Before taking his first class at Kenyon, Gabe Schine, Class of 2005, had already created an online language-testing site for Middlebury College and begun work on a new program to help people easily construct complicated Web sites. So it makes sense that he'd fashion his own major when he arrived in Gambier.

"I've always been a very independent learner," explains the 21-year-old junior from Vermont. He eagerly embraced Kenyon's option for a "synoptic"-or self-designed-major. The option is available to students who have a strong interest in an area that doesn't fit into existing programs. The students plan their coursework in close consultation with faculty advisors. Typically, the synoptic major draws on a range of disciplines.

Schine built his synoptic major around complexity theory and complex-systems studies, which he discovered during a class with Associate Professor of Philosophy Joel Richeimer. Richeimer is now serving as his advisor, together with Associate Professor of Mathematics Judy Holdener. The complexity theory holds that all complex systems, from world trade to ant colonies, are made up of an enormous number of exceedingly small parts that follow basic rules and interact simultaneously. "It's a relatively new theory, and many people are incredibly excited about it," Schine says. "I think I became so interested because I have a strong background in computers. I've always wanted to understand the world from a logical standpoint. I think it's very cool."

While complexity theory may one day explain the intricacies of war, racism, and economics, Schine plans to focus on a smaller social system for his senior comprehensive project-the student dining hall. He will analyze the flow and organization of students, with the aim of making meal times more efficient.

"It seems trite," he says, "but it'll be really fun to work on. "I'm hoping that people who have no idea what my studies are will be interested purely because they want to know what I did with food service."