Distinctions & Opportunities

Academic Opportunities

Experimental Courses

Courses that are experimental in content or teaching technique are offered through the experimental curriculum, designated by the prefix “X.” Their purpose is to enrich the College curriculum by providing imaginative, innovative, and interdisciplinary teaching experiments that may be subsequently absorbed into the regular College curriculum. These courses may be counted toward an undergraduate degree in the College of Arts and Sciences as electives inside the College. They do not fulfill Breadth of Inquiry, Foundations, Culture Studies, Critical Approaches, or major requirements. For additional information about current offerings, consult the online Schedule of Classes.

Course Descriptions for Experimental Courses (COLL)
  • COLL–X 101 Experimental Topics (1–3 cr.) Imaginative, innovative, and interdisciplinary courses designed to enrich the College curriculum. A student may count up to a total of 5 hours of credit in experimental topics courses (X101, X211, X311) with different topics toward graduation.
  • COLL–X 112 Traditions and Cultures of Indiana University (2 cr.) An online examination of the culture of a research university as told through the storied traditions of IU Bloomington. Students will learn about the history of American higher education by examining how the campus has changed since its 1820 founding—in terms of its demography, programs, and buildings. Certain unique treasures of IUB (the Gutenberg Bible, Little 500, the Indiana Memorial Union, the Kinsey Institute) will be used to illustrate issues related to information technology, student activism, commercialization, and academic freedom.
  • COLL–X 211 Experimental Topics (1–3 cr.) Imaginative, innovative, and interdisciplinary courses designed to enrich the College curriculum. A student may count up to a total of 5 hours of credit in experimental topics courses (X101, X211, X311) with different topics toward graduation.
  • COLL–X 311 Experimental Topics (1–3 cr.) Imaginative, innovative, and interdisciplinary courses designed to enrich the College curriculum. A student may count up to a total of 5 hours of credit in experimental topics courses (X101, X211, X311) with different topics toward graduation.
  • COLL–X 495 Individual Readings and Research (1–6 cr.) Independent study that cannot be accommodated through a department reading number is arranged through a faculty member willing to work closely with a student to direct a project. Proposals and recommendations of the faculty director must be presented to the College of Arts and Sciences office prior to registration.