Sophomore Inquiry and
Upper Division Clusters

Sophomore Inquiry (SINQ) and Upper Division Cluster courses are interrelated, with an individual SINQ being the gateway to each Cluster. (See Program Map.) For students who began University Studies at the freshman or sophomore level, all Upper Division Cluster courses must be selected from a Cluster that links directly to one of the student's SINQ courses. For all students (including transfer students not required to take SINQ), University Studies credit will be given only for Cluster courses taken from the same Cluster.

Sophomore Inquiry (SINQ)

Sophomore Inquiry (SINQ) courses are gateway classes that introduce students to the concepts, questions, methods, and other content that are to be further explored in the Upper Division Cluster (described below). In these courses, students continue to build on the skills developed in Freshman Inquiry and offer an opportunity for students to explore topics of interest that are different from, yet complementary to, the students' majors.

A wide variety of SINQ courses are offered each term, focusing on a variety of different subject areas. All SINQ courses are offered at least once and many are offered several times per year. All students who began University Studies with Freshman Inquiry are required to take three SINQ courses. Transfer students are required to take one, two, or three courses depending on the number of transfer credits they have the term they are admitted to Portland State University. SINQ courses are usually small, with about 35 students per class. Faculty-led sessions meet twice weekly and are augmented once per week by mentored inquiry sessions led by student graduate mentors.

Once SINQ courses have been completed, students choose classes from among the Upper Division Cluster offerings that correspond to the SINQ the student found of most interest. These courses do not need to be taken in any specific order.

Upper Division Clusters

Upper Division Clusters are comprised of courses from a variety of disciplines. The courses call upon the skills and knowledge students have developed in their lower division University Studies courses, FRINQ and SINQ. By this time in their academic careers, students are expected to be increasingly proficient in writing, research, discussion, computer and inquiry skills. In Upper Division Cluster courses, students gain a rich, in-depth study of the thematic lines of inquiry introduced in SINQ. Additionally, through their choice of Cluster courses in this part of the University Studies program, students can design an individualized plan of study based on the theme they found most interesting in their Sophomore Inquiry courses, and what will best support their overall academic goals.

Students will select three (3) classes from the same Upper Division Cluster to complete this portion of the University Studies requirement. Not all courses are offered each term or each year. The course planning guide in the back of the Schedule of Classes indicates which cluster courses will be offered each term. Cluster courses are identified with a "U" in the Schedule of Classes and are usually 4 credits; however, some courses are 3 credits.

For questions about SINQ and Cluster courses, contact the University Studies office at (503) 725-5890.