Academic Affairs Newsletter Fall 2015, Issue 4 | Page 11

FIRST-YEAR "DREAM" SEMINARS

Berkowitz’ student Laura Valadez, an undeclared major explained how this course has left with her a lasting impression and a curiosity to explore other learning avenues. “This course [False Memories and the Law] has definitely changed the way I see the world, in particular the legal system,” explained Valadez. “Having studied memory in depth, these last few weeks, really opened my eyes to the imperfections in the court room and the unreliable sources of people's memories. Learning about the flaws in the legal system has peaked my interest in law and the court system.”

Connections Matter

The First-Year Seminar program is all about building connections that:

• foster strong peer relationships among students

• foster mentorship between students and faculty

• deepen students’ knowledge and practice of a specific discipline

• encourage faculty to develop innovative and exciting ways to teach their discipline

First-Year Seminars promotes meaningful peer-to-peer interactions and close faculty-student mentorship. Wendy Percino explains about her First-Year Seminar experience, “This class is different to my other ones because I actually got to bond with my class mates and make new friends.” She continues, “What I enjoyed the most is that I actually felt comfortable talking in class, which is a little rare for me.”

Aaron Escandon, major in Business is taking the course “The Economics of Discrimination” and describes his experiences, skills learned, and expresses his appreciation of his professor

Dr. Martinez. “I strongly believe that I would recommend this class to

peers based upon the great experiences

I have had in and out the classroom.

Dr. Martinez not only taught us

Economics but basic skills and

resources that will be helpful to

succeed at CSUDH. He made the

class fun by having library tours

and pushing us to go to the Toro

Learning Center and doing all the

extra activities just to see us reach our potential. Dr. Martinez is a great instructor and did an outstanding job getting the information across to us.”

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