University Seminars

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c/o Office of the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs
University of Virginia
P.O. Box 400308
Charlottesville, VA 22904-4308
https://provost.virginia.edu/subsite/academic-affairs/student-experience/university-seminars

For more than a decade, the University Seminar (USEM) program has provided an opportunity for undergraduate students to take unique seminar style courses in a variety of topics taught by faculty from any of the University’s twelve schools. University Seminar faculty engage students in discussion, hands-on experiential learning, research, and in critical self-reflection that helps students shape the direction of their studies at UVA.

USEM courses are offered during both the fall and spring semesters, are capped at 18 students, and are offered on an open enrollment basis to any second- or first-year student interested in the topic of the course. It is expected that these courses will help students develop critical thinking skills and explore new ideas in an environment that encourages interactive learning and intensive discussion. Enrollment in a University Seminar should provide second- and first-year students the opportunity to work closely with faculty and to develop an intellectual community with other students around a shared area of interest. USEMs 1570 and 1580 are offered as two-credit seminars available to first-year students only. USEMs 2570 and 2580 are offered as one-credit seminars available to both first-and second- year students. Additionally, USEM courses numbered 1580 and 2580 are considered College courses and thus count as elective credit among the 108 College credits required for the degree. USEM courses numbered 1570 and 2570 are considered non-College and thus do not count among the 108 College credits required for the degree. College students are limited to no more than one USEM course per semester. Refer to the course listing in SIS for specific offerings each semester.