First-Year Seminar Program

Each entering first year student must register for a first year seminar. The seminar provides students with an introduction to college and a sense of community by placing them in small classes of 16-18 first year students. Each seminar, while focusing on a topic unique to that seminar, concentrates on developing the skills of careful reading, critical thinking, group discussion, and writing that are basic to college level study.  

What should you expect from your first year seminar?

• Undertaking projects and assignments that involve critical thinking in more than one area of knowledge.
• Practicing important skills of discussion, careful reading, and clear writing in class discussions, small group work, and assignments.
• Being actively involved in planning your future at Hamline and beyond with your FYSEM instructor, who is also your academic advisor.
• Working as a team member with your peers in your seminar, as well as with others from other seminars. 

2009-2010 first year seminars

Last year's summer reading

Previous years

In addition to the traditional first year seminar, Hamline offers Writing Intensive Seminars. 

Writing intensive first year seminars are designed to integrate writing skills and practices into the seminar. Students who register for a Writing Intensive seminar do not register for Eng 1110. If you successfully demonstrate all first year writing competencies through your participation in the seminar, then you will have satisfied your first year writing requirement for the Hamline Plan.  

Presley Martin
Associate Dean of the College