"Classes like these make me LOVE college."

  Greta Gillas, Controversies in the Visual Arts

Freshman Seminars are small, interactive courses designed to introduce first-year students to thought-provoking, unique subjects in an instructor's special area of interest. The diverse topics range from African history expressed through dance, to exploring the history of the Wild West through primary sources, to the history and structure of encryption technology. These courses are designed to promote instructor-student and student-student interaction, focusing on writing, communication, and critical analysis. And the best part is, they are limited to 23 students which gives first-year students a more personalized learning experience.

Only undergraduate students in their first year of university study are eligible for Freshman Seminars. If a student is classified above freshman level because of Advanced Placement (AP) or other earned credits, he/she may still enroll.

Freshman Seminars are offered each term. For Fall term, students can enroll in a Freshman Seminar once they have met with an academic adviser during Orientation. For Winter and Spring terms, students may enroll during the Freshman Seminar registration periods for those terms. Registration occurs through DuckWeb, the UO's computer registration system. Students are welcome to take more than one seminar throughout the year. Please remember space is limited and enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Freshman Seminars are offered for 3 or 4 credits. Students may take Freshman Seminars for graded or pass/no pass credit. Credits earned in all courses are elective and apply toward credits needed for graduation. Questions regarding credits toward the major should be addressed to the major department.