Freshman Seminars
Exchanging and exploring ideas is a skill acquired only through practice. At UCLA, the Fiat Lux Freshman Seminars provide valuable forums for students and faculty to engage in critical thinking together. Students discover how to learn through dialogue not only with the seminar instructor but with each other. By investigating a specific problem, text, or idea, they have the opportunity to explore one of the myriad paths to knowledge pursued at the research university. The vigorous discussions that characterize the most successful seminars depend on the commitment and contribution of each and every member of the class.
All seminars are one unit, pass/no pass, and carry an honors content notation.
Let There be Light!
In 2004-05, UCLA will offer up to 200 one-unit freshman seminar courses that span the rich array of fields studied at UCLA. Each new course will enroll 20 students, with preference for entering Freshmen.
"My instructor was amazing, always prepared and so passionate about the topic. He would email us during the week, was willing to talk outside of class, and the entire seminar was discussion, so we really could interact in ways you usually can't with experienced professors."
student comment
"The classes offer a rare opportunity for you to help students to look at a topic that interests you within a pressure-free context (no grading). They seem to like it and are willing to 'study' something that they would otherwise not approach (for instance, my students consistently tend to be from non-Humanities parts of the campus)."
faculty comment
"I got to meet other students who shared my interests and I made several friends. There was a lot of interaction within the seminar and everyone got to contribute to the class room discussions. I learned a lot from my fellow students."
student comment
Student Information for Fiat Lux Freshman Seminars
• A description of Fiat Lux
Faculty Information for Fiat Lux Freshman Seminars
• A description of Fiat Lux
• Fiat Lux application (Use CIMS form to submit an application to teach a Fiat Lux Seminar)
We are now accepting Fall 2005 proposals. The deadline for Fall 2005 has been extended through Tuesday, May 10, 2005.
List of Fiat Lux Freshman Seminars
• Fall 2004
• Winter 2005
• Spring 2005
Evaluation of Fiat Lux seminars
• 2002-2003
• 2003-2004
Fiat Lux Brochures
• 2003-2004