{"id":663,"date":"2023-04-28T23:51:49","date_gmt":"2023-04-28T23:51:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/thematic-option\/?page_id=663"},"modified":"2026-04-23T10:38:24","modified_gmt":"2026-04-23T17:38:24","slug":"prospective-students","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/thematic-option\/prospective-students\/","title":{"rendered":"Prospective Students"},"content":{"rendered":"\n  \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--featured-block image-left\"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--featured-block\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n  <div class=\"text-image-container\">\n    <div class=\"text-container\">\n\n      \n                  \n<div class=\"f--field f--section-title\">\n\n    \n  <h2>\n          <h3>Is T.O. right for you?<\/h3>\n      <\/h2>\n\n\n<\/div>\n      \n                  \n<div class=\"f--field f--description\">\n\n    \n  <p>College is a four-year journey of personal transformation, fired by a desire to act ethically, thoughtfully, and effectively in the world. Each year, around 200 outstanding freshmen from across USC\u2019s schools choose to embark by participating in the Thematic Option Honors Program, or T.O., USC&#8217;s interdisciplinary, alternative general education. T.O. offers a combination of academic rigor, dedicated faculty mentors, extracurricular activities, and attentive, personalized advising. It\u2019s a serious commitment: to teachers, to fellow students, and to yourself. It requires lots of reading and writing and involves being an active participant in an exciting and vibrant intellectual community\u2014listening to peers, loving language, appreciating the presence of the past, and thinking across disciplinary boundaries to draw connections between literature, history, science, art, philosophy, and politics.<\/p>\n<p>T.O.\u2019s curriculum consists of honors-level interdisciplinary courses taught around distinct themes, through which you will satisfy USC\u2019s general education requirements. Your T.O. classes will ask you to consider the big questions, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: disc;\">Is there such a thing as human nature?<\/li>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: disc;\">How have conceptions of justice changed over time?<\/li>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: disc;\">Is there order in history?<\/li>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: disc;\">How do we define progress?<\/li>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: disc;\">What is the nature of truth?<\/li>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: disc;\">Where does knowledge come from?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In pursuit of possible answers, you will learn about broad ethical concerns and approaches to historical change. As issues of epistemology, representation, and social construction emerge from your studies, you will be challenged to reconceptualize the world and your role within it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n      \n          <\/div>\n\n          <div class=\"image-container\">\n            \n<div class=\"f--field f--image\">\n\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n              \n      <img\n                            data-src=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/thematic-option\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/120\/2026\/01\/Untitled-design-76-768x768.png\"\n          data-srcset=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/thematic-option\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/120\/2026\/01\/Untitled-design-76-1280x1280.png 1280w,https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/thematic-option\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/120\/2026\/01\/Untitled-design-76-768x768.png 768w\"          data-sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 50vw, (min-width:768px) 100vw, 100vw\"          class=\"lazyload\"\n        \n                  role=\"none\"\n        \n        \n                                      \/>\n\n    \n    \n  \n  \n\n<\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    \n  <\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n  \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--spacer \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--spacer\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n      \n  \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--full-width-cta \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--full-width-cta\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n<div class=\"inner-wrapper\">\n    \n      <div class=\"links-container\">\n        \n            \n<div class=\"f--field f--link\">\n\n    \n    \n  \n<a \n  class=\"link\"\n  href= https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/thematic-option\/#program-hallmarks\n  target=\"_blank\"  aria-label=\"Read more about Program Hallmarks\"  \n>\n    Program Hallmarks \n  <svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" viewBox=\"0 0 35 35\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 35 35\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><polygon fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" fill=\"#FC0\" points=\"19.3,27.5 29.3,17.5,19.3,7.5 16.3,10.4 21.4,15.4 6.7,15.4 6.7,19.6 21.4,19.6 16.3,24.6 \"\/><\/svg>\n<\/a>\n\n\n<\/div>\n        \n            \n<div class=\"f--field f--link\">\n\n    \n    \n  \n<a \n  class=\"link\"\n  href= https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/thematic-option\/#learning-objectives\n  target=\"_blank\"  aria-label=\"Read more about Learning Objectives\"  \n>\n    Learning Objectives \n  <svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" viewBox=\"0 0 35 35\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 35 