NEWS

Prototype of "31 Majors," a Major Exploring Card Game, has been Developed

Update: March 19, 2025

In January 2025, a prototype of "31 Majors," a major exploring card game, designed by the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL), was released. At ICU, students choose their major (specialized field of study) at the end of their second year, after identifying their interests. One of the advantages of ICU's major system is that students can approach a research theme from a variety of academic fields. By playing this card game, players can get to know a variety of majors and find a new interest.

For students who are undecided about which major to choose, this card game gives them an opportunity to think about which major truly fits. For students who have already decided on a major(s), they may find a major that they never thought of. For example, if one is interested in environmental issues, the Environmental Studies major will be the first thing that comes to mind. However, they might be approachable by psychology, economics, or even music or physics majors that may seem irrelevant at first glance.

The rules of "31 Majors" are designed to have players encounter new majors. It is played in groups of 2 to 5 players. Each player is dealt five random Major cards and three Action cards. When it is their turn, players choose one of the Major cards and explain how they would approach their interest with that Major. When they have a major card in their hand that they had not thought of, this is their chance to encounter a new major. When stuck, a player can use Action cards to make a "Double Major" by choosing two Major cards at the same time, or receive advice from a designated player. The first player to run out of Major cards wins. When there is only one card left, players should not forget to say "Liberal Arts!" Finally, the game ends with the players sharing their findings through this game with each other. Playing in a positive atmosphere, welcoming the unique ideas of other players, is important.

Comment from Center for Teaching Learning staff, one of the card project developers

The Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) has been holding "Academic Skills Workshops" to help students develop skills that will be useful in their studies. As part of these workshops, we developed the "31 Majors" card game. The card game enables students to experience approaching a theme from a variety of academic fields in the form of a card game with the theme of major declaration. The project members developed the game through a series of prototyping and test plays, sometimes with students. The workshop was well received by students; they responded that it "broadened their horizons" and "sparked new interests." We plan to continue improving the rules and design so that many people, including students, faculty, staff, prospective students, and guarantors can enjoy the game.