Distribution Credit

Distribution Requirements (Groups I / II / III)

Distribution courses introduce the knowledge, intellectual skills and habits of thought characteristic of disciplines or of inquiry across disciplines within three main areas: humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences and engineering. They are broad-based, accessible to non-majors, and provide a foundation that enables students to integrate knowledge from multiple perspectives. No single course is expected to fulfill all the criteria or goals of a distribution group. Courses that presume students' special expertise or that teach techniques or career-based skills without exposure to modes of analysis and scholarship in the relevant discipline are not eligible for distribution credit. Research or independent study courses and internships and practica are also excluded. In some instances, courses satisfying major, minor, and/or certificate requirements may additionally meet distribution requirements.

Group I

These courses, broad in theme and scope, prompt students to probe the modes of knowledge, inquiry or creative practice characteristic of the arts and humanities. Group I courses provide students with essential knowledge and tools for thinking critically about history and culture, and for understanding the centrality of such capacity to informed participation in social, political, and professional life.

A Note to faculty:

When applying for D1 status for your course, please remember D1 courses must be broad in theme, scope, and approach and accessible to non-majors. 100 and 200 level introductions are typically the most suitable candidates, however for units who offer 300 level introductory courses, these can apply for D1 as well. For those faculty, when submitting a 300-level course for D1 credit, they should make clear how their course is introductory.

The following courses are excluded from D1:

  • 400 level courses (including CLIC)
  • special topics courses (designated by 238 or 477)
  • courses with prerequisites or special permissions
  • internship courses
  • specialized, advanced, capstone, and/or honors courses
  • narrowly focused thematic “topics” courses at the 300 level
  • courses with fluctuating course content
  • 100-level language acquisition courses
  • independent study (IND), research (RES) and internship (INT) courses