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Arcadia University First-Year Seminar Courses Fall 2025
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Arcadia University First-Year Seminar Courses
        Fall 2025

Advocacy in Action

Faculty: Jaisy Omollo, Civic & Global Engagement

Tuesday/Thursday, 12:20 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

What skills will you develop in college to prepare you to serve as a force for social change? And how can you start right now? The college years are often a time to develop social consciousness, practice critical thinking and dialogue, and dream big. We will intentionally spend our time that way in this course. Writer June Jordan first used the popular phrase “We are the ones we’ve been waiting for” in a poem presented to the United Nations. You and your classmates will interpret the phrase for yourselves, and take some action. This course will give you the opportunity to study a wide range of approaches to advancing social change, partner with a community-based organization, and design and implement an advocacy project. Along the way, you and your classmates will develop the skills to thrive as Arcadia students, and we will build a community intended to serve as a support system even long after the course concludes.

American Horror Story: Exploring America’s Violent Past

Faculty: Favian Guertin-Martin, Sociology, Anthropology & Criminal Justice

Tuesday/Thursday, 10:20 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

This interdisciplinary course investigates the haunting legacy of American violence through the lens of the television series American Horror Story. Drawing from real historical events and cultural anxieties, the show brings to life episodes inspired by the Salem Witch Trials, slavery and racism, voodoo in New Orleans, serial killers, traveling “freak” shows, and the genocide of Indigenous peoples. Students will analyze selected episodes in tandem with scholarly readings to examine the historical, social, and political forces underlying these violent narratives. In addition to exploring criminological theories of deviance, violence, and moral panic, the course introduces emerging fields such as ghost criminology—which examines how trauma and memory linger in haunted spaces—and dark tourism, or the commercial appeal of sites tied to death and atrocity. As part of the course, students will also participate in a haunted history tour of Philadelphia, allowing them to connect course concepts to local sites where myth, memory, and violence intersect.

BananaLoupe: Thriving with Resilience, Joy, and Purpose

Faculty: Kim Dean, School of Education

Monday/Wednesday, 4:00 p.m.- 5:40 p.m.

What happens when life pokes you? Some of us bruise like bananas, others are cantaloupes; thick-skinned and less easily wounded. The truth is we all need to become Bananaloupes--sensitive and resilient! What if you could learn to thrive no matter what life throws your way? Welcome to a course that’s all about you--your well-being, your skills and connections, your ability to thrive. In this fun, thought-provoking seminar, we’ll explore the science and practice of happiness, resilience, and meaning using the PERMA-H framework (Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment, and Health).  Together we’ll dig into the World Happiness Report, the social science research on college students, and real stories from college life to discover what actually supports flourishing for individuals and for communities. Through conversations, creative reflection, personal strengths assessments, and experiments in everyday life, you’ll build habits and insights to help you feel good, function well, and stay grounded through the ups and downs of your college journey and beyond. This course blends play and purpose, science and self-awareness. More than a class; this seminar is an investment in your future self.

Bodies in Motion  

Faculty: Jessica Mahoney, Physical Therapy

Tuesday/Thursday, 12:20 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Let's get moving! This is an introductory course focused on the movement of the human body. The basic anatomy and body structures will be presented and discussed throughout the curriculum. The goal of this course is to develop an appreciation and understanding of how these structures relate to particular movements of the body, how age and disease can affect these movements, and how different body systems can interact with each other to produce voluntary movements. This knowledge will be applied to everyday activities (walking, running) as well as new patterns of movement (learning a new skill). Additionally, students will familiarize themselves with the use of university and library resources through the completion of course assignments and the presentation of course material.

Keywords: Interactive, Experiential, Supportive, Learner-centered

Body Talk

Faculty: Sabrina Glass, Office of Sexual and Gender-based Violence Prevention and Education

Monday/Wednesday, 4:00 p.m.- 5:40 p.m.

Societal standards set far before our time have dictated how we experience our own bodies on a daily basis. In this class, students will discuss their own experiences in their bodies, how they experience others bodies, and dissect the societal constructs that have formed their views about the body. Topics covered in this class will include gender identity and expression, fatphobia and diet culture, consent, sex education, and bodily autonomy, racism, and how all of these concepts intersect. This class will rely heavily on class discussion and participation and students will be assessed in multiple modes such as paper writing, group projects, and experiential learning. This class will focus heavily on the theories and concepts of intersectionality, Black feminist theory, and critical action research.

Citizenship & the Law

Faculty: Christopher Cerski, Historical & Political Studies

Tuesday/Thursday, 4:00 p.m.- 5:40 p.m.

