Glendening Hall 220
Core Curriculum
Contact Information
For general questions or submission of forms and petitions, please contact us at corecurriculum@smcm.eduFax: (240) 895-2234
St. Mary's College of Maryland
18952 E. Fisher Rd.
St. Mary's City, MD 20686
Elizabeth Nutt Williams, Ph.D.
Dean of the Core Curriculum and First Year Experience
Phone: (240) 895-4467
Email: enwilliams@smcm.edu
Dr. Williams will be on sabbatical in Fall 2012: please direct all questions and correspondence to Dr. Feingold, Ms. Wimberly, or the Core Curriculum mailbox.
Ruth Feingold, Ph.D
Assistant Dean of the Core Curriculum and Academic Advising
Phone: (240) 895-4388
Email: rpfeingold@smcm.edu
Diane Wimberly
Administrative Assistant
Phone: (240) 895-2185
Email:dfwimberly@smcm.edu
The Liberal Arts Seminar
The Liberal Arts Seminars (CORE101 and CORE301) are an integral part of the Core Curriculum at St. Marys College of Maryland. First-year students (defined for this purpose as students coming in with 24 or fewer credits) are required to take CORE 101 in their first fall semester on campus; while transfer students (more than 24 credits) take CORE 301 during their first semester, whether spring or fall. The seminars are small, discussion-focused classes taught by professors from every discipline at the college.
One goal of the seminar is to help students participate in academic discourse as active members of the college community. In addition, while focusing on a particular topic, students will also be introduced to the four fundamental liberal arts skills .Thus, students will learn to use a variety of critical thinking methods; access information effectively and efficiently while evaluating sources critically; write with proficiency for a variety of audiences; and use effective oral expression strategies and model civility of discourse.
The seminars provide a great opportunity for new students to get to know each other, an upper-class student who serves as a peer mentor, and their professor while learning about engaging and challenging topics.
What students have to say about the First Year Seminars:
- "I think it gave college a more personal feel that allowed me to be more comfortable."
- "I found that classes can be fun and engaging and that college is not impossible after all!"
- "I have become more confident in my discussion and presentation skills. And I became close friends with many members of the class."
- "The Seminar, by assigning oral presentations and giving a substantial reading list, has helped enrich my introduction to college."
