I am thinking about designing a First Year Seminar for the Autumn semester of 2019.  The people that run this program tell me

The First-Year Seminar Program provide[s] unique learning experiences for first-year students. Seminars are capped at 18 first-year students to allow for significant student discussion and participation.

I did a couple of these about 15 years ago, and they were really fun to teach and fun to be in.  My goal then was to present some really exciting ideas about astronomy and to show how science works.

I could think of ideas on my own – and I have – but I would like to hear from all of you.  What would be a really fascinating topic that you would like to learn about or wish you had a seminar in?  If you could have a prof teach you just what you wanted for a semester, what would it be?  No matter that you won’t be first-year students next year, because (1) once in a while a more senior student can be admitted to a seminar, and (2) I just might want a senior student to help me design and present the seminar. This would be a good experience for anybody who wants to go do any teaching in the future.

Please present your ideas in the comments below, and let’s discuss them.  The ideas can be about anything: science and science fiction, ETs or extraterrestrial travel, sociological issues – you name it.

If you ever took a First-Year Seminar, tell us:  how did it go?  What were the best parts?  That sort of discussion will help me design the new course.

I have to decide what to do by February 20, so please chime in soon.

Thanks!  I’m looking forward to a lively discussion.