I think what makes it unique is the emphasis that is given by the program to the idea of the students as scholars. A lot of our curriculum is driven by student interest and by the interactions that students have with the faculty and staff.

[The groups] tend to come together when there is a group of students that have identified a topic or idea that they want to explore that isn't really being addressed in any of the other classes at the UW.

She looked at the works that Tupac Shakur identified as being really influential to him. She had the students read that alongside his lyrics and watch the movie that was made about his life.