First-Year Seminars
First-Year Seminars are unique courses exclusively for first-year students in the College of Arts & Sciences. These courses are designed to enhance the first-year experience by creating small, intellectually rich communities with faculty and peers.
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Features of First-Year Seminars
— Capped at 16-20 students per seminar
— Connect new students to a faculty mentor
— Introduce students to foundational academic skills
— Introduce students to the intellectual life of the university
— Include experiential learning activities
Fall 2026 First-Year Seminars
In Their Own Words: Reflections on First-Year Seminar Experiences
My First-Year Seminar changed my career trajectory for the better. The seminar structure of the course made it so that our discussions were collaborative, where I knew every peer not only by name, but who they were as people. We worked together to conduct research in the Georgetown community while exploring what education means today. It allowed me to see the world through the eyes of others. I am so grateful that I took a chance on my First-Year Seminar!
– Livi Ray, C’28
From bonding with my peers over book discussions to creating a virtual art gallery for my final project, my First-Year Seminar was incredibly valuable in shaping my first semester at Georgetown. My professor was not only incredibly engaging but also fostered a community of care within the classroom. The class was an opportunity to express my voice, be a part of a group who shares my passions, and to engage with a professor on a more nuanced basis.
– Isabella Trewhella C’28
Teaching a First-Year Seminar is the perfect teaching experience. I get to choose a topic that I find fun, important, and interesting, I get to know smart and motivated students, and I have the opportunity to form a supportive and friendly community with them. Working with them as they develop their skills and find their path at the start of their college career is enormously rewarding.
Prof. Tommaso Astarita, Department of History
My Ignatius Seminar with Professor Elie was by far the most interesting and rewarding class I took in my first semester at Georgetown. It was demanding and challenging, and unlike any of my other courses. Professor Elie took the time to get to know each one of us personally, and the discussion-based classes gave everyone the opportunity to (and challenged us to) contribute our own knowledge and insights, and help guide the class discussion. I would highly recommend the First-Year Seminars to any freshman who are looking for a rewarding challenge and a unique experience.
– Nathan Brown, C’28
I’m so happy I applied to be a member of the 2024-25 Hager Scholars! The close-knit community has provided friendship and continuity over my first year by connecting me with people who are as passionate about languages and literatures as I am. The guest speakers and field trips have really broadened my perspective on the incredible cultural and linguistic diversity that exists in our world as well as introduced me to career and research possibilities. I’d recommend the Hager Scholars program to anyone who’s interested in studying languages or related fields alongside a lovely community of like-minded peers!
– Rosabel Liu, CAS ’28