Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences

Choosing a Freshman Seminar

Fall 2008-2009 Seminars by department

Fall 2008-2009 Seminars by time

Fall 2008-2009 Seminar descriptions

The news is all good: you can choose from 67 freshman seminars for Fall 2008, all of them taught by full-time members of Northwestern’s faculty. As you look over the lists (searchable by department and by time), you'll see that freshman seminars cover an astonishing range of topics, from "The Search for ET" to "The History of Hell!"  The problem won’t be finding something that interests you but choosing from an array of fascinating—and fun!—options. 

So, how should you choose?  The best advice is simply to choose seminars that look interesting to you.  Although you're welcome to list seminars in departments or areas in which you think you might major, we strongly encourage (and even dare) you to take something you otherwise might not.  Have fun with your choice!  That's why you're here.

Two things to bear in mind:

Think about other courses you know you want or need to take in the fall and about other fixed commitments such as football practice or band rehearsal.  It doesn't make sense to include seminars on your Top Ten list that are scheduled at times you'll have other commitments.  Check the online Course Schedule to see when particular courses are scheduled to meet.  If you're a student athlete, be sure to discuss your schedule with the academic advisers in the Athletic Department for practice schedules and other advice about courses.  If you're involved in another program that you'll need to schedule around (ROTC, for example), contact the director of that program for scheduling advice.  If you can't find someone to talk to, contact the Office of Undergraduate Studies and Advising.  We'll be happy to help.