This seminar considers contemporary poetry thematically, and as it relates to the experiences of people transitioning to college life. Students will work both individually and collaboratively to analyze, research, and reflect on the works by poets such as Rupi Kaur, Amanda Gorman, RC Davis, Sabrina Benaim, Tyler Gregson, Amal Khan, and Brian Yu. Because these popular new poets have also faced serious criticism, students will explore and investigate questions such as: who gets to decide what `counts? as poetry?and why?

This seminar will serve two purposes. First, it will help students become acquainted with UMass' processes and potentials. Second, it will examine the complexities of racism in its connection with gender and sexuality, as well as issues of able-bodiedness in the United States and at UMass. Through lectures, readings, videos, and fellow student presentations, students will have the opportunity to reflect on how UMass? student organizations address these issues as, together, we build a UMass for all.

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.

In addition to introducing the first year students to UMass, the students in this course will explore adoption from the perspectives of the triad members; those who are adopted, birth parents and adoptive parents.? Time will be spent discussing private domestic adoption, adoption from foster care and international adoption.? Content areas to be discussed within the different types of adoption include open vs. closed adoptions, adoption by lesbian and gay parents, transracial adoption and laws that help to prevent child trafficking.?

Electron Microscopy plays a critical role in almost every area of modern science and engineering. The course attempts to show the remarkably versatile world of electron microscopy starting from the basics of electron-matter interactions to resolving atoms or the sophisticated generation of 3-dimensional reconstructions of molecule structures. An interdisciplinary range of examples stretching from Materials to Biological samples will be presented and discussed. The class will include a visit to the Electron Microscopy Center.

The rise of human civilization is marked by the development of ever more advanced materials, i. e. Stone Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age?. How will future historians refer to our time? Perhaps it is the Age of Polymers? Polymers encompass a broad spectrum of our world from the readily available commercially plastics for packaging, to the cutting edge, such as the wings of advanced aircraft, or flexible electronic devices (example foldable phones). The DNA that encodes the blueprints for life, and the proteins that build our bodies, are also polymers.

Listening involves pausing the commotion of the mind, paying close attention, and accessing one?s inner thoughts and feelings. Through systematic study of mindfulness techniques and interaction with guest performers, students will deepen their ability to listen to and appreciate music. Weekly homework amounts to twenty minutes of close listening to assigned recordings, and a thoughtful reflection that can be completed by 1-page double spaced paper, video response, or other creative means. Students will also learn to share and listen to one another share about music.

Have you always wanted to learn to play the ukulele? Do you love to sing by yourself and with others? This seminar will help students explore their musical side in a fun and supportive environment. Students will: (1) learn ukulele basics, including tuning, chords, strumming patterns, and fingerpicking, as well as a variety of songs they can play and sing by themselves or with others; (2) learn about the history of the ukulele and its iconic performers and ensembles; (3) create and perform their own ukulele and vocal cover song arrangements.