2007 Fall Term Freshman Seminars
These seminars are open to first-year students in any undergraduate school at Pitt. Each is worth one credit and has a specific academic focus (see descriptions below). School of Arts and Sciences students wanting an orientation to the liberal arts at Pitt should register for both FP 0001 (Introduction to the Arts and Sciences) and HONORS 0001 to get the most out of both seminars.
These seminars are only for residents of Forbes Residence Hall. If you are interested in registering for one of these courses, contact your academic advisor or discuss it with them at your PittStart this summer.
HONORS 0001 - The Responsibilities of an Intellectual
Fridays 1:00pm-1:50pm, Forbes Residence Hall
Instructor: Eric Owens
Right now, halfway across the world in the Darfur conflict, a man is killed. Should you care? Why? How much is his life worth? Right now, halfway across the city of Pittsburgh, another man is killed? Should you care more? What is your responsibility to members of the different communities to which you belong: as an intellectual, a student, an American? These provocative questions are just a few of the ones we will attempt to answer as we examine the reasoning behind philanthropy and social choices. In discussing philosophy, literature, politics, economics, and public service, students will enhance their critical thinking and discussion skills and develop a foundational knowledge of local and international service and politics. Students will have the opportunity to apply theory into practice through the implementation of projects that will address social needs.
HONORS 0001 - The Responsibilities of an Intellectual
Fridays 1:00pm-1:50pm, Forbes Residence Hall
Instructor: Eric Owens
Academically and intellectually talented students often possess a multitude of abilities in disparate academic areas; in other words they are very good at many things. But how does one decide on a career path, let alone a major, when everything appeals to you and talent likely won’t limit your choices? That is the challenge for many students participating in the University Honors College. This seminar will explore issues of intellectualism as they relate to the real-life necessity to choose a career. We will use a cognitive approach to problem solving that involves self-exploration and career-exploration to help you begin to find a direction (or perhaps multiple directions) in an effort to maximize your undergraduate attainment. To accomplish this, we will use a number of assessment tools as well as some structured activities. We will also discuss the theory behind career counseling and the assessments themselves to give you a more in-depth understanding of the process. Students will have the opportunity to analyze the results of these assessments and implement their understanding of career development theory in an effort to begin the process of finding a career path that is right for them.