The goal of “The Art of the First Year Seminar” summer workshop is to give instructors in First Year Seminar programs a chance to read core texts together, talk about how to teach a first year seminar, and meet people in similar positions from other institutions. 

This workshop will meet for two morning sessions and one afternoon session each day on Monday, May 19^th through Friday, May 23^rd on the campus of American University in Washington, D.C. Participants should plan on attending all sessions.

The main discussion leaders for these sessions will be Ted Hadzi-Antich (Austin Community College) and Molly McGrath (Assumption University).

Two experienced core text discussion leaders will lead our morning sessions, where we will model seminar pedagogies together by reading and discussing some of the core texts that are often included in first year seminar courses. We will read and discuss at least one ancient text and one modern text during these sessions.

Afternoon sessions will be devoted to talking about pedagogical issues. In the morning, we will stay focused on the texts, just as we ask our students to do, but in the afternoon we will step back and talk about why we do what we do as seminar leaders. We will share our experiences and think together about how we can become better First Year Seminar leaders. 

Hotel and meal expenses will be covered by AU and ACTC. Further details regarding travel arrangements will be provided closer to the event.

Applications are due by February 1^st, 2025. To apply, please follow this link.  If you have questions or would like more information, please contact the conference organizers at actcamericanuniversity@gmail.com.