All first year students take a single first year seminar during their initial semester at McDaniel College. These seminars are designed to ease students' transition from high school to college and to encourage their full participation in the McDaniel College community.
A common goal of these courses is to promote cooperation among students and foster their intellectual development. These seminars are unique in that they are limited to only 15 students, and the professor serves as the students' academic adviser for the first year.
Sample first-year seminars:*
*This listing is a sample of typical first-year seminars. Seminars are subject to change and may not be offered every year.
FYS 1113 Acting
An introduction to acting combining practical exercises with study of contemporary texts on acting. Emphasis is placed on scene analysis and scene work, as well as written exercises in performance analysis and acting theory.
This FYS class also meets requirement in the Theatre major or minor, Communication major or minor, as well as in Communication-Theatre dual, Music/Theatre dual, and English/Theatre dual. It can also fulfill a requirement in Critical Expression OR Text Analysis.
Back to top.
FYS 1156 Africa : From Books to Film
This course is a freshman seminar designed to provide students with an introduction to completing college-level academic work, in addition to assisting students with making a successful transition to college life. The content of the course is an introduction to Africa using literature and film as texts. Students will gain some knowledge of important historical moments in African politics and the cultural, social, and historical contexts in which these developments occur. Several novels and one required text are used. Particular attention will be paid to issues and problems that continue to face contemporary African governments.
Back to top.
FYS 1150 America's Game : Baseball
This course will investigate the colorful history of baseball: the origins and evolution of the game, the professionalism that grew out of it, and the big business that was built upon it.
This is a stand alone course that fulfills the FYS requirement.
Back to top.
FYS 1123 Comic Strips and the Communication of Culture
This course looks at the history of newspaper comics, their impact on culture, and their reflection of culture. Emphasis is on noted cartoonists such as George Herriman, Rube Goldberg, Al Capp, Gary Larson, Chester Gould, Mort Walker, Gary Trudeau, Charles Schulz, and others. Emphasis is also placed on analyses of themes evident in comics, work, family, relationships, war, politics, religion, culture.
This is a stand alone course that fulfills the FYS requirement.
Back to top.
FYS 1102 Critical Thinking
Until recently, I believed that groundhogs don't climb trees. It turns out that my belief was false: groundhogs do, in fact, climb trees. On what basis did I change my mind? Well, on what basis do any of us change our minds? On what basis /should/ any of us change our minds? Do we have reasons for believing what we believe? If not, shouldn't we? What kind? Should we ground our beliefs in scientific evidence? And how do we sort out solid scientific evidence from pseudoscientific conjectures? How do others (notably politicians, pundits and marketing execs) seek to manipulate our beliefs and behavior for their own benefit? Critical thinking empowers students to recognize fallacious reasoning, manipulative rhetoric, and other dubious defenses of faulty beliefs. Through direct analysis of texts both classic and contemporary, one massive role-playing game, and an individualized research project, students will gain first-hand experience exploring various methods of justification, explanation and argumentation in order to understand why we believe what we believe.
This FYS meets the Textual Analysis requirement and a Philosophy Major requirement.
Back to top.
FYS 1117 Design Art
An introductory investigation of two-dimensional design principles involving the elements of art in solving visual problems. Issues of consumerism and development of a personal portfolio in a variety of media are stressed.
This FYS course meets the Creative Expression requirement and also meets one of the requirements for the Art major.
Back to top.
FYS 1151 Drugs and the Mind
The earliest historical and literary evidence reveals that drug use has been an integral part of human experience for thousands of years. This course will explore a wide array of dimensions associated with psychotropic drugs. It will draw on a variety of disciplines, such as history, the law, biochemistry, art and music, sociology and, of course, psychology. Students will learn how drugs work, and examine a variety of psychotropics to include legal and illegal drugs, as well as medications used to treat psychiatric disorders. Several guest speakers, such a pharmaceutical representatives, law enforcement personnel, and drug education/rehabilitation will come from off campus to discuss their work. Projects include an evaluation of the issues surrounding the pain killer OxyContin, group presentations on drugs as represented in film and music, and talks/discussions on issues, such as medical uses of marijuana.
This is a stand alone course that fulfills the FYS requirement.
Back to top.
FYS 1130 Educational and Life Experiences of Deaf People
A general orientation to the life experiences of Deaf people with emphasis on their educational experiences. An overview of the historical, philosophical, and social aspects of Deaf education and the lives of Deaf people in the United States will be included. Ten hours of outside involvement in club and community activities are required.
This course fulfills the FYS requirement, the minor requirement for ASL 2230, and the multi-cultural requirement
Back to top.
