Courses

The First Year Seminars are a group of courses that are part of the First Year Program at UW-Green Bay. The seminars are designed to provide students with an educational experience characterized by dynamic learning and interdisciplinary approaches to problem-solving. They provide high quality interactions with a professor and classmates in a small size seminar environment. The courses also encourage students to connect with the campus community through a variety of activities. Each seminar fulfills a General Education requirement dependent upon the area in which it is offered. They also fulfill a lower level writing emphasis requirement.

Although freshman seminars vary in topics, all have common elements. They are:

1. To promote engagement and to facilitate a positive adjustment to college. Students have the opportunity to connect with their faculty, other students, campus resources, and the community.
2. To introduce students to a problem-focused, interdisciplinary education. Students will address problems from multiple perspectives.
3. To promote the development of critical thinking and problem solving skills. Students will begin to develop the ability to analyze data/information from a critical perspective.
4. To develop communication skills. The courses emphasize effective communication including writing, speaking, and the ability to work in a small group environment.
5. To promote information literacy. The seminars introduce the idea of information literacy in the context of writing and speaking assignments so that students have a better understanding of how information is collected, how to assess the quality of the information and its sources, and how to use information effectively.

 

Select First Year Seminars - Fall 2013

ART 198:  Art at the Movies (T 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM; Carol Emmons)
Both art and movies tell the stories of human experience.  In this course, we’ll experiment with different ways of looking at art and film, and will specifically investigate how film has depicted art and artists. This will lead to considerations of the larger context of art as it intersects with society, as well students developing their own interpretations. The class will make use of diverse films, art on campus and in the community, guest artists, and hands-on experiences. (FA)

 DJS 198:  Reading the Times (MW 2:15PM – 3:35 PM; Harvey Kaye)
Through daily readings of and discussions about the latest news stories and opinion columns in the New York Times, students will become knowledgeable about and familiar with current national and international affairs and the public debates that address those events and developments. (SS1)

DJS 198: Here We Are Now, Entertain Us:  Generation X, Grunge, and the 1990s (MW 2:15 PM – 3:35 PM; Eric Morgan)
What is a generation, and why do they matter?  How do shared experiences link people together, and what kinds of collective challenges do generations encounter?  When the Cold War came to an end at the beginning of the 1990s, peoples across the United States and the larger world breathed a collective sigh of relief as the threat of nuclear war between the United States and Soviet Union was no longer a reality.  The ideas of democracy and free market capitalism had triumphed over communism, and the era of the 1990s was expected to be one of prosperity and a new world order led by the United States and its unique vision.  Despite the promise of this new era, the youth of the 1990s struggled mightily to find a place for themselves as well as meaning in this new and challenging world.  We will discuss these and other themes through our first year seminar course, which will explore the cultural world of the 1990s through an exploration of Generation X and the music of grunge.

 EDU 198:  Schools, Sex and Rock & Roll: A Country’s Cultural Impact on Its Educational System (TR 12:30 PM – 1:50 PM; Aurora Cortes)
This seminar will begin with an examination of changes in the education system in the United States and a linking of those changes with major cultural events of the time. We will then consider current times in the US and the state of education as it stands today. We will complete this course by looking at the cultures and education systems of other countries around the world. (WC)

ENV SCI 198:  The Science and History of Monsters (TR 3:30 PM – 4:50 PM; Steve Meyer)
This course studies the monsters of myth, legend, and reality.  Literature, film, documentaries, folklore, history, and pop culture are used to trace the origins of monsters. We will examine the influence of science on the creation of monsters, discuss the ethics of scientists with a “God complex”; consider the possibility that real monsters exist based on scientific evidence, and examine the physiological response of humans to horror, fear, and death. (NPS2)

HISTORY 207: Introduction to African-American History (TR 11:00 AM – 12:20 PM; Vince Lowery)
Survey of black people's experience in America, beginning with African culture through the development of Afro-American culture and institutions; includes political, social, economic and cultural history. (Eth Stud)

HUM BIOL 198:  Death, Dying, and Science (8:00 AM – 9:20 AM; Donna Ritch)
This course addresses issues underlying the use of human cadavers and animals in teaching and research environments.  A variety of readings and videos will be incorporated to emphasize controversial topics, including:  continuation of life support, organ donation, willed body programs, animal testing, the cadaver trade, and stem cell research.  Although the spotlight will be on the advancement of science, class discussions will also highlight social, economic, and political influences on these topics. (HB2)

HUM DEV 198:  Children’s TV:  More than ABC’s and 123’s (MW 12:45 PM – 2:05 PM; Jennifer Lanter)
This course is a first year seminar course that will introduce students to the impact television has on the developing child.  A large part of the course will be devoted to discussion of Sesame Street, the goal of answering questions such as: (1) How is research on education content integrated into the production of the show?, (2) How has this show been integrated into other cultures?, (3) What are methodological issues in conducting media-based research with young children?, and (4) What is the longitudinal impact of children viewing educational versus non-educational television?  As each topic is introduced through the use of the text “G” is for Growing, additional readings and viewings of past and current television shows will be required to extend the discussion beyond Sesame Street.  In general, students will be introduced to the world of research through a topic of study – children’s television – with which student shave likely had much experience. (SS2)

HUM DEV 198: Love and Lust in America (TR 11:00 AM – 12:20 PM; Denise Bartell)
This course is an interdisciplinary exploration into the concepts of romantic love and sexuality in American culture. Included will be a review of the history of these topics in the U.S., an overview of the scientific study of lust and love, an examination of media portrayals and the impact of these portrayals, and the role of politics in lust and love in the U.S. (SS2)

HUM DEV 198: The Nature and Nurture of Intelligence, Gender, and Play (MW 2:15 PM – 3:35 PM; Ilene Cupit)
How did you acquire your ability to think, reason and problem solve?  Where did your sense of being a male or female come from?  And is it necessary to play?  Using the framework of the nature-nurture debate, this course will explore the biological, social and cultural forces that go into the development of these three interesting facets of human behavior.