Get ready to launch your college journey with a course that’s all about you—your voice, your rights, and your role in shaping the world around you. This first-year seminar explores what it really means to be an engaged citizen in today’s America. Through powerful Supreme Court cases that shaped our culture—from slavery and segregation to flag burning, school prayer, and healthcare rights—we’ll dig into the stories that still impact our lives today.  We’ll break down how government works, how laws are made, and why history still echoes in today’s headlines. You’ll sharpen your skills in critical thinking, debate, and discussion, while exploring the key traits of an engaged citizen. This course isn’t just about books—it’s about being here, now. You’ll also learn how to manage college life, build strong study habits, and connect with your classmates and community.  Bonus? We hit the road for an unforgettable trip to Washington, D.C., and possibly Philadelphia, where you’ll see civic engagement come to life. 

Coffee and Tea: Origins, Economy, Ethics

Faculty: Daniel Schall, English

Tuesday/Thursday, 12:20 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Do you have die-on-this-hill devotion to cold brews? Have you set up your own cozy café in your room? Ever notice how so many people meet to talk over coffee and tea? Take this course to find out why our world is so focused on these drinks, even with their complicated origins and ethics. In class, we’ll hold optional taste tests of coffees and teas, explore the cultural and ethical aspects of coffee and tea, review and blog about coffees and teas, and even visit and observe cafes and tea houses. If you like deep dives and learning about other cultures, take this course and discover what’s really in your mug.

Keywords: Discussion-based; Student-centered; Collaborative

Dark Academia        

Faculty: Marie Taylor, Undergraduate Studies

Tuesday/Thursday, 4:00 p.m.- 5:40 p.m.

Popularized on tumblr then spreading to other social media spaces like BookTok, BookTube, and Bookstagram, “Dark Academia” as a concept is multifaceted: an aesthetic, a subculture, a form of social critique, and a current literary movement. Texts within the dark academia genre feature picturesque institutions of higher learning and characters who devote themselves to classics, poetry, and the arts, but instead encounter corruption, deception, and violence. As a class, we will explore the genesis of the dark academia genre by evaluating its roots in Gothic literature (including excerpts from Frankenstein and Dracula) as well as current texts (like The Secret History and Babel). Through studying the movement of “Dark Academia,” students of all majors and backgrounds will interrogate the very purpose and structure of a university education, and will develop an understanding of their place within Arcadia University. They will reflect on their own experiences as a student, read college-level classics and contemporary texts, and find connections between the two.

Expose Yourself to Art!  

Faculty: Adam Hess, Landman Library

Monday/Wednesday, 4:00 p.m.- 5:40 p.m.

What is art, really—and who gets to decide? In this fun, hands-on course, you'll dive into the world of art by exploring big questions, creating your own work, and experiencing art up close in Philadelphia's galleries, museums, and streets. We’ll look at everything from murals and street art to photography and contemporary installations. You’ll learn how artists and curators think, why art matters, and how it shapes the world around us. Expect a mix of field trips, creative projects, and lively discussions—not to mention new skills in writing, speaking, and thinking critically that will serve you well in any major. No prior art experience needed—just curiosity and an open mind.

Keywords: art appreciation, street art, photography, art & society, creative expression

Generational Thinking 

Faculty: Daniel Pieczkolon, Undergraduate Studies        

Monday/Wednesday/Friday, 11:00 a.m. - 12:05 p.m.

RIYL: The socio-political conditions of memes; multimodal research; over-caffeinated empathy; lots of classroom discussion/no tests or quizzes; data-driven uncertainty; serious jokes; collaborative writing; trying to figure out why your parents said that thing.

 

It's A Different World 

Faculty: Maya Gordon, Psychology         

Monday/Wednesday, 4:00 p.m.- 5:40 p.m.

This course will use the 1990's sitcom "A Different World" as the backdrop for a larger conversation about the impact of media portrayals on Black students' self-concepts.  The show takes place on a college campus and follows the lives of a group of college students as they navigate various academic and social challenges.  Through our analysis of "A Different World" and discussion of media effects research, students will explore their own identity development and academic self-concepts, identify common pitfalls/challenges, and connect with resources on campus that will help them to successfully navigate college life. 

Lights, Camera, Arcadia! Exploring the Art of Film

Faculty: Jonathan Shandell, Visual & Performing Arts

Tuesday/Thursday, 2:10 p.m. - 3:50 p.m.

We all like a movie night, right? Sometimes, we go to a local movie theater or stream a recent blockbuster just to escape and be entertained—nothing wrong with that. But if you’ve ever wanted to take a closer look at how movies work, and see some great films that you might not otherwise find, this course is for you. Together we’ll watch and discuss a bunch of movies, talk to film artists and see how they make the magic happen, learn to be film critics (not just in a negative way), and even get in front of the camera as actors. You'll never watch a movie the same way again.   

Making Moves: Strategic Nonviolence and Civil Disobedience  

Faculty: Allyson McCreery, Historical and Political Studies                  

Monday/Wednesday/Friday, 9:45 a.m. – 10:50 a.m.         

“What do we want? Justice! When do we want it? Now!” The fight for justice, equity, and freedom has endured for centuries. People rise up, resist, and create change through nonviolent movements time and time again. But how does it work? In this class, students will analyze and assess the strategies behind nonviolent civil resistance in order to understand the scope of this phenomenon. Students will leave the class knowing how to “be the change they wish to see.” This course utilizes various approaches to learning, including audio/visual screenings, lectures, group assignments, oral and written assignments, and individualized research projects.

Naked Words: The Intimacy of Poetry

Faculty: Sara Wenger, English

Tuesday/Thursday, 10:20 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Naked Words: The Intimacy of Poetry aims to inspire confidence in the creative writing process. Through in-class writing prompts, students may find themselves surprised at how relaxing and fun expressive writing can be. Readings that include a novel in verse and an anthology of contemporary poetry will provide opportunities for students to experience diverse poetic and cultural voices.

Keywords: process-oriented, collaborative, supportive

Questioning Gender            

Faculty: Jess Derr, English

Monday/Wednesday/Friday, 11:00 a.m. - 12:05 p.m.

What is gender? The answer varies, depending on time and place. In the US, gender has long been popularly recognized as synonymous with biological sex. But in recent years, we’ve witnessed an expanded understanding of the term. As this definition develops, gender becomes unfixed, leading to many questions along the way: What role does biology have in gender? Is gender something we do or who we are? How did the gender binary come to be? How do conceptions of masculinity and femininity change our approach to gender? Through an emphasis on classroom community, peer collaboration, discussion, and personal introspection, students will explore answers to these questions. Students will also have the opportunity to investigate and share topics that interest them within gender studies, reflect on their own experiences with gender, and depict their findings through various modalities.

Reading Between the Rhymes            

Faculty: Stephen Tyson, Education

Monday/Wednesday, 4:00 p.m. - 5:40 p.m.

This course examines the rich history, complexity, and global impact of Hip Hop culture, exploring its role as a platform for social change. Students will learn about the elements of Hip Hop (rap, DJing, graffiti, and breaking) through literature, film, music, and other media, to critique and understand how culture, race, identity, class, gender, and politics are represented in society. Through dialogue, debate, and creative expression, students will strengthen their communication and critical thinking skills while participating in meaningful activities that connect personal experiences to broader social issues. Through the development of academic skills, including research, analysis, and presentation, students utilize Hip Hop as a tool to sharpen their critical consciousness and envision more equitable futures for themselves and others.

Keywords: informative, conversational, and interactive

Rebel Yell: Youth Rebellion in Teen Film

Faculty: Tracey Levine, English

Tuesday/Thursday, 8:30 a.m.- 10:10 a.m.

This course will explore the story of youth rebellion and the coming-of-age genre in film to better understand and analyze the cultural impact, legacy, and continued interest by filmmakers and writers in the tumult of adolescence and the importance of it in shaping character.  The course will ask you to analyze film texts and respond in writing that will be analytical, explore a focus prompted by the course material in a research paper, and engage in a group project where you will create your own film concept in this genre.  There will be a field trip to see a film during the course of the semester as well!

Rock, Roll & Revolution            

Faculty: Diana Moro, Office of Equity & Civil Rights

Tuesday/Thursday, 10:20 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

What do Creedence Clearwater Revival, Green Day, the Village People, Black Sabbath and NWA have in common?  The music of protest and trying to shape politics in America. Music is the soundtrack of our lives, but it is also the soundtrack of protest and dissension.  Rock, Roll & Revolution will look at the use of popular music as protest from the Vietnam War forward.  This collaborative seminar will challenge you to consider what music and protest mean to YOU.

Join me on a magical mystery tour of the sounds of revolution and protest.  Through the lens of rock, soul, punk, disco and rap music, students will explore how artists across the decades have used their music to comment on and challenge political events in light of their historical context. The seminar will engage students in critical analysis of lyrics, historical analysis, and the cultural impact of these musical movements.

There will be writing and analysis of lyrics, lots of listening, discussion and writing as well as some experiential pieces later in the semester.  You will need a Spotify account and a genuine curiosity about music and the movements of recent American history.

