Implementing "Week 7" at Yale-NUS College, Singapore: A Pedagogical Experiment Beyond Disciplinary Boundaries

Yale-NUS College, a new liberal arts college in Singapore, was established in 2012 as a collaboration between Yale University and the National University of Singapore. Its innovative curriculum, integrated residential life, and professional experiences represent an integral part of the education at Yale-NUS College. Its vision as a liberal arts college "In Asia, For the World" is an outcome of its distinctive curriculum, which covers Asia and the rest of the world in the arts, social sciences, and sciences. The College offers a 4-year curriculum that is both broad and deep and is driven by one central question: What must a young person learn in order to live a responsible life in this century? The pedagogy emphasizes critical thinking and discussion in small groups. Students interact with faculty and peers through extensive co-curricular activities while living and learning together. They also have the opportunity to study abroad and to pursue research projects or internships in order to gain practical experience outside the classroom.