Freshman Seminars

**Highlighted = Reserved for LCs/ other Student Groups** 

• AFST 1001 – 001: Introduction to Africana Studies (DL 100% - Asynchronous) 
  This course is an introduction to the interdisciplinary field of Africana Studies. It introduces students to the history and evolution of the field of Africana Studies and its scholarly/activist paradigm. The course also explores classical African civilizations, the African enslavement period and the dynamic civil rights and black power movements. It will also discuss contemporary social and political movements, new black leadership and black creative expressions, including hip hop culture. This course addresses the Africana Studies First Year Career outcomes (First Year Career Touchpoint).
• AFST 1022 – 001: Freshman Topics in Africana Studies (DL 100% - Asynchronous)
  This freshman seminar 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.
• AFST 1030 – 001: Black Lives Matter in a “Post-Racial” Society (W 2:30 – 5:20)
  How does racism continue to adversely affect the life chances of people of African descent? This course addresses experiences of anti-black racism in the United States and addresses ways to ameliorate persistent racial inequalities. Course topics include: health, (im)migration, education and political participation, economic inequality, Black communities and families, mass incarceration, the Civil Rights movement, Black Lives Matter, Black feminisms, and Black LGBTQ communities. Throughout the course, we will explore the role of social movements in promoting change for people of African descent in the US and in the broader African diaspora. *This is a combined section*
• AFST 2058 – 001 Sociology of Hip Hop (T/H 2:00 – 3:20)
  Hip Hop culture is, arguably, the most influential and impactful form of popular culture in the world today, having evolved as a form of cultural expression from the boroughs of New York City to a genre impacting youth and young adults in nations over the world. This course analyzes the genre through a Critical Race Theory lens with a focus on issues including gender relations, sexual orientation, and the action research potential of socially conscious hip hop artists vs. rap artists who focus primarily on acquiring as much money and status items as possible with no regard for critical community analysis or uplift. Ultimately, students in this course will understand and articulate the past activities, current realities and future potential of the Africana Studies 'scholar-activist' model as practiced by hip hop artists and as reflected in hip hop culture. *This is a combined section*
• ARAB 1194 – 001 Religion and Climate Change (T/H 2:00 – 3:20)
  Before we live with other humans, before all is made political or ethical, we live with the earth. Whether we realize it or not, we relate to the earth and all of its inhabitants deeply, as if to the beloved. Yet, this existential relationship with nature is deeply fractured because of the global climate crisis. So, in this course we will explore relevant texts from religious and spiritual traditions from around the world, as well as works by scholars aimed at shedding light on religion, science, and climate change. The course also examines the relationship between spiritual traditions and the global environment in the Anthropocene. The course ultimately aims to enhance our understanding of the spiritual and religious dimensions of the environmental crisis and the possible ways to overcome it. Lectures and discussions will be supplemented with visual materials, music, and movies where appropriate. 
• CLAS 1003 – 001 Freshman Seminar in Classical Civilization (M/W/F 11:15 – 12:10)
  The Freshman Seminar in Classical Civilization course is designed to introduce first-year students to key topics of the Greek and Roman world in an engaging, yet rigorous manner. The focus of the topics will change from year to year. Enrollment is limited to a small number of students. Instruction is based on the seminar format, emphasizing discussion and direct student-professor interaction. The course is part of the university's First Year Experience program. Pre-Requisite: To take this course you must: Be enrolled in one of these Programs 15ASC, 15BAC, 15CRT, 15MAJ, 15MIN, 40UOP. Be a First Year Student.
• DMC 1000 – 001 Foundations of Digital Media (M/W/F 10:10 – 1:05)
  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.
• DMC 1000 – 002 Foundations of Digital Media (M/W/F 11:15 – 12:10)
  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.
• DMC 1000 – 003 Foundations of Digital Media (DL 100% - Asynchronous)
  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.
• ENGL 1002 – 001 English Composition Freshman Seminar (T/H 11:00 – 12:20)
  This course emphasizes critical reading, writing, and textual analysis with particular focus on argument and research-based writing. This course is focused on a theme suitable for the Freshman Seminar designation. - Prerequisite Definition: To take this course you must: Have taken the following Course ENGL1000 min grade C-. Be enrolled in one of these Programs 40UOP, 15MAJ, 15ASC, 15BAC, 15CRT, 15MIN. Be a First Year Student. Taken one of these tests ACT ENGL min score of 18, or ACT ELA1 min score of 18, or ACT EW min score of 18, or ACT WR min score of 18, or SAT EBRW min score of 480, or SAT VERB min score of 430, or SAT WR min score of 430, or UCPT ENGL min score of 5. *Topic: Writing the Outdoors*
• ENGL 2193 – 001 Introduction to Environmental Writing (In Person: H 12:30 – 1:50; DL 26-74%)
  This course introduces students to the fundamental principles and practices of writing on topics related to environmental issues that intersect with social justice, economics, and public health, and to consider the influence of this type of writing on public opinion and policy. For example, how does writing for the public discourse, as well as for specialized discourses such as science journals, influence policy and outcomes on environmental issues at the local, national and global scale? Readings might include Aldo Leopald’s A Sand County Almanac, Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring, and John McPhee’s The Control of Nature. Students will likely also engage in active- and service-learning projects pertaining to preservation and engagement in local environmental issues. For instance, past projects have had students working on issues relating to Burnet Woods, the urban greenspace adjacent to UC’s campus. Students will produce a writing portfolio including a media release, brochure, opinion piece, and outreach materials, among other possible texts. *This is a combined section*
• EVST 2193 – 001 Introduction to Environmental Writing (In Person: H 12:30 – 1:50; DL 26-74%)