35\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><polygon fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" fill=\"#FC0\" points=\"19.3,27.5 29.3,17.5,19.3,7.5 16.3,10.4 21.4,15.4 6.7,15.4 6.7,19.6 21.4,19.6 16.3,24.6 \"\/><\/svg>\n<\/a>\n\n\n<\/div>\n        \n            \n<div class=\"f--field f--link\">\n\n    \n    \n  \n<a \n  class=\"link\"\n  href= https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/thematic-option\/#curriculum\n  target=\"_blank\"  aria-label=\"Read more about Curriculum\"  \n>\n    Curriculum \n  <svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" viewBox=\"0 0 35 35\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 35 35\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><polygon fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" fill=\"#FC0\" points=\"19.3,27.5 29.3,17.5,19.3,7.5 16.3,10.4 21.4,15.4 6.7,15.4 6.7,19.6 21.4,19.6 16.3,24.6 \"\/><\/svg>\n<\/a>\n\n\n<\/div>\n          <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n  \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p><a id=\"prospective-student-FAQ\"><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n                            \n  \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--accordions \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--accordions\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      <div class=\"header-container\">\n\n                  \n<div class=\"f--field f--section-title\">\n\n    \n  <h2>\n          FAQ \u2013 Prospective Students\n      <\/h2>\n\n\n<\/div>\n      \n      \n      \n    <\/div>\n  \n      <ul>\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-1-_Q17KlovCq\" aria-controls=\"section-1-1-_Q17KlovCq\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">What is T.O.? How will it benefit me?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-1-_Q17KlovCq\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-1-_Q17KlovCq\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p>T.O. is an honors general education program that replaces the traditional general education courses at USC. The program provides a challenging interdisciplinary experience that emphasizes reading, writing, and asking the &#8220;big questions.&#8221; Read more about our approach and learning objectives\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/thematic-option\/#learning-objectives\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>. Our goal is not to help prepare you for a major or a career\u2014there are many other programs and courses at USC that will do that\u2014but to help you become a lifelong learner with a love of language and an insatiable curiosity. Interested students should\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/thematic-option\/prospective-students\/#apply\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">apply<\/a>\u00a0to T.O. after they have been admitted to USC and before our application deadline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-2-_Q17KlovCq\" aria-controls=\"section-1-2-_Q17KlovCq\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">Can students of any major participate in T.O.?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-2-_Q17KlovCq\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-2-_Q17KlovCq\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p>Yes, with two exceptions. Students enrolled in the World Bachelor in Business major or the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance major may not participate in T.O. due to the unique structure of those programs. Students of all other majors are eligible for T.O.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-3-_Q17KlovCq\" aria-controls=\"section-1-3-_Q17KlovCq\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">What are the T.O. requirements?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-3-_Q17KlovCq\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-3-_Q17KlovCq\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p>Students in T.O. take six CORE courses and four courses chosen from USC&#8217;s regular general education system. This allows for balance between a shared curriculum (the CORE courses) and the opportunity to satisfy certain requirements with exam credit or major\/minor coursework (the selected GE courses). T.O. students must satisfy the following requirements:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/thematic-option\/prospective-students\/sample-courses\/core-102\/\">CORE 102: Culture and Values<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/thematic-option\/prospective-students\/sample-courses\/core-101\/\">CORE 101: Symbols and Conceptual Systems<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/thematic-option\/prospective-students\/sample-courses\/core-103\/\">CORE 103: The Process of Change in Science<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/thematic-option\/prospective-students\/sample-courses\/core-104\/\">CORE 104: Change and the Future<\/a><\/li>\n<li>CORE 111: Writing Seminar I<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/thematic-option\/prospective-students\/sample-courses\/core-112\/\">CORE 112: Writing Seminar II<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/ge\/courses\/gec\/\">GE-C: Social Analysis<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/ge\/courses\/gea\/\">GE-A: The Arts<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/ge\/courses\/gef\/\">GE-F: Quantitative Reasoning<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/ge\/courses\/gee\/\">GE-E: Physical Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>You may have heard about some additional general education requirements: GE-G, GE-H, and the General Education Seminar. For T.O. students, all three of these requirements are satisfied by the CORE courses listed above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-4-_Q17KlovCq\" aria-controls=\"section-1-4-_Q17KlovCq\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">Will T.O. give me a weighted GPA, priority registration, a designation on my transcript, or some other edge?