In this section of FYS, we will explore the integrity of caring for others in the context of healthcare research and professions. Students will consider the impact of social structures upon health care of individuals, communities, and those providing such care. Topics for discussion will include the historical evolution of the caring arts, with a particular emphasis upon the ethics of caring and research in growing a body of disciplinary and interdisciplinary knowledge.

Section 01  |  MWF, 9:30am–10:20am  |  Dr. Teak Nelson, Nursing

Our consumption of popular culture is off the charts. Whether it be through film, TV, video games, computers or actual print, the 21st century is marked by how much popular culture shapes our identities and guides our spending habits. Hollywood knows this and so does Madison Avenue. Yet popular culture does not exist in a vacuum and often draws from the past in order to create timeless stories that people return to again and again. This is as true for Disney when it repackages Western tales and myths, as it true for Japanese video game designers who draw heavily from stories like Romance of the Three Kingdoms. In this course, we will explore various forms of popular culture in East Asia (China, Japan and Korea), beginning with more traditional forms and ending with the K-pop that is so dear to all our hearts.

Section 02  |  TR, 10:30am–11:50am  |  Dr. Jomo Smith, History

What is a natural resource? How do we construct the value of those resources, and what is considered a common good? How do we think about water that flows from drinking fountains versus that in a can of soda, or an industrial solvent versus an aquifer? Given the central role of water’s many forms across ecological, cultural, and economic landscapes, it’s no surprise that questions of water governance span centuries and continents. In this class, we will examine concepts of water in two different societies: the Roman Empire, and the contemporary United States. We will explore water management in ancient and contemporary cities. As a class, we will analyze the various ways in which people value and think about water: drinking water, recreation, sanitation, economic resource, and catastrophic floods or droughts. To what extent do these concepts emerge as a part of our cultural identity? How did the perspective of past peoples differ, and what can we learn from those differences?

Section 03  |  MWF, 10:30-11:20 am  |  Dr. Stephanie Russell, History
Section 04  |  MWF, 1:30-2:20pm  |  Dr. Stephanie Russell, History

We are facing a wide variety of urgent and pressing social problems from Trump’s attempts to undermine democracy and Republican efforts to ban access to reproductive rights and transgender care. This class will engage in depth discussions of these and a wide variety of other topics including racism, economic inequality, climate change, immigration, drug abuse, gun violence, housing, and student debt.

Section 05  |  TR, 9:00-10:20 am  |  Dr. Marc Becker, History

The course will help each student develop their own individual philosophy on the significance of money in everyday life, serve as an introduction to developing skills and strategies on how to make and manage money and how to overcome legal challenges that sometimes run interference. The course will also demonstrate that the same strategies designed to make and manage money and navigate legal issues can be employed to create success in your educational experience at Truman and how putting yourself in a sound financial position and staying out of legal trouble can allow you to pass the success forward through philanthropy and community service. If time allows and throughout the course — current business and legal topics in the news will be discussed.

Section 06  |  MWF, 12:30-1:20 pm  |  Scott Templeton, JD., Business Administration

While the term “heartland” is often used to describe the central geographic area of the United States, especially its more rural regions, in this class the term is used to draw attention to the ways in which the places in which we spend our formative years play a role in shaping our sense of identity. People tend to express affinity for the place that they call home—their “heartland”. And that place tends to infuse them with particular worldviews and values that may travel with them even when they leave the place. We will explore how those worldviews tend to differ for places or communities of different sizes spread across the urban suburban-rural continuum and how the economic and cultural differences between these places can be either a source of strength or of division in the broader society.

Section 07  |  MWF, 11:30 am-12:20 pm  |  Dr. Michael Seipel, Agricultural Science

The course will look at why gays have been traditionally attracted to the theater; how homosexuals have been depicted historically in theater; how the LGBT community is depicted in contemporary theater; who the major LGBT playwrights have been (since Oscar Wilde); how spectators perceive LGBT characters and performances; and in what way is all the world a stage, and all its inhabitants, merely players.

Section 08  |  TR, 1:30-2:50 pm  |  Dr. James Hammerstrand, Modern Languages

Systems, living and non-living, are sustained by connections. In this course we will explore connections that will support your transitions into college. To provide context for your studies at Truman, we will explore connections in the biological systems that sustain human life (e.g. food, clothing).

Section 10  |  TR, 1:30-2:50 pm  |  Dr. Stephanie Fore, Biology

The purpose of this course is to cultivate the habits of curiosity, good scholarship, ethical consideration, and community engagement needed for students to grow as liberally educated lifelong learners. Students will explore the notion of the self and how each individual’s role is influenced within the broader context of a major or occupation, relevant groups, the local community, and society. The course serves as an introduction to critical, multi-disciplinary, and intercultural thinking.

Section 11  |  MWF, 9:30-10:20 am  |  Dr. Joyce Patrick, Biology

Story sits on the curb at the intersection of self and society. This FYS section will look at the tool of story, its historical development, and the wide variety of ways we use it (and abuse it) in order to make sense out of the world, both collectively as cultures and individually, as we consciously and unconsciously go through the process of determining who we are.

Section 12  |  MWF, 2:30-3:20 pm  |  David Leaton, English

In this section of the FYS, we will discuss how the National park service is organized, learn about several different parks, and how you can plan your trips to these parks and enjoy them. We will learn about the value of these parks, both in terms of environmental conservation as well as in terms of recreational tourism. We will discuss the threats to our parks: urban sprawl, exploration of oil, gas, and minerals, deforestation, politics, and so on. Even as we discuss some of these aspects, students will pick one or two of their favorite parks and plan a trip to the park, say, for summer 2025. In the process students will learn about good traveling and camping habits, park etiquette and “how to travel cheap and have the most fun!”

This theme about the parks is just a ruse to address some of the broader goals of the First Year Seminar – achieving some of those for the sake of achieving them can be challenging and… boring. My hope is that the discussion about parks, its beauty and its value, will make our discussions interesting and engaging. And in the process we can make new friends, learn a few academic and non-academic skills, and enjoying doing all this will help you grow comfortable in your new environment here at Truman.

Section 13  |  TR, 9:00-10:20 am  |  Dr. Vayu Gokhale, Physics

In this class we will explore the suggestion that humans currently have a bigger impact on our planet than all other forces of nature combined and that, as a result, we should consider ourselves to be living in a new geological epoch: the Anthropocene. Although geologists recently rejected a proposal to formally recognize the Anthropocene as a geological epoch, many scientists find it a valuable term to recognize the extreme human impact on multiple complex and rapidly changing Earth systems. The concept of the Anthropocene describes human impact on nine broad domains of planetary systems. These include, but go far beyond, climate change. We will explore the concept of the Anthropocene from a scientific and a human perspective. What is the Anthropocene? And, whether or not it is formally recognized as a geologic epoch, what does it mean for those of us who are living in this time of unprecedented human impact on the planet and rapid environmental and social change? What do we need to know to anticipate and prepare for the challenges of the future? How can a liberal arts and sciences education help?

Section 14  |  MWF, 11:30 am-12:20 pm  |  Dr. Amber Johnson, Sociology & Anthropology

The ideologies of nationalism and democracy have greatly shaped modern life. But who is a member of our nation or our political community? And what binds members of the same nations or political community together? What obligations do we have to one another? What obligations do we have to our leaders? Or they to us? What do we owe, if anything, to fellow human beings outside of our society? We will examine the role of major political, social, and economic ideologies and their implications on national identity, political community, political and economic rights, any obligations we owe to others within our community, as well as on any international obligations emerging from our ideological views of the world. In this course we see how different ideologies would lead us to answer differently, examining nationalism, classical liberalism, modern liberalism, socialism, Marxism, anarchism, fascism, feminism, and environmentalism. We will also explore other traditional sources of identity.

Section 15  |  MWF, 1:30-2:20 pm  |  Dr. John Quinn, Political Science & International Relations

This course examines interpersonal communication in common types of relationships that affect university life, including roommate relationships, new romantic partners, parents, children and families, professor-student relationships, workplace and peer relationships, including working in small groups, clubs, organizations, and in online platforms. Students who complete this course will have identified and applied skills for managing relationships and interpersonal conflict, improving the likelihood of successful workplace and academic communication.

Section 16  |  TR, 10:30-11:50 am  |  Dr. David Price, Communication

We can more easily access information about current events than ever before, and this class seeks to make sense of current political news. Over the course of the semester, we will traverse through the political news of the day, informed by the current research about people’s attitudes and political behavior. We will use political science scholarly works and journal articles to structure our readings and discussions and help build our understanding of how Americans engage with politics and with each other.

Section 17  |  TR, 10:30-11:50 am  |  Dr. Margaret Edwards, Political Science & International Relations

This class will explore the intersection between identity and performance. We are surrounded by an abundance of mediated and unmediated performances — from Tik Tok to the stages of Broadway. In all of these we find performances of identity. You will work with your peers to develop a greater capacity to discuss challenging and controversial issues related to identity, as well as develop an understanding about how different disciplines approach the idea of performance as a critical lens to analyze how cultures and individuals form, and reform identities.

Section 19  |  TR, 10:30-11:50 am  |  Dr. Jonathan Wehmeyer, Theatre

The purpose of this course is to cultivate the habits of curiosity, good scholarship, ethical considerations, and community engagement needed for students to grow as liberally educated lifelong learners. Students will explore the notion of the self and how each individual’s role is influenced within the broader context of a major or occupation, relevant groups, the local community, and society. The course serves as an introduction to critical, multi-disciplinary, and intercultural thinking. This course is designed for Computer Science majors and those interested in the field.

Section 20  |  MWF, 11:30 am-12:20 pm  |  Dr. Ruth Halma, Computer Science
Section 21  |  MWF, 1:30-2:20 pm  |  Dr. Ruth Halma, Computer Science

The purpose of this course is to cultivate the habits of curiosity, good scholarship, ethical consideration, and community engagement needed for students to grow as lifelong learners. Students will explore the notion of self and how each individual’s role is influenced within broader context of a major or occupation, relevant groups, the local community, and society. The course serves as an introduction to critical, multi-disciplinary, and intercultural thinking. The study will be approached from a mathematical perspective, using the principles of mathematical game theory as a lens.

Section 22  |  MWF, 10:30-11:20 am  |  Dr. Tony Vazzana, Mathematics

In this section students will consider music through the lens of many disciplines, including biology, psychology, philosophy, and sociology. Students will explore the various factors that contribute to music preference, the acoustic and physiological processes of sound, how music is used and celebrated in society, and the use of music for therapeutic purposes. Students do not need to have prior formal music training to enroll in this class.

Section 23  |  TR, 1:30-2:50 pm  |  Amanda Turnbull, Music Psychology

Wanna make a newt? How about a turtle? In this hands-on course we will partner with representatives from the Department of Conservation to create artworks that help educate the public about Missouri wildlife and raise awareness about conservation efforts on campus. The class focuses on public art. Students will seek out public works in Kirksville and their home communities. We will ask big questions. What do public artworks say about a community’s shared values? Who pays for these works and how is that reflected in their content? Can community projects be effective tools for activism?

The course will be split between active studio projects and lectures with discussion. Students should be ready to get their hands dirty, work together, and get involved.

Section 24  |  TR, 12:00-1:20 pm  |  Dr. Danielle Yakle, Art

In this section of First Year Seminar, we will discuss mental health and wellness at a global, national, regional and local scale. We will use SAMSHA’s Eight Dimensions of Wellness to guide our journey investigating environmental, spiritual, emotional, financial, intellectual, occupational, physical and social wellness. An overarching theme of the class will be to create an environment that is socially inclusive, and a community of individuals that can thrive in many areas of their college lives, positively impacting their overall wellness at Truman.

Section 25  |  MWF, 3:30-4:20 pm  |  Dr. Sarah Berke, Biology

This course explores important and difficult questions regarding happiness and living a good life. Is happiness all that there is to living a good life? Does achieving something worthwhile—writing a great novel, raising a family, building a business, or fighting injustice—contribute to living a good life in a way that is separate from the happiness it may bring? And what is happiness? Is it persistent cheerfulness? Is it distinct from joy? Can getting what we desire fail to make us happy, and if so, does it matter if our desires are fulfilled? In addition to these philosophical questions, we will explore the psychology of happiness: what habits, techniques, or approaches to life tend to lead to happiness or to living a good life? This course serves as an introduction to the philosophy and psychology of happiness and well-being, while helping students engage with their new home in Kirksville and at Truman.

Section 26  |  MWF, 10:30-11:20 am  |  Dr. Josh Mund, Philosophy & Religion
Section 27  |  MWF, 11:30 am-12:20 pm  |  Dr. Josh Mund, Philosophy & Religion

The First-Year Seminar (FYS) serves several purposes. It’s a dive into Truman and the surrounding community. It’s an exploration of the liberal arts and sciences approach to education. It’s also the first few steps into the next stage of your academic development. To a certain extent, it’s also about the myriad transitions you and your fellow first year students are going through as they enter higher education, regardless of demographics. All of this will be done while exploring a particular theme or problem chosen by the faculty member who teaches the course.

Section 29  |  TR, 3:00 pm  |  Ryan Ratliff, J.D., Interdisciplinary Studies

Taking a walk is the best way to get oriented to a new place. As we move at human speed, our senses are able to take in various sights, smells, and sounds, and thereby recognize our place in the physical environment. In this FYS we will study the phenomenon of walking from multiple perspectives, considering human anatomy and evolution, the history of walking as a leisure pursuit, the health benefits of walking, the value of walking (pilgrimage) as religious observance, walking as a form of protest, as well as walking as a transportation alternative. We will get to know Kirksville, Truman, and each other better through long walks, films and books about memorable walks, and service projects centered on making Kirksville a better place to walk.

Section 30  |  MW, 3:00-4:20 pm  |  Dr. Bridget Thomas, Classical Languages

This seminar approaches the origins, concepts, and development of self through the lens of literature with an emphasis on Leadership. Throughout the semester, we will explore some of the groundwork for leadership through an integrative framework of analysis, practice, and reflection. Included in this exploration will be a focus on ideas pertaining to language, thought, identity, culture, diversity, and the overlap with and impact on society. Additionally, there are opportunities for you to develop best practices for being an ethically engaged citizen and leaders at various stages of life. Throughout the course, you will hone your understanding of what it means to hear and interpret the narratives of self that are communicated to us, how we develop and share an awareness about our own identity and diversity, while recognizing our individual role and responsibility as participants and leaders in our local and global communities.

Section 31  |  TR, 10:30-11:50 am |  Dr. Brian Heston, English

There are many ways to “do life”, and each path is marked by transitions. In this section we will explore life transitions such as moving or transferring schools as opportunities to embrace change and the unknown, face your fears, and seek adventure through reasonable risk-taking within the context of scuba diving and world travel.

Section 01  |  F, 8:30 am  |  Dr. Teak Nelson, Nursing

College comes with many opportunities and many challenges. This course works with students to develop a plan of action for both succeeding in college and fostering one’s well being.

Section 02  |  W, 10:30 am  |  Dr. Roberta Donahue, Health Science

This course explores important and difficult questions regarding happiness and living a good life. Is happiness all that there is to living a good life? Does achieving something worthwhile—writing a great novel, raising a family, building a business, or fighting injustice—contribute to living a good life in a way that is separate from the happiness it may bring? And what is happiness? Is it persistent cheerfulness? Is it distinct from joy? Can getting what we desire fail to make us happy, and if so, does it matter if our desires are fulfilled? In addition to these philosophical questions, we will explore the psychology of happiness: what habits, techniques, or approaches to life tend to lead to happiness or to living a good life? This course serves as an introduction to the philosophy and psychology of happiness and well-being, while helping students engage with their new home in Kirksville and at Truman.

Section 03  |  W, 1:30 pm  |  Dr. Josh Mund, Philosophy & Religion