credit for political experience such as congressional internships. No more than one of the ten courses required for the major may be a PSCI 0500 credit.
Students wishing to do a joint major in political science and another department or program of studies must take eight regular political science courses. Among the eight total courses required for the major, the student must take at least one course in each of the five categories, including a 0400-level seminar. Students must also give evidence of having used the training in both majors, usually in a seminar paper, but sometimes in an independent project or thesis. At least five courses including the 0400-level seminar must be taken at Middlebury College in Vermont. Students may count a maximum of one political science winter term course toward the eight required courses for the joint major. Joint majors do not qualify for honors in political science. (Double majors are eligible.)
The IP&E major allows students to combine the study of politics, economics, and languages, linking these disciplines with an appropriate experience abroad. Students wishing to pursue this major should refer to International Politics and Economics in both the General Catalog and the online catalog.
IGST seminars co-taught by PSCI faculty cannot substitute for 0400-level PSCI seminars unless they are cross-listed IGST/PSCI seminars. It is highly recommended that IGST thesis candidates supervised by a PSCI faculty member enroll in a PSCI Methods course before their senior year.
The minor in political science will consist of five courses taken at Middlebury College, which must come from at least three of the five categories of courses offered by the department, and may include a maximum of one winter term course. At least one of the courses must be at the 0300-level or above.
Students may not apply credits earned prior to matriculation toward the ten courses required for the PSCI major.
Optional only for students who matriculated prior to Fall 2020.
A major must take ten regular political science courses. One of these ten must be an introductory course in the political theory subfield (PSCI 0101 or PSCI 0107). Two additional courses must be introductory courses in two of the three other subfields: American politics (PSCI 0102 or PSCI 0104); comparative politics (PSCI 0103); and international relations (PSCI 0109). These three required introductory courses should normally be completed before the end of the sophomore year. Among the ten total courses required for the major, the student must also fulfill the field distribution requirement, and complete the 0400-level seminar. At least seven of these ten courses, including the 0400-level seminar, must be taken at Middlebury College in Vermont. Students may count a maximum of one political science winter term course as one of the ten required courses for the major. Winter term courses may be used to fulfill the field distribution requirement.
All regular fall and spring term political science courses are classified in one of the following four fields: Political Theory, American Politics, Comparative Politics, and International Relations and Foreign Policy. Students must take at least two courses in any three of these fields and one course in the fourth field.
The senior program consists of a seminar of the major’s choice. Each seminar includes advanced work appropriate to the field in which the seminar is offered. The seminars are the 0400-level courses offered by the department. Seminars are open to juniors and seniors. Normally, the senior program requirement must be completed by taking a seminar offered by a member of the Middlebury faculty. Work done in programs abroad, at other North American colleges and universities, or in the Washington Semester program will not count as the equivalent of a Middlebury seminar. IGST seminars co-taught by PSCI faculty cannot substitute for 0400-level PSCI seminars but will count as an elective towards the 10 required courses in PSCI.
Students who elect to seek departmental honors write a thesis in the senior year. All students who plan to write a thesis are strongly encouraged to enroll in PSCI 0368 before their senior year (and students writing a political theory thesis are encouraged to take a 0300-level theory course). Honors candidates should initiate the process by contacting their prospective faculty advisor during their junior year (including students who are abroad during their junior year). Candidates must submit an honors thesis proposal to their advisor prior to the term(s) in which the thesis is to be written. If the proposal is approved, the student may register for PSCI 0500 (independent project) in the first term of the thesis, followed by PSCI 0700 for the second and third terms. After an oral examination of the completed thesis, honors are conferred or denied on the basis of (1) the level of the grade achieved on the thesis; and (2) the level of the average grade received in other fall and spring courses taken at Middlebury. Courses taken abroad do not count toward the grade point determination. Honors theses candidates will have a political science course average of at least 3.33 and a thesis grade of B+ or higher to attain honors; a political science course average of at least 3.50 and a thesis grade of A- or higher to attain high honors; and a political science course average of at least 3.67 and a thesis grade of A to attain highest honors.
