Practical modules

The so-called "practical modules" concentrate on the skills required for intellectual work, such as the writing and analysis of texts, the study of logic, research into literary and historic sources, scientific methodology and technique, etc. The form of the practical module varies according to its subject matter. The practical modules are also organized in study groups.
In addition to the modules and practical modules, students in all four years are supervized in the preparation of increasingly more demanding and extensive written assignments. Two assignments are written in years 1 and 2 respectively, while a preliminary thesis must be submitted by the end of year 3 or the beginning of year 4. The full course of study is concluded with a final thesis.
In addition to the practical modules parallel to the various modules, a practical module in the English language is offered, followed by a subsequent program in the second year. Two two-hour meetings will take place in each term. In addition, it is possible to take part in the optional practical module "German/French Reading Skills". This practical module is intended to provide students with support in reading and comprehending the German and/or French texts which are to be studied during the Arts and Sciences program. In this reading skills course, techniques for learning to distinguish German and/or French key words will be presented, the meaning and structure of German and French phrases will be studied and efforts will be made to enlarge students' vocabularies.
Finally, students will be required to produce two written assignments in the first year as well as in the second.

Counselling of students

The student counsellor is the first person to turn to if students want information or advice concerning the study programme and studying. Next to that, the student counsellor can give more personal advice and coaching in case of study delay because of illness or other personal circumstances. If necessary the student counsellor will mediate between student and faculty. Students can turn to a student counsellor:

• for information and advice with respect to the study;
• in case of problems hindering the study;
• for information and advice with respect to (legal) regulations.

The student counsellor also monitors the student's study progress. If necessary, the student counsellor may summon a student. At the end of year 1, the student counsellor advises the student and the faculty on the student's potential to finish the study in due time ("propaedeutic advise").

Organisation

The matrix model permits a high degree of flexibility in planning and choosing themes for educational blocks. Changes would be difficult to bring about, if the blocks' contents were the sole responsibility of individual departments. The model is well suited to the system of problem-based learning, because it allows elements from various disciplines to be taken into account when dealing with a particular problem.

It is the Faculty which is responsible for the selection, sequencing and integration of subject matter and for the examinations. The Faculty's central role has led to a coherent system of interdisciplinary blocks, a programme evaluation system and a programme for faculty development.

The Faculty Council and the Faculty Board are advised by the Education Committee and Education Board on matters of educational policy and operational management. The Education Committee is responsible for strategic management: the implementation and the evaluation of the educational programme with regard to form, content and organisation.

The task of the Education Board is to coordinate and monitor the implementation of the education programme (operational management).