The First Year Seminar (or FYS for short) is a small seminar-style class that all entering first-year students take during their first semester at TCNJ. The course enables entering students to work closely with a professor and their fellow students on a topic of their choosing outside of their major. It offers students an opportunity to engage in an intellectually exciting and challenging experience at the beginning of their college careers.
Instructions
- Some departments and schools give specific advice on how to choose your FYS course. Please check the “Major Specific FYS Info” page before picking your FYS.
- From the list of FYS courses, please pick six sections that interest you.
- Once you have chosen six FYS sections, please put them in your First Semester Worksheet.
- Your FYS choices will not be ranked when entered into the First Semester Worksheet. One of your choices will be assigned to you as your FYS.
| Class | Topic/Description | Instructor | Civic Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| 161-01 | Disability and Decolonial Perspectives: Deconstructing and Disrupting the Social and Cultural Gaze in media
Drawing from the field of critical disability studies and decolonial theory, this course introduces students to disability as a social and cultural construct that is anchored in a certain interpretive framework of the body, behavior, and human differences. The dominant discourse on disability is often situated in a biomedical model. Viewed through this interpretive framework, disability is assumed to be a universal construct that crosses spatial, temporal, or contextual boundaries. It can travel to any context and retain the ‘original’ meaning irrespective of local understandings. This course challenges and disrupts these typical understandings of disability. It introduces disability as a concept that is rooted in specific contexts, epistemologies, and perceptions of human differences. Drawing on recent work in the area of decolonial theory, critical disability studies, and first person narratives, this course introduces students to the diversity of the disability experience and the multitude of lenses for understanding disability. The course presents a capacity based perspective and an intersectional lens on disability. Course#: FYS 161-01 |
Shridevi Rao | |
| 161-02 | American Communism and Anti-Communism in the 20th Century
This course is about the evolution of American Communism and those who opposed it during the 20th century. It will examine how Communism did and did not change over time, along with the relationship of the Communist movement to the American government, to other social movements, and to American culture more broadly. It will also examine the social and political forces that opposed Communism. Through an examination of scholarly texts as well as primary documents--from political pamphlets to transcripts of Congressional testimonies to songs and films and paintings--this course will challenge students to reflect--in discussion and through writing assignments--on how radical political movements shaped American politics and society. Students will complete a series of short writing assignments as well as a longer essay. Course#: FYS 161-02 |
Nicholas Toloudis | |
| 161-04 | Complementary and Alternative Medicine
The course introduces the traditional and alternative approaches to medical care in the United States. Some are relatively common (chiropractic, physical therapy, acupuncture, mental-health counseling), or ascendant (nutrition, supplements), and some used much more in other countries (naturopathic, probiotics) or are innovative (neurofeedback). The course adopts a holistic approach to health and illness, with respect to autoimmunity, and mental and physical health links for instance. It addresses “side effects” as well as direct effects of health interventions, and assesses long-term consequences as well as short-term benefits. Course#: FYS 161-04 |
Michele Naples | |
| 161-05 | Cinderella: Timeless or Tired?
