An Architecture For Learning: Designing An Initial Curriculum For Olin College

This paper describes the initial process of curriculum design and the study of implementation methods at the new Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering in Needham, MA. Commencing with a broad-gauged discovery process, curriculum design at Olin College sought, from the outset, to incorporate the best ideas in engineering education pedagogy. We hope that our systematic investigation of innovative learning methodologies and content organization has enabled us to move rapidly toward our goal of creating an ideal learning community. We re-examined and reconsidered both traditional delivery processes as well as experiments in engineering education that have taken place worldwide. We also commenced reevaluation of how content could be reorganized in the disciplinary areas offered at Olin College.