IDS 1006 PRECEPTORIAL: SEARCH FOR A GOOD LIFE
The Preceptorial is a year-long, seminar-style course required of all Manhattanville freshmen. It is intended to foster the intellectual development of students and provide a foundation for college-level academic work through an introduction to the liberal arts tradition of world civilization. In the Fall semester, with the theme 'Search for the Good Life', students read and discuss classic texts by such intellects as Plato and Adam Smith, or sacred scriptures from both East and West. Preceptorial classes are kept purposefully small in order to facilitate careful consideration of the ideas contained in these texts, ideas that have influenced people, institutions, and whole societies for hundreds, sometimes thousands of years. The Preceptorial's overall mission is to provide a setting in which students may increase their awareness of the world, both ancient and modern; to strengthen academic skills such as reading, speaking, and analyzing as a foundation for further study, as well as a richer and more meaningful life; to help students get to know well a diverse group of their fellow students while engaging in a common intellectual endeavor; and to insure that they develop, through regular contact, a constructive relationship with their academic advisor that will serve them well as they proceed beyond their freshman year at Manhattanville. The teacher of the Preceptorial (the Preceptor) is also the student's academic advisor until the student declares a major and selects an advisor in his or her major field. In addition to guiding the student to plan appropriate courses for both Freshman semesters, the Preceptor introduces him/her to the Manhattanville Portfolio System and establishes a mentoring relationship that facilitates a successful adjustment to college.