  This course introduces students to the fundamental principles and practices of writing on topics related to environmental issues that intersect with social justice, economics, and public health, and to consider the influence of this type of writing on public opinion and policy. For example, how does writing for the public discourse, as well as for specialized discourses such as science journals, influence policy and outcomes on environmental issues at the local, national and global scale? Readings might include Aldo Leopald’s A Sand County Almanac, Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring, and John McPhee’s The Control of Nature. Students will likely also engage in active- and service-learning projects pertaining to preservation and engagement in local environmental issues. For instance, past projects have had students working on issues relating to Burnet Woods, the urban greenspace adjacent to UC’s campus. Students will produce a writing portfolio including a media release, brochure, opinion piece, and outreach materials, among other possible texts. *This is a combined section*
• FREN 1041 – 001 Freshman Seminar: French Topics (DL 100% - M/W/F 1:25 – 2:20)
  This freshman seminar 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. This freshman seminar 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. *Topic: Introduction to French Language Films
  This course provides an introduction to French-language films, with an emphasis on stories of love and desire from various periods. France being known for its stories of love, longing, and desire, we will explore how filmmakers use image and narrative to continue this tradition rooted in over 900 years of narratives of desire in literature. All films are in French with English subtitles and the course is conducted in English (students with an intermediate level of French are welcome to write their response papers in French). The goal of the course is threefold: 1) to develop an appreciation of French-language films that have received critical and popular success, with a broad range of desire narratives, 2) an exploration of French and Francophone cultures and 3) to acquire analytical skills that will enable you to understand the various elements of cinema – directing, acting, cinematography, design, and more. More than simply discussing the “meaning” of each film, we will explore how the films tell their stories of love and desire and the ways in which the films reflect French and Francophone societies and cultures.
  This is a remote, asynchronous course that takes place entirely on Canvas: there are no class meetings. However, you will be required to participate in weekly online written discussions on Canvas. This is a discussion-based course, and your participation is essential.
• HIST 1099 – 001 Freshman Topics in History (DL 100% - M/W/F 1:25 – 2:20)
  The Freshman Topics in History course 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. The course is part of the university's First Year Experience program. *Topic: Environmental Activism*
  This freshman seminar will examine the environmental movement in the United States. After World War II, the expansion of industrial capitalism and militarization rapidly altered the American landscape. In response, environmental activists organized to confront the toxic hazards that pervaded modern life. We will explore popular case studies, including Earth Day, Love Canal, and Warren County’s PCB landfill, which transformed American culture, politics, and science. Students will also learn from the diverse voices, including coal miners, organic gardeners, and Civil Rights activists that remade the movement and our environment over time.
• PHIL 1032 – 001 How Science Works (T/H 2:00 – 3:20)
  Like a car, an airplane, or any other tool, science works in a particular way, for a particular purpose. So we can ask: what makes it go? What are its parts, and how do they fit together? What are they for? We will explore these questions by looking at real-life scientific and technological innovations that shed light on the methods, procedures, and concepts of science. Specific topics include: the role of statistics, types of experimental procedures, the relation between scientific "models" and reality, and the values and starting assumptions that influence scientific theories. The course will prepare students for more focused work in particular sciences and help non-science majors become more sophisticated consumers of scientific information.
• POL 1027 – 001 Social Justice, Change and Popular Culture (DL 100% - Asynchronous - 2^nd Half Section)
  This freshmen seminar 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. - Prerequisite Definition: To take this course you must: Be enrolled in one of these Programs 15MAJ, 15ASC, 15BAC, 15CRT, 15MIN, 99CRT. Be a First Year Student.
• SOC 1030 – 001 Black Lives Matter in a “Post-Racial” Society (W 2:30 – 5:20)
  How does racism continue to adversely affect the life chances of people of African descent? This course addresses experiences of anti-black racism in the United States and addresses ways to ameliorate persistent racial inequalities. Course topics include: health, (im)migration, education and political participation, economic inequality, Black communities and families, mass incarceration, the Civil Rights movement, Black Lives Matter, Black feminisms, and Black LGBTQ communities. Throughout the course, we will explore the role of social movements in promoting change for people of African descent in the US and in the broader African diaspora. *This is a combined section*
• SOC 2058 – 001 Sociology of Hip Hop (T/H 2:00 – 3:20)
  Hip Hop culture is, arguably, the most influential and impactful form of popular culture in the world today, having evolved as a form of cultural expression from the boroughs of New York City to a genre impacting youth and young adults in nations over the world. This course analyzes the genre through a Critical Race Theory lens with a focus on issues including gender relations, sexual orientation, and the action research potential of socially conscious hip hop artists vs. rap artists who focus primarily on acquiring as much money and status items as possible with no regard for critical community analysis or uplift. Ultimately, students in this course will understand and articulate the past activities, current realities and future potential of the Africana Studies 'scholar-activist' model as practiced by hip hop artists and as reflected in hip hop culture. *This is a combined section*
• WGS 1030 – 001 Black Lives Matter in a “Post-Racial” Society (W 2:30 – 5:20)
  How does racism continue to adversely affect the life chances of people of African descent? This course addresses experiences of anti-black racism in the United States and addresses ways to ameliorate persistent racial inequalities. Course topics include: health, (im)migration, education and political participation, economic inequality, Black communities and families, mass incarceration, the Civil Rights movement, Black Lives Matter, Black feminisms, and Black LGBTQ communities. Throughout the course, we will explore the role of social movements in promoting change for people of African descent in the US and in the broader African diaspora. *This is a combined section*
• WGS 1051 – 001 Revolutionary Women (M/W/F 9:05 – 10:00)
  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.