Braving the Challenges of Being Small--The Unique Physics Program at Manhattanville College

摘要

We present the formulation and development of the unique physics program atManhattanville College. By addressing challenges faced by small physicsdepartments in liberal arts colleges, such as the lack of critical mass, lackof significant funding, and under-staffing, we share our efforts andexperiences in revitalization of the program into one that is small but ofrigor and vitality, with unique features that take advantage of the resourcesavailable, including adoption of computer technology in instructionallaboratory, collaborations with nearby institutions, and joint efforts withcolleagues of other departments/schools. Also included are some discussions onthe balance between service and the major, on the relationship with K-12physics education, and on the rigor of the curriculum, particularly in view ofthe opposite but converging trends in US and in China.