Sophomore

Colloquium Modern Times
Starting with the most recent centuries first might seem counterintuitive. Yet since you are going abroad (most of you to Europe) during the spring of your sophomore year, the sophomore colloquium is designed to give you a clearer picture of the not-so-distant history of cultures you will live in for one semester. While some writers and thinkers are "regular" visitors to our syllabi, themes differ over the years (war, secularism, vision, changing frontiers) as well as the texts used to approach them. In fact, new COL majors are often pleased to discover that instructors paired to lead a colloquium regularly redesign the syllabus for the colloquium. COL majors can even contribute to the construction of the syllabus, since they usually meet with their next colloquium instructors prior to the beginning of the semester to discuss possible themes and readings.

For a sample of syllabi for the SOPHOMORE COLLOQUIUM, click below:
-COL 20th sample syllabus 1
-COL 20th sample syllabus 2

Study Abroad
COL major spend one semester abroad in Western, Eastern Europe, Israel, or, if successfully petitioned and justified, in a few other countries. Study abroad takes place in the spring of your sophomore year. Exceptions granted for athletes who can study abroad in the summer. The purpose of the semester abroad is not merely to enhance language proficiency, but also to enhance the understanding of a foreign culture and to give the student a new perspective on his/her own culture. Click here for more information.