An introductory class is the first exposure a student will have with a subject. It is the time when a student says, “Hello, subject, I am interested in you. Tell me a little about yourself.” Introductory classes provide a stepping-stone for students to learn about a topic they are passionate about. Education, therefore, is a conglomerate of subjects that enhance multiple areas of a person.
University of Idaho mandates first year students take an Integrated Seminar — ISEM — course during their fall or spring semester. In this course, first year student sare expected to learn a number of rudimentary skills, which have or will be covered by other courses. ISEM is a copycat of multiple other courses, provided to prepare students with knowledge that will aid them throughout their career.
One of the goals of ISEM is to teach students how to work with other peers while also doing independent work. It is a disappointment that we must teach these basic classroom skills to college students. Another intent of ISEM is to encourage students to communicate with faculty, and take advantage of UI’s resources to succeed in the course. Again, shouldn’t this have been a skill mastered before college?
ISEM course description states students learn the tools to think critically, creatively and reflexively about a subject. English, math and science courses already do a fantastic job giving students these skills.
That isn’t to say ISEM is an arbitrary course. It’s designed to give students useful skills, but these useful skills are covered in many other core classes. Why should first year student be required to take this course? Simply put, ISEM should be optional.One trait worthy of merit ISEM offers is its humanities focus, which is stimulating in its own sense and provides students with a more in-depth look at the world around them. However, ISEM courses must do a better job at this.
The required reading “Tomatoland” only served as a completion-grade essay upon entering the course.
Unlike the memo said when the required reading was assigned, the campus wasn’t quite buzzing with that book.
Discussions about complex topics should be met with enthusiasm not with a subtle roll of the eyes and a “don’t make me talk about that” face.
ISEM is the academic extension of freshman orientation. When taking this course, students are corralled into a room and taught the basics of how to function in the college environment. Papers are assigned, reading assignments are handed out and tests are given — under the focus of the humanities.
These skills are not needed for all first year students. Instead of falling under the humanities umbrella, it instead lingers in the shadow of freshman orientation and only provides a sliver of stimulation when it gets around to the humanities.
Jake Smith
can be reached at
arg-opinion@uidaho.edu