College students have the ability to choose from a wide variety of seminars (small, discussion-based courses) from the very first semester they arrive. While some seminars are focused on a particular major, others are part of University-wide programs that offer tremendous diversity in subject matter.
List of Seminars >> See policies >> See past seminars >>
While not required, freshman seminars are an excellent introduction to academic life in the College, and are highly recommended for first- or second-semester students. The primary goal of the freshman seminar program is to provide every freshman with the opportunity for a direct personal encounter with a faculty member in a small class setting devoted to a significant intellectual endeavor. Freshman seminars also fulfill College General Education Requirements.
Critical speaking seminars are small, speaking-intensive courses. At least half the grade is based on oral presentations, and students work with the CWiC advisor assigned to the seminar.
Benjamin Franklin Seminars are small, in-depth courses with a heavy focus on class discussions, readings from primary sources and paper writing. While most of these seminars are taught by faculty in the School of Arts and Sciences, seminars are also offered by faculty from the other schools, including Wharton, Medicine, Engineering and Law. The Benjamin Franklin Scholars program offers approximately fifty of these seminars each year.
Students who are members of the Benjamin Franklin Scholars program have automatic access to these seminars; however, any undergraduate may enroll in a Benjamin Franklin Seminar. While most are introductory, they may be taken at any time. For a current list, please see the website.
Students may count two Benjamin Franklin seminars or one Benjamin Franklin seminar and one Freshman Seminar toward the Sector Requirement.
Proseminars are short, non-credit, one-time sessions with members of Penn's faculty sponsored by the Provost's Office during New Student Orientation . They provide students with an opportunity to explore a variety of subjects before the start of classes. Proseminars can be selected from the brochure that is mailed out in July. See the NSO website fo details.