FYS 1118 Enterprise and Finance : Personal Choices in the Ordinary Business of Life
The course will study the various factors of financial well-being over which the individual has some control. The topics to be discussed for consumer choices include forms of business organization, investments, budgeting, establishing credit identity theft, saving, insurance, taxation, home and car buying.
This is a stand alone course that fulfills the FYS requirement.
Back to top.
FYS 1108 From Chaos to Compromise : Important Moments in History
At tumultuous moments in history, compromise is created out of chaos. We will examine two such periods: Ancient Athens in 403 BCE and Nicea in 325 CE. In both instances, forces threatened to tear democracy and rule apart. How can compromise be crafted out of such disorder and instability? In this course, students will recreate these times and face the uncertainties of the eras. Students will read important texts from these periods and offer arguments to persuade others. This course will require students to participate in a role-playing game in which students play a part in history. If you are persuasive in your arguments, you will be meet your objectives and be victorious!
This is a stand alone course that fulfills the FYS requirement.
Back to top.
FYS 1149 Gender, Literature, and Culture
What is "masculinity," what is "femininity," and how have these concepts changed over time? This course will examine the social construction of masculinity and femininity over the last century or so. We will read some great works of literature and examine cultural artifacts from early twentieth-century Boy Scout manuals to contemporary magazine advertisements, and popular movies (e.g. James Bond, "Thelma and Louise") to children's books in an attempt to chart some of the changes in the social construction of gender over the course of the twentieth century. How much have things changed? Have books, movies, television, and advertisements helped to advance new gender roles, or have they reinforced traditional ones?
This FYS also fulfills the Textual Analysis requirement.
Back to top.
FYS 1155 Ghost Story in Fiction and Film
This course examines the ghost story in English and American literature and film as it developed over the 19th and 20th centuries. Through analyses of novels such as The Haunting of Hill House and The Turn of the Screw , and a variety of short fiction by masters of the form J. S. LeFanu, M. R. James, Edith Wharton, and Mary Wilkins Freeman, among others, the class explores all elements of fiction but emphasizes imagery, themes, and character types inherent in the genre. Although the course focuses on English and American fiction, students will also have an opportunity to research the oral and literary traditions of the ghost story in cultures worldwide.
This FYS also meets the Textual Analysis requirement.
Back to top.
FYS 1119 Group Process in Interactive Theatre
This course is an investigation into group dynamics within the theatrical process. We will learn and use techniques drawn from dramatic play, sociodrama, transformations play and mythodrama. Students will have the opportunity to work independently, in small groups and in the large group to create and present original work.
The first-year edition of the course emphasizes issues concerned with cultural change and personal identity. The transition from high school
to college often presents the opportunity and sometimes the necessity to create new roles more appropriate to an adult identity. We will use
dramatic processes to explore this dynamic, working playfully,
sensitively and thoughtfully.
This FYS fulfills one of the Creative Expression requirements and meets a major and minor requirement in Theatre Arts, as well as a requirement for a dual major with English, Communication, or Music.
Back to top.
FYS 1211 History and Philosophy of Sport and Physical Education
This course examines historical and philosophical development of physical education and sport from ancient civilizations to the present era. Areas covered include: cultures, leaders, events, programs, and guiding thoughts that have evolved into the current status of the academic discipline and the physical education profession as well as closely allied fields.
This FYS fulfills one of the Social/Cultural/Historical requirements, meets a major requirement for EPE and a minor requirement for OUtdoor Education and Sports Management.
Back to top.
FYS 1159 Horror in Fiction and Film
In this course students will examine horror in fiction and film, investigating together why it fascinates so many of us, and analyzing what kind of messages it conveys about the world we live in. In addition to reading and viewing these works for enjoyment, we will analyze them, attempting to understand how they reflect the authors' anxieties about a whole range of concerns: sexuality, the unconscious mind, scientific discoveries, unjust laws, and others.
This is a stand alone course that fulfills the FYS requirement.
Back to top.
FYS 1124 Human Behavior in Social Environments
This course examines the richness and diversity of the human experience throughout the life span from a biopsychosocial perspective. Various theoretical frameworks ranging from Freud to Feminism are examined. Functional and dysfunctional patterns of coping and adaptation are identified. In addition, social issues such as domestic violence, teen suicide, and eating disorders are explored from a socio-historical context.
This FYS course will fulfill a Social Work major requirement as well as a "social, cultural, historical understanding" requirement.
Back to top.
