Advice from Departments

Academic departments at Colby have prepared advice for first-year students that can be found below. If you have questions beyond this information, there is a contact indicated for each department who you can get in touch with for more information. At the end of the list below you will also find information on the Integrated Studies Program at Colby.



Answers to come. Check out our department page here for more information.



What would you tell a first-year student about American Studies?
American Studies majors ask how power works in order to imagine a more just world. They examine race, class, gender, sexuality and nation to understand how these shape culture–as well as how culture shapes lived experiences. By taking courses from across the college, students learn to think critically about how knowledge is produced. And by working closely with a mentor, they actively shape a course of study aligned with their distinct interests and abilities (see next section).
What majors/minors/concentrations can students pursue in your department/program?
Students work with their advisors to create a focus area for their coursework. These have included (but are not limited to):

Race and Place
Urban Planning/Design
Asian American Culture
Decolonialism and Indigeneity 
Mass Incarceration
Cultures of Capitalism
Cultural Geography
Film and Graphic Novels
Archives/Knowledges/Narratives
Comparative Race and Ethnicity
Queer Identities and Politics
Neoliberalism and Culture
Religion and Culture
Visual Culture/Visual Storytelling
Popular Culture

American Studies also offers a 7-course minor.
What course(s) should a student plan to take in their first year if they intend to major/minor in your department/program? 
AM171: Introduction to American Studies – offered in both semesters
What course(s), if any, does your department/program offer that would fulfill a distribution and/or diversity requirement? 
AM171: Introduction to American Studies, both semesters, U.S. Diversity
AM232: Queer Identities and Politics, Fall, U.S. Diversity
AM254: Surveillance Culture, Fall, U.S. Diversity
AM238: Making Modern Science, Spring, Historical Studies  and U.S. Diversity
What else would be helpful for first-year students to know?
National studies show that majors in humanistic disciplines find employment at rates equal to majors in finance and many STEM fields, and they often have greater job satisfaction. And because American Studies teaches you to do what a computer/AI cannot–think, ask questions–you are unlikely to be replaced by one.
Who can students contact if they have additional questions?
Laura Saltz, Associate Professor and Chair of American Studies



What would you tell a first-year student about Anthropology?
Anthropology students explore the great diversity of human social and cultural experience, complex social identities, and patterns of globalization, all of which are fundamental to understanding the workings of the world. Whether your interest is in local communities or global connections, anthropology offers tools for understanding how people everywhere both shape and are shaped by the dynamism of cross-cultural intersections, history, and meaning. Graduates of the program have a sophisticated understanding of complex cultural differences and research skills including visual and systemic cultural analysis and how to conduct and analyze interviews, archival material, and participant observation fieldwork. Our small classes and close faculty mentorship help our majors develop as holistic thinkers and skilled communicators.
What majors/minors/concentrations can students pursue in your department/program?
While Anthropology is a 4-field discipline, our department focuses on cultural anthropology with some linguistic anthropology courses offered as well. We can guide students interested in archeology or biological anthropology to study abroad offerings. We offer a major and a minor in Anthropology, and encourage students to double major in complementary fields.
What course(s) should a student plan to take in their first year if they intend to major/minor in your department/program? 
Our gateway course is AY112 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology, which is required for all 200-level and above Anthropology courses. We offer multiple sections of this course in the fall and the spring. This course is also required for all Global Studies majors.
What course(s), if any, does your department/program offer that would fulfill a distribution and/or diversity requirement? 
AY112 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology fulfills the International Diversity and the Social Sciences distribution requirements. We offer multiple sections of this course in the fall and the spring.
What else would be helpful for first-year students to know?
The Anthropology 10 course major and 6 course minor allows students to be flexible and creative with their studies, exploring a wide range of topics and places. Students can also choose to explore particular issues in great depth and through independent, original research in an honors thesis project their senior year. All students leave the major with experience conducting ethnographic research and analysis.
Who can students contact if they have additional questions?
Winifred Tate, Associate Professor and Chair of Anthropology



What would you tell a first-year student about Art?
We offer two majors, one in Studio and one in Art History–each major requires course(s) in the other–and a Minor that offers the possibility of a combination of both. I would stress the kind of skills acquired in both majors and how they are by far not limited to the practice of studio art or art history. In Studio, we offer concentrations in Painting, Printmaking, Sculpture, and Digital Media. In Art History, we offer courses that cover the entire chronological span of history, from introductory surveys to more focused courses as well as thematic courses, seminars, and humanities labs.
What majors/minors/concentrations can students pursue in your department/program?
Studio Art, Art History, Art Minor. We also often supervise students who design an independent major in Architecture.
What course(s) should a student plan to take in their first year if they intend to major/minor in your department/program? 
AR101W: Reading Images is offered either in the fall or spring. The course is also occasionally offered as a Janplan (but then, it’s not a W1). 100-level Surveys can also be good although not required.
What course(s), if any, does your department/program offer that would fulfill a distribution and/or diversity requirement? 
We offer many different courses that fulfill the Arts distribution requirement–too many to list here. Also, they are not always taught in the same semester. 
Here’s a sampling of them:
AR101: Reading Images (as noted, it is also a W1 course), AR111: Introduction to Western Art: Prehistory through the Middle Ages, AR112: Introduction to Western Art: Renaissance to Today, AR125:  Islamic Art 622-1258, AR126:  Islamic Art, 1258-1914, AR157:  American Art Since 1619
We also offer 200-level courses that fulfill the Arts requirement. Again, here’s a sampling: AR227:  History of Architecture I, AR215:  Ancient Near-East Art Archaeology, AR253:  Late Antique Art, AR252:  Medicine and Visual Culture, AR257:  Renaissance Art, AR233 Mannerism and Baroque Art, AR238 Surrealism, AR278:  19th-Century European Art, AR238:  Surrealism, AR236:  Vienna 1900.
At this point, the only Studio course that fulfill the Arts requirement are offered during JanPlan and they are: AR131:  Introduction to Studio Art (we offer two sections), 
AR319:  Art, Medicine, and Race fulfills the US diversity requirement.
AR157:  American Art Since 1619 fulfills both the Arts and US diversity requirements.
Who can students contact if they have additional questions?
Véronique Plesch, Professor and Chair of Art



What would you tell a first-year student about Biology?
Biology is the study of life. Colby’s Biology department faculty and academic program span all scales of investigation in the subject from molecules to ecosystems. Students interested in basic biology, medicine, biotechnology, neuroscience and behavior, genomics and bioinformatics, ecology and conservation will find courses in these areas.
What majors/minors/concentrations can students pursue in your department/program?
Majors in Computational Biology and Biology, with optional concentrations in Cellular, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (CMBB), Neuroscience, or Ecology & Evolutionary Biology.
What course(s) should a student plan to take in their first year if they intend to major/minor in your department/program? 
BI163 (Fall), CH141 (Fall), BI164 (Spring), CH142 (Spring). Students should also strongly consider taking calculus in their first year, following the math department’s guidelines.
What course(s), if any, does your department/program offer that would fulfill a distribution and/or diversity requirement? 
BI118 Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems (Fall, JanPlan, Spring) Natural Sciences
BI128 Human Genetics (Fall) Natural Sciences
BI133 Microorganisms and Society (Spring, typically) Natural Sciences
BI135 Biochemistry of Food (occasional) Natural Sciences/Natural Sciences with lab
BI137 Biology for Voters (JanPlan) N/NL
BI142 Cancer: from the clinic to the lab and back (Spring) N
BI163 The Cellular Basis of Life (Fall) N/NL
BI164 Evolution & Diversity (Spring) N/NL”
Who can students contact if they have additional questions?
Dave Angelini, Associate Professor and Chair of Biology



What would you tell a first-year student about Chemistry?
Chemistry is an experimental discipline that uses applied principles and new skills to solve scientific problems. Through foundational courses and collaborative research with professors, Colby chemistry students gain an understanding of chemical processes and acquire the tools to apply that knowledge in innovative ways. Faculty-mentored student projects emphasize modern techniques and instrumentation and use Colby’s research-grade facilities and laboratories.
What majors/minors/concentrations can students pursue in your department/program?
The Department offers a major in chemistry as well as chemistry majors that concentrate in biochemistry, cell and molecular biology/biochemistry, and environmental science. These options give you the opportunity to focus on a particular area of interest. In addition, a minor in chemistry can be pursued.
What course(s) should a student plan to take in their first year if they intend to major/minor in your department/program? 
An ideal first year for a prospective chemistry major

   General Chemistry (one of the options listed below) and what to take for a minor
   Calculus (through multivariable, MA 160 or MA 165)
   BI 163 (fall) and BI 164 (spring) for biochemistry or cell and molecular  biology/biochemistry concentrations (BI 164 is a prerequisite for BI 279)


General chemistry options:

CH 141 (fall) & CH 142 (spring): for students with less exposure to chemistry before Colby; these represent a standard two-semester college general chemistry sequence with lab

OR
CH 147 (fall, spring): for students with a strong high school chemistry background (best if Honors, AP, or IB); this is an accelerated one-semester college general chemistry course with lab, which also gives credit by exam for CH 141 upon passing the course with a C– or higher



OR

CH 121 (fall) & CH 122 (spring): combine chemistry & geology with lab (best for chemistry-environmental science, geology, and environmental science majors; not recommended for students considering a dual-degree engineering track or medical school); satisfies two-semesters of college general chemistry plus one semester of geology
Students with the highest AP (4 or 5) or IB HL (6 or 7) chemistry scores who also have a strong lab background and consult with and gain permission from the Chemistry Department Chair may instead take: CH 241 (fall) & CH 242 (spring), which is organic chemistry with lab.