Students with demonstrated preparation and proficiency in the field may elect independent study projects (PSCI 0500). These projects are prepared under the supervision of a member or members of the department. The PSCI 0500 projects may not be substituted for the seminar requirement. The PSCI 0500 projects are reading and research courses; the department will not award PSCI 0500 credit for political experience such as congressional internships.
Students wishing to do a joint major in political science and another department or program of studies must take eight regular political science courses. One of these eight must be an introductory course in the political theory subfield (PSCI 0101 or PSCI 0107). Two additional courses must be introductory courses in two of the three other subfields: American politics (PSCI 0102 or PSCI 0104); comparative politics (PSCI 0103); and international relations (PSCI 0109). These three required introductory courses should normally be completed before the end of the sophomore year. Among the eight total courses required for the major, the student must also take at least two courses in any two of the four fields of political science and one course in the third and fourth fields and complete a 0400-level seminar. Students must also give evidence of having used the training in both majors, usually in a seminar paper, but sometimes in an independent project or thesis. At least five courses including the 0400-level seminar must be taken at Middlebury College in Vermont. Students may count a maximum of one political science winter term course as one of the eight required courses for the joint major. Winter term courses may be used to fulfill the field distribution requirement. Joint majors do not qualify for honors in political science. (Double majors are eligible.)
International Politics and Economics Major: The IP&E major allows students to combine the study of politics, economics, and languages, linking these disciplines with an appropriate experience abroad. Students wishing to pursue this major should refer to International Politics and Economics in both the General Catalog and the on-line catalog.
International and Global Studies Major: IGS seminars co-taught by PSCI faculty cannot substitute for 0400-level PSCI seminars, In addition, it is highly recommended that IGS thesis candidates enroll in PSCI 0368 before their senior year.
The minor in political science will consist of five courses taken at Middlebury College, which must come from at least two of the four fields in the department, and may include a maximum of one winter term course. At least one of the courses must be at the 0300-level or above. The five course requirement will not be reduced by AP credits.
A score of 4 or 5 on the College Board Advanced Placement Examination in American politics will entitle the student to exemption from PSCI 0104; such a score may satisfy the requirement of one course in the American politics field. A score of 4 to 5 on the College Board Advanced Placement Examination in comparative politics will entitle the student to exemption from PSCI 0103; such a score may satisfy the requirement of one course in the comparative politics field. While supplying two college credits, advanced placement in both American politics and comparative politics will only count as one of the ten courses required for the political science major. Students will also receive only one distribution credit for AP courses, and notwithstanding the distribution credit, all students must take at least one course in each subfield.
In keeping with this philosophy, the department offers a broad range of courses that provides students with the opportunity to learn about basic research and its applications in a variety of areas, including social, cognitive, behavioral, cultural, clinical, environmental, educational, biological, and developmental psychology.
The psychology major consists of a minimum of 10 courses in five categories: (I) Foundation courses, (II) Core courses, (III) Labs, (IV) Advanced seminars, and (V) Electives.
I. Foundation courses: The foundation courses provide students an overview of the field, the background, and the skills necessary to understand psychology as an empirical science. The required foundation courses are Introduction to Psychology (PSYC 0105) and the Statistics/Research Methods sequence (PSYC 0201 and PSYC 0202). Most students complete the Statistics/Research Methods sequence by the end of their sophomore year, but no later than the end of their junior year.
II. Core courses: All students must complete at least three core courses, one each from three of the five areas below. Core courses ensure that students have a broad understanding of various subfields within the discipline. Students are strongly encouraged to complete core courses no later than the end of their junior year.
We offer core courses in the following areas:
III. Labs: All students must take at least one course with a lab section in addition to Psychological Statistics and Research Methods in Psychology. The lab course may also fulfill another course requirement simultaneously (e.g., a core or an elective course). Lab courses are designated as such in the course descriptions.
