HASS Inquiry Courses | HASS Core Requirement
The School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (HASS) believes that your first year at Rensselaer is an exciting time to explore new ideas and start asking big questions—about yourself, your future, and the world around you. At RPI, we work across disciplines to understand and solve today’s complex challenges.
To support this, the faculty developed HASS Inquiry (INQR) courses. These classes help first‑year students build cultural understanding, learn to see issues from multiple perspectives, and begin thinking critically about the world. All first‑year students must take a HASS Inquiry course as part of the HASS Core Curriculum.
What You’ll Get Out of a HASS Inquiry Course
HASS Inquiry courses give you the chance to participate in small, seminar‑style discussions where you can talk, debate, and connect directly with your instructor and classmates. Many of these courses also serve as introductions to various Integrative Pathways.
What These Courses Focus On
Our teaching approach is built around active learning and helping you better understand yourself and the world. Key focus areas include:
- Critical Thinking – learning to analyze and evaluate ideas deeply
- Writing and Communication – expressing ideas clearly and confidently
- Personal Instruction – meaningful interaction with instructors
- Teamwork – collaborating and learning from peers
- Community Building – understanding your role in the broader community
- Diversity & Inclusion – appreciating different perspectives
- Instructional Technology – using tools that support learning
Guidelines & Policies
- You must complete a HASS Inquiry course during your first two semesters at RPI.
- INQR courses are only for first‑year students. Instructors cannot override this restriction for upper‑class students.
- First‑year transfer students are also required to take a HASS Inquiry course. When you register for your first semester, be sure to work with your Academic Advisor to add this course to your schedule.
Common Questions
No. Your HASS Inquiry course does not need to apply to your Pathway.
The HASS Inquiry course is part of the HASS Core, and you may satisfy this requirement within -OR- outside of a chosen Pathway. Pay close attention to the requirements outlined in your Cohort's Catalog year. Some Pathways require an intro-level course, which may be a HASS Inquiry Course.
Transfer Students, you have two additional Pathway options.
You cannot Pass/No Credit your HI course if...
- It is part of your Integrative Pathway, or...
- If it will be used to fulfill your HASS Communication Intensive Requirement.
If your HASS Inquiry course will not be used to fulfill your Pathway or CI requirements, then yes, you may apply PNC to your HASS Inquiry. Please keep in mind that most HASS Inquiry courses are Communication Intensive.
No. Similar to the Communication Intensive requirement, the HASS Inquiry requirement cannot be fulfilled by transfer courses, including AP or IB credits. It must be taken at RPI.
'Attributes' are Institute Requirements, which means they cannot be transferred to RPI. For example, some students may look to transfer Principles of Economics (ECON-1200) with their AP credits. As it is cross-listed as INQR-1200 it would seem to fulfill the HI requirement. It will not as it does not transfer with any course attributes. ECON-1200 as a transferred course may still be applied to relevant Pathways, Minors, and the HASS Core.
INQR 1200. Students in their sophomore, junior, or senior year will complete their HASS Inquiry requirements by taking Principles of Economics (INQR-1200).
Transfer Students who enroll as sophomores/juniors are not required to take a HASS Inquiry course.
Yes! Learn more about HASS Inquiry and your HASS Core by visiting the Core Curriculum in the Catalog.
HASS Inquiry Courses and Descriptions
Understanding HASS Inquiry & Pathways
Your HASS Inquiry course might be the first class in a three‑course Integrative Pathway - but it doesn’t have to be. Many first‑year students start with one Pathway in mind and then discover something completely new that interests them. That’s a normal (and exciting!) part of exploring during your first year.
Let your Inquiry course open your mind and help you figure out what you enjoy. If you end up choosing a different Pathway later, you may need a couple of extra classes to complete it, and that’s totally okay - this flexibility is built into the system.
Just remember to check your official Catalog for your Pathway requirements and update your Plan of Study as your interests grow and change. Your Academic Advisor is always there to help!
Learn more about HASS Integrative Pathways