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The First-Year Topic Seminar (FTS) is the 12-week, one-credit Cornerstone option for students in the Morrissey College of Arts & Sciences. These seminars are taught by faculty who lead the discussion on a research topic within their academic discipline and their specific area of expertise. First-year Topic Seminars offer students the opportunity to explore academic areas of interest without having to commit to a major just yet. Enrolling in a FTS is a unique opportunity to test the waters in such disciplines as Economics, Theatre, Political Science, History, Communication, etc. The faculty instructor for your FTS will also be your academic advisor for your first year and until you are assigned an academic advisor in your major program sometime in your sophomore year. FTS sections also incorporate outside-of-the-classroom activities in and around campus and the City of Boston into the course curriculum.

Graded on the scale of Pass/Fail, this course ends the week before Thanksgiving Break.

First-Year Topic Seminar Course Descriptions

Fall 2026

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UNCS2245.01 Eat This, Not That�No Wait. The Biology of Nutrition and Health.

Lynn DiBenedetto (Biology), Monday 12:00 pm � 1:15 pm

How is your diet different from your nutrition? Does it matter? Are your food choices influenced by history, family, government, and culture? This seminar course will survey several of these questions and leave lots of time to explore other avenues, such as health, nutrients, and the science of nutrition. We will base much of this course around the book, In Defense of Food by Michael Pullen and supplement with other materials.

UNCS2245.02 Using Economics to Challenge Intuition

Geoff Sanzenbacher (Economics), Tuesday 1:30 pm - 2:45 pm

Could a good growing season actually decrease farmers� revenue? Could an increase in the minimum wage somehow increase employment? And, could a policy designed to make it harder to discriminate against one group actually make discrimination more likely? This course will discuss how economics can predict things that run counter to intuition, with a special eye on issues related to inequality.

UNCS2245.03 Survey of Studio Art

Hartmut Austin (Fine Arts), Thursday 4:30 - 5:45 pm

This course is designed to help you explore formal and conceptual aspects of the visual arts. Through practical exercises, presentations, and exhibition visits, Students will become familiar with art and artists from historical, contemporary, stylistic, and aesthetic perspectives. Emphasis will be on basic analog studio practices as a means of understanding visual language. No previous experience in art is expected.

Students will be working with basic drawing and painting media and will make drawings, paintings, and collage works mostly in a sketchbook that functions also as a "book of ideas". Media used will include pencil, charcoal, ink, and water-based paint. Techniques will include observational and imaginary drawing and painting, image transfer, and collage. A section of the course will be dedicated to the basic elements and principles of design and color theory. Short discussions will round out the program.

UNCS2245.04 The Freshman International Student Experience

Adrienne Nussbaum (Office of International Students & Scholars), Tuesday, Noon - 1:15 am

Coming to Boston College and to the U.S. to study as an international student can be both an exciting and challenging time for freshmen. This achievement is perhaps the fulfillment of a dream that you and your family have had for many years, and so there are many high expectations for success. All freshmen go through significant adjustments in their first year, however, international students also must acclimate to a different educational system, as well as many cultural differences that may impact both their academic and social life without the support of family and close friends nearby. The goal of this seminar is to help international freshmen better adjust to B.C. and the U.S. It will cover cross-cultural topics such as how values and communication styles can vary across countries, and practical skills for managing expectations and adjustment. It will also include guest speakers from throughout the University who will introduce you to the many resources available to freshman international students that will help you succeed both in and out of the classroom. This section is open only to International Students and requires department permission.

UNCS2245.05 Inclusive Prosperity

Can Erbil (Economics), Wednesday 12:00 pm - 1:15 pm

As the "Economics for Inclusive Prosperity� platform states, � ...We live in an age of astonishing inequality. Income and wealth disparities between the rich and the poor in the United States have risen to heights not seen since the Gilded Age in the early part of the 20th century. Technological changes and globalization have fueled great wealth accumulation among those able to take advantage of them, but have left large segments of the population behind.�

This seminar explores the concept of 渋nclusive prosperity" and investigates the roots of increasing inequality in the US, as well as across the globe. We will discuss several policy briefs from the EfIP platform and other brand-new research and data-driven analysis. Whenever we can, we will try to brainstorm on policy recommendations. Every week, one student will lead the discussion on a topic of their choice, beginning with a brief presentation. Topics will need to be connected to concepts of economic inequality, racial and gender inequality, opportunity inequality, equity and economic justice, economic growth, economic development, poverty, and distributional justice - all leading to the same goal of inclusive prosperity. Students are encouraged to draw connections to the topic of their choice and their own experiences. The presentation will be the catalyst for further class debate. All students are expected to actively engage and participate in this seminar. As a bonus, we will focus on how to prepare and make an effective presentation and some of the basics of public speech.

