This page summarizes the learning objectives of the Core Program requirements, as well as the First-Year Seminars.
FYS Mission
The mission of the FYS (First-Year Seminar) is to prepare all first-year students for success at 新月直播. In FYS courses, students engage in shared intellectual experiences that develop effective college-level writing and enhance critical thinking. FYS courses also assist students with the transition to college and include an introduction to scholarly inquiry and information literacy.
FYS Designation Criteria
FYS courses are only open to students who are in their first-year at the College. FYS courses will be capped at a number (typically 16 students) which is smaller than almost every other introductory 100-level class at the College. FYS courses do not satisfy any other Core Program requirement.
FYS Semester Emphasis
Fall: In addition to the primary goals of all FYS courses to develop effective college-level writing and enhance critical thinking, Fall FYS courses pay attention to and provide assistance with navigating the transition to college life; the writing focus is creation of multiple thesis-driven essays.
Spring: In addition to the primary goals of all FYS courses to develop effective college-level writing and enhance critical thinking, Spring FYS courses center scholarly inquiry and research that includes an introduction to information literacy; the writing focus is the production of a long (10-12 pages) research paper.