Time Schedule:
James Kurt Xyst
GEN ST 197
Seattle Campus
Small-group discussion with faculty representing a wide spectrum of academic disciplines. Topics and approaches vary. Instructor may introduce research techniques or findings, concentrate on readings in his/her area of interest, or illustrate problems and alternatives related to the study of a particular academic discipline. Credit/no credit only. Offered: AWSp.
Class description
The second year of college is noticeably different than the first. As a freshman, your job is to explore the University and transition to a new phase of life. As a sophomore, your job, more or less, is to make decisions; decisions about what classes worked the first year and which didn't, decisions about where your interests might lie, decisions about a major.
At the same time, most students do not receive direct instruction in how to make good decisions, nor do most really know how to "do college" at the UW properly.
In this freshman seminar, we will talk about what the University expects of you during your second year, look at some relevant research about the second year of college that can help you put it into better context and practice using a decision making strategy that will assist you in developing a concrete educational action plan for the second year of college and beyond.
Student learning goals
Articulate a vision of your college experience
Contextualize your experience with research
Recognize what the University of Washington expects of you as a student
Understand your particular stage of exploration
Develop and critically evaluate an educational plan for your second year of college
General method of instruction
Seminar-based discovery, small-group work, outside reading. Participants will develop and present a five dimensional educational plan relevant to their goals and interests
Recommended preparation
Class assignments and grading
Credit/No Credit based heavily on coming to seminar and participating in discussion. Weekly reading of five to ten pages. Development of individual education-action plan.
