Capacities

Catalog Year: 2016-2017

A. Writing (bi-level program)

Clear and effective writing is inseparable from clear and coherent thinking. Each student must demonstrate the attainment of an acceptable level of skill in written communication by fulfilling the requirements of a bi-level writing program.

Level I (W1)

To meet the Level I writing requirement a student must

receive a “C” or above in ENGL 110 Introduction to Academic Writing, or ENGL 210 Advanced Academic Writing at Hendrix; or
receive a grade of “C” or above in a course at Hendrix from the category Introduction to Literary Studies (These courses are identified by the code “W1” in the Schedule of Classes and in this Catalog); or
receive a grade of “C” or above on an examination in written English administered by the Writing Center at Hendrix and certified by the English Department. (This exam is available for transfer students who may have taken a writing or composition course elsewhere.)

Students must meet this requirement during the first or second year. International students should check English Course Placement for International Students.

Level II (W2)

To meet the Level II writing requirement, a student must receive writing proficiency certification (including making a grade of “C” or higher) in a writing intensive course offered by any department of the College. Writing intensive courses are identified by the code “W2” in the Catalog and course schedule.

The following guidelines apply to all Level II courses:

Level II certification will not be given until a student has completed Level I. A student may not complete Level II and Level I in the same semester.
Level II courses will be sophomore-level and above;
Level II courses may be used to meet other requirements, as appropriate; and
Students may not use credits received from the Advanced Placement exam (AP), International Baccalaureate exam (IB), or from transfer courses to satisfy either the Level I or Level II requirement. Moreover, successful completion of the Level I writing examination will not satisfy the Literary Studies (LS) Learning Domain.

B. Foreign Language (FL) (two-semester equivalent)

Students should achieve the degree of competence in a foreign language necessary to encounter another culture on its own terms. This level of ability requires being able to understand, analyze, and use a foreign language. Such a capacity increases subtlety of mind, sharpens sensitivity to the use of one’s own language, and more fully opens another culture for exploration.

Students can fulfill the foreign language requirement by satisfying at least one of the following:

Passing the second semester of any foreign language at the College;
Passing an examination demonstrating proficiency at a level equivalent to the second semester of a foreign language taken at the College;
Receiving transfer credit for the equivalent of two semesters of a foreign language from an accredited institution;
In the case of international students whose native language is not English, by completing the Writing Level I (W1) requirement.

C. Quantitative Skills (QS)—(one-semester equivalent)

As our society becomes more technologically and analytically based, it is important that students develop quantitative skills that are necessary in a large and growing number of careers. Mathematical models form the basis for many fundamental concepts and modes of analysis in a diverse number of disciplines. Students need to possess sufficient quantitative skills in order to understand, manipulate, and interpret these models. It is, therefore, important that students possess a base level of mathematical/computing skills necessary for the development of those quantitative skills they will need in their chosen disciplines and in their lives.

To complete the quantitative skills capacity requirement, students must successfully receive credit for a Quantitative Skills course by one of the methods listed below:

Passing a Quantitative Skills course offered by the College;
Earning an appropriate Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) credit;
Transferring from any accredited institution a course that is comparable in academic quality and content to a Quantitative Skills course.

D. Physical Activity (PA) (two-semester equivalent)

Students are encouraged to develop and practice a lifestyle that promotes wellness, physical fitness and incorporates recreational activities on a regular basis. All students must meet the Physical Activity requirement unless exempted by the Physical Activity Coordinator.

Students can fulfill the Physical Activity requirement by receiving credit for two different Physical Activity classes offered at the College. Two semesters of participation in TARA A30 Dance Ensemble may be used to satisfy the PA requirement.

Successful completion in a varsity sport for one season qualifies as an activity class for this purpose. Successful completion in two different varsity sports, with at least one season for each sport, qualifies as two activity classes for this purpose.