<p>Can somebody explain the difference between a seminar and a course? How are their demands different? Their workload?</p>
<p>1st year seminars have about 18 people max in the class, the topic is very specific (instead of the broad intro classes), the class is based on discussions and papers (instead of lectures and exams). Most don't even have a final. The workload depends on which seminar you take I guess, just like the rest of the classes. Its more reading and writing than studying for exams. I would reccommend them because its nice to have a small class and I learned a lot in mine..and you only get this opportunity your first year!</p>
<p>Niihla is very wrong in saying that you can only get the opportunity your first year. There are seminars offered at every level, and probably most for upperclassmen because they will be exploring in some graduate areas, where the most seminars take place. Generally seminars are small and often have two professors and a pretty focused topic. However I took two my freshman year and mine had just as many exams as my other courses and one had a final. They're basically an easy A in an interesting topic and a light workload.</p>