IV. Advanced seminars: Each student must take one advanced seminar (0400-level course) in psychology. Advanced seminars in psychology emphasize the synthesis and integration of theory; these may be taken during junior and/or senior years.
V. Electives: Finally, students must choose any three additional courses from the psychology curriculum, including winter term. In addition to regular content courses, PSYC 0350, PSYC 0500, PSYC 0700, or the PSYC 0701/0702/0703 sequence may be used to satisfy one of the elective requirements.
To earn a minor in psychology students need to complete five psychology courses, including the following:
Research Opportunities: There are options for students who are interested in conducting research in psychology. Students need permission from a faculty member prior to enrollment in these courses.
Students cannot take more than one psychology independent research course (PSYC 0350, PSYC 0500, or PSYC 0700) per semester.
Students who meet the department requirements may apply to the department to complete a senior honors thesis in psychology. A thesis requires students to apply their skills and knowledge to the completion of a year-long empirical research project. Students intending to complete honors work are expected to submit a Thesis Intent Form by the stated deadline (early to mid-March) of their junior year. Therefore, students should consult with a faculty member before that deadline to actively begin planning their research. The psychology thesis requires three semesters (including Winter Term) of independent research. During the fall term of their senior year, candidates will enroll in PSYC 0701. During the winter and spring terms, after meeting the special requirements listed in the course description and being accepted into honors candidacy, they will enroll in PSYC 0702 and PSYC 0703, respectively (adjustments to this schedule will be made for students entering in February). A minimum GPA of 3.5 in psychology department courses is required for admission to honors candidacy.
For students beginning their matriculation in the Fall of 2025 and beyond are required to complete PSYC 0105 (Introduction to Psychology) since this course cannot be waived with a pre-Collegiate test score.
Students who began their matriculation before Fall 2025 can bypass PSYC 0105 and move directly to a higher-level course if they earned a Psychology AP Examination score of 4 or 5, or earned a score of 6 or 7 on the IB (International Baccalaureate) Higher Level psychology exam.
In order for students who began their matriculation before Fall 2025 to use an AP or IB score to bypass PSYC 105, they must submit their Psychology AP or IB score to Middlebury prior to enrolling in a course with PSYC 105 as a pre-requisite. Psychology Department faculty will not provide waivers for courses with PSYC 105 as a pre-requisite based upon an AP or IB score that has not been submitted to the College.
The department will not allow students to bypass PSYC 0201 (Psychological Statistics) with any pre-Collegiate test score.
Students may transfer no more than two psychology courses toward the major or minor while enrolled as a full-time student at Middlebury. Students wishing to obtain approval to transfer more than two courses must petition the department in advance.
See the Neuroscience Program listing for a description of this major.
See the Environmental Studies Program listing for a description of this major.
The Religion major allows students to concentrate in a variety of sub-fields within the larger field of the study of religion. These sub-fields can be based on traditions, geographical areas, or themes.
While the plausibility of concentrating in a given sub-field depends on the availability of expert faculty members therein, the department currently offers the following concentrations:
Students are encouraged to consult with faculty members to explore other options or combinations thereof.
The major will consist of at least ten courses, including no more than one winter term course, distributed as follows:
(1) Majors must make sure that they have had exposure to a variety of different religious traditions (for example, Asian and Western) as well as a variety of methodological approaches to the study of religion (for example, historical, sociological, anthropological, or philosophical).
(2) Majors must take at least one 0300 seminar outside their primary sub-field of concentration within the religion department.
(3) In the absence of a suitable 0100 level course in a given concentration, Reli0100 (Introduction to Religion) will satisfy this requirement.
(4) In unusual circumstances, and with the prior approval of the instructor and the chair of the department, certain 0200 level courses can count as a 0300 level seminar for the purpose of satisfying major requirements.
Important note: Students should consult closely with faculty advisors to determine which courses in the department satisfy a given concentration. The chair of the department, in consultation with the student’s advisor, will determine how transfer credits and courses taken during study abroad will be applied toward departmental requirements. Click here to access a regularly updated list of RELI courses that identifies which of the department’s major and minor concentrations each course can help satisfy.
