Freshman Seminars

AFST 1022      E. Wallace 13037 MWF 10:10-11:05

Freshman Topics in Africana Studies: Social Science  This course is designed to introduce students to the fascinating world of Africana Studies: the interdisciplinary study of the history, culture and politics of African, African American, Afro-Latin, Afro-Caribbean and Afro-European populations. Each class will do that through a different path. Topics and themes offered under this course number will be concerned with exploring aspects of the Africana experience and issues using the methods and theories of the social sciences. Pre-Requisite: To take this course you must: Be a First Year Student. BoK: DC, SS

BIOL 1001       staff     16141  TBA

At the Zoo: Animal Diversity  This course is designed for non-science majors and will begin by discussing basic animal classification with an emphasis on animals displayed at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. Classes of animals that will be discussed include but are not limited to mammalia, aves, amphibia, reptilia, chondrichthyes and osteichthyes. Other taxa discussed include superclass agnatha and phylum arthropoda with an emphasis on class insecta. Basic characteristics and adaptations of these taxa will be discussed. Basic ecological principles will be described including evolution, adaptations to environmental pressures and population and community ecology. Many of the taxa will be observed through Zoo tours and live animal demonstrations that will emphasize the animal's characteristics, adaptations, evolutionary relationships and basic ecological concepts.  BoK: NS

BIOL 1002       staff     16143  TBA

At the Zoo: Introduction to Animal Behavior and Ecology  This course is designed for the non-science major and will begin by discussing basic ecological concepts, levels of organization in ecology, the role of an organism as an individual and its role in the population, community and biome. Biome distribution will be discussed with an emphasis on species diversity including ecological equivalents, endemic species, convergent evolution and the relevant need for conservation of species and habitats worldwide. Basic animal behavior will be described, including feeding strategies, mating behaviors, migration, social behaviors and animal communication. Tours of the Zoo's animal exhibits and in class animal demonstrations will support and illustrate class discussions.  BoK: NS

BIOL 1041       E. Griff  18801  MWF 12:10-1:15

The Biology of Addiction  This course will have students apply anatomy and physiology concepts to learn how drugs of abuse can lead to dependence and addiction.  The course will be taught at a level appropriate for first-year, non-science majors.  Students will learn the basic properties of cells, emphasizing neurons and neuroglia, the two main cell types in the nervous system, how they communicate with each other, and how neurons are organized into neural circuits.  Students will also learn the basic chemistry of proteins and the effects of drugs on transport proteins, enzyme function, and protein receptors.  We will investigate the mechanisms by which psychostimulants, opioids, nicotine, alcohol, and cannabinoids each affect the nervous system, and how such changes in the brain can influence drug-seeking behaviors, tolerance to the drug, and withdrawal symptoms.  We also will examine treatments used to help addicted individuals.  Students will keep a journal and reflect on how new knowledge about the biology of addiction impacts their understanding, perception and personal identification with what they see, read or hear about addiction and its consequences.  Guest speakers from local drug addiction treatment centers and a brain scanning facility are planned. BoK: NS    

COMM 1055    S. Depoe 18077 MWF 10:10-11:05

Freshman Seminar: Communication, Sports, and Society  The course explores the ways in which organized sport impact culture in the U. S. and around the world, and the role that communication plays in the relationship between sport and cultural formation. This exploration illustrates the tremendous importance of communication in our contemporary world. BoK: SCE, SS    

DMC 1000       E. Torner 17123 M 2:00-4:50

Foundations of Digital Media  This course introduces the field of Digital Media and Cinematic Arts, the faculty who teach it, and the professionals who practice it. Faculty members will present their research and relate that topic to the wider field of Digital Media and Cinematic Arts. Professionals will present their work and relevant projects. This course encourages students to clarify their course of study and build connections with faculty, professionals, and students with similar interests. BoK: FA, HU

ENGL 1010      G. Weissman 21478 TTh 2:00-3:30

Amazing Books!  This course introduces, “How better to encounter literature than through a series of absorbing, moving, and thought-provoking books, experienced and analyzed in discussion with your peers and professors?” This introductory course in interpreting and appreciating literature is designed to expose undergraduate non-English majors to a diverse range of literary works and multi-varied approaches to studying literature. The course is co-taught by several English professors, each of whom leads class on a different amazing book for 1-2 weeks. Given the instructors’ differing approaches to reading and examining literature, this course will introduce you to more varied forms of literary study, and more assorted works of fascinating literature and popular fiction, than most other courses. The diverse readings may include novels, genre fiction, poetry, graphic narratives, short story collections, memoir, and literary nonfiction. BoK; HU    

