| AAA Guide to Accessible, Achievable, and Affordable Study Abroad | Zongxiang Mei | TR 09:25 AM - 10:15 AM | This course is designed for first-year students with a range of perspectives on study abroad. Some may feel highly confident, some may think it’s out of reach, others may be unsure about timing, some may feel peer pressure without knowing if it’s the right fit, and others may worry it’s a unique opportunity they might not have again. Through a comprehensive approach to global learning, this course emphasizes accessibility, achievability, and affordability. Students will follow a step-by-step guide to explore diverse study abroad options, access valuable resources, and connect with peers with firsthand experience. The course includes practical applications of Intercultural Competence Theory (Deardorff), a scholarship essay workshop, and guidance in creating a personalized study abroad plan tailored to each student’s academic and career goals. The goal is not to convince students to study abroad but to empower them with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to make informed decisions, broaden their horizons, and enrich their college experience. |
| Becoming You 101: Unlocking Your Purpose, Power & Path | Beth Merenstein | R 8:25 - 10:05 | Who are you becoming—and why does it matter?
In this inspiring first-year experience course, you'll dive into Suzy Welch’s Becoming You to explore the power of intentional decision-making, purpose-driven living, and personal growth. Through reflective exercises, real-world tools, and bold conversations, you'll begin designing a life that’s true to who you are—and who you want to be. This course is your launchpad for college and beyond. Let’s get started on becoming you
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| Bleeding Blue and Dean's List Too | Shayne L. Koplowitz | MW 08:00 AM - 08:50 AM | What does it truly mean to be a Blue Devil? This course is all about discovering your place at CCSU—both as an individual and as part of a thriving, spirited community.
Through alumni panels, campus partner meetups, and engaging discussions, you’ll connect with fellow Blue Devils, past and present, to explore the traditions, values, and experiences that define CCSU. But it’s not just about school spirit—we’ll also dive into the best study strategies and learning techniques to help you succeed academically. This is more than just a class—it’s your launchpad for an incredible college experience. Get ready to embrace the Blue Devil spirit, unlock your potential, and make the most of your time at CCSU! |
| Blue Devils: Fantasy Football University | Brian Michaud | MW 08:00 AM - 08:50 AM | Countless students, faculty, and staff participate in fantasy sports, but not all of them are successful. The key to winning is to understand the ins and outs of your league, its rules and settings, and who you can count on from your team. Oddly enough, the same can be said about your college experience here at Central as it is important to know what resources you have available to you, who is here to help, and how to stay on the right path as you work toward winning each semester and ultimately graduating with your degree. |
| Career Exploration: Business | Monica V. Rivera | MW 12:15 PM - 01:05 PM | College is more than just classes—it’s a journey of self-discovery, growth, and possibility. CCSU 103 is designed to help students successfully transition from high school to college while exploring potential career paths and academic interests.
Through interactive discussions, hands-on activities, and guided reflection, students will: - Identify their strengths, skills, and passions
- Explore diverse majors and career opportunities
- Navigate university resources for success
- Embrace curiosity, change, and even failure as part of growth
Perfect for students who haven't chosen a major, this course provides a supportive space to chart a personalized path toward an exciting future—both in college and beyond. For students interested in majors like accounting, management, business, finance, and marketing. |
| Career Exploration: Business | Brittany Galko | TR 08:00 AM - 08:50 AM | College is more than just classes—it’s a journey of self-discovery, growth, and possibility. CCSU 103 is designed to help students successfully transition from high school to college while exploring potential career paths and academic interests.
Through interactive discussions, hands-on activities, and guided reflection, students will: - Identify their strengths, skills, and passions
- Explore diverse majors and career opportunities
- Navigate university resources for success
- Embrace curiosity, change, and even failure as part of growth
Perfect for students who haven't chosen a major, this course provides a supportive space to chart a personalized path toward an exciting future—both in college and beyond. For students interested in majors like accounting, management, business, finance, and marketing. |
| Career Exploration: Business | Cristina A. Conte | TR 12:15 PM - 01:05 PM | College is more than just classes—it’s a journey of self-discovery, growth, and possibility. CCSU 103 is designed to help students successfully transition from high school to college while exploring potential career paths and academic interests.
Through interactive discussions, hands-on activities, and guided reflection, students will: - Identify their strengths, skills, and passions
- Explore diverse majors and career opportunities
- Navigate university resources for success
- Embrace curiosity, change, and even failure as part of growth
Perfect for students who haven't chosen a major, this course provides a supportive space to chart a personalized path toward an exciting future—both in college and beyond. For students interested in majors like accounting, management, business, finance, and marketing. |
| Career Exploration: CLASS | Leah Skinner | W 03:05 PM - 04:45 PM | College is more than just classes—it’s a journey of self-discovery, growth, and possibility. CCSU 103 is designed to help students successfully transition from high school to college while exploring potential career paths and academic interests.
Through interactive discussions, hands-on activities, and guided reflection, students will: - Identify their strengths, skills, and passions
- Explore diverse majors and career opportunities
- Navigate university resources for success
- Embrace curiosity, change, and even failure as part of growth
Perfect for students who haven't chosen a major, this course provides a supportive space to chart a personalized path toward an exciting future—both in college and beyond. For students interested in majors like english, psychology, criminology, art, theater, music, political science, and more. |
| Career Exploration: SEPS | Nathan T. Bergstrom | TR 12:15 PM - 01:05 PM | College is more than just classes—it’s a journey of self-discovery, growth, and possibility. CCSU 103 is designed to help students successfully transition from high school to college while exploring potential career paths and academic interests.
