Course Recommendations by Academic Department Fall 2024

Accounting: major / individual courses

We offer the following advice for first-year students contemplating majoring in Accounting:

  • ACCT 100 should be taken either during the winter term of your first year or fall term of your sophomore year. Completing ACCT 100 will allow you to register for ACCT 231 and many Business Administration courses, for which it is a prerequisite, in your sophomore year.
  • ECON 100, FIN 221 and BUS 202 (or another approved statistics course) should be completed by the end of your sophomore year.
  • Declare the accounting major in the winter term (January) of your sophomore year.

Students are also encouraged to take as much mathematics as they are capable of handling.

You are attending one of the finest liberal arts institutions in the country. Accordingly, prospective majors should fully immerse themselves in the liberal arts upon enrollment and continue to take courses outside accounting during their time at W&L.

Africana Studies: minor / individual courses

  • Students seeking to complete the Program in Africana Studies typically begin with AFCA 130: An Introduction to Africana Studies. This course is open to all first-year students and satisfies an FDR requirement. Other courses in the program may also be taken in any sequence, though generally we recommend that students should wait until the sophomore year to take those courses numbered at the 300 level.
  • This program requires a student to complete 21 credits in seven courses.
  • Students should consult with Professor Michael Hill, Director of the Program in Africana Studies, Tucker Hall, 540.458.8327.

Anthropology: (see Sociology and Anthropology)

Arabic: individual courses

Students seeking courses in Arabic should contact Professor Anthony Edwards (edwardsa@wlu.edu) to express interest in beginning Arabic. If students have experience with the language, contact him to schedule a placement test. 

Archaeology: minor / individual courses

Recommended for first-year students interested in the Archaeology minor:

  • Take ARTH/CLAS 200, SOAN 206, SOAN 210, or SOAN 211

Art and Art History: majors / minors / individual courses

The department offers majors in art history and studio art. The department offers minors in art history, studio art, and cultural heritage and museum studies.


Recommended for prospective art history and studio art majors:

  • Art History: 101 and 102, 130, 131, 140, 141, 170 and all 200-level courses;
  • Studio Art: 111, 112, 120, 131, 211, 217, 227, 231.

Recommended for first-year students taking art history and/or studio art courses for a humanities distribution, who have had some background in art or art history:

  • Art History: 101 and 102, 130, 131, 140, 141, 146, 170 and all 200-level courses;
  • Studio Art: 111, 112, 120, 131, 211, 217, 227, 231.

Recommended for first-year students taking art history and/or studio art courses for a humanities distribution, who have had no background in art or art history:

  • Art History: 101 and 102, 130, 131, 140, 141, 146, 170 and all 200-level courses;
  • Studio Art: 111, 112, 120, 131, 211, 217, 227, 231.

Art History courses do not have prerequisites, so both students with and without prior experience in Art History should feel confident enrolling in any 100- or 200-level course. While 100-level courses generally offer a broad overview spanning various geographical and chronological periods, 200-level courses delve deeper into specific time periods, regions, or topics. Students who are considering a major or minor in studio art should prioritize enrolling in a studio art course within their first year of study. These courses are intentionally kept small, usually limited to 10 students, with most seats reserved for first-years, sophomores, as well as declared majors and minors,

For more information about the art history and/or studio art majors, please contact the Department Head, Andrea Lepage.

Biology: majors / minors / individual courses

For first-year students taking biology for distribution requirements:

  • Biology 101, 105, 111/113 (non-science majors who wish to take BIOL 111/113 are encouraged to do so during winter term)

Required for students planning to take advanced courses in biology:

  • Mathematics 101, 102, Biology 111/113, and Chemistry 110.

For prospective biology, neuroscience, or environmental studies majors in their first year, a desirable schedule is:

  • BIOL 111/113 (fall) and CHEM 110 (winter, for biology and neuroscience majors)
  • Mathematics (through MATH 102)
  • WRIT 100 (complete the writing foundation requirement)

  • World Language foundation requirement

Business Administration: major / individual course

Starting with the Class of 2028, the business administration major will have a new set of requirements. This updated major aims to equip students with the skills to think critically, act ethically, collaborate effectively in teams, communicate skillfully, and ultimately excel in a dynamic business environment. We do this within our business courses as well as with a strong integration with liberal arts courses.

Business major declarations are typically done in January of the sophomore year. We recommend that you complete the following courses by the end of sophomore year:

  • ECON 100 - Introduction to Economics
  • ACCT 100 - Introduction to Accounting
  • BUS 202 - Fundamentals of Business Analytics
  • BUS 217 - Management and Organizational Behavior
  • BUS 220 - Foundations of Business Communication
  • FIN 221 - Managerial Finance
  • We also strongly encourage you to complete your lab science requirement by the end of your sophomore year.

A possible FY schedule of courses for students interested in the Business Administration major might look like this:

First Year

FallWinterSpring
WRIT 100 ACCT 100 Spring Term course of interest
Foreign Language Foreign Language
ECON 100 FDR or elective course
BUS 202 or BUS 220 FDR Lab Science

Chemistry and Biochemistry: majors / individual courses

For first-year students taking chemistry courses for foundation and distribution requirements:

  • CHEM 100 (winter term); and CHEM 106, CHEM 155, and CHEM 160 (spring term) all provide a four-credit laboratory science course.
  • CHEM 110 also meets a distribution requirement, but it is intended only for students who plan to use science professionally (e.g., scientists, engineers, doctors, and other health professionals). (MATH 101 is strongly recommended to be taken during the fall term as a pre- or co-requisite for Chem 110, regardless of whether the student will take Chem 110 in the fall or winter term.)

For first-years taking chemistry courses as part of any science major or in preparation for health professions:

  • CHEM 110 and BIOL 111, 113 (one in fall term, one in winter term) (Completing MATH 101 before taking or while taking CHEM 100 is strongly recommended.)
  • MATH 101 and 102 are required in most science majors.

