The first-year seminar program invites faculty to offer seminars in the 2005-06 academic year. The program is sponsored by the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences and the Honors Program. It features a selection of academic seminars under the heading FRES 1010 and 1020 designed to introduce new students to research, study, and the intellectual life of the University of Georgia. Students in the seminars meet with faculty on a regular basis and learn about their interests and research. For some students, FRES seminars may serve as an entry to the major. The program is in its eighth year and has been popular with students and faculty alike.
To propose a seminar, complete the online form at www.franklin.uga.edu/deans/hruppers/freshsem/proposal.htm. Proposals may also be sent to First-Year Seminar Program, 310F New College, or e-mailed to hruppers@franklin.uga.edu. Proposals should include a title and brief description and should indicate the class period, day and semester desired. Links to lists of seminars taught in the past along with more information about the program, including sample syllabi and answers to questions frequently asked by seminar instructors, may be found at www.franklin.uga.edu/deans/hruppers/freshsem/index.htm.
Enrollment is open to all first-year students. Most seminars earn one credit hour, enroll 15 students, and meet for one 50-minute session per week. Two- or three-credit-hour seminars that meet more often are also possible.
Seminars may be taught on a pass/fail (1010) or traditionally graded A-F (FRES 1020) basis-the traditionally graded approach appears to be more successful. Seminar students receive academic credit towards graduation for the class.
The college hopes to schedule two-thirds of the seminars in the fall term. The instructor’s department receives credit for hours generated. Arts and Sciences faculty who teach a seminar that enrolls at least five students receive a small travel/support account.
Creative, innovative proposals are welcome. An instructor may teach a seminar singly or with one or more colleagues. The topic may lie within a single discipline or may cross disciplines. Some faculty teach “introduction-to-the-major” seminars that acquaint students with different fields of study. The final list of seminars will reflect the diverse talents, interests, and research skills of faculty at UGA.