UNCS2245.07 Incentives & Inequality: An Economic Lens on Higher Education

Megan McCoy Dowdy (Economics), Thursday 3-4:15 pm

Every institution has a "Hidden Curriculum"攁 set of unspoken rules that govern success. This seminar pulls back the curtain on those rules, using the Economics of Inequality as our guide. We begin by defining the purpose of a college education through key economic concepts like opportunity costs and externalities, helping you understand the true value of your time here. We then investigate why success is uneven, analyzing structural achievement gaps and day-to-day challenges, including navigating campus resources. Finally, we demystify the major conversations happening in higher education, from the value of a liberal arts degree to the impact of AI. Join us to learn the rules, analyze the systems, and gain the confidence to make the most of your 网曝吃瓜 experience.

UNCS2245.09 Living & Learning Justice

Deanna Danforth (Univ. Core), Tuesday, 4:30 pm - 5:45 pm

What does it mean to live in a way that is just? How do we enact those values in our campus community and beyond? In this one-credit seminar, we will explore the meaning of justice in our own lives and think about how our actions can help others realize their visions of justice as well, ultimately creating a society in which everyone can flourish. As we reflect on how we can act in the service of the common good, we will get to know the resources that Boston College provides to support us in this mission. We will center our conversations on one common book during the semester but continue them throughout the year in the Justice and the Common Good LLC and in advising. * This section is open only to students enrolled in the Justice & The Common Good Living Learning Community (JCGLLC)

UNCS2245.10 The Freshman International Student Experience

Adrienne Nussbaum (Office of International Students & Scholars), Tuesday, 3:00 pm - 4:15 pm

Coming to Boston College and to the U.S. to study as an international student can be both an exciting and challenging time for freshmen. This achievement is perhaps the fulfillment of a dream that you and your family have had for many years, and so there are many high expectations for success. All freshmen go through significant adjustments in their first year, however, international students also must acclimate to a different educational system, as well as many cultural differences that may impact both your academic and social life without the support of family and close friends nearby. The goal of this seminar is to help international freshmen better adjust to B.C. and the U.S. It will cover cross-cultural topics such as how values and communication styles can vary across countries, and practical skills for managing expectations and adjustment. It will also include guest speakers from throughout the University who will introduce you to the many resources available to freshman international students that will help you succeed both in and out of the classroom. This section is open only to International Students and requires department permission.

UNCS2245.11 Music and�

Jeremiah McGrann (Music), Wednesday, 3:00 pm - 4:15 pm

Of themselves, the simple physical vibrations of music have no meaning, but somehow people have ascribed the most important values to the experience of music: its importance in cognitive development, its ability to shape and influence society, or simply to process human experience. Through a series of readings and a wide range of musical examples攃lassical, traditional, popular攚e will explore what a musical composition is and what people have thought about music and its effects, with a focus on its role in society and in shaping the person. Participants will be asked to explore the place of music within their own lives and to possibly encounter music styles they don檛 immediately understand.

UNCS2245.12 Engaging Difference & Justice at Boston College

Brian Gareau (Sociology), Wednesday, 4:30 pm - 5:45 pm

In this seminar, we will explore the meaning of the Engaging Difference & Justice core requirement, its connection to 网曝吃瓜's mission, and the part that students must play to make it a success. What does it mean to "engage" issues around the difference and justice at 网曝吃瓜? This course will challenge students to envision societies in which all can flourish in freedom, integrity, and fullness of life through the mutual respect their members show to one another in their interactions and relationships.

UNCS2245.13 Illusions

Sean MacEvoy (Psychology), Thursday, 12:00 pm - 1:15 pm

We all trust our brains to make sense of the world, but should we? From color and shape to time and even relationships, 渨hat you see� is definitely not always 渨hat you get�. Drawing upon art, neuroscience, and lots of fields in between, we檒l try to unravel the mysteries of visual illusions, uncover the secrets behind cognitive biases, and examine the cultural variations that shape our perception of reality. With a healthy dose of real-world examples and hands-on demonstrations, we檒l explore why our minds play tricks on us�and why maybe that not such a bad thing!

