The New College block schedule offers a first-year experience that is unique to Hofstra. On a conventional college schedule, students take four or five courses concurrently during a semester. On the New College block schedule, however, you take just one course at a time, 3 ½ hours per day, four days a week, for a total of four courses each semester. Each block course is worth four semester hours so that you can earn 32 semester hours in your first year. For descriptions of the block courses that will be offered during the 2009-2010 academic year, click here. First-year students enrolled in any of Hofstra's schools may take block courses in fall, spring, or both.

Block courses can be used to satisfy the University's English composition and/or distribution requirements. 

Block courses offer distinct advantages over the more conventional four- or five-course schedule most students follow. First, there's the benefit of total immersion in a course. You can focus all your attention and energy on one subject at a time. You also get to explore a topic in depth, from a number of different perspectives, so that you get a firm grasp of the material.

Second, in keeping with New College's philosophy that a sound education should combine theory with practice, block courses allow more time for hands-on approaches to learning. For example, in addition to lecture and discussion, on a typical day your block course might also feature debates, a film, group projects or editing, essay writing or revision under the supervision of your instructor, or a discussion with an expert guest speaker.

Third, most block courses are linked to sites or events in the New York City area. For example, in Dr. Matthews's course, "The Archeology of Slavery and Freedom," students not only read about and discussed archaeology and the history of slavery in the United States, but they also participated in an actual dig at King Manor in Jamaica, Queens. Because your block course is the only class you will take at any given time, you're free to join your instructors in a wide range of extended activities throughout the New York City area without missing any other classes.

Block courses are small, with enrollments of approximately 15 students, so that you make friends quickly and get to know your instructors well. All block courses are writing intensive, with an emphasis on the development of critical thinking and research skills.

After your first-year, you follow the regular University schedule and can continue your studies in New College or in any other unit of the University.