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University Seminars ____________________________________________________________________________
The University Seminars (USEM) are special courses specifically designed for first-year students and intended as a foundation for their studies at Brandeis. The primary objective is to provide an interactive small class environment in which students, under the close guidance of faculty, can experience the intense intellectual engagement of a seminar with fellow students. The topics and texts of the courses are broad-ranging and come from every school of the University; such diversity allows students and faculty to focus on subjects in which they have a particular interest. The seminars incorporate multiple perspectives (disciplinary or interdisciplinary) in addressing significant issues, questions and problems.
These courses are also skill-oriented: they encourage students to develop analytical, writing, and oral communication skills. Seminar discussions, under faculty guidance, help students to formulate key questions and to construct a critical analysis of the author's or artist’s assumptions, evidence, and argumentation. In addition, they allow students to develop and share insights and ideas, thus learning from each other.
All first year students will be required to satisfactorily complete one University Seminar.
A current full course listings and descriptions with required readings are available, as is a guide for the faculty.