Please note: the chair of the department must approve each joint major proposal. For the Religion component of a joint major, a student will complete seven courses:
In addition, the student will complete a senior project or thesis, RELI 0700, RELI 0701, utilizing the expertise of both majors.
The Religion minor will consist of at least five courses, three of which will focus in a single concentration. One of the courses in the focus must be a seminar at the 0300-level or above.
Refer to Jewish Studies for description.
Refer to Hebrew for description.
Graduation with departmental honors requires maintaining an average grade of at least B+ in courses counted towards the major (including the thesis/project grade). High Honors will be reserved for students who choose to write a thesis and earn at least an A- in each course counted toward the major (including the thesis).
To declare a major in Russian, students should contact the chair of the department or a faculty member.
Normally, majors must complete the following courses:
Each student’s program is planned individually with the department chair. Students who wish to pursue careers in government, business, or law may also consider a major in the Russian and East European studies track of the International and Global Studies program.
Russian majors also frequently combine their language study with a double major in economics, geography, history, or political science, or do a joint major or minor with one of these subjects.
The Russian department offers two minor programs:
The Russian language minor (RULN) includes the following:
The Russian literature and culture minor (RULC) includes the following:
Majors with a B+ average in Russian courses and a B average overall are encouraged to prepare an honors thesis, the final copy of which is due May 1 of the year of graduation. Departmental honors are determined by a combination of thesis grade and grade point average in courses taken in the Russian Department, the Russian School and Middlebury’s programs abroad.
All Russian majors and language minors are encouraged to study abroad for a year. Middlebury’s Schools Abroad runs three programs in the Russian Federation, in Irkutsk, Moscow, and Yaroslavl, but their operations have been suspended as a result of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
In the spring of 2023 Schools Abroad opened a new site in Astana, Kazakhstan, based at Nazarbayev University, one of the premier institutions of higher learning in Central Asia. Russian is one of Kazakhstan’s official languages, alongside Kazakh, and it remains a primary means of communication among its citizens. Students will take Russian language courses and Middlebury-organized electives designed for language learners at Nazarbayev University, with the chance to take mainstream courses alongside Kazakh students at our other partner institutions in Astana, KAZGUU University and Eurasian National University. All coursework will be in Russian under the Middlebury Language Pledge.
In their first semester, all students will take conversation, composition, and culture/civilization courses organized exclusively for our students; students who have completed third-year-level Russian will also take one mainstream course with Kazakh students, either one offered at NU or selected from the university curriculum at our other partner institutions in Astana.
In the second semester, students who have not yet taken a mainstream course will take one, and students who have already taken one may take two or more, in addition to the courses organized for Middlebury. Majors are expected to take at least one mainstream course while abroad. Students unable to attend for a full year may study for one semester, preferably in the fall. The following courses are among those offered for our students at NU in recent semesters. While we cannot guarantee that each of these courses will be available on a regular basis, they are representative of the kinds of offerings students may expect:
See more detailed course descriptions.
A minimum of 10 courses will constitute the major. All sociology majors will complete SOCI 0101 (or SOCI 0105 for students who matriculated prior to 2024-25), SOCI 0301, SOCI 0305, and a 400-level seminar. In addition, majors will take six electives, with at least two at the 300 level. At least eight of these courses (and all of the core courses listed) must be fall and spring courses taught at Middlebury (e.g., not winter term courses or transfer credits).
A joint major consists of seven courses: SOCI 0101 (or SOCI 0105 for students who matriculated prior to 2024-25), SOCI 0301, SOCI 0305, a 400-level senior seminar in sociology, and three electives. No more than one elective may be taken outside of the regular fall and spring semesters at Middlebury (e.g., as a winter term course or transfer credit). Any departures from this program must be approved by the department chair.
The minor consists of five courses: SOCI 0101 (or SOCI 0105 for students who matriculated prior to 2024-25) and four electives. All courses must be taken at Middlebury (e.g., no transfer credits or internships), with no more than one winter term course.
