Current FYSMs - First-Year Seminars

More information about these courses can be found in Carleton University’s Undergraduate Calendar.

In some instances, departmental websites may have more extensive information about each course.

First-Year Seminars 2025-2026

FYSM 1001 (A) [0.5 credit]
Critical Foundations in Undergraduate Research

Essays, films, short stories, podcasts: Whatever project you are working on, you will need to do some research to get the facts, understand the issues, figure out who is saying what and why, and whether you should listen. In short, you need to do research to understand and develop your topic successfully.

This first-year seminar will introduce you to the foundational elements of the research process so that you can ask good research questions, develop effective search strategies, and ethically use sources for all your academic projects. With the knowledge and skills you acquire in this course, you will be able to develop productive and ethical research practices that are fundamental to your information literacy, and to your success at university as well as on the job and in our personal lives.

Prerequisite(s): normally restricted to students entering the first year of a B.A., B.Cog.Sc., B.Co.M.S., B.Econ. or B.G.In.S. program.

FYSM 1004 (A)(B)(C)(D) [1.0 credit]
Reading Literatures and Cultures

Introduction to active literary reading skills, focusing on at least three literary genres including poetry, prose, and drama, with attention to literary, social, historical, and political contexts. This course is writing attentive. Strongly recommended for English majors. Consult English Department website for annual topics.

Precludes additional credit for ENGL 1000 (no longer offered), ENGL 1100, ENGL 1200, ENGL 1300, ENGL 1400, ENGL 1600, and ENGL 1700.

Prerequisite(s): Normally restricted to students entering the first year of a B.A., B.Cog.Sc., B.Co.M.S., B.Econ. or B.G.In.S. program.

FYSM 1101 (A) [1.0 credit]
Location is Everything

Where we live affects who we are. This course looks at the role of geographical location on human perception, behaviour and well-being in the context of the relationship we have with our planet. How factors such as globalization, disease, inequality, and climate change affect our lives and the places where we live. The substantive objectives of this course are to explore and to assess a number of geographical aspects of where we live, the importance of location in determining where certain activities take place, and the role of places in defining a sense of identity.

Prerequisite(s): normally restricted to students entering the first year of a B.A., B.Cog.Sc., B.Co.M.S., B.Econ. or B.G.In.S. program.

FYSM 1107 (A) [1.0 credit]
Social Justice and the City

Struggles over social and economic inequality in the city, and their relationship to processes of urbanization and global change. Theories and case studies explaining how urban lives and form are shaped by social movements and urban politics. Broad introduction to critical urban geography.

Includes: Experiential Learning Activity

Prerequisite(s): normally restricted to students entering the first year of a B.A., B.Cog.Sc., B.Co.M.S., B.Econ. or B.G.In.S. program.

FYSM 1210 (A) [0.5 credit] (Fall Semester)
Minds and Machines

Have you ever wondered what the mind is? Have you ever asked yourself: “Is my mind something immaterial and mysterious, like a soul? Or is my mind a complex thinking machine, like a computer?” If you have, you’re not alone – philosophers have pondered the nature of the mind since antiquity. Thinkers like Plato and Aristotle argued that thinking is due to the rational soul. More recently, philosophers began to explore another possibility. They wondered whether the human being – and by extension, the mind – is a kind of natural machine. In this seminar, you will gain an understanding of the mind by considering classic philosophical works on the nature of minds, machines, and souls.

Our inquiry will start by examining ancient conceptions of the soul: an immaterial substance that is essentially you. We will then proceed to read the work of some modern materialist thinkers like Thomas Hobbes and Julien Offray de la Mettrie, who argued that the human being – and by extension the mind – is a natural machine. We will also encounter thinkers whose position lies between these two, like René Descartes, who believed the body was an intricate machine controlled by the immaterial soul. As our survey reaches the 20th century, we will examine the works of figures like Alan Turing, Hilary Putnam, John Searle, and others, each of whom approached the mind with the tools of philosophy in addition to those of computer science, neuroscience, and psychology. Throughout the seminar, questions intimately tied to the discussion about minds and machines will punctuate our search: can machines have free will? Is consciousness necessary for agency and morality? What is special about artificial intelligence?