Cinderella is arguably the most well-known and retold fairy tale. Hundreds of versions exist, transcending time and culture. The story continues to be remixed and reimagined, offering endless possibilities for interpretation. This course explores and evaluates the pervasive influence of the Cinderella story in literature and pop culture. We will trace its evolution, from oral tradition to print, media, and stage, and analyze stories through various lenses. Through critical reading of traditional and modern versions, film analysis, classroom discussions, academic readings, and in-class exercises, we will examine how this story has shaped our personal perceptions, delve into its social implications, and investigate why it remains timeless and continues to be remade. Course #: FYS 161-05 |
Ellen Farr | |
| 161-06 | The Mathematics of Games and Gaming
This course is designed to be an introduction to the mathematics of various games, such as Texas Hold'em, Black Jack, Pocket Billiards, and Baseball. In this seminar, we learn the rules of several games and then discuss the mathematics which underscore decision making in these games. The end purpose being that you should be able to make mathematically based decisions to improve your game play. Course#: FYS 161-06 |
James Beyers | |
| 161-07 | Data Visualization
Our world is full of data visualizations; the news, sports, and even weather are all sources of data in our everyday lives. But how often do we stop to think about the ways in which data is presented to us and why? In this course, students will learn to become critical consumers and creators of visualized data. Course activities will explore issues around how data is visualized, best practices for designing data visualizations, and hands-on experiences creating original data visualizations. Course#: FYS 161-07 |
Melissa Zrada | |
| 162-02 | Power Book: Argument of Ethics
In this course we will analyze what drives a person's decisions. What are the consequences of our actions? How do we examine who is ultimately affected by our actions? How do we determine how things could be done differently? We will center the course on the actions and decisions made by the characters in the hit drama series Power Book II: Ghost. We will view the episodes together and engage in discussion about the content. You will ultimately write your own proposal for a television series to reflect your thinking about ethics, decisions, and power. Course#: FYS 162-02 |
Tiffany Youngblood | Race & Ethnicity |
| 162-03 | You Shall Not Pass: Race, Ethnicity, and the the Pop Culture Fantasy Genre
This freshmen seminar will explore the presumption of a racially white-washed fantasy genre in literature, TV, film, and more that has only recently hit the national spotlight. Backlash for casting minorities as leads in popular fantasy stories such as Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, The Little Mermaid, The Lord of the Rings, and Interview with a Vampire have called into question our complacent acceptance of a "white" fantasy genre in terms of mainstream popularity. This seminar will examine the "gatekeepers" of this mainstream genre and their "challengers" to come to a deeper understanding of race and ethnicity in pop culture's interpretation of such a fantastical fictional genre of storytelling. Students will conduct research with scholarly, popular, and multimodal sources in addition to reading primary sources including fictional literature, TV shows, and movies to explore how the complacent acceptance of "white fantasy" has dominated the genre for years and how contemporary artists, writers, actors and actresses, directors, and more are not only challenging the norms of race in fantasy but also rewriting the genre and its delivery in pop culture for a new generation that is more inclusive and that breaks the boundaries of "traditional fantasy." Themes of race, privilege, and intersectionality will be discussed, analyzed, and synthesized into traditional research papers as well as reflections, classroom presentations, and a culminating multimodal project designed for an audience outside of academia. Course#: FYS 162-03 |
Courtney Malpass | Race & Ethnicity |
| 162-04 | Social Justice: Theory, Problems & Practice
The purpose of this course is to examine the concept of social justice. Students will develop an understanding of the theoretical, social, and historical underpinnings of various equity and social justice issues. Throughout the course, we will analyze strategies for bringing about positive social change. By examining the groups that have access- the have and have nots- we gain insight into the inequalities which exist for disenfranchised populations. The course will highlight societal issues such as poverty, race, oppression, gender, education, immigration and environmental issues in the US. The goals for this class include increasing personal awareness, expanding knowledge, and encouraging action. As social justice can be a complex concept to digest, we will maintain a classroom community that enables all members to feel supported and empowered when exploring daily social justice dilemmas. Course#: FYS 162-04 |
Althia Muse | Race & Ethnicity |
| 163-01 | LGBTQ and Media Studies
This course explores LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer) identity, culture, and politics by way of their representations in popular and independent films/documentaries, as well as in other forms of mass media. Topics covered include: the history of LGBTQ representations in the media; the complexity of LGBTQ visibility in films and documentaries; the complex relationship between comedy, media, and LGBTQ identity; representations of LGBTQ intimacy and erotic life; the notion of resistance in LGBTQ-produced media; the coming out metaphor/narrative in popular culture; the role of social media in fostering LGBTQ activism and community; and media portrayals of transgender/genderqueer identities and bodies. By way of these and other topics, this course provides an opportunity to consider the significant role that media have played in advancing a global transformation on the topic of LGBTQ. Course#: FYS 163-01 |