A line of armed National Guard troops across from a large crowd of students at Kent State University in Ohio on May 7k 1970

Science Fiction and (Non)Violent Worlds

Faculty: Willow DiPasquale, English

Monday/Wednesday/Friday, 12:15 p.m. - 1:20 p.m.

This course explores the genre of science fiction literature and its unique ability to examine social, ethical, and cultural issues by placing them outside reality, focusing especially on concerns of violence and conflict resolution. By examining popular SF stories, television episodes, and films, we will consider how SF depicts violence and its consequences in various forms (warfare, crime and punishment, violence against marginalized groups, and more), especially as a solution to societal problems. We will also analyze what alternatives to violence the genre offers, drawing connections to real-world uses of violence and non-violence as a means of solving problems, creating dialogue between groups, and enacting change. Do these works offer audiences a new vision of how we might approach these same issues on our home planet? This is one of the questions we will explore in this course. Works covered will include Minority Report, Black Mirror and Star Trek episodes, Ted Chiang short stories, and others.

Textile Stories

Faculty: Carole Loeffler, Visual & Performing Arts

Tuesday/Thursday, 10:20 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

This class is giving: grandma.

Wait, stop. Look around you. How many pieces of cloth and fabric can you see? I bet at least five. Fabric and cloth are everywhere—on your body, in your bed, in your grandma’s attic, at protests, in fashion week. From the moment you were wrapped in a baby blanket to this day – fabric and cloth are your day one. They’re also your vibe—keeping you comfy and flexing your confidence all day, every day. That favorite hoodie? It has a story. The stuffy you brought to college? Another story. Your favorite jeans? Yup. They have a story too. This course is all about uncovering the low-key power of fabric and how it shapes culture, identity, memory, and more. We’ll dive into cool global and local stories by reading kids’ books and exploring the history behind teddy bears, quilting, and felt. You’ll learn how to sew, weave, and mend— getting hands-on with projects like embroidery and felting. We’ll also keep it casual with reflective writing, class convos, and short, low-pressure presentations. No experience needed—just curiosity and a willingness to try stuff out.

If you’re all about creating vibes, spilling stories, or catching the lowkey meaning in everyday stuff, this class is your jam.

Keywords: experiential, collaborative, reflective

The Ethics of Harry Potter   

Faculty: Rick Arras, Computer Science & Math         

Monday/Wednesday/Friday, 1:30 p.m. - 2:35 p.m.

Do you wish you could apparate, play quidditch, or ride a hippogriff? In this seminar, students look at the Harry Potter books, not only as compelling stories but as an opportunity to examine their own values and notions of “right” and “wrong.”  (Besides, the world isn't split into good people and Death Eaters. We've all got both light and dark inside us. What matters is the power we choose to act on. That's who we really are. —Sirius Black)  (It is not our abilities that show what we truly are, it is our choices. —Albus Dumbledore).

The Greatest Show on Earth: Contemporary Circus in America  

Faculty: Kate Hanley, Provost’s Office

Monday/Wednesday/Friday, 1:30 p.m. - 2:35 p.m.

The TL;DR: we're exploring the circus! We'll go beyond Barnum and Bailey and Cirque du Soleil to see how the circus has become a distinguished art form. And, we'll practice various disciplines like acrobatics, juggling, clowning, and more.

The Hunger Games and Social Reality        

Faculty: Rhianon Visinsky, Undergraduate Studies                

Tuesday/Thursday, 12:20 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

We are currently living in the world of The Hunger Games. Don’t believe me? Take this class and explore how our current world is connected to a fictional dystopia where kids fight to the death for the entertainment of the wealthy. If you like literature, history, philosophy, psychology, biology, gender studies, political science, art (and more), you can choose to look at this series in a new way. We’ll discuss the books in depth, conduct research into subjects that are relevant to you, forage for food on campus, play a round of archery tag, and uncover the messages these novels have hidden inside them.

Keywords: Deep Dives, Learning to Think for Yourself, Choosing Topics YOU Care About, Enlightening Conversations

Theater in Philadelphia: An Introduction            

Faculty: Kevin Glaccum, Visual & Performing Arts

Tuesday/Thursday, 12:20 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Arcadia has one of the most vibrant theater communities in the US right in our own backyard.  With over 40 professional companies producing work that ranges from classical to contemporary and ensemble to individual, Philly is extraordinary. This seminar will allow you to get up close and personal with the process of making and critiquing productions in the Philadelphia region. We’ll discuss and engage with the big questions of our time by attending various productions, learning what’s behind the curtain, and analyzing the cultural, social, and political elements of productions in and around campus.

