The society sector requirement is satisfied with classes that are politically-oriented or cover sociological issues. The American capitalism class, biomedical ethics and comparative politics classes at the university are acceptable fulfillment of this requirement. "The Daily Pennsylvanian" believes this requirement is an effective way to educate students about ethics. The university's business school created an ethical class for students long before the requirement was instated for all students. These kinds of classes are now important for students throughout the university.
These two sectors cover traditional scientific topics, including biology, neuroscience, evolution and reproduction issues. The living world sector includes classes in sex and human nature and cognitive neuroscience. The natural world sector teaches students about geology, physics and chemistry, with classes as specified as oceanography and astrophysics. The school's Student Committee on Undergraduate Education believes the large size of many of the classes discourages students from really engaging in the subjects. The committee has recommended that smaller-sized seminars count toward scientific seminar requirements, because large lecture classes don't emphasize research techniques and other details.
The arts and letters sector offers plenty of options to explore the arts. Many of the classes are part of the School of Arts and Sciences. The courses include European art, Indian literature, monsters in film and literature, and the works of Shakespeare. Some study abroad coursework may also fulfill this sector's requirements.
This broad sector covers math, logic and environmental subject matter. Students can choose from such diverse courses as philosophy of biology and ideas in mathematics. The Committee on Undergraduate Education believes more courses should count toward the sector requirement. It also recommends that the administration add courses that use interactive demonstrations to interest more students.