Goals of a Bowdoin Liberal Arts Education

The Mission of the College
Bowdoin College Catalogue

The Curriculum (from the Bowdoin College Catalogue)

Bowdoin recognizes through its course offerings and requirements the importance of relating a liberal education to a world whose problems and needs are continually changing. The College does not prescribe specific courses for all students. Rather, each student determines an appropriate program of liberal arts courses within the framework of the College's academic standards and in consultation with an academic advisor.

Bowdoin offers a course of study leading to the degree of Bachelor of Arts. The requirements for the degree include completion of a minimum number of courses, residence at the College for a minimum time, fulfillment of the distribution requirements and completion of a major. A student must achieve minimum grades in order to remain enrolled at Bowdoin.

A vital part of the educational experience takes place in the interaction between students and their academic advisors. The pre-major academic advising system is intended to help students take full advantage of the first two years of Bowdoin and begin to plan the remaining years. It provides a framework within which a student can work with a faculty member to make informed academic decisions. Such a partnership is particularly important during the period of transition and adjustment of the first year. Faculty members may make recommendations about courses, combinations of courses or direct students towards other resources of the College. They may also play a role at moments of academic difficulty. The effectiveness of the system depends on the commitment of the student and the advisor. Students declare their majors during the second semester of the sophomore year and afterwards are advised by members of their major departments.

Back to Reflective Teaching Home Page | Back to IR Home Page | Back to Bowdoin Home Page