ENGL 1018      L. Person  17480 MWF 9:05-10:00

001 America Literature, Film, & Environment  This course consists of selected readings chosen to highlight specific literary problems of theme, technique, literary and social heritage, or genre. Topics are described in listings available from the English Department each term.  BoK: HU, SCE    

ENGL 1018      C. Reutter 17486 MWF 1:25-2:20

003 Introduction to Literature & Medicine  This course consists of selected readings chosen to highlight specific literary problems of theme, technique, literary and social heritage, or genre. Topics are described in listings available from the English Department each term.  BoK: HU, SCE

FREN 1042      C. White 20144 MWF12:20-1:15

Love and Desire in French Cinema  This course is the study of a selected topic in French and/or francophone literature and culture. An introduction to the topic, its theoretical implications, and the most important representations will be provided. Several important cultural aspects will be studied in detail and will be analyzed from the point of view of the topic under study. Topics will vary from term to term.  BoK: DC, HU, SCE

FREN 1043      J. Hartman 21541 MWF 12:20-1:15

Raves, Riots and Ritual  This course explores celebration, carnival, festivals, misrule, ritual, street celebration through European cultures past and contemporary events, including medieval France, the source for “Game of Thrones.” Knights, kings, ghosts, curses, combats, vigils, bells, ecstasies, raves, will be investigated by students in group and individual projects, discussion, and writing, using digital and traditional resources. Taught in English. BoK: HP, SCE    

GEOG 1065C   R. Beck 18351 TTh 9:30-1050

Mapping Climate Change and its Solutions with GIS, Aircraft and Satellites  This course will have students create maps using GIS software and aircraft and satellite data to study the causes and solutions to global climate change and explore the most cost-effective methods and the best locations to reduce global warming. This is a user friendly, hands-on course using state-of-the-art mapping tools, articles, videos and in class lectures. BoK: NS    

GEOG 1073     R. South 18353 W 2:30-4:15

Legacies and Landscapes of Yucatan  This course studies the changes in the landscape of Mexico's Yucatan peninsula focusing on the human impact on the environment through time and space. Themes as exemplified by "environmental determinism," ethnic diversity, and economic structure will be explored. Additionally, the course provides students with an opportunity to explore and learn in a foreign setting, via a winter-break field trip to the Yucatan, where they can practice language skills, appreciate different cultures, and become aware of world problems in a third world setting. The course methodology includes field work, observation, journal writing, and interactive experiences. BoK: SCE, SS

GEOL 1001C   C. Brett 17409  Th 3:30-4:50

First Year Seminar I: Geology and Paleontology  This course, the first of a two-part sequence of freshmen seminars, is designed to give introductory students a broad understanding of basic geological principles and to introduce processes in Earth and life history that occur on the scale of millions of years. In particular, it emphasizes the geologic history -- a mixture of geological and biological concepts -- of eastern North America, a world-famous area for Paleozoic rocks and fossils. This seminar provides an overview of the tools by which Earth scientists interpret physical and life history, the depth of geologic time, and the forces that shape our planet's surface. This course incorporates a mixture of class and lab experiences designed to introduce students to the broad concepts of geology largely through field observations and laboratory exploration of data and specimens. Students do not need special background for these classes, but should have a natural curiosity, an eagerness to learn, and a willingness to work in outdoor field situations on day-long trips. Students completing this course will be well prepared to pursue further studies in geology, paleontology, or other natural sciences. BoK: NS

GRMN 1000     L. Preseau 16914 TTh 2:00-3:20

Exploring Language and Intercultural Competence  This course uses readings, guest lectures from language department faculty and international campus services, and participation in international events on campus and in the community to introduce skills and concepts required for language study and intercultural competence. This course emphasizes the importance of language as component of cultural identity and develops sensitivity toward the values and norms of other cultures. BoK: DC, HU, SCE    

HIST 1089       R. Sanders; S. Porter             Selected by DI
                         LE- T 11:00-12:20                  DI variable

Human Rights & Security: Seeking Balance in a Free Society  This course will address: Are human rights and security contradictory or complementary? Must we sacrifice certain freedoms for the sake of national or personal security? This course tackles these problems through the lenses of history and political science, enabling students to learn how knowledge of the past is essential for shaping our present and future. Focusing primarily on the domestic and international politics and policies of the United States, the course explores a number of case studies related to immigration and refugee affairs, wartime internment and detention, counterterrorism and intelligence practices, international intervention and alliances, and economic and social policy. BoK: HP, SE

