Freshman Seminars are small, one-credit classes, with a maximum of 20 students, taught by senior faculty from across the University on a wide range of subjects. Seminar topics may introduce a particular discipline, explore an area of professional interest or provide important insight on contemporary issues.

The seminars are a good introduction to new areas of study, timely topics, some of UC Santa Barbara’s best teachers, and some of the possibilities offered by a broad liberal arts education. They are taught on a pass/no pass basis, have a manageable  workload and cover one course unit (10 hours per quarter). Students may take up to three seminars during their first year.

Because the seminars are limited to just 20 students, they are an excellent way for students to get to know senior faculty early in their undergraduate careers. The professors teaching these seminars volunteer to do so, and they choose the subjects based on their own research and interests, or on issues in the news. See the Office of Undergraduate Education for further information on eligibility and enrollment.

During the Fall 2009 quarter, some of the 28 seminars being offered are:

During the 2009-2010 academic year (Fall, Winter and Spring quarters) , some 95 Freshman Seminars will be offered. The full list of courses for Fall 2009, plus a list of past seminars, is available through the Office of Undergraduate Education.

Just one Freshman Seminar could change the direction of your entire college career!