FYS 1122 Human Services in 21st Century
This course provides students an applied working introduction to the human service profession. Using models from neuro-chemistry, psychology, and sociology students are instructed and trained to perform accurate assessments and successful interventions with individuals, families, groups and organizations. Knowledge and skill are emphasized.
This course fulfills a requirement for the Social Work major.
Back to top.
FYS 1104 Introduction to Global Societies
This course offers an overview of the discipline of sociology from a global perspective, focusing particularly on cross-cultural comparisons of social, economic and political relationships. It explores how social forces impact the structure of a society and its social institutions as well as culture patterns, groups, personality, and human interactions. Special attention is paid to indigenous groups in America and other parts of the world.
This FYS meets the Social/Cultural/Historical Understanding and International Non-Western requirements.
Back to top.
FYS 1160 Journalism in the 21st Century : The Real Story
Interested in what makes the news media tick? In this class you'll get an up front and personal look at more than a dozen journalists who visit the classroom and field your questions and comments. Last year's lineup included news reporters, editors, sports columnists, bureau chiefs, and photographers from the Baltimore Sun, Washington Post & Carroll County Times, among others. Plus, from TV news, the news director for a Baltimore station, a prize-winning investigative reporter, and an anchor for a Fox News station. And that's not all. You'll also read a collection of unforgettable newspaper articles by a former Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter for the New York Times. By the end of the semester, you'll know why this course is called the "real" story of journalism.
This is a stand alone course that fulfills the FYS requirement.
Back to top.
FYS 1120 Kitchen Chemistry
We all eat; but have you ever wondered if there is any scientific basis to what is being done in the kitchen? This is a course that considers the chemistry of cooking because we all love to indulge our two most chemically related senses, smell and taste. During the course we will consider topics such as: the use of salt in cooking, the chemistry of baking powder, enzymes and jellies, the chemistry of flavor, chemical changes during cooking, the science of ice cream, Asparagus pee', and how hot are chili peppers? We will also consider international food and cooking methodologies, as well as the interpretation of nutritional information and marketing messages. The course will (of course) involve food experimentation, and will expand and enlighten your taste and smell experience. This is not a rigorous chemistry course, but one for those who like to be more knowledgeable eaters.
This is a stand alone course that fulfills the FYS requirement.
Back to top.
FYS 1111 Learning in a Diverse Society
This course surveys education in the U. S., including an introduction to the roles of various personnel in the school environment. The personal, social, and moral development of school age students is identified and explored with an emphasis on the students’ own experiences as consumers of education. Topics include: self-concept, motivation, ethics, communication skills, at-risk and special populations, and standardized tests as they relate to today’s diverse learning environments. This course allows students to explore careers in education.
This course fulfills a requirement for the Education minor. The course is interchangeable with EDU 1141.
Back to top.
FYS 1107 Let's Study the Science of Success
Almost every week new books are published on the topic of success and authors offer their advice on ways of achieving success. This science of achievement and success -let’s call it “successology”- has its theoreticians, practitioners, schools of thoughts, and disciples. As in any other disciplines, this science comes with manuals and workbooks. In this course students will explore the topic of success and achievement as an academic field. They will read and reflect on what great achievers say about success and test some of the tools used in workshops organized by corporations.
This is a stand alone course that fulfills the FYS requirement.
Back to top.
FYS 1125 Mexico : A Guide to Culture and Current Events
This course is an introduction to the study of contemporary Mexico . Two key areas are taken into consideration: local and transnational cultural production, and current events. Using a variety of texts, such as literature, music, newspapers, visual and performing arts- students will learn about national identity, transnational communities, US-Mexico relations, and border issues.
This FYS course can also serve as the one optional course in English in a Spanish Major program.
Back to top.
FYS 1148 Music and Words : A Quest for Expression and Meaning
This course is an introduction to the study of contemporary Mexico . Two key areas are taken into consideration: local and transnational cultural production, and current events. Using a variety of texts 0such as literature, music, newspapers, visual and performing arts- students will learn about national identity, transnational communities, US-Mexico relations, and border issues.
This FYS course can also serve as the one optional course in English in a Spanish Major program.
Back to top.
FYS 1105 Philosophy Around the World
This course is set up as a philosophical journey through various times and geographical spaces. We will study and reflect on philosophical concepts of Native American, African, South-American, Asian and Western traditions. The guiding question will be: How do we construct reality, Self, Other and the divine? We will ask this question in a multidisciplinary framework of philosophy, literature and science. This multicultural and multidisciplinary approach will benefit you in a variety of ways: a) you will gain a broader knowledge of the boundaries and interconnections between various cultures; b) you will come to a deeper understanding of philosophy, literature and science and their rootedness in particular cultural paradigms; c) you will come to understand philosophy, not as an ivory-tower endeavor, but as a vibrant link between humans with different cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds.
