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 2006-07, 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.
"It is just an incredible experience to be able to focus on the issue -- no homework, tests, grades to deal with, just improving your own knowledge and widening your vision. It is definitely worth it."
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
"It is a different and more effective approach to learning. When the student is more active in discussion then he or she will take greater interest and learn more. The topics were excellent, and I will take that with me forever. I feel like a better person for having taken these classes."
student comment
News and Updates
• Fiat Lux: UCLA College Report
• Fiat Lux: A pedagogical utopia
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 2007, Winter and Spring 2008 proposals. The deadline for Fall 2007 is Tuesday, May 1, 2007. For Winter 2008 proposals is Monday, October 22, 2007 and for Spring 2008 proposals will be accepted through Friday, February 2, 2008.
List of Fiat Lux Freshman Seminars
• Fall 2006
• Winter 2007
• Spring 2007
Evaluation of Fiat Lux seminars
• Two-year Assessment: 2003 to 2005
• 2003-2004
• 2002-2003
Fiat Lux Brochures
• 2006-2007
• 2005-2006
• 2004-2005