UNIV 10100 – First-Year Seminar
Our First-Year Seminars allow for a student to find a topic and a professor that can help make their freshman experience a real success. There are 30+ different options for students to select from. This course is a one-hour subject-area seminar and orientation course required of all first-time freshmen. Students will be introduced to special topics of their choice based on personal interest, declared major or academic interest while also orientating to the university environment. This special topics seminar course will provoke critical thinking, problem solving, and interaction. Course is required of all first-time freshmen or transfer students without an equivalent course previously completed from another college or university. May not be retaken for a higher grade. Lab fee required.
The Office of First-Year Programs offers two types of transitional courses for new students – First-Year Seminars for our on-ground students and an Academic Success Strategies for our on-line students. All first-year students must take either an UNIV 10100 or MGMT 16025 during their first semester. Transfer students who successfully completed a First-Year Seminar or College Transition course at another college are exempt.
Join a Learning Community
A learning community is a set of classes organized around a theme. It is a dynamic learning experience designed specifically for first-year students.
Lindenwood students have an exciting opportunity to participate in a specialized learning community created to make the most of their first-year experience. Learning communities are comprised of students with similar interests/majors. These students choose to learn, study, and explore their fields of interest together.
The Learning Community (LC) program consists of co-enrolling students in two to four courses in the fall. Each of these courses are selected around either a topic of interest or an academic degree program. You may participate as either a residential or commuter student.
Check out our Learning Community Page for more information!
Fall 2023 Courses
The list below consists of all Fall 2023 First-Year Seminar courses.
UNIV10100_01 - The Well Lived Life
What does it mean to make informed and ethical decisions? How do we learn autonomous decision making and develop an internal locus of control? In this course, we'll explore four pillars of a well-lived life - mental, physical, social, and spiritual. We will discuss techniques for enhancing our overall wellness and discuss how we can live our best lives.
Professor: Ana Schnellmann
Time Offered: Tuesday, 8 - 8:50 a.m.
UNIV10100_02 - Entertainment, Food, Sports, Chemistry, OH MY!
I wonder, wonder, wonder…Is that explosion in a movie legit. Why is there only one lab tech in a forensics lab on a television/streaming crime show. How are hundreds of pieces of evidenced analyzed in 20 seconds, my computer takes longer to start than that? Does Jim Parsons (Sheldon Cooper) really know Physics? How does bread rise? Why did the mayo separate? What preservatives am I eating? I would love to ride on the Zamboni. How does it get the ice so shiny? Man the last few seasons of baseball have seen a larger number of homeruns, is the ball “juiced”? How does a water spider walk on water? Why is my water for my pasta taking so long to come up to a boil? How does snow form? Do snowflakes have different shapes? Does the weather really affect animals?…and a whole lot more. Experience the Freshman seminar of: Entertainment, Food, Sports, Chemistry…OH MY!!!!
As a graduate of Saint Louis University with BA and MS(R) in Chemistry my area of specialty is Surface and Colloidal Chemistry. I am an avid Cardinals and Blues fan. I hold blue ribbons (first place) from the Missouri State Fair for Canning. I enjoy cooking, learning about cooking, brewing, and other beverage making. As a trained volunteer weather spotter, you will find me outside when a thunderstorm approaches. However, I am not crazy to go storm chasing. I enjoy spending time with family and friends. Day trips and the outdoors in the summer are some of my favorite activities.
Professor: Jennifer Fraser
Time Offered: Thursday, 9:30 - 10:20 a.m.
UNIV10100_03 - Everything To Know Before Graduation
Lions, Finals, and Laundry, oh my! There is a lot to adjust to in your first semester of college. Not only are you academically challenged, but you’re learning real-life skills, transitioning to adulthood, and navigating a new experience in a new place, with new people. In “Everything to know before Graduation,” we will cover those tips and tricks to navigate your Lindenwood experience successfully. What campus resources are available? What’s fun and free around Saint Charles? But also, how do I use this knowledge and resources around me to balance my school work, social life, and new responsibilities? In addition to LU-specific topics, we will cover important foundations to success such as job-searching, how to stand out in interviews, how to budget and pay taxes. Students will visualize the individual they want to be in 4 years as they walk across the stage at graduation, and create a map specific of how to get there, including support from campus resources, leadership opportunities, extracurricular involvement, and a personal value assessment.
