Examining the Basics

MIT is taking a comprehensive look at the undergraduate core curriculum, first put in place more than 50 years ago. The study will determine if the present requirements provide both the best possible foundation for students in all majors and the kind of general scholarly background that they can rely on later in life. President Charles M. Vest HM appointed the 24-member Task Force on the Undergraduate Educational Commons in March, charging it to examine not only the general Institute requirements but also other experiences that MIT undergraduates share, such as participation in the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program.

Robert Redwine, dean for undergraduate education, says there are many factors that made it essential to review the general requirements. Among them are career paths that did not exist a half-century ago; the increasingly global economy, which calls for graduates to understand other cultures; and the growing importance of science and engineering in the world. He notes that students today are also more diverse, have higher SAT scores, and may be accustomed to different teaching methods than those of 20 or 30 years ago.

The task force of faculty, administrators, and students will review and modify the Institutes mission statement if appropriate, develop the common curriculum requirements for undergraduates, and suggest a strategy for implementation. The group is expected to report to the faculty by 2006. Alumni who would like to share ideas about curriculum changes should contact Redwine or Robert Silbey, chair of the task force.