For prospective chemistry or biochemistry majors in their first year, a desirable schedule is:

  • CHEM 110 and BIOL 111, 113 (one in fall term, one in winter term) (MATH 101 is strongly recommended to be taken during the fall term as a pre- or co-requisite for Chem 110, regardless of whether the student will take Chem 110 in the fall or winter term.)
  • Mathematics (for health professions or B.S. in biochemistry, through MATH 102; for B.S. in chemistry or integrated engineering, MATH 221).
  • WRIT 100 (complete the Writing Foundation).
  • World Language Foundation.

Chinese: (see East Asian Languages and Literatures)

Classics: major / minor / individual courses

Classics courses provide a variety of approaches to the ancient world, including language and literature, art and archaeology, philosophy, law, religion, theater, and more. The Classics department also offers courses in Latin and ancient Greek.

A placement test in Latin is offered online over the summer.  

  • Students with no prior experience of Latin need not take the placement test. (You may enroll directly in LATN 101.) 
  • Students who have scored 5 on the Advanced Placement Latin test need not take the diagnostic test. Such students may enroll directly into a Latin course at the advanced (or 300) level.

Students with academic experience of ancient Greek and wishing to continue their study at Washington and Lee should consult Professor Michael Laughy, laughym@wlu.edu. A good time to do this is during orientation.

Recommended for prospective classics majors:

  • Begin studying Latin and/or Greek;
  • Consider courses in Classics, ancient art, ancient philosophy, and ancient history.

Suggested for first-year students taking classics for FDRs:

  • Classics 180, any CLAS course at the 200-level.
  • Both Latin and ancient Greek can be used to satisfy the world language requirement (LATN 202/GR 202) and the literature requirement (any 300-level LATN or GR).

Latin

Students who have no experience with Latin are welcome in LATN 101. Students who have taken Latin in high school should take the online placement test. On the basis of this test result, a placement recommendation is made. If there are questions about the placement, please contact the Head of the Classics Department, Prof. Laughy (laughym@wlu.edu). All upper levels of Latin are open to first-year students based on qualifications.

Latin is a useful course for students interested in law school. Knowledge of Latin also provides an excellent foundation for those interested in studying literature, history, art, or for becoming proficient in other languages.

Greek

Ancient Greek is particularly useful for students interested in medical school or religion. All students are welcome in Greek 101, a language course which includes much primary material from the archaeology of ancient Greece. It is unusual for an entering student to have studied Greek during high school. Those that have should contact Prof. Laughy (laughym@wlu.edu) to determine the correct placement.

Classics

Classics courses at the 200 level are appropriate for any incoming student. In the case of Classics at the 300 level, first-year students should consult with the professor, since the subject matter may presuppose a certain level of sophistication.

Cognitive and Behavioral Science: majors / individual courses

For first-year students taking cognitive and behavioral science courses for distribution requirements (can be taken in any order):

  • CBSC 110 (Brain and Behavior with lab: SL)
    or
    CBSC 111 (Brain and Behavior; SC)
  • CBSC 112 or 150 (both SC)
  • CBSC 113, 114, 213, 214, or 215 (all SS).

Recommended for prospective CBSC majors in their first year:

  • CBSC 110 or 111, CBSC 112, 113 and/or 114, in any order
  • CBSC 110 (Brain and Behavior Lab) (SL)

Computer Science: majors / minor / individual courses

Computer Science Courses for First-Year Students

  • Students may satisfy the Foundations Mathematics requirement by taking CSCI 101 (Survey of Computer Science) or CSCI 111 (Fundamentals of Programming I).
  • CSCI 101 is intended for students who want an overview of the field in breadth and depth, with a focus on current topics like multimedia computing. Students who simply want to fulfill the FM requirement should enroll in CSCI 101. However, CSCI 101 is only offered when resources permit and is not planned to be offered this academic year.
  • CSCI 111 is intended for students who want a first course in programming and problem solving that assumes no prior programming experience. Students who are potential majors or who want programming experience for other coursework should take CSCI 111. Note that CSCI 111 (or 121, which is not regularly offered) is a requirement for a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. You can take CSCI 111 any time up until winter of your sophomore year and still major. The department's web site shows potential schedules for starting CSCI 111 in a later term.
  • For more information about the courses and major, see our department website, http://cs.wlu.edu.

Creative Writing: minor

Recommended for prospective Creative Writing minors in their first year:

  • After satisfying the first-year writing requirement, students may enroll in any 200-level creative writing workshop (ENGL 201, 202, 203, 204, 206, 207, 210, 215 or THTR 220), and/or in any 200-level literature class in English except for 299. Both workshops and literature courses at the 200-level may be used towards minor requirements.

Dance: minor / individual courses

Courses recommended for first year students who are planning to minor in dance and also for any student interested in participating in dance at W&L. No experience is required for these courses with the exception of DANC 225.

  • DANC 110: University Dance. Participation in a university dance production for a minimum of 40 hours of rehearsal and performance. May be repeated for up to eight degree credits.
  • DANC 111: University Dance Production. Participation in any production aspect of a university dance production for a minimum of 36 hours. A journal recording the production process is required. May be repeated for up to four degree credits.
  • DANC 120: Introduction to Contemporary Modern Dance (meets FDR HA).  A combined exploration of individual and ensemble artistic expression in contemporary modern dance with the study of the history of modern dance.
  • DANC 190B: Special Topics in Dance: Digital Storytelling: Harnessing Social Media to Create Art (meets FDR HA). This class is centered at the junction of technology, story and art making. We will explore and develop user-generated content for snap chat, youtube, tik tok, among other platforms, and practice visual storytelling, abstract art making, and communication skills to engage and inform. We will harness the power, the limitations and the challenges of these platforms and use them as devices for art making. This project-based class is fun and creative and does not require any artistic experience, or knowledge of digital media, or audio or video editing.
  • DANC 215: World Dance Technique (meets FDR HA). This dance class reflects the world dance form that is the specialty of the dance artist-in-residence. The basic dance techniques of that specific form are taught, and movement is tied to the historical narrative of the country.
  • DANC 220: Dance Composition (meets FDR HA). A studio course exploring the craft and art of creating dance performances in a variety of styles and contexts. Images, text, music, improvisation and the elements of time, space and energy are examined as sources for dance material leading to group choreography. This course focuses on creating a finished performance piece for presentation.
  • DANC 225: Contemporary Modern Dance Practice. This studio course is devoted to refining effort/shape values and phrasing in contemporary modern dance technique. Students investigate combinations, deconstruct movement phrases, and practice listening to the body by connecting movement phrases with kinesthetic experiences. Requires instructor consent.
  • DANC 233: Movement for Actors (meets FDR HA). This course exams an array of methods that provide a vocabulary for thinking about, acting upon, and talking about movement and gesture and the physical integration of voice, breath, speech, and movement. We explore Alexander Technique and create an awareness of physical habits of ‘misuse' and transform them by focusing on breathing and vocal work. Students examine viewpoints as a method for vocabulary to discuss work and as a tool for creating it. Laban Movement Analysis looks at these same concepts as a language for interpreting and documenting human movement. Class meetings include lecture, studio work, and individual projects.
  • DANC 250: Aerial Dance Techniques (meets FDR HA). This course examines a unique array of techniques from across the aerial arts and a diversity of experimental approaches to movement in the air. The history of the form as well as lineage of style and current techniques are expressed through lecture, studio work, required readings and videos, masterclasses, performances, and written responses.
  • DANC 292: Ballet Technique. A studio course devoted to the practice of classical ballet technique and to the exploration of classical and contemporary ballet in performance.

Digital Culture and Information: minor / individual courses

The Digital Culture and Information (DCI) program offers courses in which students have the opportunity to gain knowledge and experience in how technology intersects with information resources, design, communication, and culture. No prior coding experience is required for DCI courses.  The DCI minor requires completion of 18 credits in the program.  More information may be found at https://go.wlu.edu/dci .

  • DCI 101: Introduction to Digital Culture and Information, is offered in the fall.
  • DCI 180: First-Year Seminar offered in Fall. In fall 2023 - Every Map Tells a Story: Place-based technologies permeate our lives, from the location services on our smartphones to the spatial-decision support systems that guide applications in areas such as disaster management, health care and public health, digital humanities, resource and water management, urban and regional planning, sustainability, and business analytics. This class will investigate the power of maps and spatial data to document and illustrate local and global issues. Learn how to use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to explore the world around you and share ideas. Apply GIS principles and tools to create your own maps and tell your own stories.
  • DCI 201: Digital Collections and Exhibits, is offered in the fall.
  • DCI 295: Special Topics. In fall 2023 -  Digital Editions: Can we trust text? What happens on the journey from handwritten manuscript to your phone screen? Does the meaning change when the format changes? How do the hands of editors, publishers, printers alter a work? When we can search millions of books in an instant, how do we find nuance in the materiality of text? This course explores the definitions, purposes, and uses of scholarly editions of literary and historic texts in the digital age. Using material from Leyburn Library's Special Collections and Archives, we will work together to build our own digital edition. Along the way, students will learn foundational tech skills for digital publishing.

Earth and Environmental Geoscience: majors / individual courses

EEG 100-level courses are very popular classes and are open to first-year students, some sophomore students, and fewer juniors and seniors. We encourage anyone interested in Geology, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Geophysics, Geochemistry, or related fields to enroll in these classes during your first year. If you are interested in Earth and Environmental Geoscience as a major, or Environmental Studies as a major or minor, please contact an Earth and Environmental Geoscience Department or Environmental Studies faculty member about your interest.

First-year students may enroll in the following courses (*offered alternate years):

EEG 100 (4) Dynamic Earth: Introductory Geology with Field Emphasis - Fall
EEG 101 (4) Dynamic Earth: Introductory Geology - Winter
EEG 102 (4) Sustainable Earth: Introductory Environmental Geology - Fall or Winter
EEG 103 (4) Earth's Freshwater: Introduction to Hydrologic System Science - Fall
EEG 107 (4) Dynamic Earth: Science of Natural Hazards - Fall
EEG 104 (3) Planetary Geology*
EEG 105 (4) Earth Lab - Spring
EEG 141 (3) Global Climate Change* - Winter
EEG 150 (3) Water Resources* - Fall or Winter
EEG 152 (3) Are We Alone? - Fall or Winter (offerings in Winter 2025)
EEG 155 (3) Oceanography - occasionally
EEG 161 (3) Mineral Resources and the Green Energy Transition - Fall or Winter
EEG 200 (3) Building a Planet - Winter

For prospective earth and environmental geoscience majors, we advise you to consider the following courses during your first year:

An introductory course: EEG 100, 103, or 107 (fall) or 101, 102, or 200 (winter),
Any 200-level or 300-level EEG class once you have taken EEG 100, 101, 102, 103, 105, 107, or 200,
additional 100-level courses.

Students interested in an Earth and Environmental Geoscience major are encouraged to take EEG 100, 101, 102, 103, 105, 107, or 200 early. Any of these courses serve as prerequisites for most of the other courses in the Earth and Environmental Geoscience department and they are required for a major or for some courses required for Environmental Studies. Students who express an interest in any of the earth sciences (geology, environmental geology, geophysics, earth science teaching, etc.) should plan their course of study carefully to match their interests. Faculty members of the department will be glad to assist any student who needs help in this matter.

East Asian Languages and Literatures: majors / individual courses

The Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures (EALL) at Washington and Lee offers an EALL major with an emphasis in either Chinese or Japanese and minors in Chinese or Japanese. Students should explore the resources available on the East Asian Languages and Literatures web page where detailed information concerning all courses in language (CHIN, JAPN), literature in translation (LIT), film and culture (EALL) is available.

Chinese

  • Students with no previous training in Chinese may elect CHIN 111.
  • Students with previous training in Chinese should read Language Placement for New Students.
  • Students should begin their language as early as possible preferably during their first year.  The EALL major with an emphasis in Chinese requires a minimum of three years of Chinese language.  Further information on the EALL major or Chinese minor is available on the East Asian Languages and Literatures web page.
  • The department also recommends literature in translation (LIT) courses that relate to China and Japan and EALL culture and film courses.

