Curricular and Experiential Learning Prototypes
The process of curriculum innovation at Olin College means that curricular prototypes are ongoing during most academic years. These experiments are courses that serve as designated alternatives for requirements in the curriculum. There may also be prototypes that replace a requirement in the curriculum. A curricular experiment is noted by a course code and number. Unless otherwise specified, each course prototype begins with CIE (Curricular Innovation Experiment), followed by the academic year in which it is offered, e.g. CIE2223. If more than one experiment is running, the course number will end in a letter.
Current Prototypes
In the fall semester of 2020, Olin began a strategic initiative to develop new educational approaches in engineering education to address three interlocking aspirations: 1) to create an education that is accessible and equitable, and moves toward dismantling systemic racism, 2) to create an education that is deeply transformative, that opens doors for students, and helps them grow and realize their potential, and 3) to create an education that has a sustainable business model that responds to financial challenges within higher education. Curricular prototypes developed under this initiative will involve a range of partners, be designed for equity and access, and enable institutional learning to shape Olin’s future. Prototypes that award academic credit will be overseen by Olin faculty, enable student degree progression, offer meaningful learning experiences, and align with the
Olin Learning Outcomes.