Nelson Rodriguez | Gender |
| 163-02 | Cross-Dressing in Shakespeare's Comedies
While all women characters in William Shakespeare's plays -- as performed in his era -- would have been portrayed by male actors, some of his comic heroines disguise themselves as boys or men. A few of his male characters escape from persecutors by disguising themselves as women. We will explore performed gender on the Renaissance stage by watching performances of and reading The Taming of the Shrew, The Two Gentlemen of Verona, The Merchant of Venice, The Merry Wives of Windsor, Much Ado About Noting, As You Like It, and Twelfth Night. these plays allow us to discuss gender politics and gender roles of the Early Modern world. We will also read some of Shakespeare's sonnets through a gender lens. Course#: FYS 163-02 |
Diane Steinberg | Gender |
| 163-03 | Communication and Gender
This course explores the relationship between gender and communication. It will explore attitudes and beliefs concerning female and male stereotypes as they are manifested through communication. This course will utilize various tools includes films, in-class exercises, class discussions in both large and small groups and field-study assignments. Course#: FYS 163-03 |
Dionne Hallback | Gender |
| 163-04 | Rebel Girls
This course will examine how girls, young women, and non-binary folks "do" activism. We will consider the various methods, tools, and strategies used to inspire socio-cultural and political change in the community. With an emphasis on those individuals who society views as girls and young women as leaders and agents of change, the course explores what it means to be a "girl" activist. We will examine the intersections of age, gender, and power to understand how to engage and lead social change efforts despite marginalized status. Toward this end, the course will explore the function of social media, popular culture, film, music, protest, and satire in social change movements. Students will also have the opportunity to engage with activists from various communities to learn about their leadership strategies. This Liberal Learning course satisfies two civic responsibilities: gender and global. Course#: FYS 163-04 |
Kristen Clark | Gender |
| 163-05 | Young Adult Romantic Fiction
Our course explores what the common characteristics of a romantic novel or film, paying special attention to gender and sexuality as well as race. We ask whether romantic heroes are typically masculine, whether the female characters behave in typically feminine ways, and whether romances which feature queer characters are any different from stories concerning heterosexual people. We will also read narratives and watch TV shows and/or movies where the main characters are people of color, and we will discuss how their racial and cultural identities add to the narrative and in what ways. We will be reading books by established YA writers such as John Green and Sarah Dessen, as well as newer voices such as Nicola Yoon and Adam Silvera. Course #: FYW 163-05 |
Laura Kranzler | Gender |
| 164-01 | Women and the family in modern China
How did Chinese women struggle against footbinding to gain independence and become revolutionaries in the early 20th century? What was the impact of the one-child policy on gender and generational relationships in contemporary China? This course explores the impact of social change on women and family life, and women's role in promoting social change in modern China. Utilizing a range of material--personal account, film, novel, scholarly work, and material culture, the course helps students understand issues concerning gender, family, culture, and Chinese society at large while also gaining learning skills in reading, writing, and researching. Course#: FYS 164-01 |
Qin Shao | Global |
| 164-02 | A Global Approach To Wellness
Wellness is an active process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a healthy and fulfilling life. Wellness is more than being free from illness, it is a multidimensional dynamic process of change and growth. This process varies from person to person as there are a variety of societal and cultural influences that can be of support or hindrance. This course will engage students through the deep exploration of personal wellness and how personal, interpersonal, and cultural expectations impact all areas of wellness. Additionally, the exploration and practical application of a variety of traditional and complementary alternative medicine approaches will be used to support reading material and challenge students to rethink what constitutes Course#: FYS 164-02 |
Laura Bruno | Global |
| 164-03 | The True Cost of Fashion
Who makes our clothes, how they are made and what impact their production has had on our world are all ethical questions related to the 3 trillion-dollar-a-year global fashion industry. When the production of clothing and textiles was moved offshore in the late 19th century, the cost of clothing to the consumer decreased drastically while the human and environmental costs skyrocketed. In this course, we examine how the consumer's love for cheap clothing has come at a high cost to the people who make it and the planet. We will examine solutions for a more sustainable future for the global industry now in a crisis through innovation, policy reforms, and conscious consumerism. Course#: FYS 164-03 |
Kathleen Webber | Global |
| 164-04 | Global Media and Healthcare
