The Milstein Program Experience
The Milstein Program enriches all four years of the Arts & Sciences undergraduate experience -- from the First Year Project (Spring, first year) to the residency at Cornell Tech (summer after first year) to the culminating Milstein Expo (Junior year spring) and mentorship and career exploration (Senior year). The Program has three objectives:
- expose Milstein Scholars to leading researchers, thinkers, artists and entrepreneurs via the MStudio series
- cultivate interdisciplinary thinking and research and collaboration skills through events, short courses, workshops, special funding opportunities, and student-driven original projects
- build a strong, supportive cohort of fellow Scholars excited to think, make, and work at the intersection of technology and the humanities.
Program Curriculum
FIRST YEAR
Advising Seminar (AS 1102): This eight-session course is specially designed for first-year Milstein Scholars, with special guests and unique activities. Required. Fall. 1 Credit.
First-year Project (AS 1111): Students work in small teams to research, design, produce, and revise interdisciplinary projects in a variety of fields (advocacy, education, arts, etc.) for a range of constituents – campus stakeholders, local non-profits, even the Milstein Program itself. Required. Spring. 3 Credits.
SUMMER@ CORNELL TECH (TECH 3090)
This eight-week, fully-supported, in-residence program encourages students to reflect collectively upon the political, social and economic implications of technology, to respond critically and creatively through emergent forms of interactive media, and to prototype new artifacts using the latest digital fabrication technologies. The program is also interleaved with experiential outings, connecting students to the vibrant life and fabric of New York City, including visits to cultural institutions and working with local groups on Roosevelt Island. Optional. 2 Credits.
Summer Program at Cornell Tech
SOPHOMORE YEAR
Sophomore Milstein Scholars are expected to take one course from a list of approved courses that study the social, cultural, economic, environmental, physical and psychological impact of technology and/or explore concepts of design thinking, research methods, and community engaged project work. This course selection should align with each scholar's area of interest. Required. 3-4 Credits. (Students may petition to add a relevant course to satisfy this requirement.)
Approved Electives Faculty Fellow Courses
JUNIOR YEAR
The Junior Project (AS 3200): Milstein Scholars undertake a year-long, independent study to deepen their understanding of the issues, topics, and technologies that interest them. What form these projects take -- research essay, video art, app development, etc. -- is up to the Scholar and their collaborators. Working with a faculty mentor in the field, juniors define and scope their projects in the fall and execute in the spring semester. This course culminates with the Milstein Expo in May. Required. Credit: Fall – 1 credit; Spring: 3-4 independent study credits
SENIOR YEAR
Scholars become mentors through three commitments: serve as guests in the First Year Advising Seminar and the Junior Project course; design a public panel on summer internships; participate in an M Studio event to reflect on the outcomes of their Junior Summer Research Fellowships.
ONGOING
MStudio (3113): MStudio brings world-class speakers, faculty innovators, leading industry voices, and extraordinary Cornell alums to campus for public talks and conversations on tech and humanities as well as special immersive skills-based "short courses". Required for first-years and sophomores. Optional for juniors and seniors. Fall/Spring: 1 credit.
Suggested Clubs
We encourage Milstein Program Scholars to participate in many extracurricular activities and clubs. This can often be where Milstein Program students will find projects they can join or adapt for their junior year projects.