SCUE program offers stress-free learning

An innovative new program this semester will give professors and students the chance to discuss subjects of interest -- in a formal classroom setting -- without the pressure of grades and papers. The pilot program, sponsored by the Student Committee on Undergraduate Education, includes four "preceptorials" in subjects ranging from political science to biochemistry. These informal discussions will begin within the next two weeks, and each will meet several times during the semester. "The preceptorials are designed to give students the opportunity to engage in intellectual interaction with truly brilliant professors outside of a normal classroom setting," SCUE Chairperson and Wharton senior Ben Nelson said. Nelson said when SCUE approached professors with the idea of preceptorials, they "ate it up." "This is a testament to some Penn professors who care so much about students that they are willing to give up their valuable time for no credit and no payment," Nelson said. Music Professor Norman Smith, who is conducting a preceptorial on music and literature in the 19th century, said he "heartily approves" of the project. And Political Science Professor Henry Teune is teaching a preceptorial about media campaign coverage. He said he hopes these discussions will be stepping stones to similar projects which could involve more students. Teune said he would like to see a program where juniors spend a semester traveling, conducting research, or working on a project in an area of interest. "Students should have the opportunity to break out of the rigid organization of knowledge into semester classes," Teune said. Courtney Woolridge, a College junior who plans to take Teune's preceptorial, said it will be a welcome break from her regular class schedule. "It seemed like a good chance to meet in a small, informal setting and have genuine interaction with a professor," she said. An interest in learning me about Philadelphia's history led College junior Adam Eisner to sign up for Urban Studies Professor George Thomas' preceptorial. "As an American History major, I thought it would be interesting to find out how Philadelphia affected the early development of the United States," Eisner said. Eisner also noted walking tours of the city will differentiate the preceptorial from his other classes. The opportunity to take part in this program appealed to College sophomore Aaron Levy, who will participate in an American poetry preceptorial led by English Professor Al Filreis. "It seemed like it would be an ideal learning environment," Levy said. "You don't have to worry about grades and course requirement, so you can just enjoy learning for the sake of learning." Teune said although he is uncertain if the program will be ultimately successful, he feels it is important to support it in its initial stages. Nelson said SCUE will evaluate the pilot preceptorials at the end of the semester and may offer more in the future.