Intro Sems Since 1997, courses from all seven schools provide an opportunity to introduce first- and second-year students to the concepts and methods of a discipline in a small group setting focused on the research interests of the faculty. They are designed to allow students to explore potential areas of interest and to see the shape that more advanced investigations in a field might take.


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Prof. Russell Berman teaches COMPLIT 50Q Is God Dead?

For Department Chairs

Introductory Seminars illustrate the University's commitment to offer an undergraduate experience enriched by opportunites for scholarly engagement specific to facutly expertise and research. Curricular development begins with Department Chairs and Program Directors.


Prof. Kenneth Waldron teaching ME17N Robotics Imitating Nature, Spring 2009

For Faculty

Faculty who share their research interests with first- and second-year students often find innovative and fresh perspectives in the process and an opportunity to mentor a student into a major. In these courses, instructors have developed new interdisciplinary approaches; experimented with teaching aids such as computer animations; added training in public speaking for their students; and tried out models for larger classes.


Prof. Dennis Bird teaches GES 55Q The California Gold Rush: Geologic Background and Environmental Imapct

For Department and Program Adminisrators

Throughout the academic year, collegial administrative partnerships provide valuable support for Stanford Introductory Studies' Introductory Seminars.