Japanese

  • Students with no previous training in Japanese may elect JAPN 111.
  • Students with previous training in Japanese should read Language Placement for New Students.
  • Students should begin their language as early as possible preferably during their first year.The EALL major with an emphasis in Japanese requires a minimum of three years of Japanese language. Further information on the EALL major or Japanese minor is available on the East Asian Languages and Literatures web page.
  • The department also recommends literature in translation (LIT) courses that relate to China and Japan and EALL culture and film courses.

East Asian Studies: minors / individual courses

The East Asian Studies (EAS) minor at Washington and Lee offers a concentration in either China or Japan. Students are encouraged, but not required, to pursue language-study to fulfill part of the minor.

For more information about the minor, consult the catalog, contact the EAS director, David Bello (bellod@wlu.edu ), or visit the EAS website.

Economics: major / individual courses

Potential economics majors are encouraged to

  • take ECON 100 in the fall or winter term of the first year or in the fall term of the sophomore year.
  • take a 200-level ECON elective course during the sophomore year. 
  • take one of the required 200-level courses -- ECON 202, 203, 210, and 211 -- during the sophomore year. 
  • discuss any plans to study abroad with a first-year advisor or a faculty member in the Economics Department. Additional guidelines for study abroad are available on the department website.

Prospective majors should fully immerse themselves in the liberal arts upon enrollment and continue to take courses outside economics during their time at W&L.

Education Studies (Teacher Licensure): minors / individual courses

  • Minors are available in Education and Education Policy.
  • First-years wishing to qualify for the Virginia state license for teaching in public schools must take a variety of course in three areas - general education, professional education, and student teaching.
  • Students interested in the education or education policy minors should consider taking EDUC 200: Foundations of Education, which counts toward FDR SS5.
  • Foundation and distribution courses that will assist in gaining licensure vary by endorsement area. However, all endorsement areas require CBSC 113, Principles of Development. In addition, all students seeking licensure must have certification they have had first aid and CPR training; PE 304, First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation meets this requirement and is highly recommended. For more details and specific requirements for each endorsement area that W&L offers, please consult the Education Studies website.
  • Careful planning and time management are needed to prepare for teaching while also fulfilling all Washington and Lee degree requirements. First-year students who are interested in licensure should contact Haley Sigler, Director of Education Studies.

Engineering: (see Physics and Engineering for complete information)

  • Students considering an engineering major should plan on taking the introductory physics sequence PHYS 111A and PHYS 112A during their first year. If these courses are not completed during the first year, engineering coursework typically will not commence until the junior year. If you do not get into PHYS 111A during fall registration, you should register instead for PHYS 111.
  • Students considering an engineering or integrated engineering major should also plan on taking ENGN 178: Introduction to Engineering during the fall or winter of their first year. This is a project-based course which includes computer-aided drafting, 3D printing, design criteria, and computing programming.

English: major / individual courses

  • FDR writing requirement is found in the Writing section below.

Recommended for prospective English majors in their first year:

  • Any 200-level literature course or workshop course (ENGL 201-295) may be used to fulfill major requirements at that level.
  • After taking one course numbered between 201 and 295, a prospective major should take a second English course numbered between 222 and 299.

Environmental Studies: major / minor / individual courses

  • Students interested in the major or minor should seek to complete ENV 110 in their first year, or no later than the end of their second year.
    • Enrollment in ENV 110 is limited to first year students and sophomores.  Juniors and seniors may not enroll without permission of the instructor.
    • ENV 110 is the prerequisite for the core 200-level courses in the curriculum (ENV 201, 202, and 203).
  • ENV 201, 202, or 203 can be taken at any time but students are encouraged to complete these before winter term of their junior year.  They do not need to be taken in any particular sequence.
  • Prospective majors should consider which elective track they would likely pursue and consider taking introductory courses in their first year that serve as pre-requisite for advanced electives.  Specifically:
    • Students considering the Conservation Biology track should complete  BIOL 111 & 113 in their first year.
    • Students considering the Environmental Economics track should complete ECON 100 by the Fall of their sophomore year.
    • Students considering the Water Resources track should complete GEOL 100, 101, or 102 by the Fall of their sophomore year.
  • Students interested in the minor or in a double-major including ENV should consider courses that fulfill curricular requirements for both ENV and their additional major.  As the ENV curriculum is interdisciplinary, there are several courses that can count toward other majors or programs.  No more than 3 courses can be used to fulfill requirements in both majors.
  • Students who are interested in the Environmental Studies major or minor should consider using ENV 201, ENV 202 and ENV 203 to satisfy distributional (FDR) requirements. This will preserve more flexibility in the future to allow space for satisfying the requirements of double majors, studying abroad, or taking courses in other areas of interest, such as dance, music or art.

Entrepreneurship:

Students considering minoring in entrepreneurship should plan on taking BUS 160: Foundations of Entrepreneurship and Business their first or second years.

Film and Visual Culture Studies: minor / individual courses

First-Years who have completed their FDR FW writing requirement are advised to take FILM 233/ENGL 233: Introduction to Film, which is the introductory course required for the the film studies minor, or the next time it is offered. Those who have not completed their FDR FW must complete that course first.

French: (see Romance Languages)

German: majors / minor / individual courses

Who should take the placement test? Any student who intends to study German and has taken German prior to coming to Washington and Lee. The placement test is taken online early in the summer prior to enrollment. Please see details on the German Placement Testing website.

Recommended for first-year students taking German courses:

  • Students with no previous training in German should take GERM 111 in the fall and GERM 112 in the winter (emphasis on spoken language as well as grammar and reading).
  • Students with any previous training in German should take the German Department's placement test and may enroll in courses at the level recommended by the department, based on those results.

Required for prospective German majors:

  • Appropriate German courses as suggested by placement tests, likely beginning German (GERM 111 and 112), or intermediate German (GERM 261 & 262); however if the first-year student receives advanced placement credit or does well enough on the placement test, advanced German (GERM 311 and 312) is recommended.
  • For recommended related courses for prospective German majors and minors in their first year, please contact the Department Head, Debra Prager.