Keywords: Discussion-based; Student-centered; Collaborative; Learning to Think for Yourself

Tyrants, Cult Leaders, and Heads of State: Unpacking the Myth of the Perfect Leader

Faculty: Breann Donnelly, Division of Student Success

Monday/Wednesday/Friday, 12:15 p.m. - 1:20 p.m.

What separates a visionary leader from a dangerous one? This course unpacks leadership through the lenses of theory, history, and influence. We begin with foundational models and generational shifts in leadership development, then explore how tyrants, dictators, and cult leaders rise—and fall. Students analyze infamous figures like Jim Jones and Charles Manson, complete group projects, and reflect on what leadership means today. The course concludes with a project that asks: what kind of leader do we need now?

Keywords: collaborative, group projects, presentations, critical thinking, sinister content, Harkness method

Unmasking Our Monsters

Faculty: Rhianon Visinsky, Undergraduate Studies                

Tuesday/Thursday, 5:45 p.m. - 7:25 p.m.

If you take a look at pop culture history, you'll see that monsters have never gone out of style. From Sully to Slenderman, we keep telling and retelling stories that unsettle us. Why do we do that? And, why do we enjoy it? Some monsters are sexy, others are grotesque, but they all hold up a mirror to our society and share secrets about what we fear and what we desire. If you want to delve into the reasons why no matter how many times we slay them, they keep coming back, this is the class for you. We’ll discuss monster stories and explore their history, get creative and make our own monsters, and provide you with a chance to research and uncover the hidden meaning of a monster of your choosing.

Keywords:  apply theory, uncover hidden messages, learn visually, brave conversations

Up Your Game: Raising Your Awareness in Video Games

Faculty: Tim Belloff, Information Technology

Tuesday/Thursday, 2:10 p.m. - 3:50 p.m.

This course explores the historical, cultural, and societal impact of video games in the United States, from their origins in arcade classics like Pong to the immersive worlds of Halo and beyond. Students will critically examine how video games have reflected and influenced American culture, including their representation of historical events, their shaping of popular media, and their role in shaping identity, community, and social behavior. Through analysis, discussion, and experiential learning, students will develop skills in communication, critical thinking, and academic self-awareness. The course includes a close reading of the novel Ready Player One, which will serve as a springboard for connecting fictional and real-world gaming experiences. Emphasis will be placed on personal engagement, cultural reflection, and academic growth within a collaborative learning environment.

Vegetal Networks

Faculty: Julia Way, Visual & Performing Arts

Tuesday/Thursday, 8:30 a.m. - 10:10 p.m.

Do you like plants? Whether you enjoy eating food, living with houseplants, walking in a forest, or appreciating the fact that plants are constantly creating a breathable atmosphere on our planet, this course is for you! Multi-sensory activities are paired with critical thinking as we research and reflect upon how people and plants are intricately intertwined throughout our shared past, present, and future. The course requires you to get curious about plants as a way to connect yourself to your immediate surroundings at your new school, Arcadia University.

Keywords: Environmental Connections, Personal Reflection, Communication, Critical Thinking, Library Research

We're Talking about Practice

Faculty: Suzanne Hamilton, Division of Student Success

Monday/Wednesday/Friday, 1:30 p.m. - 2:35 p.m.

Get ready to dive into the dynamic world of U.S. sports — where the action isn't just on the field. In this course, we’ll explore the game-changing conversations happening behind the scenes in both professional and college athletics, all through the powerful lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We’ll tackle big topics like gender, sexuality, race & ethnicity, activism, disability, and how money & leadership shape the playing field. This will be your all-access pass to understanding how sports reflect (and sometimes challenge) the world around us. By the final whistle, you'll not only know what the major issues are — you'll be able to talk about them, think critically about them, and engage in meaningful conversations that go beyond the scoreboard.

Keywords: sports, diversity, meaningful conversations

Where Gods Dwell: Art, Myth & Sacred Spaces

Faculty: Ariel Pearce, Visual & Performing Arts

Monday/Wednesday/Friday, 12:15 p.m. - 1:20 p.m.
Step into a world where myth shaped reality and the divine walked among mortals. How did the Ancient Greeks design sacred spaces as places of worship? Is art and architecture necessary to make a place holy? Can sporting events become a religious ritual? This interdisciplinary course explores how, through art and architecture, audiences with oracles, dance, music, and theatrical performances, and even sporting events combined to create places of worship. Using a variety of approaches, the Ancient Greeks created a truly immersive ritual landscape that made the gods accessible. From the grand Acropolis in Athens, to the natural spaces for mystery cults, we will explore how the Greeks transformed spaces to express their mythology and gave physical form to their We will also examine how theater, dance, music, and divination enriched these spaces, transforming them into sensory environments of ritual, storytelling, and revelation.