Professor: Evie Ward
Time Offered: Tuesday, 2 - 2:50 p.m.
UNIV10100_04 - Advantages of Self-Awareness
As students transition into the University setting and begin their college experience, many of them struggle with self-awareness because it is not something they have had to deal with in the past. Self-awareness has been shown to have a huge impact on students learning processes and outcomes. Learning about one’s own personal needs, strengths and weakness is just the start to becoming self-aware. Students will discuss how being self aware can provide connection opportunities with roommates, future friends or relationships, professors, advisors, etc.
Professor: Ryan Farmer
Time Offered: Wednesday, 10 a.m. - 10:50 a.m.
UNIV10100_05 - Becoming a Game Changer in College
This course is designed to help students to understand how to maximize their time and effort while at LU in order become game changers in their desired field of study and find meaningful entry-level employment post graduation.
Professor: Daniel Sweeney
Time Offered: Tuesday, 2 - 2:50 p.m.
UNIV10100_06 - CLUE: Mystery at Lindenwood
The outline of this course framework will be about the board game CLUE. Utilizing a murder mystery theme, assignments will be assigned for students to inquire with various Lindenwood services and/or offices to determine or solve the CLUE mystery. Students will submit assignments according to the scavenger hunt.
Professor: Julie Bergen
Time Offered: Tuesdays, 9:30 - 10:20 a.m.
UNIV10100_07 - An Apple a Day, Can Earn You An "A"!
During the transition to college, many students find themselves dealing with the various environmental changes that effect areas of wellness, such as: physical health, emotional and mental states, nutrition and weight management, and overall spiritual happiness. A wellness-based course in the first year college student can be correlated to improved academic success and overall happiness (Lafountaine et al., 2006). This course will focus on 6 areas of wellness throughout the semester to help the student develop and implement a personal wellness plan for a happy and fulfilled life! Students will get to engage in hands-on activities, group discussions, and group projects to understand these wellness areas. For example, learning the principles of fitness, habits for healthy eating on a college campus, and managing stress-specific events during the academic semester.
Specifically, Lindenwood has a large athletic population that already has a vested interest in their health, however; learning how to keep life balanced in this new academically challenging environment takes a particular skill set. After completing this course students will have the tools necessary to overcome the many obstacles college students face during the first year to maintain a healthy well-being. Additionally, students will be introduced to the exciting field of health science where they could further explore a major in exercise science, recreation, athletic training, public health, or wellness management. Our school also offers 10 minors in a variety of areas that the course will expose the students to through course activities.
Lafountaine, J., Neisen, M, & Parsons, R. (2006). Wellness factors in first year college students. American Journal of Health Studies, 21(4), 214-218.
Professor: Annie Alameda
Time Offered: Thursday, 11 - 11:50 a.m.
UNIV10100_08 - Gym Life: Myths vs Science
Do you even lift Bro? If it fits your Macros. My followers will love this. If it’s not posted, did it really happen? Today social media plays an incredible role in allowing people to share information and even foster communities of people with similar interests. Unfortunately, within the field of Exercise Science and Health Sciences in general, it is often difficult for most people to recognize the good from the bad. The so called FitFluencers, InstaFit models and BroScientist make it challenging to distinguish between genuine, scientifically based information and basic propaganda. Countless individuals use social media and their followers to promote specific products and personal opinions, many of these are not based on true science. As a result, some social media personalities are able to prey on people not actually knowing the science behind the products or claims. So how can people figure out the truth or know which sources to trust? The purpose of this course is to begin to understand the actual scientific principles in the sports & fitness world. We will also learn about myths and truths in the fitness or nutrition world and ways to identify who to trust and who to question.
Scott Richmond earned a bachelor’s degree from Truman State University, then earned a PhD in Exercise Physiology from the University of Kansas and worked as a Post-Doctoral Research Scholar at Washington University-School of Medicine. He has taught Introductory and general education courses up to upper level major and graduate courses. He has always been interested in learning how different technologies or substances can improve performance and has supervised numerous student research projects. He enjoys being in the classroom, lab, or gym and loves spending time with his family.
