First-Year Seminars
First-Year Seminars are an opportunity for first- and second-semester students to study with the University's most accomplished faculty from its many colleges, including Business, Engineering, Law, Liberal Arts and Sciences, Medicine, and Pharmacy.

Search for your favorite topics now!
Identify your top three choices before Orientation.

Fascinating Topics—Seminars investigate a wide range of topics based on the instructor's expertise. Study wind energy with an engineer; explore poetry with a writer from the Writers' Workshop; or come to grips with the fiscal downturn with an economist from the College of Business. Most seminars meet for 50 minutes each week.

Small classes—Enrollment is limited to approximately 15 students in each seminar, allowing you to speak freely and to ask questions, fostering the development of curiosity and engagement essential for learning.

Amazing instructors—Faculty include a former UI president, a vice president for research, the university's legal counsel, as well as scientists, artists, authors, mathematicians, and social scientists, all with years of professional experience.

Grades and course credit—All seminars are offered for 1 semester hour of credit and use standard letter grades generally based on your willingness to participate and on the quality of completed assignments.

You have a choice—A good university education is all about making wise choices. No one is required to take a seminar, but the seminar's 1 semester hour of credit counts toward graduation. Friendships gained, skills practiced, knowledge earned—these too will help you reach your goal of graduating in four years.

© 2009 The University of Iowa