We'll practice the core college skill of sustained attention by going totally free of digital tools--phones, computers, screens etc--for 50 minutes. We'll do this for a few minutes at first, and build up over the semester to the full 50 minutes. How will we fill the time without any digital tools? By talking, listening, observing, drawing, walking outside (or alternatives if you can't walk), being quiet, reading and writing on paper, and most importantly, getting used to being bored.

What does it mean to be happy? Can we learn techniques to enhance our happiness? This course will explore happiness, from early philosopher's beliefs to current research on the science of well-being. As we discuss what makes us happy, we will also consider how this can set the stage for resilience and success in college. The class will be very interactive with journal reflection assignments and discussions centered on self-care, growth mindset, goal-setting and personal success.

Polymers are ubiquitous in the modern world. All plastics are composed of polymers, and their disposal and waste is a huge societal problem. At the same time, polymers support the environment and human health in critically important ways, such as in lithium ion batteries for renewable energy storage, improved food safety, and life-saving medical devices. The molecules that underpin life, DNA and proteins, are also polymers.

How does the music one creates, listens to, and performs reflect their identity? Also, how do social and cultural influences, including peers, family, community, and schooling, shape how we view ourselves? Graduating from high school and starting a degree program at a university is a major transition that can result in changes in our identity. Oftentimes, music is a part of the journey of identity transformation and can serve as markers for important moments in our lives.

Want to get a good night?s sleep? This experiential seminar introduces the Sounder Sleep System? (SSS), a non-medical approach that uses meditative movement, breathwork, and guided relaxation to calm the nervous system and support restful sleep. We?ll cover why humans sleep, sleep cycles, hormones that govern sleep and wake, how much sleep you need, the role of sleep in learning, effects of alcohol/drugs and sleep deprivation, and practical sleep hygiene. Each class includes SSS practice, discussion, and time to develop a personalized sleep plan.

What makes chocolate so irresistible? Where does it come from, and how does it travel from a cocoa tree to the chocolate bar in your hand? Why do some chocolates cost more than others, and what do sustainability, nutrition, and fair trade have to do with the choices you make? In this course, we will follow chocolate from bean to bar while exploring its history, culture, science, and global impact. Through the lens of chocolate, you will also develop the academic habits, learning strategies, and reflective practices that support a successful transition to college life at UMass Amherst.

South Asia is linguistically very diverse with 4 major language families and a very large number of languages. The linguistic diversity partially tracks the movements of the peoples who live in South Asia and looking at the languages of this area provides a window into the cultures, histories, and literatures of the subcontinent. We will start with an overview of the major language families and then spend each meeting looking at one language its distinctive linguistic properties and what historical and cultural forces have shaped this language.

This course will explore the intersections of movement and sleep neuroscience, self-care, and academic performance. Through varied approaches, students will engage with material on both individual and collective levels, fostering interpersonal connections and promoting self-care practices. By integrating theory with practical application, students will gain insights into brain health while developing essential skills for success in college and beyond.

Having a plan helps you achieve more and stress less. Learn how neuroscience can inform goal-setting and time-management strategies to help you create an effective first-year plan focusing on balance, productivity, and well-being.