Quest University Canada - The Concentration: Years 3 & 4

The Concentration: Years 3 & 4

Principles underlying the Concentration Program

Over the course of the Concentration Program students work in depth on a topic of their choice, guided by a Question. The Foundation Program will already have exposed you to the methods and subject matters covered by the various disciplines, so that when it comes time to design your Individual Concentration Program, you will be able to make enlightened decisions about how to pursue your academic interests. The Question investigates one topic or theme, often across disciplinary boundaries. Each student develops his or her Question with the guidance of a faculty mentor.

Each student's Question Plan consists of four principal elements:

1. a statement of the Question;
2. a course plan;
3. a list of pertinent readings, called "Touchstones"; and
4. a Keystone project.

There are as many different Questions as there are students - we expect Quest students to surprise and challenge us.

Out of the 16 blocks of the upper level terms, you will take:

1. Seven blocks of coursework designed to help you investigate your Question. These include six Concentration courses and a Keystone course.
2. 1 - 4 blocks of experiential learning. These can be work internships, service learning courses, outdoor education, leadership training, study abroad courses, and so on. What you do is limited only by your imagination. You will design your experiential learning with the help of your faculty mentor.
3. 3 - 6 blocks of electives in upper division courses. Electives are for exploring, and may be taken pass/fail.

The main focus of the concentration program is depth of understanding - sustained attention to a question of personal importance to the student. Attaining a measure of depth means knowing what a good question is, and knowing how to pursue the answer to it. It is a skill for life, and a preeminent achievement of a liberal arts and sciences education at Quest.

See below links for more information:

The Question

Course Descriptions

Quick Links

2012 Course Catalog