First-year seminars are content-driven, discussion and writing courses designed to introduce students to the learning environment of the liberal arts.  Limited to fifteen students, the seminar prepares students for upper-level courses by introducing and fostering essential college skills. Students develop a facility for understanding global and multicultural issues; an ability to write cogently; the capacity of discussing issues open mindedly, civilly, and thoughtfully; a habit of reading closely and critically; and an awareness of the culture and expectations of higher education in the liberal arts. Additionally, students develop professional relationships with their seminar faculty who also serve as their first-year academic advisor.

WLLS 111 Introduction to Wells

A 1-credit course structured to facilitate students’ transitions to the College’s academic requirements.  Using peer-mentored groups in combination with a variety of informational sessions, skill workshops, and cultural events, students get to know other students, the College’s core values, academic resources, and location and history. WLLS 111 is designed to help guide students in their engagement in life in and out of the classroom.  From their experience, students will develop a better sense of their unique needs as a learner and what it means to be a Wells College student; know the resources available at Wells that support students’ academic success; be able to utilize library resources effectively; gain an appreciation for the geographic area in which Wells is physically located; better understand how differences contribute to their education; develop their communication and conflict resolution skills through dialogue; and know the range of campus cultural events available.

Distribution Requirements:  The goal of these requirements is to ensure breadth and build on the skills necessary for students to “think critically, reason wisely, and act humanely. “ Requirements for all students include: 

• Two courses at the college level in a single foreign language
• One course in formal reasoning (mathematics, computer science, or logic)
• Three courses in the arts and humanities, with at least one in each area
• Three courses in the natural/laboratory and social sciences, with at least one in      
   each  
• Four classes in physical education: wellness, swimming (or exemption through 
   examination) and two additional activity courses
• Two experiential learning opportunities (internships, off-campus study abroad, 
  off-campus study in the U.S., or student teaching)