First-Year Seminars
First-Year Seminars at Hardin-Simmons University, required of each first-year student in the Fall semester, introduce students to the Christian liberal arts education considered the hallmark of HSU: a classroom where faith and learning intersect, where students practice creating questions and investigating answers, where academic and social connections are made (many of which will last throughout college, if not a lifetime), and where students strengthen their understanding of themselves and their relationships to others.
While the topics may sound light, the content packs a punch, so be prepared for heavy reading and writing as well as group work as a part of this course. We call this class FYSM: Gateway because faculty designed the course as an academic gateway into HSU’s Foundational Curriculum Journey, our general education experience centered on three fundamental questions: Who am I? Who are You (God)? What about my Neighbor?
Other essential components of HSU’s FYSM: Gateway are Clifton StrengthsFinder, exploring HSU History, taking part in campus-wide Community Coffee Hour, and creating an entire college course plan. Students are free to choose the topic/section of their FYSMs, but those in Living Learning Communities, including Honors, should pay special attention to the section assigned to their LLC, and everyone should pay attention to potential major-required course scheduling conflicts.
Faculty carefully designed this course, and each instructor must apply and be approved by a committee of peers before being allowed to teach each Fall. Also, each course has an individual Library faculty member assigned as a point of contact for students in their research, and each course has a Year-Round Mentor who not only attends each class meeting but helps connect and support students both in and out of the classroom and continues this role through the Spring semester.
Your FYSM will also be your Stampede Week Group, and you can expect to hear from your instructor even before you arrive on campus. You can review all of our FYSM sections here for this Fall.
FALL 2019 FYSM 1300 Gateway Courses
B: T/TH 10:30-11:45 a.m.
T: T/TH 11:55-1:10 p.m.
Mrs. Lindsay Boynton
Do you dream of owning or running a business one day? It’s totally possible! Entrepreneurs embody a unique spirit, a spirit that must be cultivated. This seminar helps connect you with other incoming students also interested in this dream and helps you consider what it will take to successfully complete your college education on the road to fulfilling this dream. Small business owner Lindsay Boynton will help you refine your ideas and grow that entrepreneurial mentality of leadership and grit, as well as introduce you to concepts like marketing, finance, business planning, and more.
T/TH 1:20-2:35 p.m.
Dr. Coleman Patterson & Ms. Carol Krueger
Whether you’re building a symphony or an organization, styling a menu or designing a classroom, creativity and the decisions that come with it are God-given pieces of who we are. The World Economic Forum identifies creativity and decision making as two of the top ten keys for success in industry’s current digital revolution. In this section of Gateway, define, develop, and experience both your own creative potential and that of others with the guidance of leadership experts Coleman Patterson and Carol Krueger.
MWF 9:00-9:50 a.m.
Dr. Rich Traylor
As a significant shaper of culture, Disney reaches the lives of millions, so Disney studies is serious business. Come consider the life, work, & legacy of Walt Disney & how they connect to your life, work, & legacy—even in college! Join HSU History professor Dr. Rich Traylor in a semester-long conversation that will prompt some deep thinking, Disney-style.
T/TH 1:20-2:35 p.m.
Dr. Kelly Pigott
Did you know the reason you can read your Bible in English (rather than Latin) is because a monk named Martin Luther got into an epic fight with Pope Leo X? Or that the Christian church widely believes in the deity of Jesus mainly because Bishop Athanasius prevailed over Arius in the fourth century with the help of Saint Nicholas (aka Santa Claus) who literally punched Arius in the face? Christian history is filled with such stories! In this Gateway section, study many of the biggest fights that changed the shape of Christianity. In the process, discover not only a little about our own heritage, but also why we believe what we believe.
T/TH 10:30-11:45 a.m.
Dr. Jeremy Rhodes
Begin to shape your course toward the Good, the Beautiful, and the Just as you examine James B. Simmons’ life-altering questions: What is the greatest thought to occupy your mind? What is your duty toward fulfilling it?
Meridian Fellows! This is your First-Year Seminar! Be sure to register for FYSM-F as a part of your Meridian Fellows Program.
MWF 9:00-9:50 a.m.
Ms. Becky Saterbak
Do you “Got Grit?” If so, how will you combine your perseverance with your passion to form your life work? If not, how can you develop grit? This section of Gateway encourages self-exploration and development of goals that reflect your identified passions while developing community with like-minded students. Explore the concepts of “tenacity” and “passion” while interviewing community partners and researching the lives of gritty historical and Biblical individuals as well as gritty pop-culture figures.
MW 1:00-2:15 p.m.
Dr. Susan Pigott
Calling all Potterheads! Read from all seven Harry Potter books, choose your house, & enter the Hogwarts world of learning as you explore the struggle between good & evil, biblical themes & allusions, social issues, the hero journey, self-sacrifice, & other relevant issues. Wands optional.
MWF 9:00-9:50 a.m.
Dr. Bob Moore
Kinesiology professor Dr. Bob Moore, who holds a master’s degree in Theology from Franciscan University and once studied for the priesthood, guides you through biblical perspectives of complete selflessness expressed in a series of Wednesday audiences from Catholicism’s Pope John Paul II during his years in the Vatican. You’ll be challenged to consider your own concept of self, other, family, calling, and body, as you examine Christian concepts of these in comparison to popular culture’s concepts.
