The major field of study and independent work. A.P.C. places particular emphasis on the academic major, a concentrated engagement with the method and content of an academic discipline, in which advanced students take increasing intellectual responsibility for their own education. The College provides opportunities for honors projects and independent study, enabling students to engage in research and writing under the guidance of faculty mentors. The arrangement of teaching responsibilities of A.P.C. faculty presupposes professional duties not only of original scholarship and creative work but also of supervision of advanced student projects.