Pacific’s focal studies program is one of the most controversial programs on campus. A survey on the subject is coming out within the next few days. Many have the program on their minds, and are actively thinking of ways to make it better. Some are more hopeful than others.
“I think that the idea should stay, but the current practices need to be changed,” said sophomore Garrett Brown.
Senior Carlos Esparza is more skeptical. “In some cases, it is beneficial for some students to explore new disciplines and gain new perspectives but realistically focal studies impede the student’s freedom to choose their own course of study,” he said. “Without requiring focal studies students will have the flexibility to explore courses in other disciplines at their choosing given that they will have to meet the 52-hour rule.”
Freedom and flexibility is a big theme amongst those who are critical of the program. Though its reason for being is generally described as getting students a cross-disciplinary education, its ideals are more mission statement than actual fact for many students.
“I was told that I could take some classes and then figure out which focal studies fit better,” said junior Rachel Mason. “This ended with me not having enough time to take classes outside of my major for my focal studies. So that part isn’t great, especially because there are so many requirements already.”
Pacific’s focal studies program is one of the most controversial programs on campus. A survey on the subject is coming out within the next few days. Many have the program on their minds, and are actively thinking of ways to make it better. Some are more hopeful than others.
“I think that the idea should stay, but the current practices need to be changed,” said sophomore Garrett Brown.
Senior Carlos Esparza is more skeptical. “In some cases, it is beneficial for some students to explore new disciplines and gain new perspectives but realistically focal studies impede the student’s freedom to choose their own course of study,” he said. “Without requiring focal studies students will have the flexibility to explore courses in other disciplines at their choosing given that they will have to meet the 52-hour rule.”
Freedom and flexibility is a big theme amongst those who are critical of the program. Though its reason for being is generally described as getting students a cross-disciplinary education, its ideals are more mission statement than actual fact for many students.
“I was told that I could take some classes and then figure out which focal studies fit better,” said junior Rachel Mason. “This ended with me not having enough time to take classes outside of my major for my focal studies. So that part isn’t great, especially because there are so many requirements already.”
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