For the class of 2012 and later, students' course-loads have been and will continue to be a little more diverse than those of previous classes.
Earlier this year, the College of Arts and Sciences implemented a new requirement for all classes after 2012: "Cultural Diversity in the U.S."
The requirement complements the Cross-Cultural Analysis sector and aims to develop students' knowledge of the "history, dynamic cultural systems and heterogeneous populations" that make up the U.S., according to the school's Web site.
College Dean Dennis DeTurck said that when the Cross-Cultural Analysis requirement was first announced in 2005, many Penn groups were "ruffled" by the idea that there was not a corresponding requirement for the diversity of cultures within the U.S.
"There was a student demand from the minority community" for a complementary requirement, said Student Committee for Undergraduate Education chairman and College and Wharton senior Zach Fuchs.
He added that it was "a very contentious issue at the time."
Fuchs explained that there was disagreement within SCUE between the goals of the requirement and loading more requirements on students. The committee ultimately chose not to take a stance.
But so far, officials and students alike say that the requirement is evolving as planned.
"If anything this [requirement] is a good one to have, because cultural diversity is expanding every day in the U.S.," said College freshman Leah Dirkse, who has not filled the requirement yet.
College freshman Emily Halpern agreed.
"I think it's a good idea, especially because America is a diverse place and Penn is, too," she said.
SCUE steering committee member-at-large College senior Jay Zolle explained that the requirement forces students to engage with the study of other cultures in our country and to explore the types of theoretical knowledge that accompany them.
He added that the only relatively negative aspect of the requirement is that it restricts students' elective choices.
DeTurck said the requirement is "a unique way of approaching culture."
He added that he is "pretty confident that by the end of the year we will pretty much have reached a consensus on exactly what [it] means."
DeTurk said that early next spring, the curriculum committee will evaluate the new requirement by looking at the courses and talking to faculty and students.
But for now, officials don't see any major adjustments to be made.
"We like to sort of live with [the requirement] for a little while before we set it in cement," DeTurck said.
"I'm happy to see that the College is moving ahead with the implementation of this new requirement," wrote SAS Dean Rebecca Bushnell in an e-mail. "I am sure that we will see some fascinating courses in this area."
