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First-year Seminar
The First-Year Seminar (FYS) introduces students to Dickinson as a “community of inquiry” by developing habits of mind essential to liberal learning. Through the study of a compelling issue or broad topic chosen by their faculty member, students will:
- critically analyze information and ideas
- examine issues from multiple perspectives
- discuss, debate and defend ideas, including their own views, with clarity and reason
- develop discernment, facility and ethical responsibility in using information, and
- create clear academic writing.
Thus, while seminars cover a wide range of topics, they are united in their focus on these five core goals. In particular, the small group seminar format of this course promotes discussion and interaction among students and between students and their professor.
There have been a variety of First-Year Seminars offered in recent years. View the lists from the previous years and get a preview of what will be offered in fall 2011: