Intro Sems
An offering of Stanford Introductory Studies in the Office of the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education

Introduction

Freshman Introductory Seminars and Sophomore Introductory Seminars and Dialogues offer students the opportunity to be introduced to the concepts and methods of a discipline in a small group setting focused on the research interests of the faculty.

In these courses, faculty 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, among other innovations.

For Department Chairs

Introductory Seminars begin with Departmental and Program chairpersons' commitment to undergraduate education at Stanford University. Introductory Seminars present a venue for integrating research and teaching, where faculty introduce students to the concepts and methods of their discipline. Faculty who share their research interests with first- and second-year students often find fresh perspectives and energy in the process and an opportunity to mentor a student into a major.

For Faculty

Introductory Seminars integrate explorations into current questions in a field together with training in critical inquiry skills. 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.

For Administrators

As key partners, we request the assistance of department or program course administrators throughout a two-part course proposal process.

Propose a Seminar

Course Administrators' Role (PDF)

CONTACT US

Intro Sems Contacts

The Introductory Seminars program is a division of Stanford Introductory Studies. Offices are in Sweet Hall, on the 2nd floor.

Intro Sems An offering of Stanford Introductory Studies in the Office of the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education