What course(s), if any, does your department/program offer that would fulfill a distribution and/or diversity requirement? 
All of the general chemistry courses satisfy the N,Lb (natural science distribution requirement with lab): CH 141 (fall) & CH 142 (spring); CH 147 (fall, spring); and CH 121 (fall) & CH 122 (spring).
What else would be helpful for first-year students to know?
To allow for maximum flexibility in selecting upper-level courses and participating in independent research or study abroad programs, the Chemistry Department recommends that all chemistry majors complete the following courses by the end of the sophomore year: CH 141+142 (or CH 147 or CH 121+122), MA 160 (or 165), PH 141+145 (or PH 143+145), and CH 241+242. Students pursuing the biochemistry or cellular and molecular biology/biochemistry majors should also strive to complete BI 163+164.
Who can students contact if they have additional questions?
Kevin Rice, Associate Professor of Chemistry



Answers to come. Check out our department page here for more information.



What would you tell a first-year student about Classics?
Classics is the study of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds, and their relations with the ancient Mediterranean region more broadly. Colby faculty conduct research in, and teach courses on, ancient languages and literatures as well as the history, myth, science and technology, archaeology, and environment of these ancient worlds.
What majors/minors/concentrations can students pursue in your department/program?
Students can focus on the ancient languages and literatures (Classics), or pursue a major that does not require study of either ancient Greek or Latin (Classical Civilization). We also have joint majors with English and Anthropology.
What course(s) should a student plan to take in their first year if they intend to major/minor in your department/program? 
Students planning to major in Classics should take ancient Greek and/or Latin in the first year. Beginning ancient Greek is offered in the spring; beginning Latin is offered in the fall. Students planning to major in Classical Civilization should take at least one 100-level or 200-level course in the first year. We offer several courses to choose from in both semesters.
What course(s), if any, does your department/program offer that would fulfill a distribution and/or diversity requirement? 
Fall Semester
CL136, Myth and Magic: L
CL154, Ancient Medicine: H
CL158, Ancient Greece, Near East: H
CL197, Gorgons to Godzilla: L
GK112, Intermediate Ancient Greek: Language
GK248, Topics in Ancient Greek Literature: L and Language
LT111, Introductiory Latin: Language
LT131, Introduction to Latin Literature: Language
LT232, Latin Love Poetry and Revolution: L and Language
January
CL156, Underworlds and Afterlives: S
CL177, The Trojan War: H
Spring
CL163, Art and Archaeology of Ancient Rome: A
CL244, Myth and Archaeology: L
CL255, Greek and Roman Science and Technology: H
GK111, Introductory Ancient Greek: Language 
GK131, Introduction to Greek Literature: Language
GK248, Topics in Ancient Greek Literature: L and Language
LT112, Intermediate Latin: Language 
LT362, Virgil’s Eclogues: L and Language
What else would be helpful for first-year students to know?

Our majors often study abroad in Athens and Rome.  
A number of courses in Philosophy, Government, History, and Art may be taken for credit toward Classics and Classical Civilization majors. 
Latin Placement Exam in early September; Ancient Greek placement by request

Who can students contact if they have additional questions?
Before July 1: James Barrett, Associate Professor and Chair of Classics
After July 1: Kerill O’Neill, Julian D. Taylor Professor of Classics, Incoming chair



What would you tell a first-year student about Computer Science?
The Colby Computer Science Department is committed to integrating computer science and the liberal arts. Our goal is to provide Colby students with a strong background in CS, while also teaching them how to integrate their knowledge with other disciplines in order to produce new and innovative discoveries. Whether you want to be a major, minor, or just take a few courses, whatever your interests, knowing more about computers and computation will give you the ability to expand your possibilities.
What majors/minors/concentrations can students pursue in your department/program?
Majors: Computer Science, Computer Science with a concentration in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Computational Biology, Computational Psychology, Environmental Computation, Theater and Dance: Interdisciplinary Computation, Music: Interdisciplinary Computation
What course(s) should a student plan to take in their first year if they intend to major/minor in your department/program? 
CS151/2 (fall/spring): this is an introductory programming course for students with little to no programming experience
CS154 (fall): this is an introductory programming course that is part of an integrated cluster
CS166 (fall): this is an introductory programming course for students with some programming experience, but who have not learned about recursion or inheritance and who may not have a good understanding of how memory is handled (e.g. whether or not two variables refer to the same list)
CS231 (fall/spring): this is the second course in our introductory sequence and is for students who have already learned a language (and its memory model) well and are familiar with inheritance and recursion.”
What course(s), if any, does your department/program offer that would fulfill a distribution and/or diversity requirement? 
CS15X, CS166, and CS231 all fulfill the Quantitative Reasoning  requirement
What else would be helpful for first-year students to know?
We have a placement exam students can take to determine if they are ready for CS231 or should take CS166 (or CS15X).
Who can students contact if they have additional questions?
Stephanie Taylor, Associate Professor and Chair of Computer Science



What would you tell a first-year student about Creative Writing?
We’re a thriving community of poets and writers dedicated to imaginative writing as a process of hard work and play that leads to discoveries. The poet Marvin Bell says that “learning to write is a simple process: read something, then write something; read something else then write something else. And show in your writing what you have read.” This we believe one hundred and twelve percent. We are fortified by too many additional values or aspirations to list here, though we can say that we constantly remind ourselves to slow down enough to think and feel sufficiently enough to make what we say to others a real act of generosity on the one hand and courage on the other. And when we say “our” here, we mean our students most of all.
What majors/minors/concentrations can students pursue in your department/program?
Students can major in English with a concentration in Creative Writing or get a minor in Creative Writing.
What course(s) should a student plan to take in their first year if they intend to major/minor in your department/program? 
EN278 Writing Fiction 1; EN279 Writing Poetry 1; and EN280 Writing Creative Nonfiction–offered both semesters.
What course(s), if any, does your department/program offer that would fulfill a distribution and/or diversity requirement? 
EN278 Writing Fiction 1 – Arts; EN279 Writing Poetry 1 – Arts; and EN280 Writing Creative Nonfiction -Arts –offered both semesters.
What else would be helpful for first-year students to know?
Colby’s Program in Creative Writing offers a rich assortment of readings, events, and other experiences for students outside of class from two writer-in-residence programs to a course in Kalimpong, India working at the intersection of civic engagement, creative writing, and environmental humanities. For more information: https://www.colby.edu/academics/departments-and-programs/creative-writing/
Who can students contact if they have additional questions?
Adrian Blevins, Professor of English and Chair of Creative Writing



What would you tell a first-year student about East Asian Studies?
The East Asian region has a long and rich history, and remains deeply relevant in the 21st century.  The department of East Asian Studies offers 4 years of instruction in Chinese and  Japanese language, as well as courses on the art, cinema, culture, economics, history, literature, music, politics, and societies of the East Asia. 
What majors/minors/concentrations can students pursue in your department/program?
East Asian Studies major or minor, Chinese minor, Japanese minor
What course(s) should a student plan to take in their first year if they intend to major/minor in your department/program? 
Begin or continue study of either Chinese or Japanese language (please note that Elementary Chinese and Japanese I are only offered in the fall semester; the second half of Elementary II is only offered in the spring.)  EA 150 “Foundations in East Asian Studies” is offered both fall and spring. 
What course(s), if any, does your department/program offer that would fulfill a distribution and/or diversity requirement? 
CN & JA 125, 126, 127 (The College Language Requirement), 
EA 120 “Nature in East Asian Literature and Culture” (W1 & Literature, Fall); 
EA 150 “Foundations in East Asian Studies” (Historical Studies & International Diversity, Fall & Spring), 
EA 273 “East Asian Art to 1300” (Arts, Fall), 
EA 297B “Japanese Cinema and Culture” (Arts, Fall), 
EA 253 “Three Kingdoms in Chinese Literature” (Literature, Spring), 
EA 276 “Zen and the Arts in East Asia” (Arts, Spring), 
EA 355 “Aging and Public Policy in East Asia” (Social Sciences, Spring)
What else would be helpful for first-year students to know?
Students with prior background in Chinese or Japanese should take an online language placement test.  For the Chinese language test, contact Andie Wang.  For the Japanese language test contact Laura Nuffer.
Who can students contact if they have additional questions?
Kim Besio, Oak Professor and Chair of East Asian Studies