Prerequisite(s): normally restricted to students entering the first year of a B.A., B.Cog.Sc., B.Co.M.S., B. Econ., or B.G.In.S. program.

FYSM 1210 (A) [0.5 credit] (Winter Semester)
Consciousness

What is consciousness? On the one hand, consciousness is familiar to all of us since we are conscious beings. On the other hand, consciousness is one of the most mysterious and intriguing phenomena in the known universe! How have philosophers answered the question: what is consciousness? Over the coming weeks, you’ll gain an appreciation of some of the answers to this question by surveying the interdisciplinary field of consciousness studies.

Our learning journey will begin with a look at why consciousness is such a perplexing phenomenon. We’ll examine whether consciousness represents something truly mysterious, or whether we can understand how conscious experience works with the tools of philosophy and the cognitive sciences. As we proceed, we’ll learn about various theories of consciousness, our conscious experiences of the world and of the self, and the relationship between subjective conscious experience and physical events in the brain. We’ll also learn about the unconscious mind, agency and free will, altered states of consciousness, the evolution of consciousness, and whether artificial consciousness is possible. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to develop your reading, writing and critical thinking skills, and to engage in some very interesting thought experiments.

Prerequisite(s): normally restricted to students entering the first year of a B.A., B.Cog.Sc., B.Co.M.S., B. Econ., or B.G.In.S. program.

FYSM 1217 [0.5 credit] (Fall Semester)
Critical Approaches to Generative Artificial Intelligence

Is generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) radically upending our world? Maybe, maybe not. In this first-year seminar course students will be introduced to critical approaches to generative AI that challenge popular discourses which are currently guiding the development and use of these tools. While generative AI has been met with both utopian promises of technical solutionism and dystopian nightmares about robots gaining sentience and displacing human life, we will chart a third path between these extremes. We will consider the longer historical context in which generative AI tools have emerged, as well as the cultural anxieties and hopes that have accompanied other so-called “disruptive” technologies.

Our primary focus will be on critically analyzing the popular imaginaries that circulate around generative AI. We will be guided by critical science and technology studies (STS) and intersectional feminist theory, asking how generative AI tools reproduce biases and inequalities already embedded in algorithmic culture and society at large. We will also draw on critical media studies, considering how popular representations of artificial intelligence shape and inform our engagement with AI tools.

Prerequisite(s): normally restricted to students entering the first year of a B.A., B.Cog.Sc., B.Co.M.S., B.Econ. or B.G.In.S. program. (This course is not the equivalent of COMS 1000)

FYSM 1310 (B) [1.0 credit]
Psychology of Violence

Psychology is the scientific study of our thoughts, feelings and behavior. Course examines a selected topic in psychology. The specific topic will vary from year to year and will be announced in advance of the registration period.

Prerequisite(s): normally restricted to students entering the first year of a B.A, B.Cog.Sc., B.Co.M.S., B.Econ. or B.G.In.S. program.

FYSM 1310 (C) [1.0 credit]
Personal Relationships

This course is intended as an introduction to psychology as the scientific study of people’s thoughts, feelings and behaviour. The topic of this course is the study of personal relationships, mainly focusing on romantic relationships. Specifically, in the fall term, we will discuss evidence for the importance of relationships, relationship quality measurement, relationship initiation, different types of personal relationships (e.g., friendships, romantic partners), social networks, accuracy and illusion in judgment about close others, and prosocial and responsive behavior in relationships. There is no textbook for this class! However, students will be required to read six original empirical research articles throughout the term.

Prerequisite(s): normally restricted to students entering the first year of a B.A, B.Cog.Sc., B.Co.M.S., B.Econ. or B.G.In.S. program.