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-4-_Q17KlovCq\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-4-_Q17KlovCq\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p>No. There are no weighted GPAs in any courses at USC, and registration is based on the number of units you have completed, not membership in a particular program. Graduating &#8220;with honors&#8221; comes from completing an honors thesis in your major, not from T.O. We want students to join T.O. not with ulterior motives, but because they&#8217;re truly interested in the learning experience we offer, which makes for a richer community. We strongly encourage you to apply to T.O. only if the program sounds exciting to you, and not simply because it is an honors program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-5-_Q17KlovCq\" aria-controls=\"section-1-5-_Q17KlovCq\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">Can I overlap T.O. courses with courses for my major or minor?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-5-_Q17KlovCq\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-5-_Q17KlovCq\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p>CORE courses usually do not overlap with majors or minors. However, the GE courses that complement the CORE curriculum (GE A, C, E, and F) often count for major and minor requirements as well as for general education credit. If you are enrolled in a major or minor that offers a course in GE A, C, E, or F, you are welcome to enroll in that course to satisfy both your major or minor requirement and your GE requirement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-6-_Q17KlovCq\" aria-controls=\"section-1-6-_Q17KlovCq\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">Can I use AP, IB, or A-Level exams to satisfy T.O. requirements?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-6-_Q17KlovCq\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-6-_Q17KlovCq\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p>T.O. accepts AP and IB coursework in the same way as USC&#8217;s regular general education system. The only exception is AP Biology, which does not satisfy any CORE course requirement as T.O.&#8217;s science course is interdisciplinary, not strictly a life science course. Students are never waived out of the CORE courses that make up our shared curriculum, but they may use exams to satisfy certain GE courses that complement the CORE curriculum (GE A, E, and F). A score of 4 or 5 on AP exams, 5 or higher on IB Higher Level exams, and B or better on A-Level exams will satisfy the requirements listed below:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>GE-A:<\/strong>\u00a0AP Art History, IB HL Dance,\u00a0IB HL Film,\u00a0IB HL Music, IB HL Theatre,\u00a0IB HL Visual Arts<\/li>\n<li><strong>GE-E:<\/strong>\u00a0AP Chemistry, AP Physics (any),\u00a0IB HL Chemistry,\u00a0IB HL Physics<\/li>\n<li><strong>GE-F:<\/strong>\u00a0AP Calculus (any), AP Economics (any), AP Statistics,\u00a0IB HL Economics,\u00a0IB HL Mathematics,\u00a0IB HL Further Mathematics<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Even if an exam will not satisfy a particular GE requirement, you may still receive elective credit. Learn more about exam credit <a href=\"https:\/\/arr.usc.edu\/students\/transfer-credit-services\/exam-credit\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-7-_Q17KlovCq\" aria-controls=\"section-1-7-_Q17KlovCq\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">What GE courses do the CORE classes replace?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-7-_Q17KlovCq\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-7-_Q17KlovCq\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p>This question is only relevant for students who drop T.O. after taking T.O. classes. For those students shifting from T.O. to regular GE, their completed T.O. CORE classes will take the place of several GE requirements. Please talk to a T.O. advisor if you are considering leaving T.O.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-8-_Q17KlovCq\" aria-controls=\"section-1-8-_Q17KlovCq\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">Do I have to be in T.O. to take T.O. courses?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-8-_Q17KlovCq\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-8-_Q17KlovCq\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p>You must be a T.O. student to enroll in CORE 101 through 112 and to use T.O. courses to satisfy general education requirements. However, we do offer some courses that are open to all USC students: CORE 200, CORE 301, CORE 401, CORE 450, and CORE 499. These courses may be taken as electives or as part of the Thematic Approaches to Humanities and Society minor. Learn more about CORE 200, CORE 301, and the minor <a href=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/thematic-option\/thematic-approaches-to-humanities-and-society-minor\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-9-_Q17KlovCq\" aria-controls=\"section-1-9-_Q17KlovCq\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">When should I apply to T.O.?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-9-_Q17KlovCq\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-9-_Q17KlovCq\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p>You should apply after you have been admitted to USC, and before our priority application deadline (usually mid-April). Please find this year&#8217;s priority deadline and application information <a href=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/thematic-option\/prospective-students\/#apply\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-10-_Q17KlovCq\" aria-controls=\"section-1-10-_Q17KlovCq\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">Do I need an invitation to apply?