What would you tell a first-year student about Economics?
Economics is a toolkit that can be used to ask and answer questions about human behavior with the goal of improving people’s lives.  Our program will teach you the theoretical and empirical tools that economists use to understand decision-making by individuals, firms, institutions, and governments, and how to apply those tools to solve human problems.
What majors/minors/concentrations can students pursue in your department/program?
Majors: Economics, Economics with a Concentration in Financial Markets; 
Minors: Economics (multiple pathways)
What course(s) should a student plan to take in their first year if they intend to major/minor in your department/program? 
Students interested in economics should look to have completed EC133, EC134 (requires EC133), and calculus (MA120 or higher) by the end of their first year.  If students arrive with credit for EC133 and/or EC134, they might consider taking an EC200-level elective course or re-taking EC133/EC134 to gain experience taking economics courses at the college level within our department.  EC133, EC134, and calculus are offered every semester.  Our EC200-level elective offerings vary by term, but at least some are offered every semester.  Note, too, because students often ask: First-year students are ineligible to take EC223 or EC293.
What course(s), if any, does your department/program offer that would fulfill a distribution and/or diversity requirement? 
EC133 and EC134 both satisfy the Social Sciences distribution requirement and are offered every semester.
What else would be helpful for first-year students to know?
Our faculty are interested in models that center decision making and economic variables to help understand behaviors, study social issues, inform policymakers, and apply economic decision-making tools to financial market problems and the financial analysis of market participants.  We offer a major and minor in Economics and a major in Economics with a concentration in financial markets. Colby, being a liberal arts institution, does not offer courses in business administration, management, marketing, or advertising.
Who can students contact if they have additional questions?
Daniel LaFave, Associate Professor of Economics



What would you tell a first-year student about Education?
Education examines the impact of cultural assumptions, societal norms, and institutional policies on individuals and groups. Students critically analyze oppressions resulting from educational practices by considering the values and politics within educational institutions, as well as the practical issues of teaching and organizing schools. They ask critical questions about the origins of accepted theories and practices, and who benefits from them. Additionally, they attend to differences in gender, race, social class, sexual orientation, and ability that lead to marginalization and inequality, particularly for children and youth. Beyond critique, students are encouraged to create and implement practices that promote social justice and equity in schools and society.
What majors/minors/concentrations can students pursue in your department/program?
The Education Department offers a major and a minor in Educational Studies. Students can also obtain professional certification with either the major or minor. Students who complete Colby’s professional certification program are eligible to apply for teacher licensure in Maine for secondary public school teaching (grades 6-12). Maine has reciprocity for teacher licensure with 43 other states; therefore, students pursuing certification can be licensed to teach in these other states.
What course(s) should a student plan to take in their first year if they intend to major/minor in your department/program? 
Students should take ED101: Social Justice and Education during their first year. The course is offered both in the fall and spring terms.
What course(s), if any, does your department/program offer that would fulfill a 
distribution and/or diversity requirement? 
The introduction course in Education, ED101: Social Justice and Education, fulfills the U diversity distribution requirement, as do several courses in Education.
What else would be helpful for first-year students to know?
Virtually all courses in the program include the opportunity to work with children and youth in greater Waterville in service learning and civic engagement projects. Numerous opportunities are also available to collaborate with department faculty on cutting-edge educational research.
Who can students contact if they have additional questions?
Adam Howard, Charles A. Dana Professor and Chair of Education



What would you tell a first-year student about English?
Colby students who major or minor in English take courses with distinguished scholars, studying literature ranging from the tenth century to the twenty-first century, by English-language writers from all over the world. Students interested in creative writing choose from classes in fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, documentary radio, and various just-now-emerging hybrid forms. We have also recently introduced a popular concentration in Literature and the Environment, where students learn environmental humanities approaches to the climate challenges that face us. 
What majors/minors/concentrations can students pursue in your department/program?
We have a major and minor in English; a major concentration and a minor in creative writing; a major concentration in Literature and the Environment.
What course(s) should a student plan to take in their first year if they intend to major/minor in your department/program? 
We recommend that you take your W1 in the fall semester and EN200, Foundations of Literary Studies (the entry to the English major and minor) in the spring of your first year or fall of your sophomore year, if possible. Two sections of EN200 are offered each semester.
What course(s), if any, does your department/program offer that would fulfill a distribution and/or diversity requirement? 
Many (but not all) of our courses carry the Literature requirement. Our creative writing courses carry the Arts  requirement. Some of our courses carry the U.S. or International Diversity requirement.
What else would be helpful for first-year students to know?
The IB exam and AP exam do not translate into the Literature credit. You must take a Literature course here at Colby. We do not accept creative writing courses taken outside of Colby (whether domestically or abroad).
Who can students contact if they have additional questions?
Katherine Stubbs, Associate Professor and Chair of English



What would you tell a first-year student about Environmental Studies?
Environmental studies offers majors in science, policy, and computation that prepare students to solve big environmental problems like climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. Our interdisciplinary program addresses these problems from multiple perspectives examining not only the basic science behind these problems, but also the intersections with social sciences and humanities with courses in economics, history, philosophy, literature, anthropology and more. This multi-faceted approach provides our students with the tools to solve these complex interconnected environmental problems.
What majors/minors/concentrations can students pursue in your department/program?
We have three majors and a minor in Environmental Studies: Environmental Science, Environmental Policy, and Environmental Computation (a combination of environmental studies and CS/Data science courses). 
What course(s) should a student plan to take in their first year if they intend to major/minor in your department/program? 
All students interested in environmental science or policy should take ES118 in their spring semester. Students interested in Environmental Science should take intro biology (BI163 & BI164) in the fall and spring of their first year. Students interested in environmental policy should take microeconomics (EC133).
What course(s), if any, does your department/program offer that would fulfill a distribution and/or diversity requirement? 
Our distribution requirement classes include some core ES courses but also cross listed courses from other departments. 

BI271/ES271 Ecology offered in the fall meets the Natural Sciences with a lab requirement. 
EN283/ES283 Environmental Humanities offered in the fall meets the Literature requirement. 
HI348/ES348 US Environmental History offered in the fall meets the History requirement and the U.S. Diversity requirements. 
ES368 Global Climate Policy, offered in the fall, meets the Social Sciences requirement. 
ES235 EnviroComputation, offered in the spring meets the Quantitative Reasoning requirement.
 ES234  International Environmental Policy offered in the spring meets the International Diversity requirement. 
ES323  Sustainability Science, offered in the spring, meets the Social Sciences requirement. 
ES270  Applied Ecology, offered in the spring meets the Natural Science with a lab requirement.

What else would be helpful for first-year students to know?
Students often ask us about the kinds of careers that are available to students with an Environmental Science or Environmental Policy degree. Our students go on to a wide variety of careers that include jobs in the renewable energy sector, agriculture and food systems, conservation work with a government agency or an NGO, environmental law, environmental advocacy, environmental consulting, or even environmental research science and environmental policy research. Many of our students go on to graduate and/or professional degrees after Colby. Others go straight into working in the public sector, private sector, or an environmental non-profit.
Who can students contact if they have additional questions?
Justin Becknell, Associate Professor and Chair of Environmental Studies



What would you tell a first-year student about French, Francophone and Italian Studies?
It is the goal of the French faculty at Colby to introduce students to the visual and literary culture of the French-speaking world. We firmly believe that language is the key that opens many doors and pride ourselves in helping students reach exceptionally high levels of fluency. All of our classes, from day one of the first-semester course through the upper levels, are taught exclusively in French.
In our increasingly integrative and interdisciplinary curriculum, we try to strike a balance between courses dealing with France and the Francophone world. In all instances, we look to probe various forms of cultural production that deepen our understanding of the human experience and that awaken our students to values other than their own. We hope to provide a personally enriching and broadening experience that is fundamental to building a career as well as to improving the quality of one’s life.
As a first-year student at Colby, you can extend your classroom experience by joining the French and Italian Clubs, in addition to dining with your classmates at the French and Italian tables. We also provide tutors who work closely with students in our language courses.
What majors/minors/concentrations can students pursue in your department/program?
French: Students can pursue a major and minor in French and Francophone studies
Italian: Students can pursue a minor in Italian studies
What course(s) should a student plan to take in their first year if they intend to major/minor in your department/program? 
French and Francophone Studies:

Students should take the online French placement test to be placed at the appropriate level in French. This test can only be taken once. 

French and Francophone Studies Major:

If students are placed in FR125/126 or FR127 after taking the placement test, and if they wish to major in French after completing the language requirement, they only have 9 courses to take to complete the French major including FR128 or FR131. Students who are placed directly in FR128 or FR131 also only have 9 courses to complete the French major.

