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College Initiative for Freshman Student Education and Orientation

Oberlin College's Art and Science faculty urges freshmen to sign up for a first-year seminar, serving as a gateway to the liberal arts education. This learning initiative, known as the First-Year Seminar Program (FYSP), operates in conjunction with the Peer Advising Leaders (PAL) Program. By...

College Introduction Course
College Introduction Course

College Initiative for Freshman Student Education and Orientation

At the heart of Oberlin College's College of Arts and Sciences lies a unique initiative designed to nurture the minds of first-year students: the First-Year Seminar Program (FYSP). This program, spearheaded by Elizabeth Hamilton, the Program Director and Associate Dean of Arts and Sciences, aims to foster critical thinking, discussion, writing, and resource utilization skills in a small, intimate setting.

Elizabeth Hamilton, who is also Cochair of Musical Studies and an Associate Professor of German, has curated a diverse range of seminars that delve into various subjects, from the nature of human language to social justice in the United States. These seminars, regardless of course number, are designed to provide a platform for students to share ideas, learn from each other, and get to know a professor well.

The College offers over 100 first-year seminars on a rotating basis, ensuring a rich and varied selection for students to choose from. Each class is limited to 14-16 students, ensuring a personalised learning experience and ample opportunity for active participation.

First-year seminars go beyond academic rigour. They help students understand the connections among their chosen courses and the personal and social relevance of their studies. The program is in alignment with the Peer Advising Leaders (PAL) Program, further enhancing the supportive learning environment at Oberlin.

For those interested in exploring the array of first-year seminars, course descriptions and seminar browsing are readily available. Students can find more information and contact details for the First-Year Seminar Program at firstyearseminar@our website.

Faculty throughout the college offer first-year seminars on various subjects, each designed to stimulate intellectual curiosity and encourage questioning. Whether it's delving into the meanings of jazz across times and places, or examining the science and ethics of genetic manipulation, the First-Year Seminar Program at Oberlin College offers a wealth of opportunities for students to embark on an intellectually rewarding journey.

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