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-10-_Q17KlovCq\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-10-_Q17KlovCq\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p>No, there is no invitation needed to apply. Any student admitted to the fall freshman class is welcome to submit an application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-11-_Q17KlovCq\" aria-controls=\"section-1-11-_Q17KlovCq\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">What do you look for in a T.O. application?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-11-_Q17KlovCq\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-11-_Q17KlovCq\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p>We are looking for effort, originality, and a good fit. We hope to see that you understand what our program has to offer, and that you are excited to make T.O. part of your USC experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-12-_Q17KlovCq\" aria-controls=\"section-1-12-_Q17KlovCq\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">Will you see my USC application\/recommendations\/essays?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-12-_Q17KlovCq\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-12-_Q17KlovCq\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p>No. Our focus is on your T.O. application. As you craft your responses, remember that we are a program with a heavy emphasis on reading and writing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-13-_Q17KlovCq\" aria-controls=\"section-1-13-_Q17KlovCq\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">Can I do X major and be in T.O.?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-13-_Q17KlovCq\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-13-_Q17KlovCq\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p>There are only two majors that are incompatible with T.O.: the World Bachelor in Business and the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-14-_Q17KlovCq\" aria-controls=\"section-1-14-_Q17KlovCq\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">Does T.O. offer any scholarships?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-14-_Q17KlovCq\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-14-_Q17KlovCq\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p>Unfortunately, there are no scholarships available through this program. Please contact your major department or the USC Financial Aid office to inquire further about scholarship options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n          <\/ul>\n  \n  \n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n  \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p><a id=\"sample-course-descriptions\"><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n                                                                        \n  \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--articles-carousel \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--articles-carousel\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n<div class=\"inner-wrapper\">\n\n      <div class=\"header-container\">\n\n                  \n<div class=\"f--field f--section-title\">\n\n    \n  <h2>\n          Sample Course Descriptions\n      <\/h2>\n\n\n<\/div>\n                        \n<div class=\"f--field f--description\">\n\n    \n  <p>T.O. students are responsible for ten total general education courses: four interdisciplinary CORE courses taught around distinct themes, two CORE writing seminars, and four regular GE courses, which you can read more about <a href=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/thematic-option\/#curriculum\" target=\"_blank\">here<\/a>. Scroll through to explore T.O.&#8217;s CORE coursework.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n          <\/div>\n  \n\n\n  \n  <div class=\"articles-carousel-wrapper\">\n\n  <div class=\"title-controls-container\">\n          <h3><em>Click on a course title for sample descriptions.<\/em><\/h3>\n    \n    <div class=\"controls-container\">\n      <button class=\"button-prev\" aria-label=\"Previous Article\">\n        <svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\"\n        x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" viewBox=\"0 0 35 35\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 35 35\" xml:space=\"preserve\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\">\n        <polygon fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" fill=\"#000\" points=\"15.7,27.5 5.7,17.5\n        15.7,7.5 18.7,10.4 13.6,15.4 28.3,15.4 28.3,19.6 13.6,19.6 18.7,24.6 \"\/>\n        <\/svg>\n      <\/button>\n      <button class=\"button-next\" aria-label=\"Next Article\">\n        <svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\"\nx=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" viewBox=\"0 0 35 35\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 35 35\" xml:space=\"preserve\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\"><polygon fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" fill=\"#000\" points=\"19.3,27.5 29.3,17.5\n19.3,7.5 16.3,10.4 21.4,15.4 6.7,15.4 6.7,19.6 21.4,19.6 16.3,24.6 \"\/>\n<\/svg>\n\n      <\/button>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <\/div>\n\n\n    <div class=\"swiper\">\n      <div class=\"swiper-wrapper\">\n        \n        \n          <article class=\"swiper-slide card\">\n            <div class=\"card-inner\">\n\n                                        \n                  \n<div class=\"f--field f--image\">\n\n    \n        <a href=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/thematic-option\/prospective-students\/sample-courses\/core-102\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"CORE 