We Do Things Differently in Hutchins
Small Classes. No Tests. Big Ideas.
At the Hutchins School of Liberal Studies, we believe some of the best learning happens when students have the chance to talk through ideas, ask questions, and hear what others think.
That's why our classes are small and discussion is such an important part of what we do. Rather than spending most of your time listening to lectures or preparing for exams, you'll read, write, work on projects, and take part in conversations with your classmates and professors.
And those conversations don't always go where you expect. A discussion about history might lead to questions about science, literature, or the way we understand the world today. That's one of the things we enjoy about teaching and learning in Hutchins.
Because our seminars are small, students and faculty get to know one another. Over time, classmates become familiar faces, and students become more comfortable sharing their ideas, asking questions, and learning from different points of view.
What Makes Hutchins Different?
Small Classes Where Everyone Participates
In a Hutchins seminar, you're part of the discussion.
Our professors guide conversations, introduce new ideas, and encourage students to think carefully about what they're studying. Students bring their own questions and experiences to class, and everyone has something to contribute.
No Traditional Exams
We don't rely on traditional exams in Hutchins seminars.
Instead, students demonstrate what they've learned through writing assignments, presentations, projects, and class discussions.
We're interested in how students think about the material, how they develop their ideas, and how they explain what they've learned.
More Than One Subject in the Same Classroom
Hutchins takes an interdisciplinary approach to education. That means we bring together subjects that are often taught separately.
You might study history alongside literature, explore scientific questions through philosophy, or consider how art reflects the society in which it was created.
Many of the questions we explore don't have one simple answer, and looking at them through different subjects often leads to interesting discussions.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Some Hutchins courses include opportunities to learn outside the classroom through field trips, internships, independent projects, community activities, or study abroad.
These experiences give students a chance to see how the ideas they're studying connect with places, people, and issues beyond campus.
What Students Take Away from Hutchins
In Hutchins, you'll spend a lot of time reading, writing, discussing ideas, and working through questions that don't always have simple answers.
You'll learn to explain your thinking, listen to people who see things differently, and sometimes reconsider your own point of view.
Those are experiences that can stay with you long after you've finished a course.
Explore Our Programs
Students come to Hutchins for different reasons, and we offer several ways to study Liberal Studies at Sonoma State.
Some students begin with our Lower Division General Education Program, where they complete GE requirements through small, interdisciplinary seminars.
Others choose the Interdisciplinary Studies Major, which allows them to develop an individualized Area of Emphasis based on their academic interests.
For students interested in becoming elementary school teachers, we offer the Subject Matter Preparation (Pre-Credential) Plan and the accelerated Blended Program, which combines a bachelor's degree with Multiple Subject Teaching Credential preparation.
We also have two degree completion options for eligible transfer students:
Liberal Studies–Ukiah serves students in Mendocino and Lake Counties through courses offered at Mendocino College.
Liberal Studies Online allows students to complete their Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies entirely online.
Each program has its own requirements, but they share the Hutchins approach to interdisciplinary education.
Interested in Learning More?
If you're considering Hutchins, we encourage you to look through our programs and see what interests you.
Whether you're starting college, thinking about becoming a teacher, or returning to finish your bachelor's degree, we're glad to answer your questions and help you find the information you need.
Find Your Hutchins Academic Advisor
We hope you'll consider becoming part of the Hutchins community.