UNCS2245.14 These are a Few of My Favorite (Economic) Things!

Tracy Regan (Economics), Wednesday, 3:00 pm - 4:15 pm

This course stands in contrast to the notion that economics is a 渄ismal science� and instead introduces students to a variety of fun topics, in my opinion, that economists research. Papers and topics range from the design of the QWERTY keyboard, to beauty and the labor market/classroom, to the social impact of 16 and Pregnant, with others in between. Students are expected to read the academic articles, at their level of comprehension, before class and to arrive ready and willing to participate in a lively discussion with their peers on the assigned topic.

UNCS2245.15 Seeing is Not Believing: Propaganda in the 21st Century

Thomas Kaplan Maxfield (English), Monday 2:00 pm - 3:15 pm

This course will focus on the ways in which we live in a world filled with various forms of propaganda, from advertising to political campaigns, all of which contain presuppositions and assumed premises that greatly affect how we think. At a certain level, all thinking is a belief system based on particular assumptions, but this class will examine, via readings and films, many ways in which forms of propaganda operate in our society to produce specific and sometimes extreme forms of belief. Subjects that will be considered include the corporation, the official story of 9/11, and the NSA. For example, the Iraq invasion was the first time in our country history that the military built and used a media center to control what was shown and how. Reporters were 渆mbedded� in military units as a way of controlling reporting on the invasion. Pictures of flag-draped caskets of American war dead returning home were forbidden, unlike during the Vietnam conflict, in which they were regularly shown.

UNCS2245.16 Theatre: Transformation and Social Impact

Patricia Riggin (Theatre), Monday, 3:00 pm - 4:15 pm

Theatre roots are deeply embedded in the art of storytelling, and the power of the story, the full story, remains a rich resource for exploring our shared humanity and as a means of individual discovery. As we delve into the art of theatre, our class will encounter plays that not only entertain but also provoke us to contemplate current social issues. The class will attend the theatre in Boston and on campus. This seminar is also a place to play, de-stress, and connect with others in a fun and supportive atmosphere by using acting exercises and storytelling to develop self-expression and creativity. The class will help guide you through your first year at Boston College, exploring aspects of your new life on campus: academic, social, and practical.

UNCS2245.17 Counting: Methods & Meaning

Erika Ward (Mathematics), Tuesday, 4:30 - 5:45 pm

We often take counting for granted, but it a window into foundational (and sometimes weird!) ideas about mathematics. What does it really mean to count? How have different cultures developed counting and number systems? Where do we see echoes of those today? What is infinity, really? By exploring these ideas and playing with different ways of counting, we檒l develop some abstract mathematical thinking and examine of the assumptions that we bring to math. This class is for anyone who interested in getting a peek at abstract mathematics or thinking about how different groups of people have developed mathematical ideas. As long as you come willing to engage your curiosity, you檒l be enthusiastically welcomed!

UNCS2245.18 Monsters and the Monstrous

Jason Cavallari (University Fellowships Office), Monday, 4:30 pm - 5:45 pm

Vampires. Werewolves. Witches. From dragons to mad serial killers, history is full of the weird, the dark, and the scary. Every society learns to fear someone or something in order to protect us from the unfamiliar, the impermissible, or the Other. Knowing what scares us, however, also tells us more about ourselves, our desires, and that which we cannot tolerate. This course uses monsters and the idea of the monstrous to introduce students to the study of history through experience with historical sources, pop culture sources, and in conversation with historical scholarship on things that go bump in the night.

UNCS2245.19 First Gen Students: Using Our Strengths to Succeed in College

Dacia Gentilella (Learning to Learn Program), Tuesday, 1:30 pm - 2:45 pm

Arriving on campus for the first weeks and months of college can be both a thrilling and daunting time. Questions race through our heads: What are the rules, spoken and unspoken? What are the best classes to take? Should I let anyone know that I have questions? What will they think of me if I don't understand everything? These questions often have a different impact on first-generation college students, who are trailblazers for themselves and their families. First-gen students often carry themselves and all of the hopes and dreams of their friends and families into their college experience, without the benefit of advice from those who have struggled with the academic and social demands of the world of the university. This seminar will be a place for first-gen students to explore their new lives as college students, while embracing their past and pursuing their dreams for the future.