Greek: (See Classics)

Health Professions: individual courses

Required in the first year for students considering health professions (medicine, dentistry, PA, veterinary medicine, etc.):

  • CHEM 110 and BIOL 111, 113, taken in any order;
  • MATH 101 (a pre- or co-requisite for BIOL 111, CHEM 110, and PHYS 111) and either MATH 102 or a statistics course.

Students interested in majoring in engineering or physics should start with PHYS 111 and may take chemistry and biology in the sophomore year. Students should prioritize PHYS 111A and MATH 101 in fall .

Recommended in the first year for students considering health professions:

  • Complete the Writing Foundation.
  • World Language Foundation: continue to completion as soon as feasible.
  • Other recommendations vary with choice of major department.

Please see Brittany Carr, Assistant Director of Pre-Health Professions, bcarr@wlu.edu, with questions about specific health professions career paths.
 

History: major / individual courses

  • Recommended for first-year students: Any History course at the 100 level. These include surveys (e.g. HIST 100, 103, 107, 111, 130, 175) and seminar style classes tailored to first year students (HIST 180 and 195).
  • Some 200-level history courses may be open to first-year students if marked as AFY.

Italian: (see Romance Languages)

Japanese: (see East Asian Languages and Literatures)

Journalism and Mass Communications: major / minor/ individual courses

The department has two majors: Journalism and Strategic Communication. The Journalism major offers two sequences - Journalism or Business Journalism - both are intended for students planning journalism careers. Strategic Communication is designed for those who envision a career in public, corporate or government relations, or another persuasive communication field. There is also a minor in Mass Communications.

Required of all prospective majors:

  • Completion of the foundation requirement in English composition by the end of the first year.
  • All prospective majors are encouraged to take JOUR 101: Intro to Mass Communications in the first year. JOUR 201: Introduction to News Writing, is open to first-years and sophomores who have completed JOUR 101.
  • Students interested in the Business Journalism sequence may also take ECON 100
  • Students interested in Strategic Communication should take DCI 202 or SOAN 218.
    See the Department's web site at journalism.wlu.edu, or the University catalog for details.

Latin: (See Classics)

Latin American and Caribbean Studies: minor / individual courses

The Program in Latin American and Caribbean Studies offers a minor that allows students to explore the commonalities and diversity within the region through an interdisciplinary study of its civilizations, cultures, and societies. Check the program website — lacs.wlu.edu — for appropriate courses offered each term, many of which serve as FDRs or meet other major requirements. You may also search by TYPE on the Course Offerings each term to see which LACS courses will be offered.

Advice for first-years:

  • Students should plan to take LACS 101 (Fall only) as early in their career as possible.
  • If students are unable to enroll in LACS 101 in their first term, take an FDR course in one of the distribution areas (Literature, Arts/Humanities, Social Sciences) related to LACS.
  • First-year students should continue their language study at the appropriate level and must complete the FDR in French, Portuguese, or Spanish. LACS students are highly encouraged to pursue advanced language courses in one or more of these languages.
  • LACS also offers individual summer fieldwork courses in Costa Rica and Argentina that count as "EXP" credit.
  • Finally, students should begin to seek advice early on about the many spring term and independent study abroad opportunities available to Program members.
  • Interested students should contact Mónica Botta, LACS Program Head, Tucker Hall 313.

Law, Justice, and Society: minor / individual courses

The Law, Justice, and Society program offers a minor that engages students in an interdisciplinary exploration of the nature of law and justice and challenges students to critically examine law and justice across cultural, chronological, topical, and institutional settings.  To earn the minor, a student must take seven courses:

  • LJS 101: Introduction to Law, Justice, and Society
  • Five electives (at least one each from the College, the Williams School, and the Law School, and at least one at the 300-level)
  • A capstone course in the senior year, after the other requirements are met.

Most LJS electives DO NOT have an LJS prefix, but are taught in other departments.  In any given term, students can find the courses that will count as LJS electives by searching for "LJS" in the "Course Type" field when searching for classes on Self-Service, or by searching for "LJS" in the "Interdisc. Course Type" field in the Course Offerings List on the registrar's webpage.  First-year students who cannot secure a spot in LJS 101 can still start exploring the minor by taking electives.

Mathematics: majors / minor / individual courses

Who should take the Placement Test? The mathematics placement test should only be taken by students Have neither AP scores nor transfer credit yet want to take an advanced course.  See the outline of who should take the placement test on the Mathematics Information for First-Year Students and Advisers webpage.

What mathematics class should I take to fulfill my FM requirement?   You have many choices!  If you are taking a “one and done” approach to math (but the courses below are so cool that you may change your mind) you can take

  • MATH 100 – The Art of Mathematical Thinking
  • MATH 118 – Statistics
  • MATH 180 – First Year Seminar

If you are thinking about majoring in Computer Science, then you can take

  • MATH 121 – Discrete Mathematics I

If you are thinking about a course of study that requires calculus, such as Pre-Med, Economics, Physics, Engineering, or Mathematics, then you should take

  • MATH 101 – Calculus I, or
  • MATH 102 – Calculus II (if you have credit for MATH 101 or have been given advanced standing for MATH 102)
  • MATH 101 Pre- or Co-requisite: For Fall 2021, only students with credit or a fall registration for BIOL 111, CHEM 110, or PHYS 111 will be able to register for MATH 101. Students without one of these prerequisites may seek consent from the head of the Mathematics Department.

What if I already have FM credit and I want to take more math?

A wise choice. All of the classes below also satisfy the SC FDR requirement! And if you end up pursuing either a minor or major in mathematics, the three courses below (which can be taken in any order) are required.

  • MATH 225 – Bridges to Advanced Mathematics
  • MATH 221 – Multivariable Calculus
  • MATH 222 – Linear Algebra

Advanced standing in Mathematics:

If given Advanced Standing placement in MATH 102 or 221 (by way of AP scores, IB scores, or the department placement exam) and successfully complete that course in Fall Term with a grade of C or better, full credit will be awarded for any calculus course(s) skipped. This Advanced Standing placement option is available only in Fall Term of the first year.