102: Culture and Values\">\n  \n    \n    \n    \n    \n              \n      <img decoding=\"async\"\n                            src=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/thematic-option\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/120\/2025\/10\/CORE-102-768x432.png\"\n          srcset=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/thematic-option\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/120\/2025\/10\/CORE-102-1280x720.png 1280w,https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/thematic-option\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/120\/2025\/10\/CORE-102-768x432.png 768w\"          sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 23vw, (min-width:768px) 39vw, 83vw\"\n        \n                  role=\"none\"\n        \n        \n                                      \/>\n\n    \n    \n  \n      <\/a>\n  \n\n<\/div>\n            \n            <div class=\"text-container\">\n                                <h4>\n                                          <a href=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/thematic-option\/prospective-students\/sample-courses\/core-102\/\" target=\"_blank\">\n                    \n                      CORE 102: Culture and Values\n\n                                          <\/a>\n                                      <\/h4>\n              \n              <div class=\"read-more\">\n                                      \n<div class=\"f--field f--description\">\n\n    \n  <p><strong>CORE 102: Culture and Values<\/strong> examines issues of identity through the lens of so-called great books, asking such questions as: What is the self? What is society? What do they owe to each other? In this course, students participate in the assessment and reshaping of the western canon through both critical analysis and the development and practice of empathy for voices different from their own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n                \n                                      \n<div class=\"f--field f--link\">\n\n    \n    \n  \n<a \n  class=\"link\"\n  href= https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/thematic-option\/prospective-students\/sample-courses\/core-102\/\n  target=\"_blank\"  aria-label=\"Read Story about CORE 102: Culture and Values\"  \n>\n    Sample Descriptions \n  \n<\/a>\n\n\n<\/div>\n                \n              <\/div>\n\n            <\/div> <!-- .text-container -->\n\n            <div class=\"expand-collapse-controls\">\n              <button class=\"expand-collapse swiper-no-swiping\" aria-label=\"Expand\/Collapse Description\">\n                <svg class=\"expand\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" viewBox=\"0 0 35 35\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 35 35\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" fill=\"#000000\" d=\"M28,7v7.9h-2.6l0-3.4l-4.3,4.3c-0.3,0.3-0.6,0.4-0.9,0.4s-0.7-0.1-0.9-0.4c-0.5-0.5-0.5-1.3,0-1.9l4.3-4.3h-3.4V7H28z M7,28v-7.9h2.6v3.4l4.3-4.3c0.5-0.5,1.3-0.5,1.9,0c0.5,0.5,0.5,1.3,0,1.9l-4.3,4.3h3.4V28H7z\"\/><\/svg>\n\n                <svg class=\"collapse\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\"\n   viewBox=\"0 0 35 35\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 35 35\" xml:space=\"preserve\">\n  <polygon fill=\"#000\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" points=\"26,10.4 24.6,9 17.5,16.1 10.4,9 9,10.4 16.1,17.5\n  9,24.6 10.4,26 17.5,18.9 24.6,26 26,24.6 18.9,17.5 \"\/>\n  <\/svg>\n\n              <\/button>\n            <\/div> <!-- .expand-collapse-controls -->\n\n            <\/div>\n\n          <\/article>\n\n                  \n        \n          <article class=\"swiper-slide card\">\n            <div class=\"card-inner\">\n\n                                        \n                  \n<div class=\"f--field f--image\">\n\n    \n        <a href=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/thematic-option\/prospective-students\/sample-courses\/core-101\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"CORE 101: Symbols and Conceptual Systems\">\n  \n    \n    \n    \n    \n              \n      <img decoding=\"async\"\n                            src=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/thematic-option\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/120\/2025\/10\/Curriculum-25-768x432.png\"\n          srcset=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/thematic-option\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/120\/2025\/10\/Curriculum-25-1280x720.png 1280w,https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/thematic-option\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/120\/2025\/10\/Curriculum-25-768x432.png 768w\"          sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 23vw, (min-width:768px) 39vw, 83vw\"\n        \n                  role=\"none\"\n        \n        \n                                      \/>\n\n    \n    \n  \n      <\/a>\n  \n\n<\/div>\n            \n            <div class=\"text-container\">\n                                <h4>\n                                          <a href=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/thematic-option\/prospective-students\/sample-courses\/core-101\/\" target=\"_blank\">\n                    \n                      CORE 101: Symbols and Conceptual Systems\n\n                                          <\/a>\n                                      <\/h4>\n              \n              <div class=\"read-more\">\n                                      \n<div class=\"f--field f--description\">\n\n    \n  <p><strong>CORE 101: Symbols and Conceptual Systems<\/strong> grapples with epistemology and competing theories of interpretation by examining the ways in which we share and transmit knowledge. This course asks students to consider not just what we know but how we know, and, in turn, to critically examine the various systems that shape their personal worldviews.