Top Small Classes for Freshmen at Miami University: A Guide to Personalized Learning

At Miami University, small classes offer freshmen a unique and personalized learning experience. By fostering stronger connections with faculty and peers, these smaller settings can significantly enhance the educational journey. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the best small classes that are often highly recommended:

First-Year Seminars

First-Year Seminars at Miami University are typically capped at 15-20 students, making them ideal for fostering critical thinking and discussion. These seminars cover a wide range of topics and are designed to encourage active engagement and deep learning. They are perfect for freshmen looking to start their academic journey in a supportive and interactive environment.

Introductory Courses in the Honors Program

The Honors Program at Miami University offers smaller, more interactive courses. These introductory courses typically focus on collaborative learning and providing hands-on experience. By participating in these courses, freshmen can build strong connections with both peers and faculty, enhancing their educational experience.

Language Courses

Beginning language courses like Spanish and French are often held in smaller class sizes, which can be highly beneficial for speaking practice and interaction. These classes provide an immersive environment for language learners, allowing them to practice and improve their skills in a supportive setting.

Creative Writing

Introductory creative writing courses are small, making them ideal for receiving individual feedback and engaging in peer interaction. These classes encourage creative expression and are perfect for freshmen looking to explore their creative side while building strong connections with fellow students.

Specialized Topics in the College of Arts and Science

The College of Arts and Science offers specialized topics with limited enrollment, providing an in-depth look at niche subjects. These classes often encourage diverse perspectives and active participation, making them beneficial for freshmen interested in specialized areas of study.

Lab-Based Sciences

Some introductory science courses with lab components offer smaller lab sections, providing more hands-on experience and interaction with instructors. These labs are essential for gaining practical skills and understanding complex concepts through direct experience.

Interdisciplinary Studies

Interdisciplinary classes that focus on approaches that span multiple disciplines often have smaller enrollments, encouraging diverse perspectives and active participation. These classes are ideal for freshmen looking to explore the connections between different fields of study.

University 101: A Must-Take For Freshmen

As a junior at Miami University, I highly recommend taking UNV 101 as a freshman. This 1-credit-hour course familiarizes students with the university and provides valuable tips and advice for success in your freshman year. Most majors have their own specific version of UNV101, which is extremely helpful in learning about great classes to take, finding helpful professors, and creating a four-year class plan.

The choice of classes is crucial, so it’s suggested to check the course catalog and speak with academic advisors or upperclassmen for recommendations tailored to your interests. Additionally, consider looking at reviews or feedback on specific professors to find those known for engaging teaching styles in smaller settings.

By taking advantage of these well-regarded small classes, freshmen at Miami University can enjoy a more personalized and enriching educational experience.