Freshman Seminars
Fall 2006

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. First come-first serve.

If you are interested in enrolling in any of these seminars or have any questions, please contact: Professor Stuart Charmé, Director of the Freshman Seminar Program
 
Seminar Titles and Times
*A. Introduction to Philosophy MWF 9:05-10:00 am
*B. Masterpieces of Music TuTh 1:30-2:50 pm
*C. Topics in Psychology: Conflict Resolution Tu 3:00-5:50 pm
*D. Intermediate French MWF 10:10-11:05 am
*E. Approaches to Urban Studies (no longer a freshman seminar but still open to freshmen) TuTh 1:30-2:50 pm
*F. Introduction to Religion and Contemporary Culture TuTh 9:30-11:00am
*G. Microeconomic Principles TuTh 8:00-9:20 am
*H. Spanish for Spanish Speaking People MW 1:20-2:40 pm
*I. Critical Thinking about Critical Issues (Philosophy) MW 2:50-4:10


A.  Introduction to Philosophy

Philosophy 730: 111  MWF 9:05-10:00 am
Instructor:  Professor 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. Masterpieces of Music

Music 700:201 TuTh 1:30-2:50 pm
Instructor: Professor Jerome

Just what it says....

C. Topics in Psychology: Conflict Resolution Practics

Psychology 830:100 Tu 3:00-5:50 pm
Instructor: Professor Adelson

The course deals with the psychology of conflict resolution by having students practice techniques which bring about satisfying, efficient and lasting resolutions. This class is meant to teach a wide variety of useful skills applicable to everyday life.   

The course includes a disciplined practice of physical exercises which address how one perceives and is perceived in conflict.   The exercises allow one to reflect on and change voice, breath and physical stance.  These techniques stem from and combine with theory in ways classically used in conflict reduction.

D. Intermediate French

French  420:131 MWF 10:10-11:05
Instructor: Professor Horowitz

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)
 
 

E. Approaches to Urban Studies

Urban Studies 975:102 TuTh 1:30-2:50 pm (This class is no longer a freshman seminar, but a regular class is that is open to freshmen.)
Instructor: Professor Van Til  

This seminar introduces students to the City-as a peak creation of human culture and a contemporary complex. Students will learn bring a variety of disciplinary perspectives to bear on understanding the City-including art, history, architecture, economics, political science, sociology, and anthropology. They will look at the great city of Philadelphia and the struggling city of Camden by means of personal visits and interaction with community leaders and activists. And, by means of a variety of media (especially reading and video), they will approach the many wonders and challenges of urban life. The seminar will involve students directly in urban observation and activity. Each student will present several papers to the group during the term and will thereby learn skills of active participation in the academic understanding of urban life.

F. Introduction to Religion and Contemporary Culture

Religion 840:108 TuTh 9:30-10:50 am
Instructor: Professor 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.
 
 

G. Microeconomic Principles

Economics 220:105 TuTh 8:00-9:20am
Instructor:   TBA

This course will examine the theory of consumer behavior, demand and supply, firm behavior and market structure, product and factor markets, and the role of information in markets. Outside readings and discussion will also focus on the history and development of some of the key ideas in Micro Economics. We shall write several short papers and quality writing will be stressed in the course.    
 

H. Spanish for Spanish Speaking People

Spanish 940:181 MW 1:20-2:40 pm
Instructor:  Professor Tittler

Many people in the U.S. grow up speaking Spanish with their families and friends, but they often spend much less time learning the details of written Spanish. This course will help you practice and perfect your mastery of written Spanish. You will also learn about variations in the way Spanish is spoken in Spain, in Mexico, and in the Caribbean, and you will develop different kinds of vocabulary found in slang, advertising and business, and the academic world.

 

I.  Critical Thinking about Critical Issues (Philosophy)

Philosophy  730:392 MW 2:50-4:10 pm
Instructor:  Professor 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.