This FYS meets the Textual Analysis, Social/Cultural/Historical Understanding and International Non-Western requirements.
Back to top.
FYS 1110 Recursion in Algorithms, Logic, and Mathematics
Recursion is defining an object through itself. The course will explore the use of recursion in different fields. Possible topics include fractals, golden ratio, Game of Life, Fibonacci numbers, logical puzzles, game strategies, sorting and root-finding algorithms, trees, web page ranking, Russell’s paradox, and Gödel’s incompleteness theorem.
This is a stand alone course that fulfills the FYS requirement.
Back to top.
FYS 1161 Rites of Passage : Global Perspectives
This course examines the American college experience as a rite of passage into adulthood. We will analyze the values and beliefs tied to the college experience in relation to rites of passage in other cultures; for instance, Latino Quinceañeras, Navajo Kinaalda, Samoan tattooing, Senegalese female genital cutting, the adulthood ritual of the Amis ( Taiwan ), Pelazon ( Peru ), Massai circumcision, Aboriginal Dreamtime ( Australia ) and the Jewish Bar/Bat Mitzvah.
This FYS also fulfills one of the non-Western International requirements.
Back to top.
FYS 1154 Romans in History and Film
A study of historical, archaeological, literary, and cinematic visions of the Roman past. Students will read selections from ancient and modern authors (history in words), view archaeological evidence and analyze the reconstruction of Roman history by 20 th and 21 st century filmmakers (history in images). Topics will range from Roman politics and slavery to the challenge of film to the idea of history. Films will include Spartacus, Cleopatra, Ben Hur, I Claudius , Felllini's Satyricon , Quo Vadis , and The Fall of the Roman Empire and Gladiator.
This FYS fulfills a History Major requirement.
Back to top.
FYS 1106 Sheep : Biology, Arts, and Literature
This multidisciplinary First Year Seminar course will allow students to explore the role sheep have played in human history, literature and arts. Biology of sheep will serve as the foundation discipline . Students will select research topics and create podcasts to elicit feedback from the 'real world' about other humans' perceptions of the importance of sheep in cottage industry farming, literature and arts. This seminar is designed to be a stand-alone liberal arts course in content as well as introducing the first year student to critical thinking and writing skills with a modern technology spin.
This is a stand alone course that fulfills the FYS requirement.
Back to top.
FYS 1114 Technology in Education
From computers to iPods, technology has changed the face of education. This course explores the role of technology in elementary, secondary, and higher education classrooms. Students will share personal observations, review data on technology use, availability, and impact in schools, and will demonstrate various technological applications (including podcasting, vodcasting, and blogging) in the learning environment. This course allows students to explore a career in education.
This is a stand alone course that fulfills the FYS requirement.
Back to top.
FYS 1153 Transition to Adulthood
Are you an adult? When faced with this question most college students respond with an ambivalent, "in some ways yes and in some ways no." What insight can we gain into the universals and the unique pathways inherent in the transition to adulthood? In this course we will consider this developmental transition in depth by: 1) critically examining relevant theories and research, 2) conducting our own original research, 3) considering cultural variations in this transition, and 4) examining popular medial portrayals of coming of age. In addition, we will highlight the developmental tasks faced by college students as they negotiate their own journeys to adulthood.
This is a stand alone course that fulfills the FYS requirement.
Back to top.
FYS 1180 Understanding China
China has become a major player on the world stage, and its importance is only likely to increase in the future. Yet despite the periodic coverage it gets in the media, China often remains poorly understood. The purpose of this course is to provide students with a broad introduction to China so that they can better understand its impact on the world. Students will examine its history, culture, and politics, as well as contemporary social issues. While the course is aimed at students with a general interest in China, it is also intended to provide a foundation for those interested in taking additional courses on the subject in the future.
This FYS also meets requirements for International-nonwestern, Social Cultural, or Textual Analysis.
Back to top.
FYS 1115 World of Light and Color
Have you ever wondered why the sky is blue or the sunset red? Or why water is clear but snow is white? Or how we know so much about distant stars without actually visiting them? If so, this is the perfect course for you! This course embraces a hands-on guided discovery method of instruction and not traditional lectures. This means you will be performing many simple experiments that involve lenses, mirrors, light boxes, filters, and lasers in class as you explore a world of light and color. Instead of learning about science, you will have the opportunity to be a scientist!
This course fulfills the FYS requirement and the requirement for Scientific Inquiry.
Back to top.
Print-Friendly Page
Email a Friend