When I was in first year seminars terrified me. I’ve always had a fear of public speaking, even in small informal settings and I’m much better at expressing my thoughts on paper. I didn’t even want to participate in my discussion groups and tutorials that were only worth 5-10%. So the idea of a discussion based class where participation was worth a significant amount was not the type of class for me. Unfortunately I didn’t really get a choice as it is a requirement of the art history program and many others at Carleton to take seminar classes in your upper years, but this actually turned out to be a good thing.
The third year History and Methods of Art History class was my first exposure to a seminar class and wow was it hard. Not only was I expected to participate, I also had to lead discussions and the material itself was challenging. However this course really changed me and became one of my favourite classes even if it was also one of my most dreaded classes because of the difficult content. The class setting was extremely supportive and engaging since we were all working through this tough class together. As it turned out, all my future seminars would be similar. Everyone struggles with the material and we all work through it together in discussion.
Now in my fourth year virtually all my upper year classes are seminars and I actually prefer it this way. Seminars allow you to expand your horizons, challenge yourself and get a deeper look at fascinating topics. Sitting in lectures and large survey classes bore me now. I want the interesting weekly readings and the small class setting for open discussion. Seminars also allow you to develop your own research on topics that actually interest you for final essays. These classes challenge me in ways that make me a better critical reader and thinker and have allowed me to become a better public speaker and even a better writer. These are skills that extend beyond the classroom, which is why these seminars are so important in your degree and for the future.