FYSM 1310 (E) [1.0 credit]
Emerging Adulthood and Beyond

This course will introduce you to psychosocial development across the lifespan, from emerging adulthood (roughly ages 18-29) through late adulthood (75+ years). Our psychosocial development is shaped by the social and cultural contexts in which we live, including the influence of family, friends, media, and technology. We will examine issues such as: How have you coped and become more resilient since the COVID-19 pandemic? As a society, how are we dealing with the higher rates of mental health issues for youth and emerging adults? In terms of identity development and a fast-changing world, how do emerging adults set goals and come up with strategies to help achieve them?

In the Fall term, we explore emerging adulthood, and the challenges and opportunities associated with ‘coming of age,’ including identity development, changing relationships with family and friends, as well as the transition to university. In the Winter term, we focus on the transition to work and career, the formation of committed romantic relationships, and explore the ‘secrets’ of successful aging into the elder years. Throughout the course, you will have opportunities to reflect on your own development, including identity development and career aspirations. Who you are, who you hope to become, what issues most concern you, and who you care about are all factors that influence the development of a cohesive sense of identity.

Prerequisite(s): normally restricted to students entering the first year of a B.A, B.Cog.Sc., B.Co.M.S., B.Econ. or B.G.In.S. program.

FYSM 1310 (F) [1.0 credit]
Close Relationships

This course is intended as an introduction to psychology as the scientific study of people’s thoughts, feelings and behaviour. In this course, students will learn about the field of relationship science, an interdisciplinary field that involves the scientific study of people’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviours in the context of close relationships. A special focus will be placed on social psychological theory and empirical approaches to the study of friendships and romantic relationships.

Prerequisite(s): normally restricted to students entering the first year of a B.A, B.Cog.Sc., B.Co.M.S., B.Econ. or B.G.In.S. program.

FYSM 1310 (H) [1.0 credit]
Psychological Disorders and Mental Health

Prerequisite(s): normally restricted to students entering the first year of a B.A, B.Cog.Sc., B.Co.M.S., B.Econ. or B.G.In.S. program.

FYSM 1405 (A) [1.0 credit]
Playing History

Do you like board games, theatre, video games, improv, historical fiction, costumes, and having fun? Are you tired of sitting quietly while a teacher talks?

Do you want to play historical games, meet other students, ask big historical questions, and figure out university life?

This course uses Reacting to the Past (RTTP) games to draw students into the past. Students will take on historical roles like a journalist, the King of France or a peasant protesting unjust laws. Games are set in times of historical change and upheaval like the French Revolution or the beginning of World War One. There is no fixed script or outcome. You will be obliged to adhere to the philosophical and intellectual beliefs of the historical figures you play, and you must devise your own means of expressing those ideas persuasively, in papers, speeches, or other public presentations.

Everyone must figure out how to win the game. That might mean overthrowing the King and establishing a republic or making the King’s hold on power even more secure. Players will collaborate and compete with others. Your character might get killed in the game and you will re-enter the game in a new role. You will work to understand historical documents and to develop your, response to the central problems of the game. You will debate, deceive your enemies, engage in skullduggery, or plot to sabotage your opponents. After the game, we will look at how the historical events differed from the way the game unfolded and reflect on the big historical questions we asked.

Prerequisite(s): normally restricted to students entering the first year of a B.A., B.Cog.Sc., B.Co.M.S., B.Econ. or B.G.In.S. program.

FYSM 1405 (B) [1.0 credit]
Doing History – A Global History of WWII

Exploration of a historical topic in a small-class setting. Emphasis on historical thinking, writing, and analysis through the investigation of a specific historical problem. Strongly recommended for History Majors. Consult History Department website for annual topics. (Field will depend on topic).

Prerequisite(s): normally restricted to students entering the first year of a B.A., B.Cog.Sc., B.Co.M.S., B.Econ. or B.G.In.S. program

FYSM 1506 (B) [1.0 credit]
Creative Sociology

Introductory seminar emphasizing the development of writing, research and analytical skills through the intensive examination of selected topics in the study of historic and contemporary societies.