MWF 9:00-9:50 a.m.
Dr. Laura Pogue
Explore your strengths & dig into your first semester of university life through the words of C.S. Lewis. Whether pursuing his education or educating others, serving in war or coping with the aftermath, denying the spiritual or coming to recognize it, Lewis gives us a fascinating lens on his world and ours. Members of the C.S. Lewis Society will be challenged & encouraged in this FYSM Gateway course as they examine HSU, friendship, education, conflict, calling, & more.
T/TH 8:00-9:15 a.m.
Dr. Joanne Roberts
What is your family story? Come explore the compelling life stories of resilient people and families across the U.S. who have faced the adversity of prejudice and discrimination. Dr. Joanne Roberts, chair of HSU’s Sociology Department, shares her passions for families and the role of cultural experiences in family life in her Gateway section while helping students connect to each other and to themselves. A powerful introduction to your college experience, this course culminates in students creating their own families’ narratives.
T/TH 4:00-5:15 p.m.
Mrs. Mary Burke
Dig deep into the reserves of your university! Explore the lives of HSU icons Simmons, Sandefer, Richardson, & more while discovering the rich traditions & history of our 125-year-old institution. Learn what campus life was like in war-time and moments of world crisis. Examine the values and priorities of those who walked these 40 acres before us. HSU Special Collections Manager Mary Burke will give access to primary documents & HSU archives as a part of this remarkable class.
T/TH 10:30-11:45 a.m.
Dr. Bryan Yorton
What understanding of reality lies behind the magic of Middle-earth? Where did it all come from? What was Tolkien thinking as he imagined a world of elves, hobbits, wizards, dwarves, dragons, & monsters where good & evil battle for supremacy? What is the Philosophy of this world? By what rules does it operate? How might it intersect with your own? Come explore the world of Tolkien, & see what wisdom we can gain about ourselves and our world.
MWF 9:00-9:50 a.m.
Mrs. Stacey Martin and Mr. Matt Brackett
Life is less what you do and more why you do it. How do you tap into the passions of who you are to fulfill your life’s purposes? Using Simon Sinek’s Golden Circle, HSU Dean of Students, Mrs. Stacey Martin, helps you explore your “WHY” and consider how it radiates into all the many pieces of your life. You’ll work to articulate your passions, identify your purpose, and cultivate perseverance reaching for your personal and educational goals.
MWF 9:00-9:50 a.m.
Mrs. Lindsay Boynton
Who are you as a leader? What experiences have shaped your leadership journey? Walk with Lindsay Boynton in this section of FYSM Gateway this semester identifying and cultivating our leadership skills, understanding what it means to lead in difficult times, and studying exemplary practices for leadership. In developing our own philosophy of leadership at the gateway of the HSU experience, we will learn about our personalities, our strengths, and the motivators that drive us.
MWF 9:00-9:50 a.m.
Ms. Alyssa Rasco
The world depends on women. Be a part of this FYSM Gateway course & explore God’s empowering vision for women & the profound impact their full participation can have in every community. All students are invited to join us as we consider how women are made in God’s image & uniquely equipped to fulfill an important role during the 21st century.
MWF 9:00-9:50 a.m.
Mr. John Neese
Love ’em or yell at ’em, athletes significantly impact culture around the planet. Join HSU Athletic Director John Neese in this FYSM Gateway course to study Transactional vs. Transformational leadership through the examples of athletes & their influences on teams, companies, & society. Foundational texts for this course include Stephen Covey’s Principle Centered Leadership & Tony Dungey’s Quiet Strength: The Principles, Practices, & Priorities of a Winning Life.
MWF 9:00-9:50 a.m.
Mrs. Haley Carlson
Ever wonder what you want to do with your life? This FYSM Gateway course will lead you on a journey to discover your strengths, explore all the majors offered at HSU, & make connections for your future & career. Join Haley Carlson, HSU Student Success Specialist, as you learn more about yourself & come one step closer to choosing the right major for you at HSU!
MWF 9:00-9:50 a.m.
Mrs. Tiffany Stotts
Worship isn’t just about music! Learning to know and worship God is a lifelong journey requiring our whole selves. Join us as we challenge ourselves into a deeper understanding of who God is, who we are as individuals in relation to God, and who we are as a community of worshippers. Through study, discussion, group projects, and creativity, we’ll try and re-frame the conversation about what living the life of worship looks like in today’s world.
MWF 10:00-10:50 a.m.
Dr. Edgar Reed
Framing learning through media & real world examples from sports & athletes, Dr. Edgar Reed helps students investigate skills leading to success in college & beyond. Tackle critical thinking, time management, study techniques, & social skills in the world of athletes around the world & apply those to your own life!
A = MW 1:00-2:15 p.m.
B = T/TH 10:30-11:45 a.m.
Dr. Tom Copeland
Honors students! You need to sign up for HONR 1301- Honors Colloquium, a course devoted to tackling the hard questions: How do I know what I know? How should Christians respond to authority? What is my responsibility for poverty? Does suffering have meaning? Why does God allow evil in the world? Every week, we’ll read, talk, & write about these & other questions that may not have clear answers, but are essential topics for well-educated, deep-thinking people. Along the way, you’ll get to know yourself & your classmates very well. It may be the most intellectual fun you’ve ever had! See you in Colloquium!