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n                \n                                      \n<div class=\"f--field f--link\">\n\n    \n    \n  \n<a \n  class=\"link\"\n  href= https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/thematic-option\/prospective-students\/sample-courses\/core-101\/\n  target=\"_blank\"  aria-label=\"Read Story about CORE 101: Symbols and Conceptual Systems\"  \n>\n    Sample Descriptions \n  \n<\/a>\n\n\n<\/div>\n                \n              <\/div>\n\n            <\/div> <!-- .text-container -->\n\n            <div class=\"expand-collapse-controls\">\n              <button class=\"expand-collapse swiper-no-swiping\" aria-label=\"Expand\/Collapse Description\">\n                <svg class=\"expand\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" viewBox=\"0 0 35 35\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 35 35\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" fill=\"#000000\" d=\"M28,7v7.9h-2.6l0-3.4l-4.3,4.3c-0.3,0.3-0.6,0.4-0.9,0.4s-0.7-0.1-0.9-0.4c-0.5-0.5-0.5-1.3,0-1.9l4.3-4.3h-3.4V7H28z M7,28v-7.9h2.6v3.4l4.3-4.3c0.5-0.5,1.3-0.5,1.9,0c0.5,0.5,0.5,1.3,0,1.9l-4.3,4.3h3.4V28H7z\"\/><\/svg>\n\n                <svg class=\"collapse\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\"\n   viewBox=\"0 0 35 35\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 35 35\" xml:space=\"preserve\">\n  <polygon fill=\"#000\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" points=\"26,10.4 24.6,9 17.5,16.1 10.4,9 9,10.4 16.1,17.5\n  9,24.6 10.4,26 17.5,18.9 24.6,26 26,24.6 18.9,17.5 \"\/>\n  <\/svg>\n\n              <\/button>\n            <\/div> <!-- .expand-collapse-controls -->\n\n            <\/div>\n\n          <\/article>\n\n                  \n        \n          <article class=\"swiper-slide card\">\n            <div class=\"card-inner\">\n\n                                        \n                  \n<div class=\"f--field f--image\">\n\n    \n        <a href=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/thematic-option\/prospective-students\/sample-courses\/core-103\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"CORE 103: The Process of Change in Science\">\n  \n    \n    \n    \n    \n              \n      <img decoding=\"async\"\n                            src=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/thematic-option\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/120\/2025\/10\/Curriculum-23-768x432.png\"\n          srcset=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/thematic-option\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/120\/2025\/10\/Curriculum-23-1280x720.png 1280w,https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/thematic-option\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/120\/2025\/10\/Curriculum-23-768x432.png 768w\"          sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 23vw, (min-width:768px) 39vw, 83vw\"\n        \n                  role=\"none\"\n        \n        \n                                      \/>\n\n    \n    \n  \n      <\/a>\n  \n\n<\/div>\n            \n            <div class=\"text-container\">\n                                <h4>\n                                          <a href=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/thematic-option\/prospective-students\/sample-courses\/core-103\/\" target=\"_blank\">\n                    \n                      CORE 103: The Process of Change in Science\n\n                                          <\/a>\n                                      <\/h4>\n              \n              <div class=\"read-more\">\n                                      \n<div class=\"f--field f--description\">\n\n    \n  <p><strong>CORE 103: The Process of Change in Science<\/strong> seeks to destabilize the prevailing notion of the scientific as immutable and without agenda. Instead, students are tasked with thinking critically about science in its many sociocultural, historical, and political contexts with an eye towards parsing scientific discoveries and the narratives we derive from them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n                \n                                      \n<div class=\"f--field f--link\">\n\n    \n    \n  \n<a \n  class=\"link\"\n  href= https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/thematic-option\/prospective-students\/sample-courses\/core-103\/\n  target=\"_blank\"  aria-label=\"Read Story about CORE 103: The Process of Change in Science\"  \n>\n    Sample Descriptions \n  \n<\/a>\n\n\n<\/div>\n                \n              <\/div>\n\n            <\/div> <!-- .text-container -->\n\n            <div class=\"expand-collapse-controls\">\n              <button class=\"expand-collapse swiper-no-swiping\" aria-label=\"Expand\/Collapse Description\">\n                <svg class=\"expand\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" viewBox=\"0 0 35 35\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 35 35\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" fill=\"#000000\" d=\"M28,7v7.9h-2.6l0-3.4l-4.3,4.3c-0.3,0.3-0.6,0.4-0.9,0.4s-0.7-0.1-0.9-0.4c-0.5-0.5-0.5-1.3,0-1.9l4.3-4.3h-3.4V7H28z M7,28v-7.9h2.6v3.4l4.3-4.3c0.5-0.5,1.3-0.5,1.9,0c0.5,0.5,0.5,1.3,0,1.9l-4.3,4.3h3.4V28H7z\"\/><\/svg>\n\n                <svg class=\"collapse\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\"\n   viewBox=\"0 0 35 35\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 35 35\" xml:space=\"preserve\">\n  <polygon fill=\"#000\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" points=\"26,10.4 24.6,9 17.5,16.1 10.4,9 9,10.4 16.1,17.5\n  9,24.6 10.4,26 17.5,18.9 24.6,26 26,24.6 18.9,17.5 \"\/>\n  <\/svg>\n\n              <\/button>\n            <\/div> <!