Focus on how public policies are made in the U.S., including the role of citizens, interest groups, and government institutions. Emphasis on the processes by which policies are made in various institutions, including the Presidency, Congress, bureaucracy, and courts. Examples cover numerous public policies, such as campaign finance reform, foreign policy, and the environment. (Gen.Ed. SB)

If you were a pirate trying to steal gold from other pirates, what would you do? If you were forced to deduce the color of your friend's hat to escape an eccentric magician, how might counting help? If you were waging a war of wits against an evil professor (welcome to college, by the way), why might a chessboard come in handy? There's a colorful, magical world of math that is far away from the boring or difficult reputation it often gets, and it involves fun, creative thinking, and often unexpected connections to deep ideas in theoretical research.

What is happening in the world of computing today? What does cutting-edge research look like? In this seminar, students will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on projects, hear from faculty and other researchers in computer science about their work, and explore what it means to be a researcher in computer science.

First year seminar students all gain exposure to strategies for success at UMass in general and in CICS in particular. In addition, FYS provide an introduction to the services, opportunities, and ways to get involved in CICS.

First year seminar students all gain exposure to strategies for success at UMass in general and in CICS in particular. In addition, FYS provide an introduction to the services, opportunities, and ways to get involved in CICS.

First year seminar students all gain exposure to strategies for success at UMass in general and in CICS in particular. In addition, FYS provide an introduction to the services, opportunities, and ways to get involved in CICS.

First year seminar students all gain exposure to strategies for success at UMass in general and in CICS in particular. In addition, FYS provide an introduction to the services, opportunities, and ways to get involved in CICS.

"With great power, comes great responsibility." As an incoming Computer Scientist, you will explore and discuss the ethical quandaries that continue to emerge in the field. Students will select and present articles on their personal areas of interest regarding ethical issues in CS. Non-presenting students will discuss these issues in small groups and report back to the class on their thoughts. The presenter will moderate the discussion with the instructor's assistance.

This seminar will address how data science and computing can be used to address social issues. Some hands-on programming will be included, but no experience is necessary!