To be eligible for departmental honors, students must complete an independent research project of at least one semester. This typically consists of either a one-semester senior project (SOCI 0700, one credit, usually 25–40 pages) or a two-semester senior project (SOCI 0710, two credits, usually 60–100 pages). Students who wish to work on a project for more than one semester must present their progress for review by two professors who will decide whether the project qualifies for extended study. A one-semester project can be either in the fall or spring semester; a two-semester project is usually in the fall and winter semesters or in the winter and spring semesters. Variation from these patterns is possible with permission from the department. Senior project requirements for joint majors and other special circumstances will be approved in consultation with both departments.
A SOCI 0700 project requires a project advisor. If the advisor thinks that the project may deserve an A– or A, a second reader must evaluate the project. A SOCI 0710 project requires a committee including the project advisor and a second reader from within the Sociology Department. It may also include an optional third reader from another part of the College or the local community. Upon completion of the SOCI 0710 project, there will be an oral defense.
Students who earn an A– or higher on a 0700 or 0710 project and average an A– or higher in all sociology courses receive departmental honors.
Current majors and minors who declared under the present system would continue to operate under this system. They would, however, have the option of choosing to shift to the new set of requirements and degrees if their current situation allows for it. Once the new departments are formed, all future majors and minors would operate under the new sets of requirements.
The joint major in Anthropology and Sociology consists of twelve classes. The core courses are any 100-level ANTH course, SOCI 0101 (or SOCI 0105 for students who matriculated prior to the 2024-25 school year), SOCI 0301 or ANTH 0302 or ANTH 0396 or ANTH 0492, and SOC 0305 or ANTH 0306. Students must also take one 0400-level SOCI course, one 0400-level ANTH course, and six electives. A 700-level course in ANTH or SOCI can replace one of the 400-level courses. No more than two electives may be taken outside of the regular fall and spring semesters at Middlebury (e.g., as winter term or transfer credit courses).
This program offers a minor in South Asian Studies to students who complete the following requirements:
(12 courses)
*The 0300 level classes integrate to give students well-rounded experience in major approaches to the practice of visual art. Classes in sculpture, photography, printmaking and painting focus on unique properties of each medium, yet highlight technical and expressive connections with each other and other areas of the curriculum (see elective categories). Instruction is highly individualized in order to help students develop their own artistic voice.
(8 courses)
(6 courses)
These courses teach essential visual ideas common to all visual art and design languages. They prepare a student to clearly communicate their creative expression in upper-level classes. Each category is unique yet designed to overlap fundamental concepts with other categories. Please see specific upper (300) level class descriptions for which type of Foundations class is required as a pre-requisite.
Any history course in the history of human visual culture. For examples, please refer to the course descriptions of AMST 0225, FMMC 0267, HARC 0204, IGST 0420, and PHIL 0233.
Any course that seeks to understand and process knowledge through cognitive visual imaging. For examples, please refer to the course descriptions of CSCI 0461, DANC 0361, GEOG 0325, GEOL 0211, and PHYS 0221.
Any course that teaches how to process knowledge through mapping experience between two realms, linguistic or non-linguistic. For examples, please refer to the course descriptions of CRWR 0170, ENVS/DANC 0277, FMMC 0106, MATH 0121, PHYS 0101, PHYS 0201, THEA 0218, and SPAN 0320.
Any creative practicum course. For examples, please refer to the course descriptions of DANC 0160, FMMC 0348, HARC 0330, and MUSC 0221.
Categories of honors are based upon cumulative departmental averages as follows:
Students interested in teacher training in art should consult with the chairs of the Education Studies program and the Studio Art program.
Many students in Studio Art wish to pursue visual art-practice in depth during junior year away from Middlebury. The program has long experience with many institutions abroad (as well in the U.S.) that offer excellent studio art programs. Students should consult with their advisors to develop a plan for which schools and programs of study are most suitable for their goals. More about Middlebury’s Study Abroad opportunities.
