The Freshman Seminar Program offers first-year students access to small, discussion-oriented classes that many UW students may not experience until they are juniors or seniors. Distinguished UW faculty members teach these seminars on a topic of personal or professional interest. Freshman Seminars provide an intimate setting for engaging discussion between students and the professor. These seminars are particularly appropriate for students who want a first look at an unfamiliar field of study.
Spring 2012 Freshman Seminars
General Studies 197 A: Sport Psychology (SLN: 14078)
Wed 12:30-1:20pm (1 credit), Rose Auditorium (Conibear Shellhouse)
Instructor: Ron Chamberlain, Sport Psychologist, Athletics
The Sport Psychology seminar is designed to introduce freshmen student-athletes to psychological skills training for successful performance. Students will learn the building blocks for successful performance, better understand what it means to be ready to play, and learn how thoughts and emotions interact to impact performance. Students will gain better awareness of their performance readiness through reading, journal writing, class discussions, and meetings with the instructor. The class is open to all freshman performers including musicians, performing artists, and recreational sport athletes.
General Studies 197 B: The Role of Uncertainty in Scientific Discovery and the Scientific Method (SLN: 14079)
Mon 10:30-11:20am (1 credit), MGH 248
Instructor: Keisha Carlson, Dept of Genome Sciences
Ever wonder how scientists know so much? Actually, they are uncertain about everything they do. Uncertainty allows for perpetual discovery. In this seminar, learn about the role uncertainty played in major scientific discoveries throughout history, about current uncertainty in different fields of science, and how to take advantage of uncertainty rather than fear it. Sophomore welcome to take course. To register email seminars@uw.edu.
General Studies 197 C: Challenging Boundaries: Richard Feynman, Science, and the Theatre (SLN: 14080)
Tues 9:30-10:20 am (1 credit), MGH 074
Instructor: Michelle Granshaw, School of Drama
How has the theatre represented science and its leaders? How do these representations affect our understanding of scientific questions and ideas? In what ways can science help us analyze performance and dramatic structure? How can theatre act as a mediator between science and general audiences? This seminar will examine The Meaning of it All in dialogue with dramatic texts that confront Feynman’s key arguments, ideas, and questions. The course will explore the role of imagination and doubt in the scientific process, relationships between science, religion and morality, and the influence of dramatic representation on our understanding of Feynman as a scientist and man. Sophomore welcome to take course. To register email seminars@uw.edu.
General Studies 197 D: The A-Bomb: Before and After(SLN: 14081)
Mon 12:30-1:20 pm (1 credit), MGH 074
Instructor: Wesley Smith, Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences
In this seminar, students will enhance self-awareness through targeted personal inventories and reflection. Through participation in activities and discussions, students will identify their leadership style while building skills in conflict management, positive impact and other aspects of leadership development. Students will have the opportunity to apply their knowledge to a team setting in order to gain a greater understanding of group dynamics. Resources will be provided throughout the seminar, which serve to promote wellness, congruence, and continued personal development throughout their college experience. Sophomore welcome to take course. To register email seminars@uw.edu.
General Studies 197 E: Cross-Cultural Understanding: Preparing to Study Abroad (SLN: 14082)
Wed 2:30-3:20 pm (1 credit), MGH 074
Instructor: Shannon Koller, International Programs and Exchanges
This seminar on Cross-Cultural Understanding, taught by UW Study Abroad professionals, will introduce you to basic concepts, theories and best practices that are critical in developing an understanding of different cultural practices and a respect for diversity in our interdependent world. The course is designed to enhance your future international experiences – including study abroad – using these learned skills and practices. In addition to basic cultural theories and frameworks, you will acquire practical skills to communicate more effectively across and within cultures. This will lead to deeper interactions with other cultures and lead to a more meaningful and enhanced experience abroad. Throughout the seminar, you will be introduced to the various types of programs and locations in which UW students can study abroad so that you have the tools and information to select your first international experience as a UW student.
General Studies 197 F: Academic and Personal Discovery: Building Your College Experience (SLN: 14083)
Wednesday, 3:30-4:20 pm (1 credit), Poplar Hall 106
Instructor: Brittany (Wooten) Nimeh, Residential Life/Housing and Food Services
Develop goals to enrich your academic experience by exploring opportunities and evaluating life choices that affect physical and mental well-being. Engage with professionals and peers; class participation, short assignments and personal reflection will be required. Academic Discovery topics may include: choosing a major and preparing for a career; opportunities for involvement, service learning, and volunteering; internships; undergraduate research; and study abroad. Personal Discovery topics may include: health, nutrition and fitness; mental well-being; and developing healthy relationships. Enrollment: 25 students; to overload, email: hfsfrsem@uw.edu and specify “Academic and Personal Discovery FR SEM”
General Studies 197 G:Personal Growth and Leadership (SLN: 19872)
Tuesday and Thursdays, 3:30 – 4:20 pm (2 credit), Poplar Hall 106
Instructor: Michelle Primley Benton, Residential Life/Housing and Food Services
Jennifer Connors, Residential Life/Housing and Food Service
Explore elements of personal identity, identify skills and how these related to ‘leadership’ experiences.. Popular inventories, such as the Enneagram, Myers-Briggs and Strengthsquest, will be completed to promote self-awareness and clarify goals and interests. With a greater understanding of strengths and areas of opportunity for further development, students will refine skills like networking, interviewing techniques and effectively applying for internships and jobs. This course will help students apply their strengths to further their own personal development.
Enrollment: 25 students; to overload, email: hfsfrsem@uw.edu and specify “Personal Growth and Leadership FR SEM”
General Studies 197 H: Exploring Paths to Health Careers(SLN: 19871)
Tuesday, 3:30 – 4:20 pm (1 credit), Poplar Hall 105
Instructor: Lauren Boyd, Residential Life/Housing and Food Services
Of the ~2500 freshman who come to UW identifying as pre-med, about 400 eventually apply to medical school. Most students discover their passion in other health-related professions or new directions. This seminar is for Freshmen completing the general chemistry series who are considering careers in health related fields. Topics will include: academic success in pre-health classes, academic planning and advising, and other pursuits, such as undergraduate research, volunteering, and experiential learning, to help you identify a path that fits your goals.
Enrollment: 25 students; TO OVERLOAD, EMAIL: HFSFRSEM@UW.EDU AND SPECIFY “EXPLORING HEALTH CAREERS” SEMINAR
General Studies 197 I: Microbial World: Friend and Foe (SLN: 20027)
Wednesday, 3:00 – 3:50 pm (1 credit), HSK 350 (Micro Conference Room)
Instructor: Roger Bumgarner, Department of Microbiology
The course will cover the applications of microbiology in society ranging from progress towards curing HIV, to food safety, to the impact of viruses and bacteria on local salmon populations, to clinical testing in a hospital setting. Students will hear from a wide variety of faculty conducting both basic and applied research. Students will have the opportunity to hear how these individuals were attracted to their specific field of study, what the focus of their work is, and the potential implications their work may have on society. Sophomore welcome to take course. To register email seminars@uw.edu.
Interested in Teaching a Freshman Seminar?
If you are a faculty or staff member who is interested in teaching a Freshman Seminar, please read this information , complete the freshman seminar submission form, or contact First Year Programs, or call 206-543-4905 for additional information.
To view information about previously-offered seminars, please visit our archives.