Prerequisite(s): normally restricted to students entering the first year of a B.A., B.Cog.Sc., B.Co.M.S., B.Econ. or B.G.In.S. program.

FYSM 1508 (A) (B) [1.0 credit]
Stress, Coping & Well-Being

How do you cope with stress? We live in a stressful world, and how we cope has implications for our happiness and well-being. We will examine theory and research on how stress affects our lives, how people cope, and what it means to be well-adjusted.

Prerequisite(s): normally restricted to students entering the first year of a B.A, B.Cog.Sc., B.Co.M.S., B.Econ. or B.G.In.S program.

FYSM 1611 (A) [0.5 credit] (Fall Semester)
One Term Seminar in Political Science

One-term seminar on selected topics in politics and governance. Topics offered may vary from year to year and will be announced in advance of the registration period by the Department of Political Science.

Precludes additional credit for FYSM 1602.

Prerequisite(s): normally restricted to students entering the first year of a B.A., B.Cog.Sc., B.Co.M.S., B.Econ. or B.G.In.S. program

FYSM 1611 (B): Legitimacy in Politics? Does Anybody Care?

Does it matter if election results are contested? Or if people don’t trust their governments? Or if they don’t agree on political or historical facts? Is it ever acceptable for governments to deny to individuals due process? What should happen when groups feel unrepresented in their political institutions? Should governments face any consequences for breaking promises or violating treaties they have signed?

Should we consider legitimacy the essential measure for evaluating exercises of political power? Should we care about political legitimacy at all? What, if any, limits do you think should apply to the powers that a government can exercise? Who should have the authority to set those limits? On what terms? What consequences should follow if a government ignores or breaches the limits?

These and other similar questions have been debated for centuries. In this course, which is a seminar in the history of political thought, we will read and discuss texts, dating from the sixteenth through to the twentieth century, that defend and contest different views on political legitimacy. Through your participation in this seminar, you will develop your understanding of historical debates that continue to influence how many of us think about political legitimacy today. In addition, you will develop academic skills necessary for designing and conducting research projects on the questions that most interest you.

Precludes additional credit for FYSM 1602.

Prerequisite(s): normally restricted to students entering the first year of a B.A., B.Cog.Sc., B.Co.M.S., B.Econ. or B.G.In.S. program

FYSM 1611 (C) [0.5 credit] (Winter Semester)
One Term Seminar in Political Science

Precludes additional credit for FYSM 1602.

Prerequisite(s): normally restricted to students entering the first year of a B.A., B.Cog.Sc., B.Co.M.S., B.Econ. or B.G.In.S. program.

FYSM 1611 (D) [0.5 credit] (Winter Semester)
One Term Seminar in Political Science

Precludes additional credit for FYSM 1602.

Prerequisite(s): normally restricted to students entering the first year of a B.A., B.Cog.Sc., B.Co.M.S., B.Econ. or B.G.In.S. program.

FYSM 1604 (A)(B)(C)(D) [0.5 credit]
Understanding the Mind

The theme for this First Year Seminar is “Changing Our Minds” and we will explore how biology, culture, and technology influence how we think. We will also reflect on how we evaluate evidence and update our opinions and discuss research in neuroscience, psychology, philosophy, linguistics, and artificial intelligence. In this course, you will also develop transferable skills to support your learning throughout your undergraduate career.

Prerequisite(s): normally restricted to students entering the first year of a B.A., B.Cog.Sc., B.Co.M.S., B.Econ. or B.G.In.S. program.

FYSM 1908 (A) [0.5 credit]
One-Term Seminar in Economics

Content of this course may vary from year to year and will be announced in advance of the registration period by the Department of Economics.

Prerequisite(s): normally restricted to students entering the first year of a B.Econ., B.A., B.Cog.Sc., B.Co.M.S., B. Econ. or B.G.In.S. program.