Professor: Scott Richmond
Time Offered: Wednesdays, 1-1:50 p.m.
UNIV10100_09 - Theatre and Politics
An exploration of major milestones in Theatre history. From its early days in 6th century BC Athens to the present, live theatre has been closely entwined with politics. We'll explore Greek protest comedies, Christopher Marlowe: playwright, spy, and murder victim.
Professor: Donna Northcott
Time Offered: Monday, 9 - 9:50 a.m.
UNIV10100_10 - Discover U - A Seminar of Self Discovery
Please note, this UNIV Seminar is offered in conjunction with a Learning Community and is also offered as an independent Seminar Course.
This course is extremely interactive and is designed to help students understand more about the university and themselves. Students will get the opportunity to learn more about resources, wellness, and the opportunity to experience service-learning.
Professor: Justin Barton
Independent Seminar: Thursdays, 10 a.m.-10:50 a.m.
Learning Community Seminar: Wednesdays, 10 -10:50 a.m.
UNIV10100_11 - Life Lessons You Need To Know
This First-Year Seminar will go over some basics on life skills you need during and after your college careers, such a how to buy a house, what to do with student loans, taxes and other necessary life tasks. Students will get the opportunity to suggest certain topics to be covered along with hearing from experts on each topic.
Professor: Meredith Boerding
Time Offered: Monday, 11 - 11:50 a.m.
UNIV10100_12 - Making Bank: It's Common Sense
Ever feel like you are barely making ends meet, stressed about college debt, clueless about managing your money, or worried about how to make your dreams come true? You’re not alone. Most college students feel unprepared to handle their finances and plan for their futures. Now that you are on your own for the first time, this is the perfect opportunity to learn how to take control of your finances and be a responsible decision-maker. In this interactive course, discover common-sense principles, attitudes, and practices from economics and finance that will empower you with practical life skills that will last long after your college career. Through hands-on experiences, you will learn how to solve financial problems faced by college students just like you. Explore topics like choosing a career, paying for college, budgeting, saving, and managing credit. You will also get to create unique ways to share what you have learned with others, such as collaborating with your old high school, helping organize the annual Get Money Smart @ Lindenwood series, designing social media content, connecting with student organizations, or writing an op-ed.
Professor: Grant Black
Time Offered: Tuesdays, 1 - 1:50 p.m.
UNIV10100_13 - Change Your Thinking. Change Your Life
It will help students develop self-esteem and discover their true identity and self-worth. It will also focus on the 3+1 Cs, namely, Clear thinking, Critical thinking, Creative thinking and Curiosity.
Professor: Paul Coutinho
Time Offered: Thursdays, 1 - 1:50 p.m.
UNIV10100_14 - Unlocking Your Professional Potential
In this course, we will explore the keys to developing as a professional both in college and beyond. Topics will be focused on NACE Employability Skills which include Professional Communication, Career & Self Development, Leadership, Teamwork, Technology, Critical Thinking, Professionalism, Equity and Inclusion.
We will delve into each of these competencies while also working toward creating a career portfolio including an elevator pitch, professional resume, personal brand and more.
Along the way, we will be joined by guests from area employers and organizations to help students refine skills and explore options for careers in the greater St. Louis Region and beyond.
Professor: Shannon Wright
Time Offered: Monday, 1 - 1:50 p.m.
UNIV10100_16 - Creating Imaginary Worlds
In this course, students use thought experiments to propose "what if" ideas of possible made-up world scenarios. These proposals are written up and shared with the rest of the class and serve as the basis for weekly discussions of what those worlds might actually be like, the philosophical implications of the thought experiments, and tips for actually creating/writing things to bring the worlds to life in art.
Students love talking about "what-if" scenarios, especially when they are free to explore whatever interests them. It's an informal way of experiencing the best parts of philosophy and creativity as well as being very social.
Professor: Daniel Plate
Time Offered: Wednesday, 11 - 11:50 a.m.