Medieval and Renaissance Studies: major / minor / individual courses

  • Students in either their first or sophomore year can take any one of the following to fulfill the beginning course requirement for the MRST major or minor: MRST 110, 111, or one of the following courses: ARTH 101, 102; CLAS 201, 205, 208, 210, 224; ENGL 240, 242, 250, 252; FILM 255; GERM 318; HIST 100, 101, 170; LIT 203, 218, 219; MUS 201; REL 101, 102, 105, 106, 108, 131, 132; SPAN 210; THTR 210; or, when appropriate, ARTH 180; CLAS 180; ENGL 299; FILM 195, 196; FREN 281, 283, 285; HIST 180, 195; LIT 180, 295; REL 180; SPAN 211, 220; THTR 121, 180; WRIT 100.
  • Because of the nature of the interdisciplinary major, students are encouraged to take relevant 200-level courses at their own discretion. For a listing of courses included in the Medieval and Renaissance Studies program, see the current Course Catalog.
  • For further information contact the Program Chair, Wan-Chuan Kao, Associate Professor of English.

Middle East and South Asia Studies: minors / individual courses

The Middle East and South Asia (MESA) Studies program currently offers minors in 1) Middle East and South Asia Studies, and 2) Middle East and South Asia Studies with Arabic language emphasis. These offerings are in the process of being revised. Beginning in academic year 2025-2026, the program plans to offer minors in 1) Middle East and South Asia Studies, and 2) Arabic. (Note that any revision will be subject to review and approval by the faculty.) Descriptions of the minors currently offered can be found here.

First-years interested in fulfilling distribution requirements, or in pursuing a minor in Middle East and South Asia Studies (with or without language emphasis) or Arabic, are welcome in all 100-level courses and in many 200-level courses. Language instruction in Arabic and Sanskrit are offered. For those interested in taking Sanskrit, please contact Professor Timothy Lubin. For more information about the MESA studies program or Arabic curriculum, please contact Program Director Seth Cantey.

Music: majors / minor / individual courses

The following courses are recommended for prospective music majors in their first year:

  • All music majors must take at least four (4) credits of applied music in a single performance area, beyond any piano study required to complete the piano proficiency requirement. The Department strongly urges all potential music majors to enroll in applied music study during their first year.
  • A student considering a major in music with an emphasis in performance should see the Department Head as soon as possible. Any student wanting to concentrate in performance must perform before a faculty jury before the end of the sophomore year. Therefore, the Department strongly urges any potential performance students to take applied music (MUS 141) as soon as they enter the University.
  • MUS 121 should be taken as soon as possible and no later than the sophomore year. MUS 161/163 and 162/164, the first-year music theory and aural skills courses are designed for music majors; they must be taken no later than the sophomore year. If possible they should be taken in the first year.
  • Music majors should complete the piano proficiency requirement by the end of the sophomore year. Potential music majors should consult with the piano proficiency coordinator as soon as they enter the University.

The following courses in music are recommended for first-year students who are seeking a music course to fulfill a humanities distribution (HA) requirement:

  • MUS 120 (offered Fall-Winter) is recommended for first-year students and meets a distribution (HA) requirement. MUS 121, 161, 162, 221, and 222 meet distribution requirements and may be taken with the permission of the instructor.
  • MUS 100, 101, 108, 109M, 109W, 110, 112, 113, 114, 115 and applied music (141) are open to first-years with permission from the instructor. These count toward the Experiential Learning (EXP) requirement but do not meet foundation or distribution requirements.

Neuroscience: major / individual courses

Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary major which focuses on understanding of the cells of the brain and how they interact to produce behavior. Neuroscience draws from biology, chemistry, cognitive and behavioral science, mathematics and the computational sciences. 

For prospective neuroscience majors in their first year, we recommend:

  • BIOL 111/113 (fall or winter)
  • CHEM 110 (fall or winter)
  • CBSC 111 (fall or winter)

For students considering a pre-health track, we also suggest Mathematics (through MATH 102); Writing (complete the writing foundation); and World Language foundation. 

Philosophy: major / minor / individual courses

First-year students are recommended to take the following philosophy courses:

  • PHIL 104 (3) Introduction to Moral and Political Philosophy
  • PHIL 105 (3) Introduction to Theories of Knowledge and Reality
  • PHIL 110 (3) Ancient Philosophy
  • PHIL 120 (3) Modern European Philosophy
  • PHIL 130 (3) Chinese Philosophy
  • PHIL 145 (3) Contemporary Moral Problems
  • PHIL 150 (3) Ethics and the Environment
  • PHIL 195-198 (3) First-Year Seminars

Students who are especially interested in philosophy (including prospective majors and minors) may also take the following course, when offered:

  • PHIL 170 (3) Introduction to Logic

Many 200-level and some 300-level courses are open to first-year students. Consult with the department head or individual instructor if you have not yet completed a 100-level course.

For more information about all courses in philosophy, see the Philosophy Department website.

Physical Education: individual courses

Students must successfully complete four (4) 100- or 200-level courses in order to earn the four credits in physical education required for graduation. The physical education department strongly encourages first-year students to begin taking PE courses during the fall term with the goal of completing the requirement by the end of the sophomore year. All PE registration (including registration for intercollegiate sports) is done as a part of the Registration process, just like any other course.

Additional information regarding the PE requirements may be found in the University Catalog, or on the Physical Education department website.

Physics and Engineering: majors / individual courses

  • PHYS 111A (4 credits, SL or SC) is required for the physics, engineering, and integrated engineering majors.  Potential majors in physics or engineering are strongly encouraged to take PHYS 111A this fall.
  • PHYS 111A is a first-year-only course. If you do not get into PHYS 111A during fall registration, you should register instead for PHYS 111 or consult with the chair of the department (Dan Mazilu).
  • Pre-health professions students interested in majoring in physics or engineering should start with PHYS 111A.  They can take BIOL 111/113 and CHEM 110 in the sophomore year. 

Politics: major / individual courses

First year students interested in the politics major should consider these courses:

  • POL 100 American National Government
  • POL 105 Global Politics
  • POL 111 Introduction to Political Philosophy
  • POL 180B Martin Lurther King, Jr.
  • POL 296E Contemporary Chinese Politics

These courses introduce students to the major fields of study in politics and also count towards FDRs. They may be taken in any order. Sections of POL 100, POL 105, and POL 111 are offered in both the fall and winter terms.