HUM STUD 198:  Hugging Trees: Humanity, Morality, and the Planet (TR 12:30 PM – 1:50 PM; Christopher Martin)
In this course we’ll explore the ethical dimensions to behaviors and practices that threaten the health of our planet.  Topics will include the ethical treatment of our planet’s animals, trees, oceans, and soils.  Specific topics will include climate change, genetically modified foos, soil erosion, ecosystem disruption, endangered species and the like.  We will strive to see and understand each issue from many different perspectives, always hoping to think and learn our way to a better future.   (HS3)

HUM STUD 198:  The Bible and America (MWF 9:30 AM – 10:25 AM; Brian Sutton)
An introduction to academic study of the Bible and an examination of the Bible’s influence on American political, cultural, psychological and ethical life, both historically and currently. (HS3)

MUSIC 198:  Exploring the Jazz Loft (MWF 10:35 AM – 11:30 AM; Adam Gaines)
This course is a First Year Seminar course designed to study the photographs and tapes of W. Eugene Smith from 1957 to 1965 in New York City.  Smith's huge archive of materials from this transitional time in U.S. history is used as a keystone in discussions of such diverse topics as jazz history, Civil Rights, the Cold War, the Vietnam War, and of the nature of artists and their reactions to their surroundings. (FA)

MUSIC 198: Landmarks of Western Music: Baroque to the Present (MW 2:15 PM – 3:35 PM; David Severtson)
This course examines 10 major works of Western music from the Baroque to the present.  Students will learn and discuss how these pieces “work” musically, using basic musical terminology and analytic tools.  Students will also explore how these pieces resonate within a particular historical and cultural context, as well as how they communicate meaning to listeners today.  All works discussed in this class either have a text or a programmatic basis, making them accessible for students of all backgrounds.  (FA)

PEA 198:  Hopscotching the World of Nonprofit Organizations (TR 3:30 PM – 4:50 PM; Lora Warner)
We will explore the good work being done by nonprofit organizations around the world, from international NGOs, to nonprofits in China, Germany, and other countries, to right here in our own backyard.  What role do they play, and how do they partner with governments and each other?  What work do they do, and are they effective?  Along the way we’ll find ways to make a difference in our own community. (WC; SS2)

PU EN AF 198:  Introduction to Leadership (M 5:15 PM – 8:15 PM; Lisa Tetzloff)
This course explores leadership and followership – definitions, concepts, theories, styles, and skills – and provides a framework for further study and practice across disciplines and involvements. (SS2)

PSYCH 198:  Gods, Ghosts, and Goblins (TR 12:30 PM – 1:50 PM; Regan Gurung)
Why do we believe what we do?  We will take a social science perspective to explore the underlying reasons as to why humans believe the things they do (and why they do not believe in other things).  We will explore the roots of religion, discuss the psychological benefits to believing and the perils of not, and examine some fascinating objects of belief ranging from paranormal activity to extraterrestrial life. (SS2)

PSYCH 198:  On a Zombie Apocalypse (and other Doomsday Scenarios) (TR 12:30 PM – 1:50 PM; Ryan Martin)
This course explores the zombie genre of movies, books, television, etc. from an interdisciplinary perspective.  Ultimately, zombie films and books are about two things: contagion and doomsday.  Thus, in addition to discussing the history of the genre and the psychological attraction to such films, we’ll discuss the science behind the spread of illness, government response to outbreaks, approaches to doomsday preparation, survivor group dynamics and leadership, and a host of other relevant topics. (SS2)

POL SCI/PU EN AF 198:  On the Line of Scrimmage:  Politics in Sports (MW 3:45 PM – 5:05 PM; Katia Levintova)
An examination of how sports-related issues illustrate important political concepts, including nation-building through sports, regionalism, inter- and intra-state conflicts, international organizations, political systems (authoritarianism and democracy), citizenship, political culture (competitive vs. consensual), civil rights (gender, LGBT, disability issues), public policies (education, economic policies, health, etc.), branches of government (congressional hearings), elections and public opinion (sports and political campaigns), the role of media, in US and around the world. (WC; SS2)

SPANISH 225:  Intermediate Spanish Conversation and Composition (Cristina Ortiz)
Development of greater fluency through classroom practice in conversation and composition.  (WC)

URS 198:  Animals and Society (M 2:15 PM – 5:05 PM; Karen Dalke)
This course focuses on the complex relations between humans and animals. How do we determine, which animals are wild, food, or pets? What impact do these interactions have on the social, economic, and political life of a culture? The topics covered in this class help explore our ongoing relationship with animals as pets, food sources, and wildlife and how they change in an era bombarded with concerns about environmental degradation and economic fluctuations. This course requires an interdisciplinary perspective and an emphasis on critical thinking. (SS1)