Proposal Guidelines
To propose a First Year Seminar course, individuals must submit a current CV, a completed course proposal form, and a draft syllabus. It should be clear in both the proposal form and the draft syllabus how the proposed First Year Seminar course topic, activities, and assignments align with the First Year Seminar student learning goals and expectations for instructors.
Course Bulletin Description
First Year Seminar provides students with an introduction to a liberal arts education at Appalachian. Students practice thinking critically and creatively, communicating effectively, developing intercultural competence, and developing information literacy competence. Students also engage with the common reading book, and are exposed to university resources and activities, explicit expectations for college-level work, and the purpose of a liberal arts education. In addition to examining distinct topics from multiple perspectives, all classes equip students with a common set of transferable skills. In particular, First Year Seminar facilitates student engagement with fellow students, the university, and the community, and the development of the habits of rigorous study, intellectual growth, and lifelong learning.
Note: The First Year Seminar requirement in General Education (which is satisfied by UCO 1200, HON 1515, or WRC 1103) is waived for students who (1) graduated from high school at least one year prior to entering Appalachian, (2) are classified as transfer students by Admissions, AND (3) have earned at least 24 transferable semester credit hours at postsecondary institutions prior to entering Appalachian. Credit by exam or for military or life experience is excluded from the 24 semester credit hours. Students whose First Year Seminar requirement in General Education is waived might have three fewer semester credit hours of General Education.
Explore the next step to see Common Expectations for First Year Seminar and peruse the "For Faculty" links on this FYS website to see how and why the First Year Seminar is designed the way it is.