UNIV10100_17 - Walks and Words with Waffles
This First-Year Seminar (FYS) is an introductory class offered to first-year students to help you acclimate to the college environment, develop effective strategies for success, and to learn about your identity as a Lindenwood University student.
Professor: Peter Smith
Time Offered: Wednesday, 11 - 11:50 a.m.
UNIV10100_18 - Respect Ability - Sport and Recreation for All Abilities
Have you ever heard of goalball or sit volleyball or played wheelchair basketball? What are those sports? Who plays them? This is a course open to all students who want to embrace the "can" in people, not the "can't." This class will challenge you to think differently and expect more out of people that might have a different ability (disability). We will engage in all kinds of activities and sports that you may have never tried before! This class is exposure to diversity in our culture. This course will also introduce you to exciting and fulfilling career paths and hopefully encourage new thought about people with disabilities. We will look at what they CAN accomplish! We will challenge the stigma that society tends to put on people with disabilities as we learn about the Paralympics, adapted sport, and therapeutic recreation. Students will gain experience in a major course of study (therapeutic recreation) as well as a minor in adapted sports and recreation that is appropriate for many different majors across campus. Students will learn about careers in the College of Science, Technology, and Health, as well as other majors who are involved in human service. We are going to play and experience sports such as wheelchair basketball and sit volleyball, as well as many more! More than anything, the hope is that upon leaving this class, students will think about people with different abilities and believe in the "I CAN."
Heather Pennington has worked for 20 years in the field of adapted sports and recreation. She worked at an Olympic and Paralympic training site, where she wore many hats and loved it! Hats included fitness coordinator, strength conditioning coach, wheelchair basketball coach, adapted ski instructor, and more. She was blessed to serve with the U.S. Paralympic Military program and help wounded warriors find their strength! Pennington is also passionate about serving families that live with disability everyday through many organizations in our community like DASA, Community Living, St. Louis ARC, etc. She has a master's degree in exercise physiology and certifications related to the field. She loves teaching and showing students their career potential!
Professor: Heather Pennington
Time Offered: Wednesday, 12 - 12:50 p.m.
UNIV10100_19 - This Is Day 1
This course is based on the book titled, “This is Day One” by Drew Dudley. The course will allow students to discover their own leaderships values and learn how to live each day like it is Day One. Along with everyday leadership, students will also learn about lollipop moments, improving each other’s lives, and personal values and philosophy.
Professor: Paris Suzuki
Time Offered: Tuesday, 9:30 - 10:20 a.m.
UNIV10100_20 - Around The World In 112 Days
Travel the world in 112 days (aka 16 weeks). Learn about different cultures and countries, while also learning about how you could study abroad in that country someday. Outline of the course will visit 2 countries a week by materials of film, books, podcasts, etc.
Professor: Rachel Jagust
Time Offered: Tuesdays, 10 - 10:50 a.m.
UNIV10100_21 - Fashion In Society, Media, and Pop Culture
Look at fashion within the lenses of the following areas: How society views fashion? How the media views fashion? How pop culture views fashion. And in turn how fashion can change these different areas perspectives.
Professor: Rachel Jagust
Time Offered: Thursday, 2 - 2:50 p.m.
UNIV10100_22 - DIY: Crafting Your Life
Worried the first semester of college will be nothing but stress? Think again! In this course, participants can have fun and tune into their creativity as they produce unique, handmade goods. Studies show that crafting, regardless of what you’re making, can boost confidence, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve mood. Throughout this course, participants will learn about the art of crafting, explore international crafts, practice writing instructional material, and get hands-on experience creating items from scratch.
Professor: Samantha Sorrick
Time Offered: Thursday, 2 - 2:50 p.m.
UNIV10100_23 - Law & Order - No, Not the TV Series (Criminology & Criminal Justice Learning Community)
If you have ever watched an entire season of Making of a Murderer, Orange is the New Black, or any Crime Time TV shows, you likely have an appreciation for the misunderstood world of criminal behavior and are intrigued in the ways in which our system responds to those behaviors. This seminar will explore the American criminal justice system, separating fact from fiction, and what it looks like from the perspective of the police, courts, corrections, victim, and offender. We will spend time discussing key issues within the criminal justice system, the current efforts at criminal justice reform, and the impact on professionals within the field.
