First Year Seminar
First Year Seminar is a 3 credit hour course required of all Women’s College first year students. It is designed to allow new students to be introduced to the intricacies of college life and the importance of a liberal arts curriculum. The course addresses academic and professional development, fosters personal growth, and, by tying academic content to one or more of the four portals, launches students on their way to an extraordinary life. The professor for your FYS class will be your first semester adviser. To register for the class, click the class title. Please choose from the following:
AS 100 First Year Seminar Topic Focus, Section 01: Stewart Blakley
Horror Film 101. This course will focus on the changing nature of horror films through film history. The films will be discussed in terms of technological and artistic development, as well as place in the socio-historic context of the time. Each generation gets the horror films it deserves, and one of the more fascinating aspects of the study of the genre is the changing nature of the monsters who present a threat. Examples of horror film creatures will be discussed for historical and sociological impact. The best way to study films is, of course, to watch them. Students will watch film clip examples in class that demonstrate the concepts discussed. Students will then collaborate on writing, planning and acting in their own horror film scene, which will be videotaped.
AS 100 First Year Seminar Focus, Section 02: Vince Yamilkowski
Become a Master Student! This course teaches the student how to use modern learning and life management strategies in order to become successful here at Brenau and in life activities after graduation. Topics will include setting goals and objectives, organization and time management, completing daily tasks, how to use the textbook, how to study for exams, stress management, and physical wellness. Along with the common reader and other AS 100 activities, students will be encouraged to be aware of current events and be able to discuss them.
AS 100 First Year Seminar Focus, Section 03: Patty Webster
Where in the World Do YOU Want to Go? Have you thought about studying abroad? Or maybe you realize that whatever career you have chosen, you’ll be working with individuals from other “cultures.” Meet international students studying here and professors who take students abroad while you participate in a variety of learning experiences to broaden your awareness of cultural similarities and differences and discover your own cultural identity. Consider the funny (and not so funny) things that happen when our words and actions are misinterpreted by someone from another culture. You will choose a country you’ve always wanted to visit and create a plan to make it happen during your time at Brenau, while learning about their values and attitudes, art, music, foods and traditions. Discover the many cultures represented in Gainesville and prepare to join the global community!
AS 100 First Year Seminar Focus, Section 04: Julia Clay
My Home Away From Home. This section will explore all aspects of life in Hall County, Georgia. Areas of study will include the education system, healthcare, local government, judicial system, industry and economy, recreation, local history, and natural resources in the area. The course will end with a group community service project chosen by the class. The purpose of the course will be to introduce students to their four-year home away from home, providing opportunities for civic engagement during their college career.
AS 100 First Year Seminar Topic Focus, Section 05: Kenneth K. Frank
Hello Dalai: An Introduction to the Teachings of the Dalai Lama. This course will focus on the teachings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the exiled religious leader of Tibet and winner of the 1989 Nobel Peace Prize. He is recognized internationally as a spiritual leader and peace statesman. His upcoming visit to Georgia will provide additional context for this course. Included in this focus will be a brief introduction to Buddhism, the Dalai Lama’s own spiritual heritage. Themes studied in this course range from religious tolerance to compassion and nonviolence.
AS 100 First Year Seminar Topic Focus, Section 06: Bonnie Kin
But, You Didn’t Take It the Way I Meant It! Ever wonder why communication seems to be so difficult with certain individuals in your life? This experiential course will focus on developing helpful communication skills that can assist you in managing your communication styles and emotions in relating to others. By the end of the course you will have a new communication toolbox filled to the brim with assertion techniques, listening skills, conflict resolution, and the ability to de-escalate family disputes, roommate dilemmas, lovers’ quarrels, and other heated issues.
AS 100 First Year Seminar Focus, Section 07: Amanda Lammers
Vanguard Leadership Scholars. This section of First Year Seminar is one component of an intensive leadership experience that may last the duration of your Brenau career. The program is a comprehensive leadership commitment beginning with participation in a living, learning community. Students who apply for this program should be prepared to engage themselves in the Brenau, local, and global communities. They should also desire self-discovery, self-improvement, and service. Upon completion of this first year seminar course, participants may apply for The Vangaurd Scholars program – a four-year leadership commitment. *Participation in this program is required for Brenau scholars.
AS 100 First Year Seminar Topic Focus, Section 08: Heather Casey Hollimon
If I Only Had a Brain. No need for ruby slippers or flying monkeys, but you CAN be a real wizard. Through games, puzzles, adventures, and other activities, you will discover ways to improve your critical thinking skills. You will learn about cognition, metacognition, logic, fallacies of logic, creative thinking, etc. Learn how to unleash the power of your own mind and have a great time doing so.
AS 100 First Year Seminar Topic Focus, Section 09: William Haney
Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office. This seminar experience focuses on the skills needed to be a success in college and in business. It focuses on the concepts needed and mistakes made by young people who unknowingly blunder their way into business trying to be “nice” rather than “business-like.” Taken from the National Bestselling book by the same name (author: Dr. Lois Frankel), the title of this course implies there are key mistakes women often make that sabotage their careers. This course not only attempts to correct those mistakes but also focuses on life strategies associated with personal and professional success. Just like quiet women rarely make history, nice girls don’t get the corner office. Take other courses if you want to have fun; take this course if you want to succeed in business!
AS 100 First Year Seminar Topic Focus, Section 10: Lisa Morgan Echols
Information Literacy. College students are asked to research on a deeper level than they have in the past. In this section, you will learn the fundamentals of utilizing Brenau’s information resources. From navigating the library catalog, eBook collection, and online databases to finding stronger resources on the Internet, this course offers tips and tricks to make your research experience more effective. You will research a subject of your choice related to a video watched in class. Topics such as crafting a thesis statement, evaluating sources, formal citation and plagiarism will also be discussed.
AS 100 First Year Seminar Topic Focus, Section 11: Mary Beth Looney
Reacting to the Past: The Radical Element. The history of how American women finally got the right to vote in this democratic republic is complex, but better understood through games! Yes – games! Students are assigned historical roles with both public and secret objectives. Your professor is the gamemaster. YOU run the class. History isn’t re-played in these games – it’s often re-written. Who gets to tell others their college class played games all the time? If you sign up for this one, you do!