Starting a Politics major in the winter term of your first year, or even in the fall of the sophomore year, leaves plenty of time to complete all major requirements. Prospective majors might also take ECON 100, which is required counts for the major and counts towards FDRs.

Politics majors should plan to take POL 202: Applied Statistics no later than the sophomore year.

Portuguese: (see Romance Languages)

Poverty and Human Capability (Shepherd Program): minor / individual courses

The Shepherd Program for the Interdisciplinary Study of Poverty and Human Capability offers interdisciplinary courses.

  • POV 101: Gateway course (3 credits). Recommended for first-year students with an interest in Shepherd Program involvement; meets an FDR humanities requirement. Can be taken in any year.
  • POV 102: Field work course (1-credit). Can be taken concurrently with or soon after POV 101.
  • POV 103: Spring course (3-credits). Incorporates POV 101 and 102 in a single course that includes fieldwork. Also meets FDR requirement.
  • POV 453: Summer internship (3 credits).Interns work full-time for eight-weeks with peers from other colleges in multiple fields: the arts, business, community organizing, education, healthcare, law, ministry, and social services. Interns work directly with impoverished persons and communities in urban and rural settings in the U.S. or internationally, mostly in the developing world. This course may be taken following a student's first, sophomore, or junior year. Required for the program minor and for enrollment in the capstone seminar. Financial assistance is available proportional to need. Students who successfully complete all aspects of this internship receive three credits on a pass/fail basis.
  • POV 423: Research seminar (3 credits). For juniors, seniors, and second- and third-year law students following completion of POV 453. Non-minors are welcome.
  • Students minoring in this program will also select from discipline-based courses that fit their scholarly and future professional interests. Courses are listed on the program website.
  • Because its purpose is to enrich the education of graduates in all majors and professional trajectories, the Shepherd Program offers a minor rather than a major. The coursework required for the minor prepares professionals in all fields to address the causes and consequences of poverty as it affects us domestically and internationally.

Additional offerings may be integrated into students' academic studies. The Shepherd Program offers lectures and seminars by visitors to Washington and Lee. The Shepherd staff oversees numerous community-engaged educational and leadership activities: the Nabors Service League; Alternative Break Projects; the Bonner Program (a competitive program offering financial assistance to concentrate on service and leadership); Volunteer Venture, a Leading Edge pre-orientation program for first-years and student leaders; service-learning courses in various departments; community-based research projects; the Campus Kitchen at Washington and Lee and a post-graduate Elrod Fellowship Program. For more information, contact Shepherd Program staff (540-458-4669).

Pre-Law: individual courses

The most popular major for students entering law school is Political Science (18%), but no particular majors are required to apply, be accepted or succeed in law school. Students should pursue subjects that interest them and select courses to develop research, problem solving and strong communication skills.
 
Students interested in pre-law should register their preferences here, http://eepurl.com/1zUmv, to receive information about pre-law programs, events, and deadlines. Follow directions carefully after you hit “submit.”
 
Visit the pre-law advising page, my.wlu.edu/career-and-professional-development/graduate-school/pre-law-advising for more information.
 
Students may schedule an appointment with Pre-Law Advising Coordinator Lorri Olán, olanl@wlu.edu, to discuss courses, internships and law school applications.
 

Pre-Medical or Pre-Dental (see Health Professions):

Religion: major / individual courses

First year students are encouraged to take any religion course at the 100 level.

Most 200-level courses are also appropriate for first-year students interested in the subject matter.

Course numbering after the hundreds place (1xx, 2xx) generally refers to topic areas, not level of difficulty or advanced study.

Students who are considering a major or minor in Religion may benefit from taking either Religion 100 or Religion 210.

Romance Languages: minor / majors / individual courses

Students may fulfill the World Language FDR in French (FREN 162 & 164), Italian (ITAL 163), Portuguese (PORT 163), and Spanish (SPAN 162 & 164). Spring abroad (SPAN 165) and study abroad options are also available that allow for completion of the world language FDR in countries where Romance languages are spoken.

Please see the flowchart with registration recommendations for students who wish to complete their language FDR with French, Italian, Portuguese, or Spanish at https://intranet.wlu.edu/registrar/FDR/ROML_LANGUAGE_PLACEMENTS.pdf.

Who should take the placement test? See the flowchart referenced above. All incoming students who studied French or Spanish in high school and wish to study any Romance language must take the placement test. Those who studied Italian or Portuguese in high school should speak with Romance Languages about placement. Placement test scores are valid for one term only. Students who perform poorly on the placement test face limited enrollment opportunities in Beginning French or Spanish.

French

First-year students with no prior preparation in French who wish to complete the World Language FDR in French, or who take the placement test in French and are placed into 111:

  • should enroll in FREN 111, offered fall term only, followed by FREN 112, 161 & 162.
  • Enrollment in FREN 111 is limited.

First-year students who take the W&L placement exam in French and are placed into 161 or 164:

  • should register for the course immediately rather than postponing registration another year.

First-year students who take the W&L placement exam in French and place into the 200-level French courses:

  • may choose from a variety of courses that fulfill distribution (HU or HL) and French major and French minor requirements.
  • Consult French faculty for best options for continued study in French and for study abroad.

Italian

  • First-year students who have placed into SPAN 161, SPAN 164, FREN 161, FREN 164 or higher through the W&L Spanish or French placement exams may enroll in ITAL 113. Other interested students should consult the department head for placement assistance. Completion of ITAL 113 and 163 fulfills the World Language FDR.
  • First-year students who have prior preparation in Italian should consult the department head for placement assistance.

Portuguese

  • First-year students who have placed into SPAN 161, SPAN 164, FREN 161, FREN 164 or higher through the W&L Spanish or French placement exams may enroll in PORT 113. Other interested students should consult the department head for placement assistance. Completion of PORT 113 and 163 fulfills the World Language FDR.
  • First-year students who have prior preparation in Portuguese should consult the department head for placement assistance.

