Individual Concentration Program
(ICP)
May be elected as a special concentration program
The Individual Concentration Program (ICP) is an option for students
who wish to undertake a program of study within the College of LS&A that
is not available either in an existing departmental concentration or interdepartmental
program. ICPs are interdisciplinary and reflect the liberal arts perspective
of LS&A. The ICP encourages diversity and flexibility, but all ICPs must
have an identifiable academic focus and unifying theme. As with other concentrations,
ICPs must stress development of skills to think critically, to understand
and evaluate knowledge, and to develop ideas.
Since an ICP leads to an A.B. or B.S. degree, students must meet A.B./B.S.
requirements (English Composition, language, race and ethnicity, and quantitative
reasoning requirements, and an area distribution plan). Students may complete
the Junior-Senior writing requirement by electing any course approved for
that purpose but are urged to seek courses relevant to their concentration.
Courses in departments from which students have 12 or more concentration
credits may not be used to meet the distribution requirement. Students with
an ICP may elect a double concentration provided the ICP courses are not
used as part of the second concentration or for area distribution.
Students interested in developing an ICP should visit the ICP advisor
to discuss goals, academic options, and procedures. After this initial discussion,
a formal application may be submitted. This application must include (1)
a title and supporting statement containing a coherent rationale for the
proposed program, (2) a comprehensive academic plan of at least 30 upper-level
credits, and (3) the signatures of faculty members from two LS&A departments
offering courses in the student's defined concentration. These faculty should
have discussed the proposed program with the student and support the proposal.
A maximum of 6 non-LS&A credits may be included in the concentration. No
more than half the proposed concentration courses can be completed and/or
currently elected at the time the ICP application is submitted. Applications
are generally made prior to the senior year.
The completed application is reviewed by the Committee on Interdisciplinary
Studies, a five-member committee composed of four LS&A faculty members and
a representative of the Academic Advising Center. The committee bases its
decision on whether the proposed program ensures a coherent course of study
comparable to that in other College concentration programs.
When an ICP has been approved, the student may proceed with the program.
If it becomes necessary or desirable to modify an ICP, the student must
consult the ICP advisor.
Advising. Appointments with Helen Olson, the ICP advisor, are scheduled
at the Academic Advising Center, 1255 Angell Hall. ICP applications are
available in 1255 Angell Hall and when completed should be returned there.
Students interested in an Honors ICP should contact the Honors Program in
1228 Angell Hall.