The Synthesis program enables students to fulfill the writing requirement necessary for graduation from UC San Diego and develop a better understanding of Seventh College’s theme, “A Changing Planet.” At Seventh College, we focus on a broad range of pressing global issues such as the climate crisis, anti-racism, mass migration, and rapid cultural and technological change.
SYN 1 and SYN 2 are writing-intensive courses that introduce a variety of disciplinary perspectives and research methods while developing students' understanding of our changing planet. SYN 100 is a project-based course that takes a real-world, solutions-oriented, collaborative approach to solving complex problems. SYN 150 is a course reserved for transfer students and covers material from SYN 1 and SYN 2 in preparation for SYN 100.
Yes, the writing program is intended to be taken in sequential order as each course builds upon the skills and methods starting with SYN 1. SYN 100 is offered to upper level students who have completed both SYN 1 and SYN 2.
No, SYN 1 is a prerequisite for SYN 2.
No, SYN courses must be taken for a letter grade.
FOR FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS: The recommended schedule is to complete SYN 1 during your first year, SYN 2 during your second year, and SYN 100 during your third or fourth year. Please keep in mind that SYN courses fill up quickly, so enrolling during the first pass is highly recommended.
FOR TRANSFER STUDENTS: The recommended schedule is to complete SYN150 prior to enrolling in SYN100. Transfer students are encouraged to enroll in SYN150 in preparation for SYN 100.
SYN 1 is offered every Winter and Spring quarter. SYN 2 is offered every Fall, Winter, and Summer quarters. SYN 100 is offered every quarter. SYN 150 is offered in the Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters. SYN 1 is offered every Winter and Spring quarter. SYN 2 is offered every Fall and Winter. SYN 100 is offered every quarter.
Yes, SYN 2 and SYN 100 will be offered over the summer.
SYN 1 will be offered every Winter and Spring to ensure all Seventh College students have an opportunity to take this course within their first two years.
You may enroll in SYN 2 prior to receiving your final grade for SYN 1, however, if you do not pass SYN 1, you will need to drop SYN 2 and take SYN 1 the next time it is offered. Contact your Seventh College Academic Advising via the VAC (vac.ucsd.edu) on how to best proceed with your academic plan.
SYN 100 is a project-based learning course. This means that instead of your traditional lecture or discussion class, the majority of your learning will happen through completion of a group project. Your instructor will serve more as a mentor and guide for your project.
Each SYN 100 section will focus on a specific challenge, question, or problem that is relevant to the climate crisis. Your instructor will develop the section’s theme in consultation with the Synthesis Program. We plan to offer a wide variety of sections so you can enroll in one that most interests you.
Yes, all SYN 100 projects are group projects of 3-5 students. This is because one of the core learning outcomes for the Synthesis Program is developing teamwork and collaboration skills and because teamwork is a key skill that employers look for in the hiring process.
In SYN 100, you will learn about your own strengths and weaknesses in group environments, as well as how to effectively work with your team.
This will be up to the discretion of your instructor.
You can view the SYN 100 course descriptions on the Synthesis Program website. We will continue to update this page as we plan future quarters.
Refer to How to Repeat a Class for detailed information and contact Seventh College Academic Advising via the VAC (vac.ucsd.edu) if you have any questions.
SYN 1 and SYN 2 are considered writing-intensive courses, which at other universities might be classified as English composition.
If you need verification of this for graduate school or professional school applications, contact Seventh College Academic Advising via the VAC (vac.ucsd.edu).
Yes, the “R” designation in a SYN course number indicates that the course is offered remotely. SYN 1R is typically offered in the Winter and Spring Quarter. SYN 2R is typically offered in Fall, Winter, and Summer quarters.
If you are on the waitlist, it is unlikely you will secure a seat. While enrollment in SYN courses does fluctuate at the beginning of the quarter, changes in sections to accommodate waitlisted students are not guaranteed. It is highly unlikely the section you are waitlisted for will increase enrollments to include more students. Only enrolled students should attend class.
Yes! SYN 199 provides an opportunity for students to continue their SYN 100 projects in an independent study. SYN 198 provides opportunities for groups to continue their SYN 100 project collectively. Please reach out to your SYN 100 instructor and/or synthesis@ucsd.edu if you are interested.
If you are interested in being part of the Synthesis Program as a Graduate Instructional Assistant, please contact the Synthesis Program Coordinator at synthesis@ucsd.edu.