Residential Engagement in Academic Life (REAL) is a unique housing option open to 40 members of the class of 2013. Students who live together in Wertimer House take one of their four courses in a Wertimer House seminar room with one of Hamilton's best teachers. Because the faculty members who teach in the hall also are academic advisors for the program, there are increased opportunities for interaction with faculty and classmates on a regular basis, strengthening the connection between intellectual and social pursuits during the first year of college.
The following popular courses are offered in Wertimer House this fall:
Telling Right From Wrong (Philosophy 112W)
Philosophical inquiry into whether or not any of our moral beliefs can be justified and intensive examination of specific moral theories, including theories of justice, equality and rights. Taught by Robert Simon, Marjorie and Robert W. McEwen Professor of Philosophy.
Coming of Age in America (College 130W)
An interdisciplinary analysis of what it means to come of age as an "American." Particular attention paid to factors of culture, race, class, gender, disability and sexual orientation. Perspectives from the social sciences combined with fictional and autobiographical coming-of-age narratives. Group attendance at lectures, films and campus events required. Taught by Shelley Haley, Professor of Classics and African Studies.
Philosophical Perspectives on the Self (Philosophy 120W)
What is a self? Does each person have one? Does each person have only one? How is the self related to the soul? Is it unchanging or in constant flux? What is the relationship between the self and the body? Examination of personal identity, the self and the soul as these topics are addressed in traditional philosophical texts, literature and neuropsychology. Taught by Marianne Janack, Associate Professor of Philosophy.
Students enrolled in REAL will be assured registration in one of these courses. Maximum enrollment in each course is 16 students. Each course is writing intensive.
What do past participants say about REAL?
"It is a beautiful building with great rooms with views! The students that are drawn to it for the program form a tight-knit community. It's a great way to form a group of friends."
"Attending class with your neighbor has also made it much easier to form friendships; because it gives you a jumping off point for conversations that can lead to friendships."
"Wertimer is amazing since students in the REAL program are self-selective and are therefore amazing people. So many of the students in Wertimer who are in the REAL program have gotten to be really close--we often go places together as a huge group."
Judicial Board Community Notices - Fall 2006
