Program
Prior to 1967-68, Williams followed the traditional two semester calendar.
Beginning in 1967-68, the 4-1-4 plan has been followed.
Williams has no summer session.
Credits
The semester course is the unit of credit.
Prior to 1967-68, 40 semester courses were required for the degree. Each course was considered the equivalent of three semester hours. The 401-402 course and certain other courses carried double credit.
Starting with 1967-68, 32 semester courses, four Winter Study courses, and four quarters of physical education were required for the degree. Fall and spring semester courses typically meet for a minimum of three hours a week, with the expectation that at least an additional ten hours of academic engagement be spent in class, lab, discussion, studio, film viewing, reading, research, writing, and/or other forms of intellectual and creative work related to their class.
The Winter Study term enhances the breadth of our traditional liberal arts curriculum. The four project requirement encourages students to explore topics both within and outside the traditional liberal arts curriculum, provides opportunities for domestic and international travel, and allows students to participate in research and fieldwork that will enrich their education and that may lead to possible careers. Winter study, although required for the degree, carries no additional credit hours.
If it is necessary to convert semester courses to credit hours, we suggest that each semester course be considered the equivalent of 3.75 semester hours. Science course weekly labs should have an additional .25 semester hours added to the semester hour equivalent for each hour of lab. Labs are generally three or four hours per week. Winter Study courses, although a requirement for the degree, carry no additional credit hours.
Beginning 2020-2021, if it is necessary to convert semester courses to credit hours, we suggest that each semester course be considered the equivalent of 4.0 semester hours. Science course weekly labs should have an additional .25 semester hours added to the semester hour equivalent for each hour of lab. Labs are generally three or four hours per week. Winter Study courses, although a requirement for the degree, carry no additional credit hours.
Course Numbers
In general, 100-level courses are introductory or elementary courses, 200-level are intermediate and of a general nature, 300-level are intermediate usually requiring a prerequisite or are of a special nature, and 400-level are intended primarily for majors. Courses at the 500-level are graduate level courses.
Grades
A 12 point grade system was used from 1953-54 to 1979-80 with A+ equal to12 and E (failing) equal to a -1.
From 1980-81 to 1983-84, the 12 point system was used with an A+ equal to 12 points, but the E (failing) equal to 0 points.
Since the 1984-85 academic year, the college grading system has been on a 4 point system.
Starting with the 2020-21 academic year, the college grading system has been on a 4 point system, with A+ equivalent to 4.0.
Honors
Awarded by the major department at the end of the senior year, if, in its judgment, its criteria of excellence have been met.
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