<p>Hello everyone,</p>
<p>I've been doing some research into the courses I want to take next year at Michigan and I came across these small classes called seminars. What exactly are they and how are they different from normal classes? Do you get grades and credits for them? Are we required to take seminars? If someone could explain in detail, that would be great.</p>
<p>I believe what is different about seminars is that they are small. My son signed up for one and it will have a maximum of 20 students. They are graded and give credit. There is no requirement to take them but they are a good opportunity to get a small class. But I don’t have any first-hand experience so perhaps someone else will have more info.</p>
<p>So is the only difference the size of the class then? </p>
<p>It may be that the “only” difference results from the class size. It is a lot different to sit around a table with 20 people and talk about a subject than to have a large lecture three times a week and a smaller discussion group. I imagine class participation is more important.</p>
<p>Sorry for the confusion but just to clarify, in seminars, is it like a small class where you talk about the subject and you are graded on your participation. Do you get like traditional tests and finals in seminars?</p>
<p>Basically what I got from orientation is that seminars are easier classes that aren’t looked down upon, the professors help you adjust to college and are understanding, most students are glad they did/wish they took a seminar, and every freshman should try to take one. </p>
<p>Are there any super popular seminars you all would recommend for a first year? Thanks!</p>
<p>I didn’t take any seminars, nor did I know anyone who did. I would suggest just taking a regular class, and get a feel for how actual classes are.</p>
<p>“First-Year Seminars are small courses limited to 18-20 students and fulfill at least one LSA requirement. Most are offered by various departments and designed to appeal to a broad range of student interests. FYS are intended to give incoming students an opportunity to engage faculty on a more personal basis. They span the first-year writing requirement, humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, and interdisciplinary distribution.”</p>
<p>Source: <a href=“http://www.lsa.umich.edu/students/yourstudentexperience/firstyearseminars”>http://www.lsa.umich.edu/students/yourstudentexperience/firstyearseminars</a></p>