FR125, FR126 and FR127 (Fall and Spring) 
FR128 & FR131 (Fall or Spring) 




If students start French at the 200 level after taking the French placement test or after being exempted from the language requirement because of their AP score/high placement score, they will need to take 10 courses to complete a major in French.
Several 200-level courses are offered in the fall and spring (FR224 ; FR231; FR232; FR233; FR252;  FR236 ; FR237; FR238; FR258 or equivalent)
FR231 is our advanced grammar and composition course and all majors have to take it. 

French and Francophone Studies minor:

After completing FR125/126/127, students only take 5 courses for the minor.
For students starting at the 200 level, students take 6 courses to complete the minor. Study abroad is not a requirement. 
FR231 is our advanced grammar and composition course and all minors have to take it.

 Italian:

IT 125 (Fall), unless students have prior experience in which case they should reach out to Professor Gianluca Rizzo  (head of the Italian section)
IT126 (Spring)
IT127 (Spring)
IT144 (Fall)
A placement exam is also administered in Italian and it takes place right before the beginning of the fall semester. 

What course(s), if any, does your department/program offer that would fulfill a distribution and/or diversity requirement? 

French Language Sequence: 

FR 125 (Fall & Spring); 
FR 126 (Fall & Spring); 
FR 127 (Fall, JanPlan & Spring).


Selected 200 level course fulfill “Arts”, “Literature” and International Diversity requirement (Fall & spring)
Selected 300 level courses fulfill “History”, “Literature” and International Diversity requirement (Fall & Spring)
Italian Language Sequence:

 IT 125 (Fall or JanPlan); 
IT 126 (Spring); 
IT 127 (Fall).


Selected 300 Level courses fulfill “Literature” requirement

What else would be helpful for first-year students to know?
For more information about the French and Francophone studies program or the Italian studies program, please consult our department website (https://www.colby.edu/academics/departments-and-programs/french-and-italian/).
Who can students contact if they have additional questions?
Mouhamédoul Amine Niang, Associate Professor of French and  Chair of French and Italian



What would you tell a first-year student about Geology?
Geology is the ultimate interdisciplinary science, in that geologists use knowledge of chemistry, physics, mathematics and modern biology to understand the history of the entire planet. Geologists are charged with locating virtually all non-biological resources on Earth, and are also at the forefront of understanding and mitigating the environmental impacts of human activities. They are also foremost among the scientists studying the other planetary bodies of our solar system. Through classroom study, hands-on research experience, and internships, Colby geology majors are prepared to enter this exciting world either as beginning professionals or exceptionally well-prepared graduate students.
What majors/minors/concentrations can students pursue in your department/program?
We offer a major and a minor in Geology.
What course(s) should a student plan to take in their first year if they intend to major/minor in your department/program? 

Students interested in Geology should take one of our introductory courses (GE 123, 125, 127, or 129). 
Two 100-level courses are offered each semester, and we recommend that potential majors take either GE 125 (fall) or GE 127 (spring). 
Students who take introductory geology in the fall should take either GE 228 or GE 262 in the spring. 
We also encourage students who are interested in geology to enroll in our weekly seminar series, GE 391.

What course(s), if any, does your department/program offer that would fulfill a distribution and/or diversity requirement? 
GE 123, 125, 127, and 129 fulfill the Natura; Sciences with a lab requirement. Two courses are offered each semester. These courses are in high demand, so we encourage students to enroll during their first year when priority is given to first-year students.
What else would be helpful for first-year students to know?
Students interested in geology should email Professor Dunn (below) to be added to the department listserve.
Who can students contact if they have additional questions?
Tasha Dunn, Associate Professor and Chair of Geology



What would you tell a first-year student about German?
The German program offers language instruction from the beginning to the advanced level as well as a range of German Studies courses with a dual focus on literature and culture. Recent courses have included “Mission Impossible: Multicultural German Literature and Film,” “Environmental Humanities: Nature Philosophy’s Roots,” “Weird Fictions,” “Kleist and Kafka,” and “Sex, Madness, and Transgression in German Literature”. In light of Germany’s increasingly important economic and political role in Europe and the world, we encourage students to choose German to fulfill Colby’s three-semester language requirement. Regularly, students also complete the WiDaF (Wirtschaftsdeutsch als Fremdsprache) exam from the Franco-German Chamber of Commerce which is administered in Colby’s own WiDaF-Testzentrum.
What majors/minors/concentrations can students pursue in your department/program?
German Studies Major; German Minor
What course(s) should a student plan to take in their first year if they intend to major/minor in your department/program? 
Incoming students without prior study (formal or informal) should enroll in German 125. This course is offered only in the fall semester. Incoming students who have had one or more years of high school German or who have some other exposure to the language (heritage learner, lived in a German speaking country for a while) will take a placement test before the beginning of the fall semester. Entering students who obtained a 4 or 5 on the German AP Exam or scored 600 or higher on the German SAT II may enroll in upper-level German courses.
What course(s), if any, does your department/program offer that would fulfill a distribution and/or diversity requirement? 
We offer a range of courses that fulfill distribution requirements. Each year, we offer German 125 and 127 (fall) as well as 126, which are the three courses in the sequence needed to fulfill the language requirement. We also offer German 242 (fall) and 233 (spring) which each fulfill the L (Literature) requirement. German 233 (spring) also fulfills the I (International Diversity) requirement. In other years, we offer different courses that fulfill the L, I or H (Historical) requirements.
What else would be helpful for first-year students to know?
If students at all are considering study abroad as a possibility in their junior year then they need to keep in mind that study in countries with language taught at Colby – and this includes Germany, Austria, and Switzerland – requires completion of or the equivalent of the third semester of the language. So, start with a language your first semester at Colby to keep your options open.
Who can students contact if they have additional questions?
Arne Koch, Associate Professor and Chair of German and Russian



What would you tell a first-year student about Global Studies?
Global Studies at Colby is a transdisciplinary major that addresses pressing and complex global problems that cannot be understood by any one discipline. The major offers students the opportunity for flexibility, depth, and personalization in their studies. In GS, we explore how global processes affect and are affected by local realities. We recognize that we are bound together by multifaceted interconnections, shared histories, and cultural practices. We employ critical thinking skills, diverse perspectives, and alternative methodologies to understand how flows of people, capital, and commodities combine to shape lived experiences. If you are interested in learning more about contemporary global issues, including but not limited to migration and borders, social movements, global health, global inequality, environment, coloniality and postcoloniality, history and memory, international institutions, globalization and economic processes, and other topics in varied global contexts, Global Studies might be the major for you! 
What majors/minors/concentrations can students pursue in your department/program?
Students can pursue a Global Studies major, within which they can elect to pursue concentrations in Development, Global Health, Human Rights and Social Justice, International Economic Policy, International Relations/Foreign Policy, a regional geographic concentration . Students can also apply to pursue an independent concentration if they want to pursue an area of focus not covered by existing concentrations.
What course(s) should a student plan to take in their first year if they intend to major/minor in your department/program? 
Students could take any of the core courses in their first year. Most of these classes are offered both semesters and many fulfill a distribution requirement as well. They include: GS101 (intro to Global Studies) AY112 (intro to Cultural Anthropology), EC133 (Microeconomics), EC134 (Macroeconomics), GS131 (International Relations), HI276 (World History). Note that you only have to take any five of the six core classes for the major. We also recommend that you get started on your language courses. 
What course(s), if any, does your department/program offer that would fulfill a 
distribution and/or diversity requirement? 
Most of our GS courses fulfill distribution requirements! Many fulfill the S (social science) and the I (international diversity). 
What else would be helpful for first-year students to know?
GS majors go on to a wide range of careers including international institutions and NGOs, government, Peace Corps, the State Department, policy institutes, medicine, public health, law, international banking, consulting, commerce and the academy.
Who can students contact if they have additional questions?
Nadia El-Shaarawi, Associate Professor of Global Studies



What would you tell a first-year student about Government?
The Government Department teaches what at other institutions would be called political science. We focus on the contestation for, and exercise of, political power — mostly, but not exclusively by governments. We offer all four of the principal subfields in political science — courses in political theory, comparative politics, international relations, and American politics.
What majors/minors/concentrations can students pursue in your department/program?
We offer a major only, although high-performing students in the major also have the option of writing a year-long senior thesis to pursue honors in Government. Although we have no officially-designated pathways through the major, students should plan to design and pursue, through their choice of elective and seminar courses, some area of specialization within the major.
What course(s) should a student plan to take in their first year if they intend to major/minor in your department/program? 
Typically, students begin the Government major by taking the 100-level introductory courses; these may be taken in any order and are offered in both semesters. Students who go on to major in government usually take two of these in the first year, but that is not a strict requirement.
What course(s), if any, does your department/program offer that would fulfill a distribution and/or diversity requirement? 
All our introductory courses carry the S (social science) designation; these are typically offered in both semesters.
The 200-level “introduction” to the politics of some region courses all carry the “S”; these are offered once per year. 
In 2024-25:

