Frequently Asked Questions

What is Exploration and Discovery?

Exploration and Discovery is a two-semester course that serves to acquaint Lewis & Clark students with the liberal arts tradition's most enduring ideas and questions as well as with modern disciplinary methods of analysis and discovery. The course helps students develop and hone their college-level skills in critical thinking, reading, writing, speaking, and to improve their information literacy.

Who needs to enroll in E&D?
All first-year students, including qualifying International and transfer students, are required to complete two semesters of E&D during their first year at Lewis & Clark College.

How do I register for E&D?
Each semester you will be given the opportunity to select five preferences from the sections/faculty listed on the E&D website.The preference form is located on the E&D website and once you submit the from the information is electronically sent to the Program Coordinator who will process the information.
In June, you will submit a preference form selecting five (5) sections you are interested in taking for the upcoming fall semester.
In October, you will submit a preference form selecting five (5) sections you are interested in taking for the upcoming spring semester.

I missed the due date to submit my preference form for E&D, what do I do now?
You will need to contact the Program Coordinator, Joaniemay to discover which section(s) still have available space.

Will I definitely get one of my preferences?
99% percent of students who submit their preferences forms by the dates indicated are placed in one of their five preferences. If, for any reason, all of your preferences are filled, you will be contacted by email to review alternative options.

What happens if I don't submit a preference registration form?
You will be placed randomly in any section that has available space. Please remember it is in your best interest to submit a registration form with five (5) preferences to ensure you have the best opportunity to be placed in a section of your choosing.

Since the fall E&D course has a common theme and texts, how do I determine which section I would really prefer?
In making your selection, you might choose a faculty member in a discipline of particular interest to you, including one that is new to you. Use the E&D website ("Faculty") to research the faculty teaching E&D that semester and explore their academic backgrounds, disciplines, and research or other areas of interest, thenyou should carefully read the section description written by the faculty teaching a section.

Do the same faculty teach in spring and do the sections follow a common theme?
A few of the E&D faculty teach both fall and spring semesters, but most of the instructors teach only one semester of E&D. The spring semester section themes vary depending upon each instructor's interest and expertise.

I was assigned to a section that was one of my preferences, but now I'd rather be in a different section. Can I change sections?
While every effort will be made to accommodate your request, each section is capped at just 19 students and there are additional factors that need to be considered and reviewed in re-assigning sections, therefore it is very important that you select your E&D section preferences carefully. All changes must be approved (and arranged) by the E&D Program Coordinator JoanieMay. It is also important to note that switching sections will not be permitted after the third class session.

I really enjoyed the professor I had for my fall section. If he/she is teaching in spring, can I take that section?
You may not select the same professor for fall and spring sections. This policy encourages students to explore new disciplines and meet other faculty with different approaches and ideas.

I'm trying to plan my course schedule. When are E&D sections offered?
Every E&D section meets on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 1:50-2:50pm. The exception to this rule are five morning sections provided for varsity athletes as well as for those somewhat rare cases when regular E&D section times either conflict with other course offerings or negatively affect students' special needs.

How many students are permitted in each section of E&D?
Each section is capped at 19 students. No overloads are allowed.

I really want to be in a certain section, but there are already 19 students enrolled, can I ask the professor to make an exception and allow me to join the class?
To be fair to all students and faculty, no E&D section is allowed to exceed 19 students. The faculty teaching has no authority or control over who is admitted to their section, therefore all class changes must be arranged by the E&D Program Coordinator, JoanieMay

Can I change my E&D section by completing an add/drop form?
If you find it necessary to request a change to your assigned E&D section, you will need to contact the E&D Program Coordinator, Joaniemay. While every effort will be made to accommodate your request, there are many factors that need to be considered and reviewed. It is therefore all the more important to select your section preferences carefully. It is also important to note that changes to sections will not be permitted after the third class session.

Can I drop or withdraw from my E&D section and take it in my sophomore year?
Students are not allowed to drop or withdraw* from E&D. It is part of the general education requirement for graduation and was designed specifically for students during their first year at Lewis & Clark College. *Exception: if a student has applied for a total withdraw (from all courses) or an extended leave of absence.

I still have questions. Whom can I contact?
Please feel free to call (503-768-7208) or email JoanieMay anytime to discuss the Exploration and Discovery program.