First Year Experience (FYEX 100) Fall 2026 Course Listing

Using Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) style scenarios as an interactive laboratory, students practice gathering and evaluating information, communicating within teams, and learning through uncertainty. This course is designed to help students make a successful transition to college and meet academic expectations at the university level through play, reflective exercises, and guided academic skill-building. Students will explore how information, creativity, collaboration, and analysis shape their learning and decision-making. As you adventure “in game” and on campus, you will develop a D&D-inspired "toolkit" for academic success. You will also discover how your ‘character build’ as a student supports your individual goals.
NOTE: You do not need to be familiar with D&D to take part in or enjoy this class.

Do you want to be the change you wish to see in the world? Your journey of exploring social justice and finding inspiration to make positive social change starts here! Utilizing a social justice perspective and a human rights framework, we will explore social problems, social justice heroes of the past, and current ways to make the world a better place. In this class, you will learn about campus resources –both academic and social –to help you thrive. This course will culminate with your production of a scholarly electronic research poster delineating a social justice warrior of pure inspiration.

This course is designed for students embarking on their journey as a biology major. We will delve into a variety of topics aimed at helping students with transitioning into college and meeting academic expectations at the university level. Through engagement with the many important services, resources, and opportunities on campus, the course is designed to foster a sense of belonging to the major, Biology Department, and Millersville University. Along the way, we will provide you with access to an active peer network, and build a skillset that will foster success in the biology major and beyond.

In a world shaped by algorithms and digital filters, what does it mean to be human? This course explores how technology influences our choices, creativity, and identity. We will examine algorithms, artificial intelligence, social media, and attention economies to better understand how they influence our lives as both consumers and creators. Through discussions, case studies, and creative projects, we’ll ask big questions about technology’s role in our future and discover how to remain curious, critical, and creative in an increasingly artificial world. Together, we will use new tools and knowledge to imagine a more human-centered digital future.

In the Year of Our Lord 1347, Genoese merchants who had spent the previous year sheltering in the walled city of Kaffa during a siege by the Mongols were finally able to sail away from the Black Sea. They were aware that the Mongols had not been defeated by men, but by disease. They also knew the Mongols had catapulted corpses into the city, an early attempt a germ warfare. But these merchants had no idea of the havoc they were about to inflict on Europe…

We live in a colorful world! From traffic lights to rainbows, color is embedded in our everyday lives. This course will examine the chemistry of color and colorful chemical reactions. We will discuss properties of light and color and learn what makes some objects glow. We will also consider natural and synthetic pigments and how they are affected by environmental conditions. This course does not have a laboratory component, but some hands-on activities will be incorporated.

Discovering Nature is the perfect first‑year seminar if you’re excited about the outdoors or curious about how the Earth works. You will explore Lancaster County’s streams, ecosystems, and geology through three hands‑on weekend field trips—the kind of adventures that make science feel alive. Along the way, you’ll learn how scientists study the natural world using geospatial tools, field observations, and physical science techniques. Just as importantly, you’ll learn about yourself: how you learn best, how to thrive in college, and how to build a supportive community. You’ll make friends, ask big questions, and discover the landscapes that shape our region.

The human body is the product of millions of years of evolution. This course invites you to investigate how it came to be by examining our genes and exploring the evolution of vertebrate anatomy through investigations in paleontology, comparative anatomy and evolutionary developmental biology. In this course, you will: (1) engage your curiosity by exploring state-of-the-art research, (2) explore your interests and career goals in biology, medicine, and allied health professions, and (3) develop essential skills for being successful in college and beyond. Whether you're fascinated by human evolution, planning a career in healthcare, or exploring your academic path, this course offers a powerful introduction to how science helps us understand the human body—and ourselves.

The intent of the course is to examine, identify, and comprehend computer science in a broader context than the process of programming. Students will examine seminal papers that both explore the philosophical foundations of computer science and provide an appreciation of the wide scope of the field. Along with exploring the roots of computer science, the future of the field will also be investigated so that students may comprehend the wide variety of applications and implications of computer science. The seminar format will allow students to actively discuss and investigate the material along with their classmates and professor. Students will acquire and utilize problem-solving strategies in a variety of assignments. Students will be expected to read computer science journal articles, reflect on the content, and participate in peer group and class discussions. As a community of computer science majors, working collaboratively in small groups and with their professor, the course will also support students' transitions into the college experience as computer science majors academically, socially, and personally.

Earth’s atmosphere, oceans, land, life, and energy are all interconnected within the “Earth System.” For example, hurricanes draw energy from the oceans and land to intensify and can greatly impact all life within its path. Fortunately, many negative impacts from our weather and climate can be mitigated by proactive emergency managers. In this course, you will: (1) embrace your natural curiosity by exploring state-of-the-art research on our Earth System, (2) discover your passion and career goals within the meteorology and emergency management disciplines, and (3) develop the skills necessary for being successful in college and beyond.

What? The three numbers Pi, i, and e are related? How is this even possible? This seminar jump-starts the process of intellectual inquiry through a free exchange of ideas during and outside of class. Instructors mentor and assist students in developing a meaningful and purposeful approach of their college experiences.

