SINQ & Junior Clusters

Discover Sophomore Inquiry and Cluster Themes

Sophomore Inquiry (SINQ)

Sophomore Inquiry (SINQ) courses act as a gateway to an Upper Division Cluster, introducing you to concepts, questions, methods, and other content that you can explore more deeply in thematically linked cluster courses. SINQ is an opportunity to explore topics of interest that are different from, yet complementary to, your major.

While each SINQ course is different, they all emphasize communication skills through class dialogue, individual and group presentations, and writing/research projects, as well as diversity, inquiry and critical thinking, and ethical and social responsibility.

You can double dip your UNST courses and your minor. So think ahead and explore the connections between SINQs/Clusters and minors before deciding which SINQ courses to take.

All students who began UNST with Freshman Inquiry (FRINQ) as of Fall 2022 are required to take two (2) different SINQ courses (prior catalog years may require three (3) SINQs). SINQ requirements for transfer students are determined by the number of credits transferred upon admission to PSU. A co-requisite weekly 50-minute Mentor Session, led by a Graduate Peer Mentor, is connected with each SINQ course.

Junior Clusters

Each Upper Division Cluster offers students an array of choices from a wide variety of academic departments all related to an overarching theme or subject matter. As you plan for your cluster you may use your courses to complete a minor or certificate, explore topics of interest outside of your major, or just try something completely new.

One way to make the most of this part of your education is to think about how best to complement the work you are doing in your major. A conversation with a departmental adviser or Cluster Coordinator can help to optimize your experience.

Students who began University Studies at the freshman or sophomore level must select an Upper-Division Cluster. Beginning in Fall 2022, the Upper Division Cluster does not need to link to any of the SINQ courses the student has taken, although it is recommended. Students transferring as juniors or seniors must select three courses from the list associated with one Cluster.

Courses in your major department used to satisfy the requirements for a first major cannot be used to meet the cluster requirements.

If you are interested in double-dipping Cluster courses to meet minor requirements, you can explore your options through each of the links below.

American Identities (UNST 212)

Using historical and contemporary voices, this class explores how traditions and tensions within the United States and North America shape its cultures and sense of being "American."

SINQ & Junior Clusters

Sophomore Inquiry (SINQ)

Junior Clusters

American Identities (UNST 212)

Understanding Communities (UNST 220)

Design Thinking (UNST 222)

Environmental Sustainability (UNST 224)

Families and Society (UNST 228)

(INACTIVE) Freedom, Privacy, and Technology (UNST 230)

Gender and Sexualities Studies (UNST 231)

Global Environmental Change (UNST 232)

Global Perspectives (UNST 233)

Healthy People/Healthy Places (UNST 234)

Interpreting the Past (UNST 236)

Knowledge, Values, Rationality (UNST 239)

Leading Social Change (UNST 242)

Examining Popular Culture (UNST 254)

Natural Science Inquiry (UNST 286)