-- .expand-collapse-controls -->\n\n            <\/div>\n\n          <\/article>\n\n                  \n        \n          <article class=\"swiper-slide card\">\n            <div class=\"card-inner\">\n\n                                        \n                  \n<div class=\"f--field f--image\">\n\n    \n        <a href=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/thematic-option\/prospective-students\/sample-courses\/core-104\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"CORE 104: Change and the Future\">\n  \n    \n    \n    \n    \n              \n      <img decoding=\"async\"\n                            src=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/thematic-option\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/120\/2025\/10\/Curriculum-21-768x432.png\"\n          srcset=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/thematic-option\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/120\/2025\/10\/Curriculum-21-1280x720.png 1280w,https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/thematic-option\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/120\/2025\/10\/Curriculum-21-768x432.png 768w\"          sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 23vw, (min-width:768px) 39vw, 83vw\"\n        \n                  role=\"none\"\n        \n        \n                                      \/>\n\n    \n    \n  \n      <\/a>\n  \n\n<\/div>\n            \n            <div class=\"text-container\">\n                                <h4>\n                                          <a href=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/thematic-option\/prospective-students\/sample-courses\/core-104\/\" target=\"_blank\">\n                    \n                      CORE 104: Change and the Future\n\n                                          <\/a>\n                                      <\/h4>\n              \n              <div class=\"read-more\">\n                                      \n<div class=\"f--field f--description\">\n\n    \n  <p><strong>CORE 104: Change and the Future<\/strong> interrogates dominant systems of power and ideology and the people, moments, and movements that have risen to challenge them. In a word, the course is about revolutions. Employing an interdisciplinary social sciences lens, students explore competing visions of the future and the continual process of change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n                \n                                      \n<div class=\"f--field f--link\">\n\n    \n    \n  \n<a \n  class=\"link\"\n  href= https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/thematic-option\/prospective-students\/sample-courses\/core-104\/\n  target=\"_blank\"  aria-label=\"Read Story about CORE 104: Change and the Future\"  \n>\n    Sample Descriptions \n  \n<\/a>\n\n\n<\/div>\n                \n              <\/div>\n\n            <\/div> <!-- .text-container -->\n\n            <div class=\"expand-collapse-controls\">\n              <button class=\"expand-collapse swiper-no-swiping\" aria-label=\"Expand\/Collapse Description\">\n                <svg class=\"expand\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" viewBox=\"0 0 35 35\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 35 35\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" fill=\"#000000\" d=\"M28,7v7.9h-2.6l0-3.4l-4.3,4.3c-0.3,0.3-0.6,0.4-0.9,0.4s-0.7-0.1-0.9-0.4c-0.5-0.5-0.5-1.3,0-1.9l4.3-4.3h-3.4V7H28z M7,28v-7.9h2.6v3.4l4.3-4.3c0.5-0.5,1.3-0.5,1.9,0c0.5,0.5,0.5,1.3,0,1.9l-4.3,4.3h3.4V28H7z\"\/><\/svg>\n\n                <svg class=\"collapse\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\"\n   viewBox=\"0 0 35 35\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 35 35\" xml:space=\"preserve\">\n  <polygon fill=\"#000\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" points=\"26,10.4 24.6,9 17.5,16.1 10.4,9 9,10.4 16.1,17.5\n  9,24.6 10.4,26 17.5,18.9 24.6,26 26,24.6 18.9,17.5 \"\/>\n  <\/svg>\n\n              <\/button>\n            <\/div> <!-- .expand-collapse-controls -->\n\n            <\/div>\n\n          <\/article>\n\n                  \n        \n          <article class=\"swiper-slide card\">\n            <div class=\"card-inner\">\n\n                                        \n                  \n<div class=\"f--field f--image\">\n\n    \n        <a href=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/thematic-option\/prospective-students\/sample-courses\/core-112\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"CORE 112: Writing Seminar II\">\n  \n    \n    \n    \n    \n              \n      <img decoding=\"async\"\n                            src=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/thematic-option\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/120\/2025\/10\/CORE-112-768x432.png\"\n          srcset=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/thematic-option\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/120\/2025\/10\/CORE-112-1280x720.png 1280w,https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/thematic-option\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/120\/2025\/10\/CORE-112-768x432.png 768w\"          sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 23vw, (min-width:768px) 39vw, 83vw\"\n        \n                  role=\"none\"\n        \n        \n                                      \/>\n\n    \n    \n  \n      <\/a>\n  \n\n<\/div>\n            \n            <div class=\"text-container\">\n                                <h4>\n                                          <a href=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/thematic-option\/prospective-students\/sample-courses\/core-112\/\" target=\"_blank\">\n                    \n                      CORE 112: Writing Seminar II\n\n                                          <\/a>\n                                      <\/h4>\n              \n              <div class=\"read-more\">\n                                      \n<div