what is a first year seminar course

by Mariah Osinski Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago 9 min read

First-Year Seminar (FYS) is an introductory class offered to first-year students to help them acclimate to the college environment, develop effective strategies for studying, and learn techniques that will allow them to swiftly complete small assignments and sizable research projects. In 2014, approximately 80 percent of universities offered FYS, and students who took the course, on average, were less likely to transfer to another school and more likely to receive higher grades. The class allows students to learn more information about the college, select courses that are related to their majors and/or minors, effectively utilize resources while they are studying, cooperate with other students to complete projects, and appreciate the benefits of taking a particular course. FYS also enriches the experiences of first-year students by helping them find organizations of interest, understand university policies, and pursue hobbies while attending the college. At some colleges, students who have already taken a FYS course volunteer to become mentors who provide assistance to first-year students while they are taking the class. Analysis has shown that a high percentage of new enrollees indicated that mentors had a very positive impact on their overall experiences. Moreover, at many colleges and universities, there were increases in the retention rate.

The first year seminar courses are special courses for first year students to enhance their academic and social integration into college. FYS provides an introduction to the nature of higher education and a general orientation to the functions and resources of the university.

Full Answer

Why to take a first year seminar?

First Year Seminar courses provide first year and transfer students the opportunity to learn problem-based research skills in a course that revolves around a common, broad topic.

What do you study in first year?

What is a First Year Seminar Course? The first year seminar courses are special courses for first year students to enhance their academic and social integration into college. FYS provides an introduction to the nature of higher education and a general orientation to the functions and resources of the university. The course is designed to help first year students adjust to the …

What to expect in your first year?

The First-Year Seminar Program offers first-year students small-sized classes taught by some of Yale's most distinguished faculty members. Covering a wide range of subjects, these seminars are designed specifically with first years in mind to provide them with the opportunity to work closely with faculty members and peers.

Can you change first year seminar?

The First-Year Seminar program was created to strengthen a culture of close intellectual contact between teachers and students in the pre-major years. The program, which includes over seventy-five seminars annually, offers students the chance to …

What does seminar course mean?

Seminars are often defined as small, discussion-based courses. Typically, students complete readings and assignments before the class and discuss major themes or topics during class.

How does a seminar course work?

College seminar courses are typically small, and are generally led by a professor. They are often higher-level classes that focus on a specialized subject area in a given major or minor. Students are expected to participate regularly in college seminars, including giving presentations and participating in discussions.Jul 25, 2017

What is the difference between a course and a seminar?

As nouns the difference between seminar and course

is that seminar is a class held for advanced studies in which students meet regularly to discuss original research, under the guidance of a professor while course is a sequence of events.

What is the purpose of a seminar class?

Seminars—small classes typically driven by discussion and other forms of active learning and in which students often take on teaching roles and responsibilities—offer tremendous opportunities for students and educators to make learning experiential, meaningful, and lasting.

Are seminar classes easy?

Though some students view a seminar as an easier course than traditional college classes, these seminars still require a large amount of work. In a traditional seminar class, the professor will present students with a syllabus that tells them the materials and resources they need to read before the next class.

What is seminar example?

The definition of a seminar is a class at a college or university, or is a formal meeting where discussion takes place. A writing class where you attend and get feedback on your work is an example of a seminar. A meeting for an exchange of ideas; a conference. The group of students in such a course.

What's better seminar or lecture?

Lectures are large - depending on subject can have 200+, with one person talking and students taking notes. Usually last between an hour and two hours. Seminars are much smaller (typically up to 20), involve students more (discussing papers, undertaking a task, group work etc).

What is a seminar and a lecture?

Definitions: A seminar is a small group session where you get the chance to discuss the content you have been assigned to learn for the week. A lecture is a large group session where the teacher is the central discussant.

What is the difference between seminar and teaching?

Unlike a lecture, the subjects are widely discussed in a seminar. Moreover, new ideas and theories evolve through seminars. In a lecture, the students are usually silent. But in a seminar, the students engage in discussions.

What are the disadvantages of seminar?

1 Costs. Seminars cost a lot of money to run, and as a result, the cost for attending can be prohibitive to many potential attendees. ...
2 Time Away from Work. ...
3 Preparation and Participation. ...
4 Risks and Expectations.

Sep 26, 2017

How can I prepare for seminar?

How can you prepare?

Look at the seminar topic in advance and consider what thoughts you already have.
Read the set text or do the pre-seminar activity, and note your response, questions, thoughts and criticisms.
Look back at your lecture notes and jot down questions, comments and things you'd like to discuss.

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What is the benefit of seminar?

Attending a seminar has numerous benefits, including improving communication skills, gaining expert knowledge, networking with others and renewing motivation and confidence.

About the Program

Approximately seventy-five first-year seminars are offered each year across dozens of departments. Some provide an introduction to a particular field of study, while others take an interdisciplinary approach to a selected topic.

Application to First-Year Seminars

Students may apply online for first-year seminars; applications are typically due a few days before the start of the term.

How are first-year seminars different from other courses?

The primary distinction between first-year seminars and other courses is that first-year seminar enrollment is limited to eighteen first-year students who are admitted through a centralized online application process (most seminars have fewer than fifteen students) and most first-year seminars meet for two 75-minute sessions each week.

Why first-year students?

The first year of college is commonly a time of profound transition.

Why seminars?

Although lecture courses have an important place in the undergraduate curriculum—and may be the most effective way to teach material in certain subjects—small classes with ample opportunities for discussion provide a valuable complement to lectures, especially in the first year when students often enroll in several introductory lecture courses.

How are students admitted to a seminar?

Students apply for admission to a seminar before each term through an online application process. Because interest is greater than spaces available, students are admitted through a computerized lottery. Faculty receive a roster of admitted students before the first day of class.

Are funds available for course support?

Yes, funding is available through a designated gift to the program for course enhancements, which can support field trips, guest speakers, course materials, refreshments, etc.

Proposing a new First-Year Seminar

Faculty who are interested in proposing a first-year seminar should discuss their plans with the appropriate director of undergraduate studies to confirm that the proposed course supports the curricular needs of the department or program.

What is a FYS class?

LC students take several classes together in their first fall and spring semesters, including a first-year seminar (FYS) – a course that focuses on improving critical academic skills, making campus connections, and transitioning to college.

What is a learning community?

A learning community is the easiest way to learn about all the resources and policies you need to know at Auburn and to get involved on campus. Through your participation in a learning community, you not only make friends but also learn about other opportunities to get involved.

What is success strategy?

Success Strategies is a one-credit hour graded course that helps students fine-tune their academic and personal skills. Students will learn about note-taking and study strategies; reading, writing, and presentation skills; memory and test-taking tips; and career opportunities.

How many credit hours are in TFYS?

Students selecting a TFYS will be enrolled in only an FYS course with the indicated theme. This course is 1-2 credit hours with 20 students and allows the flexibility for students to customize the rest of their class schedule around the FYS course.

How many students are in LC cohort?

Learning Communities. LC cohorts are composed of 20 students who share a common interest or major. Students are co-enrolled in an FYS and two to four additional courses (usually Core Curriculum courses).

What is an RLC in school?

RLCs provide students with a residentially-based small group experience that enriches their in-class instruction and provides focused out-of-class activities. RLC members will live together in Aubie Hall (Village neighborhood) and are co-enrolled in a First Year Seminar and two or three additional classes. Each RLC accommodates up to 20 students per cohort. Students will need to complete the Housing Application and then the RLC Application.