First-Year Seminars are designed to give entering college students an introduction to the “ideal” teaching and learning environment of the liberal arts college course. The seminar format with ten to fifteen students, the course topic that focuses on an area reflecting the professor’s major interest, the opportunity for in-depth discussion, analysis, and writing, are all important and valued components of the first-year seminar.

At Wells, the first-year seminar not only focuses on the free exchange of ideas surrounding an important question in the liberal arts, but also seeks to ensure that first-year students know and have the opportunity to practice the skills necessary to be successful in upper-level college courses.  This course is also designed to give students introductory instruction in college writing and group intellectual exchange. The course is designed to encourage small group and large group discussion and various kinds of writing. Students will be expected specifically to complete “low stakes” informal writing exercises and “high stakes” formal college essays.  In the “high stakes” category, students will be expected to complete four or five formal writing assignments, including some with and some without secondary sources.

At the end of the course, students should have an understanding of the kinds of questions the liberal arts disciplines can help them answer and demonstrable abilities in how to address liberal arts questions effectively in writing.

Wells 111 - First-Year Orientation:  “Strategies for Success in a Liberal Arts College”

This course introduces new students to the resources of Wells College, gives students an overview of the practical and academic skills necessary to succeed in college, and provides students with the opportunity to create an individualized plan of how they might best use the resources of the College during their time at Wells in a way that maximizes their overall educational experience

Requirements: Students are required to attend all sessions of WLLS 111 and participate in class discussion. Students will also be required to complete two library assignments, one college essay, and an Individualized College Plan (ICP).

Distribution Requirements: The goal of these requirements is to ensure breadth and build on the skills and knowledge base provided in the WLLS101 and WLLS111 courses. Requirements for all students:

• Two courses at the college level in a single foreign language
• One course in formal reasoning (mathematics, computer science, or logic)
• Three courses in the arts and humanities, with at least one in each area
• Three courses in the natural/laboratory and social sciences, with at least one in each area
• Four classes in physical education: wellness, swimming (or exemption through examination) and two additional activity courses.