Course Overview

The Fundamentals: Issues and Texts (BA) program at the University of Chicago is a distinctive undergraduate course within the College's Core Curriculum, focusing on the intensive study of foundational texts and critical issues in human thought. Designed to foster rigorous analytical skills, the program encourages students to engage deeply with primary sources across disciplines such as philosophy, literature, and social thought. Its unique feature is the small, seminar-style classes that emphasize discussion and close reading, allowing students to develop a profound understanding of complex ideas.

Career Prospects

Graduates of this program are well-prepared for careers that value critical thinking, research, and communication skills. They often pursue paths in academia, law, public policy, writing, and various creative and analytical fields.

Key Faculty and Staff

The program is supported by distinguished faculty from the University of Chicago's Division of the Humanities and Social Sciences, though specific names are not publicly listed for this course. Faculty are often drawn from departments such as Philosophy, Literature, and Social Thought, ensuring a rich interdisciplinary approach.

Unique Facilities and Partnerships

Students benefit from access to the University of Chicago's extensive library resources, including the Regenstein Library, which houses significant collections of primary texts and research materials. The program also leverages the university's strong tradition of intellectual inquiry through connections with interdisciplinary centers like the Committee on Social Thought.