Fall 2008
UNIV-111
(Section 019)
UST Freshmen Seminar: Finding Your Way
Wednesdays 11:15 am – 12:05 pm

203 Robinson Hall

Professor                                                        Peer Leader

Charles G. Riordan                                          Daniel Wavra

Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry

211 Lammot DuPont Laboratory

email: riordan@udel.edu                                 dwavra@gmail.com

Tel: 831-1073

Office Hours: By appointment

 

Summer Reading Assignment

Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv

Seminar Overview

This First Year Experience (FYE) seminar will examine current science policy proposals from candidates for national political offices with emphasis placed on understanding the relationship between science and science policy. Relevant topics include energy, the environment, climate change and biomedical research including the utility of stem cells. The course is aimed at science and non-science majors alike.

The FYE seminar has two overarching objectives:

- to (continue to) develop in each student a lifelong passion for learning and critical thinking skills that can be utilized in finding interests about which they are most passionate;

- to provide information pertaining to transition to college life highlighting strategies for success and common pitfalls to avoid.

To meet these objectives, each student is expected to:

- attend class regularly and participate in discussions (more than two absences = F)

- develop a reflective E-portfolio highlighting their first year experiences

- participate in a class field trip

- contribute to a group project

- participate in FYEFest

Learning Goals (as approved by the Faculty Senate)

·      Through interaction with the faculty the student by the end of the FYE UST seminar:

a.   Should understand the differences between facts and opinions, and you should be encouraged to seek and identify truths for yourselves.

b.   Should be able to analyze the impact of your actions and inactions on yourself and others.

c.    Should understand how to look at the ethics of a problem or situation, recognizing that your viewpoint is influenced by your own values.

d.   Should begin recognizing the global implications of a local issue.

e.   Should have made a connection with a faculty member; someone you feel comfortable talking to about your interests and life at UD.

·      Through interaction with the peer leader and professional advisor the student:

a.   Should begin to take advantage of the resources available to them at the University of Delaware and the surrounding area.

b.   Should begin to identify potential academic and career goals and how their personal skills, values, traits and attitudes impact the achievement of personal goals.

c.    Should understand and begin to work both independently and collaboratively.

 


Code of Conduct
All students are expected to abide by the University’s Code of Conduct regarding Academic Honesty.


Last updated: September 02, 2008