class=\"f--field f--description\">\n\n    \n  <p><strong>CORE 112: Writing Seminar II<\/strong> asks students to place contemporary texts in conversation with larger critical concepts or lenses. In particular, students learn to: use the arguments of others to create their own original interpretations of primary texts; conduct effective searches for timely and appropriate scholarly secondary sources; evaluate the sources they find in light of disciplinary conventions and their own argument; write effectively in multiple scholarly genres, including oral presentation; present their original scholarship in an academic community; and draw connections between their course texts\/themes and the world outside the classroom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n                \n                                      \n<div class=\"f--field f--link\">\n\n    \n    \n  \n<a \n  class=\"link\"\n  href= https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/thematic-option\/prospective-students\/sample-courses\/core-112\/\n  target=\"_blank\"  aria-label=\"Read Story about CORE 112: Writing Seminar II\"  \n>\n    Sample Descriptions \n  \n<\/a>\n\n\n<\/div>\n                \n              <\/div>\n\n            <\/div> <!-- .text-container -->\n\n            <div class=\"expand-collapse-controls\">\n              <button class=\"expand-collapse swiper-no-swiping\" aria-label=\"Expand\/Collapse Description\">\n                <svg class=\"expand\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" viewBox=\"0 0 35 35\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 35 35\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" fill=\"#000000\" d=\"M28,7v7.9h-2.6l0-3.4l-4.3,4.3c-0.3,0.3-0.6,0.4-0.9,0.4s-0.7-0.1-0.9-0.4c-0.5-0.5-0.5-1.3,0-1.9l4.3-4.3h-3.4V7H28z M7,28v-7.9h2.6v3.4l4.3-4.3c0.5-0.5,1.3-0.5,1.9,0c0.5,0.5,0.5,1.3,0,1.9l-4.3,4.3h3.4V28H7z\"\/><\/svg>\n\n                <svg class=\"collapse\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\"\n   viewBox=\"0 0 35 35\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 35 35\" xml:space=\"preserve\">\n  <polygon fill=\"#000\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" points=\"26,10.4 24.6,9 17.5,16.1 10.4,9 9,10.4 16.1,17.5\n  9,24.6 10.4,26 17.5,18.9 24.6,26 26,24.6 18.9,17.5 \"\/>\n  <\/svg>\n\n              <\/button>\n            <\/div> <!-- .expand-collapse-controls -->\n\n            <\/div>\n\n          <\/article>\n\n                        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n  <\/div>\n  \n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n  \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p><a id=\"apply\"><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n  \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <h1>Apply Now<\/h1>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><strong><em>Before you apply to the Thematic Option Honors Program, please read the following:<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<br \/>\n<strong>Starting May 1, applications will be considered on a rolling, space-available basis.<\/strong><br \/>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\n<strong>Only students who have been ADMITTED to USC may apply to T.O.<\/strong><br \/>\nUnfortunately, continuing USC students, transfer students, and students admitted to the spring semester are not eligible to apply to T.O.<br \/>\n&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Students of all majors (except for Dance and World Bachelor in Business) may apply to T.O.<\/li>\n<li>Students are considered for acceptance to T.O. based on their application to the program. Scholarship status or admission to other USC programs are not taken into consideration.<\/li>\n<li>Since space in the program is limited, we encourage interested students to apply even if they have not yet decided they will attend USC.<\/li>\n<li>The T.O. application is available to admitted students via the USC applicant portal.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<br \/>\n<em>Thematic Option is an engaged and eclectic intellectual community. We are interested in enthusiasm, participation, and the pursuit of more questions rather than simple answers. The typical T.O. student has average high school grades of \u201cA,\u201d but, more important than grades or test scores, applicants to T.O. should have an evident love of reading and writing. We encourage all interested and eligible students to apply!<\/em><\/p>\n<div class=\"f--field f--link\" style=\"margin: 25px 0px 50px 0px;\">\n  <a href=\"https:\/\/applyto.usc.edu\/apply\/form?id=8dd99750-ccc1-4ac4-82c4-78ec18aa0d48\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Apply Now\" style=\"display: inline-flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; background-color: #000000; color: #FFFFFF; text-decoration: none; font-family: 'National', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: 700; font-size: 18px; padding: 15px 30px; line-height: 1; border: none;\"\n     onmouseover=\"this.style.color='#FFCC00';\"\n     onmouseout=\"this.style.color='#FFFFFF';\"><br \/>\n    <span style=\"position: relative; top: -1px;\">Apply Now<\/span><br \/>\n    <svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 35 35\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" style=\"margin-left: 10px; fill: #FFCC00; width: 18px; height: 18px; vertical-align: middle;\">\n      <polygon fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" points=\"19.3,27.5 29.3,17.5 19.3,7.5 16.3,10.4 21.4,15.4 6.7,15.4 6.7,19.6 21.4,19.6 16.3,24.6 \"><\/polygon>\n    <\/svg><br \/>\n  <\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":157,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":1,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-663","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.1.1 - 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