First-Year Seminars

Students walking in San Francisco
Sidewalk Rhetoric, offered Fall 2018, uses the sidewalk to consider the various form of argument occurring in our urban landscape. We use sidewalks to move from place to place, but sidewalks are also the places where we manufacture and maintain (as well as disrupt) civilized social discourse.
"What is Wisdom?" course
What is Wisdom? Offered in Fall 2020, this course considers the love of wisdom and relies on Socrates, Confucius, Descartes, and other philosophers. Students visit the San Francisco Asian Art Museum to see fascinating ancient objects related to Confucianism.
Food and Farming Course
Food and Farming, offered Fall 2020, explores our current industrial food system and its many attendant social problems. Next we explore local alternatives including urban agriculture and other communal options. We get our hands dirty with garden work and field trips.
Mining Murals in SF course
Mining Murals in SF, offered Fall 2017, explores San Francisco's rich mural tradition and the significance of public art and how murals inspire social and political change. Field trip destinations include Coit Tower, the Mission District, Rincon Center, and more.
USF students dancing
Dance in SF, offered Fall 2020, explores the vibrant and diverse dance community in San Francisco. By participating in movement classes, attending performances, learning from guest artists, and more, students discover the ways dance both supports and challenges dominant cultural values, narratives, and ideals.
USF student riding his bicycle on campus
Speaking of Bicycles, offered Fall 2017, considers bicycle culture, science, politics, and art in San Francisco, a global epicenter of cycling history and innovation.
Independent Film Course
Independent Film, offered Fall 2016, delves into the history of independent film in San Francisco. Students visit independent film venues, dialogue with filmmakers, and make their own cinema.
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Academics / Undergraduate / The Core Curriculum / First-Year Seminars

What makes this university and city so special? As a new local, how can you form a deeper connection to San Francisco’s communities and organizations?

First-year seminars answer these and other questions by examining the culture, politics, environment, people, and history of the Bay Area. In small classes led by expert faculty, first-year and transfer students are introduced to new surroundings and new interests in an urban academic environment.

  • Virtually all first-year seminars count toward the core curriculum requirement.
  • In selected classes, first-year seminar assistants provide valuable peer mentoring.
  • Students who don’t sign up for a seminar in their first semester at USF may enroll in the second semester.

Upcoming First-Year Seminars