This course will introduce students to a broader picture of physics and will focus on the critical concepts. Students will also be introduced with brief history of physics. Students will learn philosophical differences among Greek’s era, Newtonian Physics and Modern Physics. Students will learn how the ideas of physics helped develop the society and technical development. The emphasis will be to reinforce the importance of solid training in fundamental physics concepts as the mechanism for making impacts in areas that are relevant to every day life. Students will write reports of physics personalities and their contributions to the society using literature survey. Students will also be introduced to test taking skills and time management techniques.

This course will provide students with a basic platform from which they can plan their growth and development while at MU. It will serve as a guide to expanding one’s awareness of the world, how students fit into it and will introduce students to new interests or areas of study. A major component of this course will explore what “stepping outside your comfort zone” means, how to get comfortable being uncomfortable and how it can be a new tool for achieving the life they desire.

Discover the power of learning through hands-on experiences. This first-year seminar emphasizes design, technology, and engineering approaches to learning by solving real-life problems. Together we will explore some of the challenges of adapting to college and how to make what you are learning meaningful. Being able to put your learning into action, is powerful for you and for others. Join this session to collaborate and learn by doing.

Throughout the mammal kingdom play is a way in which both humans and other animals learn everything from survival, socializing and combat. In this course students will engage in a collection of games, team building activities and hand’s on problem solving exercises that will help them learn valuable skills ranging from networking, conceptualizing and strategy. Students will visit locations on campus like the Ropes Course and Student Memorial Center and meet with key personnel who can share expertise on an array of important topics and issues that students may have to encounter during their experience at Millersville.

What separates those who consistently grow from those who stay stuck? Increasingly, researchers point to the powerful connection between mindset, daily habits, and long-term success. How do our beliefs shape our actions? How do small, repeated behaviors compound into meaningful outcomes over time? And how can we intentionally design routines that move us toward the life and career we want? Interested in personal development, leadership, or high performance in any field? This is a class for building the mindset and habits that shape the story of your success.

The past few years we have witnessed a shift in how people are seeking health-related information.  Many people find information from social media. Individuals utilizing social media are bombarded with unverified health-related information, especially concerning nutritional advice. This first-year course will examine the process for sifting through this nutritional advice to access sound, evidence-based nutritional guidance. Additionally, students will learn how to be well-informed consumers of information and to critically analyze and then normalize to the general population recommendations for healthy eating patterns.

What you eat is more political than you think. This course explores how food connects to power, inequality, culture, and the environment. From farming to fast food, what’s on your plate links to big issues like climate change, poverty, health, labor, and global trade. Whether you care about sustainability, workers' rights, public health—or just love to eat—The Politics of Food is an eye-opening way to start your college journey. Get ready to look at every meal differently.

Many researchers are describing how story-making is inextricably bound up with our species and how we use it to experience and shape the world throughout histories and cultures. How does story work in making sense of our own lives, the ways we “story” our futures, and the ways we seek to move others? Interested in content-creation, marketing, or storytelling in any medium? This is a class for exploring the story you will tell about you.

This course introduces students to psychology theories and concepts and how they relate to our everyday lives. In addition, students will learn about careers in Psychology and be introduced to critical thinking and writing in the behavioral sciences. Students will also learn strategies for enhancing mental health and student success.

Performers….educators….entrepreneurs….the Tell School's three-pronged approach to our students is introduced and explored through our FYEX 100 course. We explore being a performer through learning and demonstrating practice and performance skills. Students will learn about the music education program - including the basics of teaching and material that will set them up for later methods courses.

Set the Stage for a Career in the Music Industry! This seminar is designed specifically for music majors enrolled in any of our music industry tracks. We discuss career paths in the music industry, as well as the hard and soft skills necessary to embark on those paths. Topics include navigating the Music Industry curriculum at MU, developing efficient practice techniques and time management skills, cultivating creativity, and preparing for meaningful internships.

This dynamic freshman seminar is designed to help high school students navigate the transition to college with confidence. Students will explore goal setting, time and money management, leadership, teamwork, and effective communication—skills essential for academic and professional success. Special emphasis is placed on building financial literacy and developing smart budgeting habits early on. Through real-world examples and interactive learning, students will gain practical tools to succeed in college and prepare for future careers. We will also introduce foundational AI literacy, equipping students to engage responsibly and creatively with emerging technologies. Whether you're leading a group project or managing your personal finances, this course sets the foundation for thriving in college and beyond.

Experience outdoor education through a series of hikes with embedded activities in Lancaster County. Students will need transportation to the trail heads (e.g., car pooling). Hikes are once a month and typically over weekends. A unique notebooking strategy is used throughout the course.

The focus of this course is on Career Exploration. Students enrolled in the sections are either Exploratory Students (undecided) or students who choose career exploration as an area of interest to them. The focus for the entire course is on transitional topics (college success) and career exploration (a deep dive into possible careers of interest including job skills and requirements, market saturation, salary and benefits, working environment, travel required, promotion opportunities, etc.).

This course explores the stories of trailblazing womxn in music from the Middle Ages to today. Have you heard of Mozart, the musical genius? If so, did you know that he had a sister with similar talents and abilities? Did you know that Elvis Presley’s big hit, “Hound Dog'' was first recorded by a woman? We will look at music as it developed over the past millennium through the lens of the often overlooked – the Womxn who Rock!