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2014-2015 THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EDUCATOR AND EMPLOYER. THIS PUBLICATION/MATERIAL IS AVAILABLE IN ALTERNATIVE FORMATS UPON REQUEST. PLEASE CONTACT THE OFFICE OF THE VICE PROVOST AND DEAN OF UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION 234 MORRILL HALL (612) 626-9425 Office of Undergraduate Education Who took all of these photos? Dear Class of 2018: WELCOME TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA! Undoubtedly, you have seen the words “Driven to Discover” around campus. The University is about discovery: the discovery of a brain cap that makes it possible to control computers with only your mind; the discovery that bacteria can be used to generate electricity; and the discovery of new technology such as the robots designed to protect troops from harm. But discovery at the U of M is also about the discovery you are embarking on to find your place in the world - who you are, what you want, what you will be. We are here to help you with these important discoveries. This booklet will introduce you to an exciting array of small courses designed just for you, the Class of 2018. Studies from around the country have repeatedly shown that students do well in college and enjoy the experience when they get to know faculty members and other students. Freshman Seminars are designed to help you do just that. They are limited to about 15 to 20 students, so you will have a real opportunity to get to know other students in your class and to interact with a faculty member who will guide you and help you make the adjustment to college. This is a wonderful opportunity to explore new areas or to test your interest in something you might eventually choose as a major. There are no prerequisites for any Freshmen just like you! of these courses–except a willingness to learn, participate, and be open to new ideas and approaches. If you are in the University Honors Program, any Freshman Seminar The photo above, along with all of the photos in this book, is part of a student initiative called the First-Year Photo Project. you take will count as an Honors experience. Throughout their first year, the project participants take images explaining their view of transitional issues facing first-year So open your mind, explore the richness the University has to offer, and discover students at different times. yourself! Since 2004 the First-Year Photo Project has worked to bring together a small group of students during their first year of college to photograph their experiences as they transition into the University of Minnesota community. To learn more, visit www.ofyp.umn.edu/photoproject. Laura Coffin Koch Associate Dean Office of Undergraduate Education What is a Freshman Seminar? A Freshman Seminar is a small, discussion-oriented class that is designed just for first-year students. Faculty who teach Freshman Seminars have developed each class around their particular interests, and students are able to learn in a small class environment from an expert in the field. What to expect in a Freshman Seminar: › A small class (15-20 students) of first-year students where it is easier to talk, participate, and engage in class discussions › Faculty who create these courses specifically for first-year students and are excited about the subject › An opportunity to work with faculty who will help you better understand how to succeed academically at the University of Minnesota Tips for Success in a Freshman Seminar (and all your classes!): › Come to class prepared with readings and assignments completed › Express your thoughts and opinions by participating in group discussions › Visit your professor during office hours › Get to know your classmates › Ask plenty of questions How to Search Online for Freshman Seminars If you would like to search for a Freshman Seminar online, follow the steps below. The online course catalog will always contain the most up-to-date information on Freshman Seminars. 1. Visit onestop.umn.edu, and select “Class Search” under Quick Links 2. Enter Search Criteria: » Select the term (Fall 2014 or Spring 2015) » Under “Sections” select “All sections” » Under “Class title” enter “Freshman Seminar” 3. Click the “Search” button If you have questions about any of the Freshman Seminars, contact your adviser. Important Websites Freshman Seminars: www.ofyp.umn.edu/freshsem Learning Abroad Center: www.umabroad.umn.edu Libraries: www.lib.umn.edu Orientation & First-Year Programs: www.ofyp.umn.edu One Stop Student Services: www.onestop.umn.edu MyU Web Portal: www.myu.umn.edu Welcome Week: www.welcomeweek.umn.edu Freshman Seminars 2014-2015 1 Freshman Seminars Abroad Several of the Freshman Seminars listed in this booklet also include a study abroad opportunity. Freshman Seminars Abroad are a great introduction to studying abroad! These seminars combine on-campus instruction during fall semester 2014 or spring semester 2015 with a study abroad component over winter break (fall seminar) or over spring break (spring seminars). You will receive three credits for a Freshman Seminar Abroad, and many fulfill a liberal education requirement. To participate, apply through the Learning Abroad Center and register for the seminar on One Stop. There are deadlines to register for Freshman Seminars Abroad. For more information, visit: http://www.umabroad.umn.edu/programs/fsa.php or contact Sarah Tschida at [email protected] or 612-626-6712. Fall 2014 Freshman Seminar Abroad: PHYS 1904: Emerging Technologies in Israel, page 31 Marvin Marshak, Department of Physics Study Abroad in Israel Spring 2015 Freshman Seminars Abroad: BIOL 1905: Innovation and Imagination in Ireland, page 39 Nicole Letawsky Shultz, College of Biological Sciences Student Services Study Abroad in Ireland BIOL 1905: Sowing Discord: GMOs in Europe and the U.S., page 40 Robert Brambl, Department of Biology Study Abroad in Germany and Switzerland CFAN 1904: Coral Reef Management in Belize, page 41 Jim Perry, Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology Study Abroad in Belize DES 1904: Impressionism in Paris and Southern France, page 42 Monica Fogg, Department of Graphic Design Study Abroad in France DES 1909W: Design in Istanbul, page 43 James Boyd Brent, Department of Graphic Design Study Abroad in Turkey GER 1905: Exploring Berlin Through the Silver Screen, page 44 Rick McCormick, Department of German, Scandinavian, and Dutch Study Abroad in Germany TH 1905: Backstage Pass to London: From the Guthrie to the Globe, page 46 Dennis Behl, Department of Theatre Arts and Dance Study Abroad in England 2 University of Minnesota CLA Humanistic Commons Several courses in this booklet are Humanistic Commons Courses. They are all marked in the indices on the following pages with the acronym “H”. So, what are “The Humanities” and why do we study them? The humanities give us insight into everything. Through the study of the languages, literature, history, and cultures of humans, students develop the foundation for exploring and understanding the human experience. What does it mean to be a human being? How do we process and document the human experience? What do humans make, collect, exhibit, or discard and how does this shape our personal histories and those of our cultures? What can the study of the humanities teach us about ourselves and our interactions with the world both locally and globally? How do we understand the world we live in and how do we imagine the future? These seminars offered for the first time by the College of Liberal Arts as part of the Humanistic Commons are uniquely designed to introduce first-year students to humanistic study and research. The study of the humanities is not limited to writings found in classic books. In these seminars, students will be introduced to media, music, images, motion pictures, recorded or broadcast sound, and performances to experience the depth and breadth of human culture and gain new insights into everything human. Freshman Seminars 2014-2015 3 Fall 2014 Seminars Alphabetical by Designator AEM 1905 High-Power Rocketry ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 12 AFRO 1902 Social and Cultural History of Blacks in Sports (DSJ) .................................................................................................................................................... 12 ALL 1905 Bollywood and Beyond: Introduction to Indian Cinema.................................................................................................................................................. 12 AMIN 1905 American Indians and National Parks ............................................................................................................................................................................ 13 AMST 1905 Americans Abroad: Rethinking Travel, Culture, and Empire ............................................................................................................................................. 13 ANTH 1902 Race and the Making of Humans (DSJ, H) .................................................................................................................................................................... 13 APEC 1905 The “Ordinary” Business of Life: Issues in Business, Government, and Macroeconomics ............................................................................................... 13 APEC 1905 A Sustainable Global Food System ..............................................................................................................................................................................