Professor: Heather Donovan
Time Offered: Monday, 12 - 12:50 p.m.
UNIV10100_24 - Sneaker Wars: A Closer Look At Business Through Rival Brands Adidas and Puma
As a Sport Management faculty member, we are always trying to find students who are excited about the business side of the sporting industry. Using the book, "Sneaker Wars", the students will learn about how the Global Brands - Adidas and Puma - revolutionized the world of sport business with regards to endorsement contracts, sponsorship opportunities, ad-campaigns, and marketing brilliance as a global brand. The book blends together a historical narrative during WWII of sporting events and famous athletes and their connections with the two major global brands and the contributions they have made to the sport business industry.
Professor: Abby Weber
Time Offered: Tuesday, 1 - 1:50 p.m.
UNIV10100_25 - Living Greek
Ever wonder about how fraternities and sororities came to be? Maybe you are interested in joining one and want to learn more? This course is for everyone – from the legacies, potential new members, and to history buffs alike. In “Living Greek”, we will cover the origin stories of fraternities and sororities, how they currently operate, and the events/topics we see in the news today. Students will leave the course with a deeper understanding on the roots of higher education, fraternity and sorority life, and the values that still make them relevant today.
Please note that this Seminar is open to all students and you do not have to be a member of Greek Life on campus to join!
Professor: Melissa Bidinger
Time Offered: Tuesday, 9:30 - 10:20 a.m.
UNIV10100_26 - Success: Defined by YOU
This First-Year Seminar (FYS) is an introductory class offered to first-year students to help you acclimate to the college environment, develop effective strategies for success, and to learn about your identity as a Lindenwood University student.
Professor: Katelin Knight
Time Offered: Tuesday, 2:30 - 3:20 p.m.
UNIV10100_28 - Astrobiology: What will ET look like?
We will use modern biology, environmental sciences, and evolution theories to discuss the potential for extraplanetary life and the probable life forms to be found on other planets. We will look at fictional and non-fictional examples from literature, Hollywood, and the primary literature to discuss what is possible.
Professor: Chad Welsh
Time Offered: Wednesday, 2 - 2:50 p.m.
UNIV10100_30 - Getting Through College SWIFTLY
My course, titled "A TAYLORED Guide to Getting Through College SWIFTLY," will provide students with information, resources, fun facts, and guidance on how to be successful in college, specifically at Lindenwood. The course will include a focus on the importance of students' ability to understand the link between personal, social, and academic development. Students will learn techniques to balance personal development (learning about themselves, their beliefs, their goals), with social development (getting involved on campus, with the community), and academic development (learning what resources are available on campus to help students with their academics). The course will use Taylor Swift's successful music career as a reference.
Professor: Tabatha Bergen
Time Offered: Monday, 2 - 2:50 p.m.
(LEARNING COMMUNITY) - UNIV10100_FLC01 - Discover U: A Seminar of Self-Discovery
Please note, this UNIV Seminar is offered in conjunction with a Learning Community and is also offered as an independent Seminar Course.
This course is extremely interactive and is designed to help students understand more about the university and themselves. Students will get the opportunity to learn more about resources, wellness, and the opportunity to experience service-learning.
Professor: Justin Barton
Independent Seminar: Thursday, 10 - 10:50 a.m.
Learning Community Seminar: Wednesday, 10 - 10:50 a.m.
As a part of this Learning Community students should also be registered in ENGL 15000_18 Composition I -- Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9 - 9:50 a.m.
(LEARNING COMMUNITY) - UNIV10100_FLC02 - How to be a Good Creature
Please note only students that attended the LindenFirst First-Generation Summer Experience can register for the is Learning Community.
The course will follow a book, "How to Be a Good Creature," which takes a close examination of animals and the lessons we can learn about being a good person from them. New students often feel a strong draw to animals, so this class will provide a welcoming, animal-focused environment to start pushing personal growth.
Professor: Kevin Manley
Time Offered: Monday, 11 - 11:50 a.m.
