New College Block Scheduling
The New College block schedule offers a first-year experience that is unique to Hofstra. On a conventional college schedule, students take four or five courses concurrently during a semester. On the New College block schedule, however, you take just one course at a time, 3 ½ hours per day, four days a week, for a total of four courses each semester. Each block course is worth four semester hours so that you can earn 32 semester hours in your first year. For descriptions of the block courses offered by New College for the 2007-2008 academic year, click here. For descriptions of the block courses offered during the 2008-2009 academic year, click here. Note: First-year students enrolled in any of Hofstra's schools may take block courses in fall, spring, or both. With the exception of the first-year independent project, New College block courses can be used to satisfy the University's English composition and/or distribution requirements.
Block courses offer distinct advantages over the more conventional four- or five-course schedule most students follow. First, there's the benefit of total immersion in a course. You can focus all your attention and energy on one subject at a time. You also get to explore a topic in depth, from a number of different perspectives, so that you get a firm grasp of the material. Second, in keeping with New College's philosophy that a sound education should combine theory with practice, block courses allow more time for hands-on approaches to learning. For example, in addition to lecture and discussion, on a typical day your block course might also feature debates, a film, group projects or editing, essay writing or revision under the supervision of your instructor, or a discussion with an expert guest speaker.
Third, most block courses are linked to sites or events in the New York City area. For example, in Dr. Matthews's course, "The Archeology of Slavery and Freedom," you'll not only read about and discuss archaeology and the history of slavery in the United States, but you'll also participate in an actual dig at King Manor in Jamaica, Queens. There, you'll be trained in approved archaeological techniques, take field notes, and keep a journal, just as a professional archaeologist would. And, because your block course is the only class you're taking in that time period, you're free to join your instructors in a wide range of activities throughout the New York City area without missing any other classes.
Furthermore, block courses are small, with enrollments of approximately 25 students, so that you make friends quickly and get to know your instructors well. All block courses are writing intensive, with an emphasis on the development of critical thinking and research skills.
As a first-year student or sophomore enrolled in any College or School within the University, you may take block courses for a semester or one academic year. You can then continue your studies in New College or any other unit of the University and apply credits that you've earned in block courses toward satisfying the University's English composition or distribution requirements.
New College first-year students enroll in block courses as part of their degree program, and sophomores who elect to transfer to New College may enroll in block courses, if they wish. After your first year, you follow the regular University schedule for undergraduates to complete your B.A. degree requirements.