HIST 1099       M. Sauer 14401 MWF 8:00-8:55am

001 Freshman Topics in History  This course in History is designed to introduce first-year students to key topics of the human past in an engaging yet rigorous manner.Enrollment in these courses is limited to a small number of students. Instruction is based on a seminar format, emphasizing discussion and direct student-professor interaction. BoK: HP Topic: Roaring 20’s – Great Depression

HIST 1099       R. Narayan 14586 TTh 2:00-3:20

003 Freshman Topics in History  This course in History is designed to introduce first-year students to key topics of the human past in an engaging yet rigorous manner.Enrollment in these courses is limited to a small number of students. Instruction is based on a seminar format, emphasizing discussion and direct student-professor interaction. BoK: HP

Topic: Islam in South Asia    

JUDC 1050      J. Brolley 20678 MWF 9:05-10:00

First Year Topics in Judaic Studies: Creation Stories  This course introduces first year students to topics in Judaic Studies and questions raised by the application of an interdisciplinary method. Students analyze primary documents, discuss common readings, and write a paper based on research with secondary and primary sources.  BoK: HU    

NS 1055          A. Stowasser                Selected by DI                          LE- T 2:00-3:20            DI variable

The Life of the Brain  This course introduces the brain as an internal universe that remains mostly unexplored, yet is at the core of who we are, why we feel what we feel, and how we do what we do.  In this introductory course, we will use readings, projects, and discussion to explore how the brain functions, how brain function gives rise to perception and cognition, and what happens to us when typical brain function is altered or disrupted.  BoK: NS    

POL 1027        T. Gaynor 17226  W 3:35-6:25

Social Justice and Popular Culture  This course uses popular culture to introduce students to ideas and concepts related to social justice in the context of race, class, gender identity and other forms of identity, difference and exclusion. Using various types of media (e.g. social media, music, television shows, movies etc.), the course will illuminate the ways in which decision-making, policies, practices, and behaviors have and continue to be used to maintain inequity and inequality for underrepresented groups and communities through interlocking systems of oppression, privilege and power. Additionally, the course will examine how popular culture has and continues to be used for social movements and change to promote social equity and equality. In this examination, students will work to develop impactful and positive strategies to bring about action and social change.  BoK: DEI, SS

POL 1081        T. Moore 15170 MWF 11:15-12:10

Globalization: Opportunities and Challenges  This course introduces first year students to popular, academic and policy-oriented debates about globalization. Drawing primarily on interdisciplinary work by political scientists, economists, journalists, historians, and philosophers, the seminar examines contending analytical and normative perspectives on globalization as an historical and contemporary phenomenon; in so doing, it considers the arguments of globalization's critics and proponents alike. Through in-depth survey and discussion of the political, economic, social, cultural, environmental, and military dimensions of globalization, the seminar will introduce UC students to critical thinking, integrative learning and the importance of professional and civic responsibility. Participants will examine and reflect upon contrasting views of ethics as applied to policy decisions concerning globalization, including how to achieve distributive justice in an era of unprecedented transnational interconnectedness. Students will also consider the importance of diversity and how it is applied across different contexts, as well as learn about opportunities for university engagement on issues related to globalization through undergraduate research, service-learning, internships, and other forms of experiential education.  BoK: SCE, SS

POL 1089        R. Sanders; S. Porter    Selected by DI                          LE-T 11:00-12:20         DI variable

Human Rights & Security: Seeking Balance in a Free Society  This course will address: Are human rights and security contradictory or complementary? Must we sacrifice certain freedoms for the sake of national or personal security? This course tackles these problems through the lenses of history and political science, enabling students to learn how knowledge of the past is essential for shaping our present and future. Focusing primarily on the domestic and international politics and policies of the United States, the course explores a number of case studies related to immigration and refugee affairs, wartime internment and detention, counterterrorism and intelligence practices, international intervention and alliances, and economic and social policy. BoK: HP, SE

WGS 1051       Staff     18155  MWF 10:10-11:05

Revolutionary Women  This course examines women's participation over time and in varying parts of the world in movements for social change, whether through participating in actual revolutions for national liberation or working for causes that revolutionized ways of thinking about culture and society. The course will consider women's participation in revolutionary work at the individual, societal, and global levels.  BoK: SE