Mon 3:00 -4:15

This seminar is designed to introduce new college students to college life while simultaneously exploring the business world. College transitional topics such as time-management and study skills will be intertwined with business topics including leadership, social media, marketing, networking, technology and social responsibility. The class will explore business curriculum at the University and explore careers in the business field. First-year students, who are business majors, are considering business as a major/minor or have an interest in business will benefit largely from this course.

Tues. 9:00 – 10:15

This seminar will investigate the unique experiences of college students here in the United States and abroad, while simultaneously imparting many of the necessary skills required for student success at the college level. We will learn about basic anthropological concepts and apply these concepts to gain a broader, cross-cultural understanding of student life, types of learning/learners, different educational strategies and environments, and pursuing careers/life after college. The seminar is geared toward students interested in exploring majors in the social sciences and humanities, as well as those students considering studying abroad. You will be challenged to think critically and develop your problem-solving skills through discussions on global issues. Self-reflective journaling, in-class presentations, and a final project will encourage you to consider your personal growth as a student and informed member of your community, and will help you to improve your confidence in speaking publicly and to small groups.

Wed. 3:00 – 5:30; starts 9/5 and ends 11/7

"The greatest discoveries are those that shed light unto ourselves."-Ralph Waldo Emerson

College is the perfect time to explore who you are and what you want to do with your life. This class will focus on the process of exploration through use of inventories, group activities and reflection. You’ll have opportunities to reflect upon who you are as a person, gain knowledge that will assist you as you transition to college, research which majors might complement your interests and skills, and investigate which career paths you might take.

Thurs 10:00 – 11:15

There are many species of wildlife that survive in urban environments. In this class we will look at how urban wildlife has been successful, and how we as a society have responded. Readings, library research, video, journals, and class discussions will be used to look at the biological and ethical aspects of this topic. Through this exploration we will learn and practice the skills necessary to be a successful student in the science discipline, and focus on what science minded thinking is. In addition, students will explore academic and career paths associated with a biology degree. This course is designed specifically for those students in the Biology major and enrolled in BIOL 413.

Tues 3:00 – 4:15

In this discussion based Seminar we will use readings, film and music to increase awareness of one’s own cultural biases and understand the role of prejudices, stereotypes, discrimination and privilege on diverse cultural groups. Students will be encouraged to think critically about their impact in today’s world by examining how their personal perspectives and attitudes shape their view of culture and society. Students with an interest in Communication Arts, the Social Sciences or in learning about issues surrounding diversity should consider this section of seminar.

Thurs 10:00 – 11:15

This seminar is designed to introduce new college students to college life while simultaneously exploring science, technology, engineering and mathematics. College transitional topics such as time-management and study skills will be intertwined with S.T.E.M specific topics including current issues, working collaboratively, problem solving and communication. The class will explore academic curriculums at the University and explore careers in these fields. First-year students, who are interested in these majors will benefit largely from this course.

Thurs 10:00 – 11:15

This class will focus on the concept that with great privilege comes great responsibility. As an American college student, you are given a significant opportunity to not only enhance self as learner, self as critical thinker and problem-solver, self as human and interpersonal but also to bring these opportunities out from self into community. We will first focus on the strengths and challenges of our selves: the goals, aspirations, and obstacles of our developing educational journey. We will then look to define what we mean by community (local, domestic, global) and what it means to engage self in community. We will design and implement a class project which demonstrates our working definition of "civic (community) engagement" and draws on the discoveries we have made about ourselves. There is a 10 hour community service requirement for this course.

Thurs 10:00 – 11:15

Could you go 24 hours without your cell phone? A whole weekend? Would you walk everywhere you needed to go for a day? Could you own only 50 items? How many Facebook friends would you see in person if you had the chance? When was the last time you walked in the woods?

These are some of the questions we'll explore as we consider the concept of "the examined life." In this seminar we will make connections between technology and stress, social media and interpersonal relationships, commerce and self worth, and nature and connectedness to the environment. We'll engage with works from classic philosophers such as Socrates, Emerson, Thoreau and more modern day authors such as Bryson and Krakauer. We'll look for ways to be further reflective about our lives so that we are better connected to each other, our community, and ourselves. Students interested in questions of technology and relationships; environment and excess; self-reflection and inter-connectedness to community may value this seminar.