GO 252 (fall) Introduction to Middle East Politics
GO 259 (fall) Introduction to European Politics
GO 256 (spring) Introduction to East Asian Politics
GO 171 (offered both semesters) also satisfies the “I” (international diversity) requirement
GO 281 (offered both semesters) also satisfies the “Q” (quantitative reasoning) requirement
GO 228 (fall) satisfies both “S” and “U” (US diversity) requirements
GO 244 (fall) satisfies both “S” and “U” (US diversity) requirements
GO 263 (spring) satisfies the “S” requirement.
GO 314 (spring) satisfies the “U” (US diversity) requirement
GO 315 (spring) satisfies both “S” and “U” (US diversity) requirements
GO 346 (spring) satisfies both “S” and “U” (US diversity) requirements

What else would be helpful for first-year students to know?
Students need take only 10 courses to complete the major; of these, two may be taken during a semester abroad (although our required introductory and seminar courses must be taken at Colby). The Government major is easily combined with a second major.
Who can students contact if they have additional questions?
Joseph Reisert, Harriet S. Wiswell and George C. Wiswell Jr. Associate Professor of American Constitutional Law and Chair of Government



What would you tell a first-year student about History?
History helps us to understand the present and the future. Our world faces significant challenges, from accelerating climate change to increasing political polarisation. Historical study provides us with the tools for finding the roots of contemporary problems, and for developing potential solutions. As a history major, you will draw on history faculty’s expertise in a range of regions, including Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Russia, East Asia, Europe, the United States, and Africa. You will also study themes – from food to death – which cut across regional divides. But the study of history is more than the accumulation of data: you will also analyze primary and secondary sources; hone your critical thinking skills; and learn to research and write essays. You will develop your abilities as a reader, thinker, and writer.
What majors/minors/concentrations can students pursue in your department/program?
The history major offers incredible flexibility to students to explore their own interests. Instead of a prescribed list of potential concentrations, students are asked to, in consultation with their advisor, articulate a concentration in the fall of their sophomore year or upon declaring as a history major (e.g., comparative history of religion, reproduction and gender, power and racial inequality, nations and nationalism, etc.). In other words, students are invited to consider what their major means to them. 
What course(s) should a student plan to take in their first year if they intend to major/minor in your department/program? 
Students interested in pursuing a history major should take a 100-level course, which introduces students to the historical discipline and focuses on a particular region and time period. These classes are lecture-based, but often include discussion. 100-level courses prepare students for more advanced classes at the 200-level and beyond.
For students who already know they want to major in history and have some prior experience (i.e. AP course work in history) should feel encouraged to take classes at the 200-level, our intermediate courses that offer a topical or thematic approach to the study of the past.
A course of particular interest for would be majors is HI276: Patterns and Processes in World History, which is a required course for history majors for taking classes at the 300-level. This course is offered every semester.
What course(s), if any, does your department/program offer that would fulfill a distribution and/or diversity requirement? 
ALL history courses count towards the Historical Studies (H) requirement and many also count to either the International or US diversity requirements.
Who can students contact if they have additional questions?
Arnout van der Meer, Associate Professor and Chair of History



What would you tell a first-year student about Jewish Studies?
Jewish Studies explores experiences, expressions, and conceptions of Jewishness past and present in their diversity and complexity. Students of all backgrounds learn how to critically assess competing ideas and how to analyze intersecting identities within their social contexts. They develop leadership and social entrepreneurship skills, along with an appreciation for communal engagement, through hands-on collaboration. Jewish Studies courses foster the values of intellectual rigor, mutual respect, ongoing self-reflection, and concern for marginalized voices. The department’s faculty members devote particular attention to personal mentorship.
What majors/minors/concentrations can students pursue in your department/program?
Major in Jewish Studies or Minor in Jewish Studies
What course(s) should a student plan to take in their first year if they intend to major/minor in your department/program? 
Any 100-level course is a great place to start! We especially recommend JS148, “Inclusion and Exclusion: Dilemmas in Israeli Society” (fall) and JS188 “What is Judaism?” (spring).
What course(s), if any, does your department/program offer that would fulfill a distribution and/or diversity requirement? 
Students can fulfill nearly most distribution requirements through Jewish Studies courses!

Arts (A): AR/JS 236, “Vienna 1900” (spring)
Foreign Language (Hebrew): JS 125 (fall), JS 126 (spring), JS 127 (fall)
History (H) and International Diversity (I): JS 181, “Conceptions of Jews and Judaism” (fall, but not 2024); JS 182, “Jews, Judaism, and the Modern World” (spring, but not 2025)
International Diversity (I): JS 297, “Bodies and Embodiment in Jewish Thought” (fall)
Literature (L): RE/JS 143, “Introduction to the Hebrew Bible” (fall); RE/JS 144, “Introduction to the New Testament” (spring)
Social Sciences (S) and International Diversity (I): JS 148, Dilemmas in Israeli Society (fall)

Note: Jewish Studies plans to offer a course that fulfills both the Quantitative Reasoning (Q) and U.S. Diversity (U) requirement in Fall 2025.
What else would be helpful for first-year students to know?
We encourage all students, regardless of their background, perspectives, or major/minor intentions, to enroll in JS123, “Jewish Ideas Lab,” when add/drop opens in August. This one-credit, nongraded course meets over dinner every other Tuesday evening.  Participants discover and co-construct meaning with fellow students through conversation about texts that address significant ideas and raise essential questions. FMI: https://web.colby.edu/ideaslab/
Who can students contact if they have additional questions?
David Freidenreich, Pulver Family Professor and Chair of Jewish Studies



What would you tell a first-year student about Latin American Studies?
The Latin American Studies Program provides students with the opportunity to deepen their understanding of this fascinating region of the world. The interdisciplinary program, which offers both a major and a minor, is a collaboration between the departments of Anthropology, Government, History, Economics, and Spanish. Our students explore social, political, and economic issues, tensions, and inequalities that challenge the area, while also attaining an awareness of and appreciation for the rich cultural diversity of the Americas.
What majors/minors/concentrations can students pursue in your department/program?
Major in Latin American Studies and Minor in Latin American Studies 
What course(s) should a student plan to take in their first year if they intend to major/minor in your department/program? 
LA 173: History of Latin America, 1491 to 1900 (offered every fall); LA 174: Introduction to Latin American Studies (offered every spring); a Spanish course
What course(s), if any, does your department/program offer that would fulfill a distribution and/or diversity requirement? 
LA 173: History of Latin America, 1491-1900 (fall) or LA 174: Introduction to Latin American Studies (spring): history and international diversity requirements; Spanish 135 (every semester): literature requirement; all LAS cross-listed courses in government, anthropology, economics: social science requirement; Music 298: Intro to Afro-Latin Drumming (offered periodically): arts requirement; LA 227: Social Movements (offered annually): US diversity requirement. You can complete nearly all of your distribution requirements through the LAS major or minor! 
What else would be helpful for first-year students to know?
We have a small, close-knit program with a very strong community. LAS majors and minors benefit from the Walker Fund, which provides our students with funding to explore internships, cultural immersion and language training, and independent research in Latin America and/or dealing with Latinx issues in the U.S.
Who can students contact if they have additional questions?
Ben Fallaw, Professor of Latin American Studies



What would you tell a first-year student about Mathematics?
Mathematics is an art of thought, and Colby mathematics embodies this view. Our program is a significant step up from high school mathematics. The emphasis in our courses is on creative thinking, deep comprehension, analytical skills, and mathematical communication. (This is in contrast to high school mathematics classes that traditionally emphasize algorithmic skills and drills.) We offer a broad variety of courses and create research opportunities for our students. Colby mathematics students are intellectually curious explorers who love to take on challenges and to figure things out. As such, they learn to work hard, and to recognize that making mistakes is a natural part of a learning process. We encourage and support both individual perseverance and collaboration, and our faculty are eager to interact with students in and out of the classroom. Our community is driven not by competition, but by our common dedication to exploring and communicating mathematics.  All are welcomed here.
What majors/minors/concentrations can students pursue in your department/program?
Major in Mathematics, Major in Mathematical Sciences, Minor in Mathematics
What course(s) should a student plan to take in their first year if they intend to major/minor in your department/program? 
Top recommendation for prospective majors: MA135 (Fall) – MA165 (Spring). Possible alternatives: MA160 (Fall) – MA274 (Spring), or MA130 (Fall) – MA160 (Spring), or MA125 (Fall) – MA160 (Spring), or MA119 (Fall) – MA120 (JanPlan) – MA160 (Spring), or MA160 (Fall) – MA253 (Spring).
What course(s), if any, does your department/program offer that would fulfill a distribution and/or diversity requirement? 

