Honors Program: First Year Seminars

First Year Seminars

First Year Seminars debuted in Fall 2019. Each seminar is a 3 credit, topic-specific course that helps academically-prepared students transition to their college studies and new community. It can be substituted for the CSS 103 College Success Strategies requirement.

What are the seminar topics for Fall 2021?

  • Fandoms: What Kind of Geek Are You? (Psychology and Pop Culture)
  • Notre Dame Cathedral: What Can This Medieval Masterpiece Teach Us? (Art History and Anthropology)

See "Further Course Information" at the bottom of this page.

How do I decide which seminar to take?

Fundamental to both First Year Seminars is the examination of the need for knowledge, where to find it, and how to understand and use it. These lessons can be learned in either of the seminars, no matter which one you choose.

You might pick your seminar because you already have interest in the topic or because you know little about the topic, or even because a particular seminar works well in your schedule. You do not need to match the topic with your college major.

What are features of both First Year Seminars?

  • Study of broad academic skills and frames of mind
  • Small class size
  • Active discussion and out-of-classroom activities
  • Peer collaboration and support
  • Engagement with a professor/mentor
  • Scholarly research and analysis
  • Career guidance

Does a First Year Seminar help me fulfill my course requirements?
Yes, provided you have not already taken CSS 103 or HON 101. An "orientation course" is required in most students' programs of study at Reading Area Community College. HON 100 can be substituted for CSS 103.

How do I know if I qualify to take a First Year Seminar?
You are eligible to enroll in a First Year Seminar if you placed into COM 121 through appropriate scores on the RACC placement test, or have a combined SAT score of 1100, or earned a 3.25 GPA excluding developmental courses, or receive the professor's permission.

Further Course Information

HON 100 A 1231
Fandoms: What Kind of Geek Are You?
Professor Carol Bean-Ritter,
Tuesdays and Thursdays 12:00 to 1:20PM

HON 100 C 1131
Notre Dame Cathedral: What Can This Medieval Masterpiece Teach Us?
Professor Pamela Blakely
Mondays and Wednesdays 9:00 to 10:30AM

If you have additional questions, please email Dr. Pamela Blakely, Honors Program Coordinator, at pblakely@racc.edu.