The Core Curriculum - Major Cultures

What is required?

Two courses. Consult the Major Cultures List of Approved Courses (also available in 403 Lerner and 208 Hamilton) for approved course options.

When?

Recommended in sophomore and junior years.

Can I test out?

No.

Special Note:

Students must take a List A course before taking a List B or C course to receive credit for the Major Cultures requirement.

The Major Cultures component of the Core explores the globally influential and historically rooted cultures and civilizations of Africa, East Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, Native America, and South Asia. The Major Cultures requirement promotes learning and thought about the variety of civilizations and the diversity of traditions that have formed the world and continue to shape it today.

The complete List of Approved Courses is available in the First Year Sophomore Academic Advising Center (403 Lerner Hall) and the Office of the Dean (208 Hamilton) or via the Columbia College Web page at the start of the fall term.

Major Cultures is divided into three tiers of courses. All are founded on discussion of primary source materials. To satisfy the requirement, you must complete two courses from the Major Cultures List of Approved Courses.

List A

These courses usually trace the particular civilization across more than one present-day country or region and usually draw heavily on readings from primary texts.

List B

More advanced and more specialized, these second-tier courses on specific major cultures build on and often assume the work of corresponding List A courses.

List C

These courses address the manifestations in the United States of the List A civilizations and often assume the work of the corresponding List A courses.