As a part of a Learning Community students should also be registered in ENGL 15000_07 Composition I -- Monday, Wednesday, Friday 12 - 12:50 p.m.
(LEARNING COMMUNITY) - UNIV10100_FLC03 - Truth and B.S.
Please note, this UNIV Seminar is only offered in conjunction as a Learning Community. Visit Learning Community to learn more.
What exactly is the nature of truth and how important is it for a well-rounded education? This course is intended to help you, the first year Lindenwood student, discover your own answers to these questions by exploring the goals of the various Colleges and Departments at Lindenwood University alongside the current philosophical theories of truth and bullshit. Special emphasis will be placed on how to evaluate these goals and theories within the context of everyday life.
Dr. Joseph Steineger has been an Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Lindenwood University since January 2014. He received his degrees from the University of Kansas and the University of Chicago, and works in the fields of Metaphysics, Philosophy of Mind, and Philosophy of Religion within the context of Medieval Philosophy. A first generation college graduate in his family, Dr. Steineger is an enthusiastic teacher of college undergraduates with a deep commitment to the view that the examined way of life is the best way of life in any walk of life.
Professor: Joseph Steinger
Time Offered: Monday, 10 - 10:50 a.m.
As a part of this Learning Community students should also be registered in ENGL 15000_03 Composition I -- Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9 - 9:50 a.m.
(LEARNING COMMUNITY) - UNIV10100_FLCH6 - Your Honors Story (Honors Learning Community)
Please note, this UNIV Seminar is only offered in conjunction with the Honors Learning Community. Visit Learning Community to learn more.
Your Honors Story - Sec FLCH6
What do you want your college story to be about? What do you need to know to make your college journey into a success story? In this course, we explore how college works, so you can take advantage of everything it has to offer. Get to know yourself as a student at Lindenwood University by reading, collecting, and writing stories about college. Learn how to take control of your own college story by gathering information to help you succeed in school and in life. Realize your full potential as an Honors student by applying your talents, abilities, and experiences to maximize college life and make a positive impact on your future.
Professor: Lauren McCoy
Time Offered: Thursday, 2:30 - 3:20 p.m.
Business Learning Community
This Learning Community is for students enrolled within the Plaster College of Business and Entrepreneurship.
FLC07 - MGMT_16025_07 - Introduction to Business and Free Enterprise
Professor: Karolina Schneider
Time Offered: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 12 - 12:50 p.m.
FLC07 - ENGL_2300_07 - Professional Communication
Professor: Laura Wehmer-Callahan
Time Offered: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 11 - 11:50 a.m.
UNIV10100_OL01 - Wellness and Self-Exploration (Online)
This course will give students an introduction to everything you need to know about Lindenwood and being a student. Campus recourses, policies, and graduate attributes will be discussed followed by discovering who you are as a student and a person. Through different personality inventories, students will get a well-rounded view of who they are and the strengths or weaknesses they have.
Professor: Sarah Rinker
Time Offered: Online
UNIV10100_OL02 - Life is Like a Box of Chocolates: Servant Leadership Through the Eyes of Forrest Gump (Online)
This course explores the hidden symbolism and the untimely servant leadership of Forrest Gump. Crafted from the 1994 film classic, this course dissects the life lessons, personal victories, and willingness of the main character with practical applications to servant leadership and themes. Attention is given to the concept of servant leadership and symbolism. Furthermore, this course will equip the student to analyze the symbolism in the world around them and grasp the concept of becoming a servant leader.
Professor: Danielle McCall
Time Offered: Online
UNIV10100_OL03 - Into the Metaverse: A VR Driven Learning Experience (Online in the Metaverse)
Delve into an engaging educational experience that is certain to open your eyes to the possibilities that lay before us with Virtual Reality. Students will use VR headsets and a variety of applications to explore, collaborate, interview, and even present in this ground-breaking course designed with the intent to engage students in a whole new way. Fasten your goggle straps... this is certainly going to be an experience to remember.
Professor: Jason Dude Lively
Time Offered: Distance Learning Course - Wednesday, 2- 2:50 p.m.