UNCS2245.20 Justice, Law, and the Common Good

Greg Kalscheur, SJ (Dean, Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences), Monday, 4:00 pm - 5:15 pm

In this seminar, we will explore the distinctive vision of the person, of the relationship between the person and society, and of the requirements of the good or just society that flow out of the Catholic social thought tradition. This tradition includes a distinctive way of thinking about the nature and purpose of law and the relationship between law and morality. We will also try to think in a sustained way about justice: what do we mean when we use the word justice, what does justice require, how might we understand justice as a virtue rather than as an abstract idea, what is the relationship between legal justice and social justice, between a biblical understanding of justice and philosophical or legal understandings of justice? A Boston College education strives to prepare students for meaningful lives oriented toward service of the common good -- how might we understand what service of the common good asks of us?

UNCS2245.21 Games: The Role of Play and Competition in Society

Rebecca Dunn (Biology), Monday, 4:00 - 5:15 pm

What defines a game? Why do people play them, and how do games affect our lives? In a fun and supportive environment, we will explore these questions together, examining a variety of perspectives: evolutionary and historical viewpoints, insights from game theory, the societal roles of games and competition, and the psychology of play, risk, and uncertainty. Students will engage with readings and other media to spark lively discussions攁nd should be prepared to play some games along the way! We will also reflect on how play can help us relax, connect with others, and bring enjoyment and balance to our daily lives.

UNCS2245.22 Core Conversations In/Justice

Elizabeth Shlala (University Core and History), Tuesday, 4:30 pm - 5:45 pm

"No one is saved alone: either we are all saved as a community or we are not saved." Pope Francis and other leaders across the world call out to us in the midst of grief and human suffering to leave no one behind. This seminar is a one-credit advising course based on the themes of Justice and the Common Good. In our class, we will tackle difficult topics together as we try to find solutions in our everyday lives on campus. It will set you on a path to know yourself better and to create a community of hope for the future. * This section is open only to students enrolled in the Justice & The Common Good Living Learning Community (JCGLLC)

UNCS2245.23 Human-Centered Design for the Common Good

Sunanda Bhattacharya (Office of the Provost), Monday, 3:00 - 4:15 pm

Can human-centered design help create a better world? In most real-life situations, community problems are best resolved when the solution is reached through a holistic effort that actively engages all members of the team: real users, key stakeholders, and constituents. This process converts learning from an individual to a social activity and draws on the collective wisdom of those attempting to reach a solution. For example, without this inclusive method, well-intentioned groups often can end up designing solutions that may not function in a cultural context. In this seminar course, we will explore how 榟uman-centered design� as a structured group process that is inclusive, creative, and problem-solving, can have a positive impact on our society and planet. You will see and reflect on inspiring case studies as well as hear from practitioners using design-driven processes, including the practice of ethics and empathy, to ideate and prototype socially impactful solutions.

UNCS2245.25 Seeking to Understand Innovation and Creativity

Charles Hoffman (Biology), Tuesday, 9:00 am - 10:15 am

Make no mistake about it, I do not have the answers, but in this seminar, we will explore the characteristics of people deemed exceptionally creative and innovative. We will look into the lives of people recognized this year by MIT 35 Innovators Under 35 and recent MacArthur Genius Fellows, including people working in a wide range of disciplines. We will also look at puzzles or brain teasers to develop our skills.

UNCS2245.26 Am I My Brother (or Sister) Keeper? Social Insurance in America

Joseph Quinn (Economics), Tuesday, 4:30 pm - 5:45 pm

This course will introduce students to the concepts of social insurance and social assistance, with emphasis on three major programs in the U.S.: Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. These are also the three main components of what some call the Entitlement Crisis. We will look at the goals, accomplishments, and challenges of these programs and at reform proposals.

UNCS2245.27 Big Screen Microeconomics: Economic Principles in Our Favorite Movies

Matt Rutledge (Economics), Wednesday, 4:30 pm - 5:45 pm

Once you start learning about economics, you can檛 help but see it everywhere. How many times per day do we weigh costs and benefits, experience diminishing returns, or respond to incentives? These economic principles are universal� so universal that we see characters in our favorite films deal with the same issues. Each week, we will review a movie, ranging from the classics to recent hits, point out the ways that economic principles influenced the plot and character development, and discuss how the films demonstrate how economics affects our lives every day. Later, you will get the chance to write and present your own examples from movies you love. Whether this is the start of an economics major or minor, or the only econ course you ever take (no prior experience with economic coursework is necessary), you檒l enjoy the wide-ranging discussion with your newfound peers� and maybe some popcorn.