Students must complete a combination of eleven courses (eight core courses and three additional courses—see Senior Work requirements—in consultation with the advisor, in preparation for Senior 700 work) and a Crew Requirement (defined below).
Students must complete a combination of nine courses (seven core courses and two additional courses—see Senior Work requirements—in consultation with the advisor, in preparation for Senior 700 work) and a Crew Requirement (defined below).
Students wishing to undertake a joint major in ENAM and Theatre should be advised that senior work will normally consist of two full-credit classes, ENAM 0708 and THEA 0708. We strongly recommend that these classes betaken in the same semester, with the understanding that a central goal of the joint major is the thorough integration of both aspects of the joint major. A single-credit, single-semester joint project remains an option for those who wish to pursue a joint thesis that does not include a practical component such as acting or directing.
Only one Production Studio in acting course may be counted in fulfillment of the joint major.
Students may pursue independent senior projects in acting, directing, design (set, light, or costume), playwriting, literature, applied theatre, devised theatre or an intradisciplinary project (Single or Full major only) All senior projects will include both experiential and analytical work. Intermediate Independent Projects (THEA 0500) are not required but may be proposed in all disciplines except acting. Please visit Senior work for a guide to Senior Work Course Requirements.
Required for any theatre major or minor.
This may be fulfilled by Assistant Directing, Stage Managing or Assistant Stage Managing (AD/SM/ASM) a Faculty Show or serving as the stage manager for the annual First Show. For those who have not AD/SM/ASM, the Crew Requirement should be completed by the end of the 5th semester and will normally be satisfied by undertaking a running crew assignment (lights, sound, wardrobe) on a for-credit production. This requirement may also be fulfilled by completing THEA 0119 Fall Production Studio: Design or THEA 0129 Spring Production Studio: Design.
Students must complete a combination of six courses (four core courses and two Theatre electives) and a crew requirement.
Only one Production Studio course may be counted as an elective.
Same as above.
Honors, high honors, or highest honors are awarded to graduating seniors in the Theatre Program based upon their grade point average of 3.8 or better in theatre courses, and overall distinction in the department.
The first writing intensive course is the first-year seminar, taught by faculty across the disciplines.
The second writing intensive course is generally taken by the end of a student’s sophomore year or as determined by their major area of study. This course is designated by a “CW.”
The second-level CW course features in-class discussion of writing and attention to revision. College writing courses are limited in size, and faculty are asked to provide written responses to drafts and to meet individually with students to discuss their work. Peer review, or a writing workshop, is also recommended for college writing courses.
Expectations for writing in the second-level CW course vary from department to department and class to class. Some classes require 20 pages of polished prose. Other courses might not think in terms of page numbers. Such courses include, but are not limited to, those that teach digital writing or writing with charts and graphs, or those that highlight short writing forms.
Instructors are encouraged to assign informal writing as well as formal writing. Informal writing, often known as “writing to learn,” might be graded or ungraded and might include journals, field notes, informal responses to readings, online discussions, and in-class writing. Informal writing can build student confidence and generate class discussion as well as be developed into formal writing projects.
Formal writing assignments are often graded, but other faculty prefer the effects of “ungrading” until the end of the semester. Either way, faculty are encouraged to provide ample qualitative feedback on formal work. Formal writing projects can include critical and/or creative writing. Genres for formal projects include argumentative essays, research papers, critical narratives, literature reviews, case studies, op-eds, blogs, digital stories, videos, podcasts, short fiction or poems based on theory or research, etc.
In some departments, College writing classes are highly disciplinary and are only open to students majoring in the department or program. In other departments, the CW class is open to students across the College, and course content may vary widely.
Faculty seeking approval of their CW class should contact James Sanchez, director of the Writing and Rhetoric Program. In addition, faculty may contact any member of the Writing and Rhetoric Program to discuss their goals for their CW class and to obtain feedback on writing assignments, syllabus design, the peer review process, responding to student writing, and evaluating work. Members of the Writing and Rhetoric Program are also available to visit classes to talk about writing.
