The Program of Ethics, Politics and Economics is changing the course requirements for its majors, starting with the class of 2012. Instead of being required to take one course each in three of four core areas, students will take one course each in two of three core areas, plus one course in a separate category called “Advanced Topics.” Previously, students could choose any three categories among Rational Choice, Political Systems, Social Theory and Advanced Topics. Now, this fourth category is mandatory and the number of course offerings in the category will grow, Bryan Garsten, the director of undergraduate studies, said. “The change is designed to insure that all our students receive exposure to certain core approaches and methodologies, and yet also leave room for personalized specialization,” Garsten wrote in an e-mail. After being considered by the Course of Study Committee, the new requirements were approved by the Faculty of Arts and Sciences earlier this month.