Welcome to all new Rutgers students!  As a first year student, you have an exclusive opportunity to enroll in any of the following seminars.   These are small classes specially designed for freshmen only.  All of them are standard 3-credit courses.

If you are interested in enrolling in any of these seminars or have any questions, send them to: Professor Stuart Charmé, Director of the Freshman Seminar Program
 

Seminar Titles and Times

A. Introduction to Philosophy	TuTh 11:00-12:20
B. The Facts of Life	TuTh 11:00-12:20
C. Writing Workshop	TuTh 11:00-12:20
D. Intermediate French--(placement test required)	MWF 11:15-12:10
E. East Asia I: Pre-1800	TuTh 11:00-12:20
F. Introduction to Religion and Contemporary Culture	MW 1:20-2:50
G. Political Issues:  Human Rights	MW 1:20-2:50
H. Foundations of Psychology	TuTh 3:00- 4:20
I. Critical Thinking about Critical Issues (philosophy)	MW 2:50-4:10

Philosophy 730: 111  TuTh 11:00-12:20
Instructor:  Charles Jarrett

This course will consider a variety of philosophical issues in metaphysics and ethics.  Topics include the nature of the mind and its relations to the body, determinism vs. free-will, and some contemporary moral issues such as capital punishment and euthanasia. Texts will include classical works as well as contemporary readings in the analytic and continental traditions. 

B. The Facts of Life

Biology 120:105 TuTh 11:00-12:20
Instructor: Bob Evans

(Not normally open to biology or medical technology majors). Introduction (without laboratory) to biological principles. Covers basic concepts involved in understanding the structure, function, and evolution of organisms with an emphasis placed on the application of biological knowledge to problems of man and society. Topics include human nutrition, disease, reproduction and development, genetic engineering, pollution, and conservation.

C. Writing Workshop

English 989:305 TuTh 11:00-12:20
Instructor: Maggie Piccolo
 

D. Intermediate French

French  420:131 MWF 10:10-11:05
Instructor: Jean-Louis Hyppolyte

This section of the first semester of Intermediate French is directed exclusively to entering freshmen. Classroom time focuses on a comprehensive review of French grammar, while also supporting the active speaking, reading, and writing of the language.  Short entertaining cultural readings will supplement the textbook and workbook. Regular homework, in a controlled amount, will permit the development of all skills and will be gone over in class.  Considerable individual attention is assured, with the goal of ensuring every student's progress.  (requires placement test score at Intermediate French level)
 
 

History 518:231 MW 1:20-2:40pm
Instructor:  Vanderven

The History of East Asia to 1800:  East Asia, the most populated region in the world with the oldest civilization, plays an increasingly vital role on the contemporary international stage. To better understand East Asia's importance, we must first learn about its rich political, social, and cultural traditions. This freshman seminar focuses on China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam, from the beginning up to 1800.  By examining topics such as religion, philosophy, gender, technology, trade, and imperial expansion, we will learn about the indigenous aspects of each of these civilizations, how they interacted with each other, and their historical significance for contemporary concerns.

Religion 840:108 TuTh 9:30 - 10:50
Instructor: Joanna Lightner
 

An examination of the BIG QUESTIONS and the way our culture addresses them. If you're wondering about the meaning of life, come and hear what your classmates think, and discover the wide variety of answers offered by other religions and cultures.
 
 

Political Science 790:102  MonWed 1:30 - 2:50
Instructor:   Arthur Klinghoffer

    This seminar will study the relationship between individual liberty and government authority, various violations of the rights of citizens, and the means available to prevent or prosecute human rights violations.   How do international agreements on human rights conflict with the principle of sovereignty, and is humanitarian intervention a practical solution to human rights problems?  Among the issues discussed will be genocide, crimes against humanity and rights pertaining to women, children, workers and indigenous peoples.
 
 

Psychology  830:100 TuesThurs 3:00 - 4:20pm  
Instructor:  Beth Adelson
 

This course offers a rigorous survey of the central topics studied by psychologists who see the discipline as a science. We look at the classic experiments and the state of current theory. We confront the tension which scientists experience, in saying that some things are uncertain and ambiguous, while other things are clearly known. We will cover issues in the areas of conditioning, cognition, development, social interaction and psychopathology. Attendance at all sessions is required, we will have frequent exams and quizzes, as well as student-led question and discussion sessions.
 

Philosophy  730:392 MonWed 2:50-4:10
Instructor:  Ed Young

Many issues which are of critical importance to our society get a lot of attention, but not very much careful attention.  Even if everyone has a right to an opinion, isn't there still a difference between an opinion that is justified and one that is not?  Isn't it important to avoid being duped?  This is a course to help you see through the hype on issues like the death penalty, abortion, censorship, affirmative action, the meaning of art, and the existence of God, by focusing attention on the basics of critical thinking.