Spanish

First-year students with no prior preparation in Spanish who wish to complete the World Language FDR in Spanish or who take the placement test in Spanish and are placed into 111:

  • should enroll in SPAN 111, offered fall term only, followed by SPAN 112, 161 and 162.
  • Enrollment in SPAN 111 is limited.

First-year students who take the W&L placement exam in Spanish and are placed into SPAN 161 or 164:

  • should register for the course immediately, due to limited spaces and the inevitable diminishing of language skills.
  • Limited spaces and registration preference for first-year students make it unlikely that you will be able to register for these courses in subsequent years.

First-year students who take the W&L placement exam in Spanish and place into the 200-level Spanish courses:

  • may choose from a variety of courses that fulfill distribution (HU or HL) and Spanish major requirements.
  • Consult Spanish faculty for best options for continued study in Spanish and for study abroad.

ROTC: individual courses

Washington and Lee offers students the opportunity to enroll in an Army ROTC program through an agreement with the established ROTC unit at neighboring Virginia Military Institute.

  • The program is voluntary and open to all students who meet the character, citizenship, age, medical and physical fitness requirements for military service.
  • Washington and Lee grants up to 12 transfer credit hours toward graduation for successful completion of the courses offered at VMI.
  • All instruction takes place at VMI, in accordance with the VMI class schedule, and is provided at no expense to Washington and Lee students.
  • The program also offers competitive campus-based four-, three- and two-year full scholarships.
  • Army ROTC is divided into a two-year basic course, designed for first-years and sophomores, and a two-year Advanced Course, designed for juniors and seniors. Enrollment in the Advanced Course requires the completion of the Basic Course during the student's first and sophomore years or successful completion of the Cadet Initial Entry Training (CIET) (usually between the sophomore and junior year for those that missed the first-year and sophomore classes). The Advanced Course student must agree to complete the Military Science curriculum, which includes attendance at the five-week Cadet Leadership Course (CDC) at Fort Knox, Kentucky. The Advanced Course graduate must accept a commission as a second lieutenant in the active Army, Army Reserves or National Guard.
  • Contact the department at VMI, 540.464.7351; 464.7680.

Russian Language and Area Studies: major / minor / individual courses

Who should take the placement test in Russian? Any student who intends to study Russian.

  • First-year students interested in pursuing the interdisciplinary major in East European and Russian Studies should begin their study of Russian language at the elementary level or continue it at the appropriate higher level after taking the placement test. Three years of Russian language are required for the major.

Sanskrit: individual courses

See Middle East and South Asia Studies.

Sociology and Anthropology: major / individual course

The Department of Sociology and Anthropology recommends that students interested in our subjects take either SOAN 101 (introductory anthropology) or SOAN 102 (introductory sociology). Both of these courses are required for the major and can be taken in either order. Several of this fall's 200-level courses may also be appropriate for FY students (see course listings for details). In addition to these course options the department recommends students explore the many liberal arts and pre-professional offerings at the university. An especially good idea for prospective majors would be to also try an introductory course in an interdisciplinary program that complements SOAN well (e.g., AFCA, DCI, DS, LACS, MESA, POV, and so forth).

We also recommend pre-med students who plan to take 101 or 102 do so during their first 2 years at the university, as places in these courses are usually reserved for FY students and sophomores.

Spanish: (see Romance Languages)

Theater: major / minor/ individual courses

The following classes in Theater are open to ALL First-Years, regardless of experience level, and have no prerequisites. Each meets the FDR requirement in arts (HA) or literature (HL), as noted.

  • THTR 100: Introduction to Theater (HA), an introduction to theater practices, a survey of dramatic literature, and a brief introduction to theater history.
  • THTR 121: Script Analysis for Stage and Screen studies selected plays and screenplays from the standpoint of the theatre and screen artists.
  • THTR 131/132: Fundamentals of Theater Art and Laboratory (HA) is a four-credit course popular with first-year students because of its hands-on approach emphasizing creative problem solving in a backstage environment. An introduction to all the technical elements of theater and opportunity to work on the University productions.
  • THTR 141: Acting I (HA). In this hands-on class, students learn and develop physical and vocal techniques for text-based and improvisational performance, focusing on relationships, objectives, and actions.
  • THTR-209 Stage Management (HA). Hands-on experience managing one of the university productions.
  • THTR-211 Western Theater History (HL). An examination of theater from the Renaissance period to the modern era. Students read, analyze, and perform texts from this period, studying in detail how the theater is culturally created and maintained.
  • THTR 251: Intro to Performance Design (HA). An introduction to the history, fundamentals and aesthetics of design for theater and dance with an emphasis on the collaborative nature of the design disciplines.

Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies: minor / individual courses

Students interested in pursuing a Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies minor are encouraged to take WGSS 120 in their first two years at W&L. This class is typically offered in the Winter term and fulfills the HU FDR. Other courses in the programs may also be taken in any sequence and many of the courses may satisfy FDR or major requirements.

For more information, contact the Program Head, Sarah Horowitz, Professor of History by email at horowitzs@wlu.edu.

Writing: individual courses

All students must complete the Foundation and Distribution Writing (FW) requirement. This can be fulfilled in one of the following ways:

  • Students who have received credit from W&L through Advanced Placement examination results in English by scoring a 5 on the English Comp/Lit or English Lang/Lit exam are exempt from the writing requirement and earn 3 credits of WRIT 100.
  • Students who have received credit from W&L through International Baccalaureate by scoring a 6 or 7 on either of the two group 1 English Language A exams, English Language, or English Language and Literature, are exempt from the writing requirement and earn 3 credits of WRIT 100.
  • Students who are not exempt must take WRIT 100: Writing Seminar for First-Years during the fall or winter term of their first year. 
  • International students for whom English is a non-native language are encouraged to take WRIT 100: Writing Seminar for First-Years from Professors Kao, Ruiz or Smout, who have ESOL expertise.
  • For a list of the WRIT 100 topics for the upcoming fall term, see them here: WRIT 100 for Fall 2022
  • See also the Writing Program website.