The purpose of this course is to explore how healthcare and healthcare professionals are represented in media around the world. Course#: FYS 164-04 |
Constance Kartoz | Global |
| 164-05 | The Last of Us: A Study of Human Nature and Threats to Humankind
In a civilization that controls almost all aspects of its environment, few people develop basic Course#: FYS 164-05 |
Steven Singer | Global |
| 164-06 | Teaching English in Local and Global Communities
This course teaches students about political and social issues involved in teaching English globally and locally, with a focus on topics like linguistic imperialism and types of bilingualism. It provides students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed for teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language in various settings in the United States and abroad. Students complete and reflect on 15 hours of work connected to an on-line tutoring experience which satisfied The College’s Community Engaged Learning mission. Course#: FYS 164-06 |
Solange Lopes-Murphy | Global |
| 164-06 | Teaching English as an Additional Language, Globally and Locally
This course teaches students about political and social issues involved in teaching English globally and locally, with a focus on topics like linguistic imperialism and types of bilingualism. It provides students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed for teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language in various settings in the United States and abroad. Students complete and reflect on 15 hours of work connected to an on-line tutoring experience. Course#: FYS 164-06 |
Stuart Carroll | Global |
| 164-07 | Art of Happiness From A Buddhist Perspective
This FYS seminar seeks to explore the nature and meanings of happiness from a Buddhist perspective. Students will read the basic teachings about happiness from both the Buddhist canons and the contemporary Buddhist thinkers. Emphasis will be placed on key concepts of happiness such as compassion, wisdom, mindfulness, affection, kindness, gratitude, right ethical conducts and mental/emotional wellness cultivation. Students are encouraged to think about what it would mean to live a good and happy life by applying the teachings to their contemporary life and society. Course#: FYS 164-07 |
Jia-Yan Mi | Global |
| 164-09 | Language and Society
Do you love correcting grammar? In this course, you'll find out the justifications for some popular grammar rules. Do you detest when people correct others' grammar? In this course, you'll explore a scientific view of language wherein those corrections have no standing. We use language almost every moment of our lives, but in this course, you'll get to take a deeper look at language and how it has interacted and continues to interact with culture. We'll start by defining human language by comparing it to other primates' communication, then we'll look at the history of human language contact. We'll explore how language and culture do "and don't" affect each other around the world. With all that knowledge, we'll compare current popular ideas of language and compare them to the findings from our methodological approach. Course#: FYS 164-09 |
Timothy O'Neill | Global |
| 164-10 | Activism Through Sports
Over the last Century, Athletes have moved beyond the athletic arena to use their voices to garner attention to social injustices, civil rights, and issues abroad. While sometimes controversial, these public displays of protest begin a conversation bigger than the athlete themselves.This course will dive into the historical feats that athletes have accomplished in the name of civil liberties for all. Using discussions, reflections, and creative projects, this course will push students thinking further to understand how their voices can be as powerful as their idols. Course#: FYS 164-10 |
Khayriy Tilghman | Global |
| 164-11 | Global Issues Local Impacts
Many problems that contemporary societies face are intellectually challenging and unlikely to be solved by a one person or one disciplinary approach. This course aims to help students to recognize the difficulty of such issues, to give them the skills to recognize and begin to address global problems, to understand the value of cross-cultural collaboration, and to help them communicate across borders and cultures. The course will examine approaches to studying the world and emphasize hands-on experience while focusing on global issues at the local level as a way to provide a foundation for understanding and participating in local change that will have global impact. The focus will be on on global problems and challenges common to all people, and students will be challenged to develop interdisciplinary perspectives, problem-solving abilities, collaborative skills, an appreciation of difference, and leadership abilities. These skills will be strengthened by community engagement activities in Trenton during the fall semester. Students will see firsthand the effects of people who are affected by global challenges like poverty, religious conflict, immigration, discrimination, and economic decline. In the process, they will learn how personal experiences are connected to universal ones, so that they can understand perspectives different than their own, and learn to communicate effectively across cultural barriers.
Course#: FYS 164-11 |
Joanne Bateup Thomas | Global |
| 164-12 | Follow the Leader, Just a child’s game?
This first year seminar course will include identification of global youth organizations (such as Scouts, Clubs, teams) and their founders. which purport to develop leadership skills in their youth members. This course will review the impact and effectiveness of these organizations within a global context. Student’s will design their own ideal youth organization. Course#: FYS 164-12 |
Dolores Dzubaty | Global |