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Degree Requirements & Curriculum
Structure
The MALS program
of study is flexible and interdisciplinary. Each MALS student completes
nine courses and a final project, for a total of 30 units. Students
are guided by an advisor in designing an individualized program of
study that combines varied interests and satisfies individual educational
goals. Courses are offered once per week in the evening, three semesters
a year. Most of our students are part-time and typically take four
years to complete the degree. Although the course work is challenging
and requires personal commitment, the rewards are many.
Program Requirements
Liberal Studies core course (required during the first semester)
Two Liberal Studies (LS) seminars of the student's choosing
Six
courses chosen either from LS seminars or from courses offered
by other
graduate departments
Final project
Liberal Studies Seminars
The
LS interdisciplinary seminar is at the core of our curriculum.
Every semester, we offer
five to seven of these classes, designed exclusively for MALS students.
Each seminar traverses the boundaries of the traditional disciplines
of the humanities, social sciences or physical sciences, and each
is structured to emphasize interdisciplnary approaches. Seminars
are usually
organized around a topic or question from one discipline, but engage
materials, methods and perspectives from others. In order to encourage
discussion and interaction, these seminars are usually limited to
fifteen students.
Graduate School Electives
Graduate School
electives are also available. While many take all of their courses within
our offerings, MALS students have the opportunity
to take courses within other departments of the Graduate School.
In most cases, previous background and consent of the instructor are required.
Independent Study
Independent study courses
offer the opportunity to pursue a personal area of interest under the
guidance of a Duke faculty member. With the approval of the director,
students may take one independent study course.
Final Project
The final, capstone
stage of the MALS degree program is the final project. Drawing on the
skills and knowledge acquired from coursework, each student designs
-- in consultation with a supervising Duke professor -- an independent
project that is both personally and academically meaningful. The final
project, which includes but is not limited to a work of written analysis,
may involve academic research, applied research, or creative work. Often,
students choose to amplify a paper or topic from a previous course.
Other Opportunities
Study
Abroad Opportunities
Duke
University Graduate School Certificates
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As
someone with a technical background, I have always asked, "How
do things work?" I yearned to learn why they work the way they
do, especially in the vast areas of the Humanities and Social Sciences.
The critical thinking skills fostered and sharpened by the MALS program
complement my technical career in new and surprising ways.
MALS has been the best investment I've made.
Sridhar Sourirajan
Software Developer
SAS Institute, Inc.
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