First-Year Seminar
Transition to college-level learning and living with the University of Saint Joseph’s First-Year Seminar.
Make new friends while you’re introduced to college life during this engaging and challenging course.
Current Courses FAQs Past Course Examples
Each Seminar:
- Addresses the academic, social, and emotional challenges of the first-year experience
- Promotes development of college-level critical thinking, reading, and writing skills
- Introduces you to services available at the University
- Encourages involvement in University activities
- Provides small classes and a supportive environment
- Promotes student and faculty discussion and interaction, both inside and outside of class

Your class will also be assigned a Peer Mentor, an upper-class student who will be your link to USJ faculty, staff, administration, and other students. Together, you’ll ensure your first year at USJ is a successful one.
Contact Jennifer Cote, Ph.D., [email protected], to learn more.
First-Year Seminar Courses — Fall 2022
Going Hungry in America: Hartford and Beyond
Professor Katie Thibault
MWF, 9-9:50 a.m.
INTD 100.01
Life on Mars?
Professor Derek Dube
MWF, 10-10:50 a.m.
INTD 100.02
Self-Expression in Cuban Culture
Professors Rachel Payne and Susan Murphy
TuTh, 12:30-1:45 p.m.
INTD 100.03
Addressing Health Disparities in Today’s America
Professor Sheila Garilli
MWF, 1-1:50 p.m.
INTD 100.04
Rebel, Rebel: The Power of Non-Violent Direct Action
Professor Christina Flood
MWF, 2-2:50 p.m.
INTD 100.05
The Socially Conscious Body: Self-Awareness and Relationship Building
Professor Susan Murphy
TuTh, 9:30-10:45 a.m.
INTD 100.06
Making Changes: Finding Insights into Life Transitions from the Field of Special Education
Professor Jennifer Kowitt
TuTh, 9:30-10:45 p.m.
INTD 100.07
Sport in Society
Professor Janet Howes
TuTh, 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
INTD 100.08
Yoga and its Eight Limbs: A Pathway to Connection
Professor Rachel Payne
TuTh, 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
INTD 100.09
Craftivism: Creativity and Citizenship in a Changing World
Professor Elizabeth Lesso
TuTh, 2-3:15 p.m.
INTD 100.10
FAQs
Examples of First-Year Seminar Courses Held in the Past
All first-year students are required to register for a course, so come to orientation/registration with choices you are interested in.
“The Power of Persuasion: How It Affects You”
Instructor: Kristin Cistulli, Ph.D.
“Life On Mars? Understanding Humanity through an Exploration of Pop Music, Science Fiction, and Science Reality in the Context of the Red Planet”
Instructor: Derek Dube, Ph.D.
“That’s Entertainment?!”
Instructor: Mark Zelinsky, Ph.D.
“It’s ALIIIVE!: New England Myths and Monsters”
Instructor: Jen Cote, Ph.D.
“Modern China”
Instructor: Hong Zhou, Ph.D.
“Behaviorism: Learning to Change What you want to Change”
Instructor: John Molteni, Ph.D.
“Meditation and Mindfulness”
“What are Global Health Disparities?”
Instructors: Janet Knecht, Ph.D. and Sister Beth Fischer