Quantitative reasoning requirement (Q):  MA111 (offered irregularly), MA120 (JanPlan), MA125 (F-S), MA130 (F-S), MA135 (F), MA160 (F-S), MA165(S).
Historical Studies (H): MA376 (offered in alternate years)
W-2: MA274 (F-S)”

What else would be helpful for first-year students to know?
We employ a placement system for Calculus. Incoming students need to fill out a placement questionnaire before enrolling in the courses. Professor Ben-Zvi is our Calculus Czar until the end of June, at which time the baton will be passed to other faculty (TBD). 
We discourage advanced students from taking Linear Algebra as their first Colby math course in the fall of their first year. For most advanced students, MA135 is a better choice.
Who can students contact if they have additional questions?
Leo Livshits, Professor and Chair of Mathematics



What would you tell a first-year student about Music?
The Music Department offers a rich variety of academic courses and performance opportunities. Academic topics covered range from musical sampling (praxis; ethics); to conducting musical ethnographies of campus; to Rock History and Samurai music; to music and graphic design; as well as courses on Western classical music and non-Western music. Performance opportunities include: chamber music, choir, Broadway musicals, jazz ensemble, orchestra, and private lessons on a range of instruments.
What majors/minors/concentrations can students pursue in your department/program?
Music major; Music minor; Music-Interdisciplinary Computation Major (shared with the CS Department). Students can choose to focus on the following academic pathways–theory, composition, history and culture–and all Music students have a performance requirement (lessons + ensembles).
What course(s) should a student plan to take in their first year if they intend to major/minor in your department/program? 
MU111 (Introduction to Music), offered 1x/year (Fall semester in 24-25); or MU153 (Music Theory through DAW -digital audio workstation) or MU181 (Music Theory I), depending on their background in Music Theory and/or whether they are seeking more computer-oriented theory (MU153); or any one of the 200-level electives that piques their interest. These courses are all taught 1x/year, although not in any particular semester.
What course(s), if any, does your department/program offer that would fulfill a distribution and/or diversity requirement? 
Most, if not all, of our academic courses fulfill the Arts (A) distribution requirement. A number of our courses also fulfill the Diversity and International Diversity requirements (including: MU244 (Sampling); 252 (World Music Survey); 262 (Ethnomusicology Seminar); MU275 (Samurai Culture): 298 (Afro-Diasporic Drumming).
What else would be helpful for first-year students to know?
In addition to a handful of required courses, students can shape the Music major based on their interests.
Who can students contact if they have additional questions?
For academic-related questions: Natalie Zelensky, Associate Professor and Co-Chair of Music
For performance-related questions: Lily Funahashi,  Associate Professor and Co-Chair of Music



What would you tell a first-year student about Performance, Theater, and Dance?
The Department of Performance, Theater, and Dance emphasizes performance practice and study as paths to engaged citizenship. Our public season includes faculty-led student productions and professional guest artists and companies. 
Production experiences and courses are open to non-majors. Under its umbrella, the disciplines of Theater, Dance, Design, Media and Performance, and Performance Studies integrate theory and practice; give students avenues to follow myriad curiosities; and teach students to become thoughtful collaborators and leaders. 
As students progress through the flexible major, they create their own pathways according to their primary interests. Students leave prepared to make changes in changing fields–whether that is in performing arts or elsewhere.
What majors/minors/concentrations can students pursue in your department/program?
The department encompasses many areas (theater, dance, design, performance studies, stage management, technical theater, hybrid performance ) but each student carves their own path through the major.
What course(s) should a student plan to take in their first year if they intend to major/minor in your department/program? 
There is a W1 course each fall, and that is a great course. 
A core requirement, TD124, Performance, Politics, and Practice, is also a great start. 
If students are particularly interested in acting or dance, they should take 

TD171 Acting 1 (4 credits) or 
TD101 Contemporary Dance Lab Intermediate/advanced (2 Credits, for students with dance experience)

AUDITIONS for performing ensembles

First year students interested in dance should sign up for the faculty-led first year dance experience and should audition for student work with the Colby Dance Company on Tuesday, Sept 10 at 7pm
Auditions for the faculty directed fall plays are Sept 5 & 6

What course(s), if any, does your department/program offer that would fulfill a distribution and/or diversity requirement? 
Many of our courses fulfill the Arts distribution requirement; Intro to Community Performance (TD254) is a great option for students who are new to performance, but have an interest in community-building AND those who have experience in performance and want to explore new ways to apply those skills in other contexts.
What else would be helpful for first-year students to know?
Each year, we have a welcome meeting–time and date TBD, which is a great opportunity to meet faculty, staff, and students in the department.
Who can students contact if they have additional questions?
General: Gwyneth Shanks, Assistant Professor of Performance, Theater, and Dance
Theater: AB Brown, Assistant Professor of Performance, Theater, and Dance
Dance: Annie Kloppenberg, Associate Professor and Chair of Performance, Theater, and Dance
Production/Design/Stage Management: Marjorie Gallant, Production Manager



What would you tell a first-year student about Philosophy?
Colby’s philosophy program challenges students to understand what it means to live morally in an often unjust world, to deliberate rationally about knowledge, freedom and meaning, and to appreciate deeply the natural and aesthetic dimensions of our lives. Our courses provide the historical depth, cosmopolitan breadth, and multiplicity of perspectives necessary for participating in the philosophical conversation that spans human history and reaches around the globe. The philosophy department cultivates skills in effective writing, close reading, clear reasoning, and creative thinking, enabling students to join this ongoing conversation. 
What majors/minors/concentrations can students pursue in your department/program?
Philosophy Major, Philosophy Minor
What course(s) should a student plan to take in their first year if they intend to major/minor in your department/program? 
Take a 100-level introductory themed course in philosophy, offered both Fall and Spring. Also take PL151 Logic and Argumentation (usually both Fall and Spring).
What course(s), if any, does your department/program offer that would fulfill a distribution and/or diversity requirement? 

PL111 (Social Sciences) Fall; 
PL117 (International Diversity) Fall; 
PL114 (Literature) Fall; 
PL113 (Social Sciences) Both semesters; 
PL151 (Quantitative Reasoning) Both semesters; 
PL211 (Social Sciences) Fall; 
PL231 (Historical Studies) Fall; 
PL232 (Historical Studies) Spring; 
PL245 (Historical Studies) Both semester;  
PL255 (Arts); 
PL266 (Literature) Fall; 
PL274 (Social Sciences); 
PL314 (Social Sciences);
PL352 (Historical Studies); 
PL359 (Historical studies); 
PL311 (International Diversity); 
and many more

What else would be helpful for first-year students to know?
Sophomore year you should start the history of philosophy sequence in the Major: PL231 Ancient philosophy in the Fall, and PL232 History of Modern Philosophy in the Spring. 
Who can students contact if they have additional questions?
Keith Peterson, Associate Professor and Chair of Philosophy



What would you tell a first-year student about Physics and Astronomy?
Physics and astronomy are expansive scientific disciplines that seek understanding of the natural world at all scales, from the smallest known building blocks of matter to the largest known structures in the universe. The study of physics and astronomy intersects and complements many other disciplines, including philosophy, mathematics, chemistry, biology, and geology, as well as history, literature, art, and many other fascinating subjects you can explore at Colby. Our program is built to be as flexible as possible.
What majors/minors/concentrations can students pursue in your department/program?
We offer a classic physics major, a physics major with a concentration in astrophysics, a physics minor, and an astronomy minor.
What course(s) should a student plan to take in their first year if they intend to major/minor in your department/program? 
The foundations sequence of PH141 or PH143 in the fall, followed by PH145 in the spring, is required of all majors and minors in our department. If you’re considering a major or a minor, taking this sequence during your first year is a good idea. It is possible to complete the major in three years, however, so some majors start the sequence in the fall of their sophomore year. We also have two introductory courses, AS151 or AS172, that are required for the astro minor but not the major.
What course(s), if any, does your department/program offer that would fulfill a distribution and/or diversity requirement? 
Our intro astro courses, AS151 and AS172, are popular with students looking to satisfy a natural science requirement. Our intro physics courses (PH141, PH143, and PH145) satisfy this requirement as well, but are more popular with students interested in medicine, engineering, and chemistry. We also offer a W1 course, but are not able to offer it every year.
What else would be helpful for first-year students to know?
Students with high advanced placement, IB, or A-level exam scores may be able to receive Colby credit for prior coursework. Most of our majors and minors start with PH141, PH143, or PH145, however, as these courses provide a strong foundation for further study. Please consult the documentation provided by the college and reach out to us with any additional questions.
Who can students contact if they have additional questions?
Before June 30: Jonathan McCoy, Associate Professor and Chair of Physics and Astronomy
After July 1: Dale Kocevski, Associate Professor and Chair of Physics and Astronomy



