The Goals of First Year Seminars

First Year Seminars introduce students to academic inquiry and the modes of expression that lie at the heart of a liberal arts education. Every FYS is designed to fulfill several objectives. As an FYS 102, this course follows a sequence of learning outcomes from fall to spring; it builds upon what you have learned about critical reading and thinking, argumentative writing, library research, and oral communication in the first semester, FYS 101. The goals of FYS 102 are to

1. Expand and deepen students’ understanding of the world and of themselves
2. Enhance their ability to read and think critically
3. Enhance their ability to communicate effectively, in writing, speech, and other appropriate forms, especially argumentative writing
4. Develop and refine students’ research skills