What would you tell a first-year student about Psychology?
The study of psychology at Colby revolves around research at all levels of the curriculum. Students and professors collaborate in courses and the lab to explore interesting phenomena in cognition, development, emotion, health, language, motivation, neuroscience, perception, personality, psychopathology, and social psychology. With different options for focused study in upper-level courses, access to state-of-the-art research equipment, and faculty mentors who have a broad range of expertise, students graduate with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel professionally or in graduate study.
What majors/minors/concentrations can students pursue in your department/program?
Psychology; Psychology with a concentration in neuroscience; Computational psychology
What course(s) should a student plan to take in their first year if they intend to major/minor in your department/program? 
PS111 Introduction to psychology (either semester)
BI163/164 Introduction to biology sequence (fall and then spring; neuroscience concentration only)
CS151, 152, or 153 Computational thinking (either semester; computational psychology only)
What course(s), if any, does your department/program offer that would fulfill a distribution and/or diversity requirement? 
PS111 Introduction to psychology (Social Sciences requirement; either semester)
What else would be helpful for first-year students to know?
AP scores of 4 or 5 can substitute for PS111, in which case students may start the major with a 200-level elective (other than PS214). Students may also receive AP credit in biology (equivalent to BI 163/164 for the neuroscience concentration) and computer science (equivalent to CS151 for the computational psychology major).
Students are encouraged to take the PS214/215 sequence (Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology I and II) in their sophomore year. Students who take this sequence in their junior year will need to be on campus for both semesters.
Who can students contact if they have additional questions?
Martha Arterberry, Clara C. Piper Professor of Psychology
Erin Sheets, Associate Professor of Psychology



What would you tell a first-year student about Religious Studies?
Religious Studies Department trains students to critically analyze the ways in which individuals and communities conceptualize the transcendent, that which they regard as vitally significant. Our courses explore diverse religious traditions, regions, and time periods. Students personally find our courses meaningful. We offer a space for them to freely question the religious traditions they were brought up in, and we expose them to texts, ontologies, ethical systems, aesthetic perspectives, and material cultures that may be foreign to them.
What majors/minors/concentrations can students pursue in your department/program?
Students are welcome to concentrate on any of the world’s religions to strengthen their interest and approach to the moral and ethical challenges of our global society — related to health, economy, climate change, politics.
What course(s) should a student plan to take in their first year if they intend to major/minor in your department/program? 
RE 128: Introduction to the Study of Religion, and any of our 100-level courses.
What course(s), if any, does your department/program offer that would fulfill a distribution and/or diversity requirement? 

RE 128 Fall (Intro to the Study of Religion) fulfills Social Sciences requirement  
RE 117 Fall (India and the Western Imagination) fulfills Literature 
RE 143 Fall (Intro to the Old Testament) fulfills Literature 
RE 111 Spring (Intro to the Religions of India) fulfills Social Science & International Diversity
RE 144 Spring (Intro to New Testament) fulfills Literature 
RE 218 Fall (South Asia: Literature, Art, Environ) fulfills Literature & International  Diversity
RE 226 Spring (American Christianity, Am Capitalism) fulfills Historical Stud. & US Diversity
RE 237 Spring (Cults in America) fulfills US Diversity 
RE 298 Spring (Buddhism in America) fulfills US Diversity 
RE 319: Spring (Bollywood and Beyond) fulfills Literature and International Diversity 
RE 326 Fall (Sensuous Religion) fulfills Literature and International Diversity 

What else would be helpful for first-year students to know?
Being a small department, one of our primary strengths is the intimate intellectual relationship which we develop with our students. We welcome majors from other departments. Students in quantitative and science disciplines find our values-oriented courses particularly enriching.
Who can students contact if they have additional questions?
Nikky Singh, Crawford Family Professor and Chair of Religious Studies



What would you tell a first-year student about Russian?
We offer all levels of Russian language at Colby. Some of our students have studied Russian in the past; if you know some Russian already, you can start at a higher level. The majority of our students have not studied Russian before and begin with our introductory course. They learn the Cyrillic alphabet quickly, and by the end of the first semester, they can already discuss their views on a variety of topics, as well as their personal and professional lives.
We offer both a Major and a Minor in Russian, and both these tracks combine language study with courses in English translation on topics such as: Slavic Vampires and Werewolves, Soviet and Post-Soviet Cinema, Russian Propaganda, Russian Women and Gender Studies, and Russian Literature and the Environment, and much more. We have a small, close-knit community that organizes weekly Russian language tables, film nights, art workshops, as well as larger trips to cultural events such as ballets and other performances. We also offer a wide range of study abroad opportunities, as well as positions working on research projects with Colby faculty.  We mentor our students throughout their career at Colby and beyond. German and Russian leads other language departments in the Fulbright-Teaching Scholarship awardees.
What majors/minors/concentrations can students pursue in your department/program?
Major in Russian Language and Culture; Minor in Russian Language and Literature
What course(s) should a student plan to take in their first year if they intend to major/minor in your department/program? 
RU125: Elementary Russian I; Russian 126: Elementary Russian II. 
Recommended: RU120: Reel Russia (Fall, Arts, International Diversity) or RU120A: Vampires and Werewolves (Spring, Liteterature, International Diversity).  RU125 is offered in the fall semester only, so start in the fall. 
What course(s), if any, does your department/program offer that would fulfill a distribution and/or diversity requirement? 
Fall:

RU237: Science Fiction (Literature, offered Fall 2024); 
RU120: Reel Russia (W1, Arts, offered Fall 2024); 
RU297: Vampires and Werewolves (Literature)

Spring: 

RU242: Celluloid Ethnicities: How the USSR Was (De)Constructed (Arts, International Diversity; offered Spring 2025); 
RU120A: Vampires and Werewolves (W1, Literature, International Diversity); RU234: Many Facets of Russian Nature (L); RU242: Russian Cinema From Lenin to Putin (Arts, International Diversity).

What else would be helpful for first-year students to know?
The majority of the students who do start taking Russian with us end up pursuing a Russian major or minor, as evidenced in this response from student evaluations: “I started Russian to fulfill my language requirement, but I have truly found a love for the language, which I think is mostly due to the people in my class and the professor!” 
Who can students contact if they have additional questions?
Melissa Miller, Assistant Professor of Russian



What would you tell a first-year student about STS?
STS is the disciplinary hub where the sciences and humanities meet. We require coursework in both areas of study to understand both from the perspective of the other, and we help students develop knowledge and skills in preparation for a range of careers in technology, policy, business, and education.
What majors/minors/concentrations can students pursue in your department/program?
Major in STS; Minor in STS (track 1 for social science and humanities majors); Minor in STS (track 2 for natural, computational, and mathematical sciences majors).
What course(s) should a student plan to take in their first year if they intend to major/minor in your department/program? 
Prospective majors and minors in STS should take ST112: Intro. to STS and may consider taking ST120A: Information Before and After Google for their W1 course.
What course(s), if any, does your department/program offer that would fulfill a distribution and/or diversity requirement? 
STS courses are regularly offered across all of the distribution requirements.
What else would be helpful for first-year students to know?
STS isn’t typically offered as a course option in high school, so if you want to learn more about the field and the STS major, feel free to reach out to any STS faculty.
Who can students contact if they have additional questions?
Until June 30: Aaron Hanlon, Associate Professor of English and Chair of STS 
Starting July 1: Tanya Sheehan, Ellerton M. and Edith K. Jette Professor of Art and Chair of STS



What would you tell a first-year student about Sociology?
Sociology is the study of society — the social contexts and interactions that shape our everyday lives in profound but often subtle ways. Sociologists study a wide array of phenomena — such as inequality, politics, social control, immigration, race relations — using both qualitative and quantitative social scientific methods. Taking courses in sociology will help you think about how our individual choices are shaped by larger social forces that affect what options are available to us and how we understand the world around us.
What majors/minors/concentrations can students pursue in your department/program?
Major in sociology, minor in sociology
What course(s) should a student plan to take in their first year if they intend to major/minor in your department/program? 
SO131, offered fall and spring
What course(s), if any, does your department/program offer that would fulfill a distribution and/or diversity requirement? 
Social Sciences (S) – SO131 is offered both semesters. Other courses fulfilling the S requirement that are regularly offered but not on a set schedule include: SO224, SO227, SO236, SO238, SO241, SO248, SO262, SO266, SO268, SO276, SO297, SO346, SO364, SO366, and SO372.
US Diversity (U) – SO131 is offered both semesters. Other courses fulfilling the U requirement that are regularly offered but not on a set schedule include: SO213, SO227, SO228, SO252, SO276, SO322, SO397
International Diversity (I) – courses fulfilling the I requirement that are regularly offered but not on a set schedule include: SO224, SO262, SO324, SO346
Quantitative Reasoning (Q) – SO271 is offered every year in the spring semester.
What else would be helpful for first-year students to know?
Many of our 200-level courses are open to non-majors/minors and do not have prerequisites. Although we encourage first-year students to take SO131 first, we also welcome first-years to consider substantive courses as their introduction to the discipline.
Who can students contact if they have additional questions?
Damon Mayrl, Associate Professor and Chair of Sociology



What would you tell a first-year student about Spanish?
We offer courses in language acquisition, literature, film, and cultural studies from the Spanish-speaking world, including the U.S. and Africa. Our upper-level courses focus on three themes: Culture and Identity; Gender and Sexuality; and Health and Environment. One of our courses per year is taught at our Colby location in Salamanca, Spain. We also have a Heritage track (127H and 131H) for students who speak Spanish at home.
What majors/minors/concentrations can students pursue in your department/program?
We have a major in Spanish, which is manageable for all students no matter their language level when they start at Colby. Many of our majors are double majors with a wide variety of other subjects.
What course(s) should a student plan to take in their first year if they intend to major/minor in your department/program? 
Depending on where you place via the online placement test–which is mandatory for all students with experience with Spanish–you might take a course in the language sequence (125-127, 127H); or SP 128, which bridges language and cultural courses; or SP 131H if you are a heritage learner who wants to work on your writing; or SP 135, which is the first course in the major and focuses on a particular theme; or SP 231, which is an advanced grammar course. All of these courses are offered Fall and Spring semesters. 
Online Spanish Placement Exam (OSPE) Scores:

200-450 SP 125 (unless the student has 3 years or more experience with Spanish in high school; then SP 126)
460-530 SP 126
540-630 SP 127
640-680 SP 128
690-800 SP 135 or 231

What course(s), if any, does your department/program offer that would fulfill a distribution and/or diversity requirement? 

SP 127 (or higher placement via the placement exam) fulfills the language requirement
SP 127H fulfills the US diversity requirement
SP 131H fulfills the US diversity  requirement
SP 135 fulfills the Literature requirement

All of these courses are offered Fall and Spring semesters, except SP 127H, which is only offered in the Fall. 
What else would be helpful for first-year students to know?
You must take the placement exam in order for a chance to be enrolled in a SP course. If you do not have a placement score, you will be pruned from your SP course selection unless your transcript shows that you have no experience with Spanish. If you feel like you did not perform your best on the placement exam, make an appointment with the chair for an interview to re-evaluate your language level.
Who can students contact if they have additional questions?
Brett White, Associate Professor and Chair of Spanish



What would you tell a first-year student about Statistics?
Statistics is useful regardless of what you ultimately decide to major in!  We currently can only  accommodate sophomores, juniors, and seniors in SC212.  If you’re interested in Statistics or Data Science, we recommend taking MA160, CS15x, and/or MA253 your first year and taking SC212 in your sophomore year.
What majors/minors/concentrations can students pursue in your department/program?
A minor in Statistics and a major in Statistics; a minor in Data Science and a major in Data Science, jointly with the Departments of Computer Science and Mathematics.
What course(s) should a student plan to take in their first year if they intend to major/minor in your department/program? 
MA160 (offered fall and spring), CS15x (offered fall and spring), MA253 (offered fall and spring)
What course(s), if any, does your department/program offer that would fulfill a distribution and/or diversity requirement? 
Fulfills the Quantitative reasoning requirement: SC212 (offered fall and spring); SC110 (offered only occasionally)
Who can students contact if they have additional questions?
Jim Scott, Associate Professor and Chair of Statistics



What would you tell a first-year student about WGSS?
Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies at Colby is committed to feminist anti-racist scholarship and teaching. We offer interdisciplinary classes that are intersectional and transnational, with commitments to critical race and critical caste scholarship, queer theory and queer of color critique, disability studies, masculinity studies, indigenous feminisms, and transnational activisms. Our students tend to be double majors, activists on campus and beyond, and extremely committed to social justice research.
What majors/minors/concentrations can students pursue in your department/program?
Major in WGSS; Minor in WGSS
What course(s) should a student plan to take in their first year if they intend to major/minor in your department/program? 
WG101 Introduction to Sexuality Studies (Fall and Spring)
What course(s), if any, does your department/program offer that would fulfill a distribution and/or diversity requirement? 

WG101 – US diversity (Fall and Spring)
WG215 – International diversity and S (Spring)
WG232 – US diversity (Fall )
WG234 – US diversity and Literature (Spring)

What else would be helpful for first-year students to know?
The WGSS curriculum includes many courses offered in other departments (such as American Studies, African American Studies, Anthropology, Education, English, Philosophy, Religion, Performance Theater and Dance, among others). Students can choose from among a wide variety of classes to take as electives. Many WGSS courses also incorporate opportunities for civic engagement.
Who can students contact if they have additional questions?
Until June 30: Mary Beth Mills, Charles A. Dana Professor of Anthropology and Chair of WGSS
Starting July 1: Sonja Thomas, Associate Professor and Chair of WGSS



What would you tell a first-year student about Writing?
The mission of the Writing Department is to support a culture of writing at Colby and foster students’ ability to write, research, and communicate effectively. We view writing not simply as a skill but, rather, as a complex practice that requires an understanding of audience, context, purpose, research, and form to be effective. Writing is both a way of learning and a means of communication. 
Our faculty teach and do research in the interdisciplinary fields of writing studies, rhetoric, linguistics, and communication. We explore all aspects of written communication to prepare students for a world where writing is not only textual but also multimodal, digital, social, and networked. The Writing Department offers many first-year writing courses (W1s) and a selection of upper-level courses on topics like communicating across differences, writing and generative AI, professional writing, and sociolinguistics. Lastly, the Farnham Writers’ Center, which offers peer-to-peer tutoring in writing from any class, is an important part of the Writing Department. 
What majors/minors/concentrations can students pursue in your department/program?
The Writing Department does not offer a major or minor at this time.
What course(s), if any, does your department/program offer that would fulfill a distribution and/or diversity requirement? 
All sections of WD115 we offer fulfill the first-year writing (W1) graduation requirement.
What else would be helpful for first-year students to know?
During their first year, all students must complete a First-Year Writing course (designated W1 in the catalog) at Colby. W1 courses are offered through 10-12 different departments each year, with the largest number of courses offered through the Writing Department and English Department. AP credit and courses taken at other institutions can not be used to satisfy this requirement. (Transfer students are an exception.)
W1 courses all have individual themes, though many have the same course number or title beginning. Please be sure to check the full titles and individual course descriptions.
The Writing Department urges students to take a W1 course in the Fall if they (1) are at all concerned about their college-level writing abilities and/or (2) have writing concerns because English is not their first language. To this end, there are more W1 course sections offered each fall vs. spring.
Transfer Students: those who have completed an equivalent writing course at their previous institution may request W1 credit. To do so, students should send an email request and course syllabus to Stacey Sheriff ([email protected]), Chair of the Writing Department, with a copy to the Registrar ([email protected]).
Who can students contact if they have additional questions?
Stacey Sheriff, Associate Professor and Director of the Writing Program



What would you tell a first-year student about the Integrated Studies Program?
Integrated Studies offers several clusters of first-year seminars each fall. These are typically three courses, taught by faculty in different disciplines, that all focus on the same theme. These themes vary from year to year, but some examples are Artificial Intelligence, the Ancient World, Utopias, interwar America, and exploring the interplay of mind and body through yoga. The professors in each cluster work hard to integrate their courses, and often attend one-another’s classes. Students in the clusters sign up for all three clusters, and usually form a close intellectual community.
What majors/minors/concentrations can students pursue in your department/program?
We do not offer a major, but each ISP cluster covers a range of distribution requirements, and provide students a great springboard into a range of majors, including Computer Science, English, History, Government, and STS.
What course(s) should a student plan to take in their first year if they intend to major/minor in your department/program? 
Does not apply.
What course(s), if any, does your department/program offer that would fulfill a distribution and/or diversity requirement? 
All of our clusters contain a course fulfilling the W1 requirement, and usually several others.
What else would be helpful for first-year students to know?
Integrated Studies are a great way to experience Colby’s tight-knit intellectual community, and to take an in-depth plunge into a topic that interests you. They are a unique Colby experience!
Who can students contact if they have additional questions?
Jesse Meredith, Visiting Assistant Professor of History, Director of the Integrated Studies Program

Advice from Departments

African American Studies

American Studies

Anthropology

Art

Biology

Chemistry

Cinema Studies

Classics

Computer Science

Creative Writing

East Asian Studies

Economics

Education

English

Environmental Studies

French, Francophone, and Italian Studies

Geology

German

Global Studies

Government

History

Jewish Studies

Latin American Studies

Mathematics

Music

Performance, Theater, and Dance

Philosophy

Physics and Astronomy

Psychology

Religious Studies

Russian

Science, Technology, and Society

Sociology

Spanish

Statistics

Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

Writing

Integrated Studies Program