Through interactive discussions, hands-on activities, and guided reflection, students will: - Identify their strengths, skills, and passions
- Explore diverse majors and career opportunities
- Navigate university resources for success
- Embrace curiosity, change, and even failure as part of growth
Perfect for students who haven't chosen a major, this course provides a supportive space to chart a personalized path toward an exciting future—both in college and beyond. For students interested in either elementary or secondary education. |
| Career Exploration: SEST | Anna-Maria Heredia | W 01:40 PM - 03:20 PM | College is more than just classes—it’s a journey of self-discovery, growth, and possibility. CCSU 103 is designed to help students successfully transition from high school to college while exploring potential career paths and academic interests.
Through interactive discussions, hands-on activities, and guided reflection, students will: - Identify their strengths, skills, and passions
- Explore diverse majors and career opportunities
- Navigate university resources for success
- Embrace curiosity, change, and even failure as part of growth
Perfect for students who haven't chosen a major, this course provides a supportive space to chart a personalized path toward an exciting future—both in college and beyond. For students interested in majors like biology, chemistry, construction management, earth and space science, and more. |
| Career Exploration:Exploratory | Lauren Veronneau | TR 1:40 PM -2:30 PM | College is more than just classes—it’s a journey of self-discovery, growth, and possibility. CCSU 103 is designed to help students successfully transition from high school to college while exploring potential career paths and academic interests.
Through interactive discussions, hands-on activities, and guided reflection, students will: - Identify their strengths, skills, and passions
- Explore diverse majors and career opportunities
- Navigate university resources for success
- Embrace curiosity, change, and even failure as part of growth
Perfect for students who haven't chosen a major, this course provides a supportive space to chart a personalized path toward an exciting future—both in college and beyond. For students who aren't quite sure what they want their major to be and would like to explore most! |
| Career Exploration:Exploratory | Caroline Marquez | T 03:05 PM - 04:45 PM | College is more than just classes—it’s a journey of self-discovery, growth, and possibility. CCSU 103 is designed to help students successfully transition from high school to college while exploring potential career paths and academic interests.
Through interactive discussions, hands-on activities, and guided reflection, students will: - Identify their strengths, skills, and passions
- Explore diverse majors and career opportunities
- Navigate university resources for success
- Embrace curiosity, change, and even failure as part of growth
Perfect for students who haven't chosen a major, this course provides a supportive space to chart a personalized path toward an exciting future—both in college and beyond. For students who aren't quite sure what they want their major to be and would like to explore most! |
| Career Exploration:Health and Rehab | Glorivee Ortiz | MW 12:15 PM - 01:05 PM | College is more than just classes—it’s a journey of self-discovery, growth, and possibility. CCSU 103 is designed to help students successfully transition from high school to college while exploring potential career paths and academic interests.
Through interactive discussions, hands-on activities, and guided reflection, students will: - Identify their strengths, skills, and passions
- Explore diverse majors and career opportunities
- Navigate university resources for success
- Embrace curiosity, change, and even failure as part of growth
Perfect for students who haven't chosen a major, this course provides a supportive space to chart a personalized path toward an exciting future—both in college and beyond. For students interested in majors like nursing, social work, and physical education. |
| College & Career Readiness | Marvin G. Wilson | MW 04:30 PM - 05:20 PM | This course is designed to help you build essential skills and strategies for success in both college and career pathways. Throughout the course, you’ll explore topics such as goal-setting, effective communication, time management, and career exploration. By the end, you’ll have a personalized toolkit that empowers you to thrive in college and pursue a fulfilling career. Whether you’re aiming to excel academically, prepare for internships, or develop long-term career plans, this course provides the foundation you need to succeed. |
| College Wellness | Joeli P. Kondrat | MW 09:25 AM - 10:15 AM | Emphasis of this course is to promote all aspects of wellness as a vital sign of health while integrating students into the life and culture of Central Connecticut State University. This course accentuates a university commitment to wellness. Students will understand the benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle, as well as realizing the direct correlation between positive lifestyle habits and overall well-being. |
| College Wellness | Ellen Benham | TR 1:40 PM -2:30 PM | Emphasis of this course is to promote all aspects of wellness as a vital sign of health while integrating students into the life and culture of Central Connecticut State University. This course accentuates a university commitment to wellness. Students will understand the benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle, as well as realizing the direct correlation between positive lifestyle habits and overall well-being. |
| College Wellness | Alicia J. Waring | MW 08:00 AM - 08:50 AM | Emphasis of this course is to promote all aspects of wellness as a vital sign of health while integrating students into the life and culture of Central Connecticut State University. This course accentuates a university commitment to wellness. Students will understand the benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle, as well as realizing the direct correlation between positive lifestyle habits and overall well-being. |
| College Wellness | Cheryl L. Edwards | MW 04:30 PM - 05:20 PM | Emphasis of this course is to promote all aspects of wellness as a vital sign of health while integrating students into the life and culture of Central Connecticut State University. This course accentuates a university commitment to wellness. Students will understand the benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle, as well as realizing the direct correlation between positive lifestyle habits and overall well-being. |
| College Wellness | Cheryl L. Edwards | MW 05:55 PM - 06:45 PM | Emphasis of this course is to promote all aspects of wellness as a vital sign of health while integrating students into the life and culture of Central Connecticut State University. This course accentuates a university commitment to wellness. Students will understand the benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle, as well as realizing the direct correlation between positive lifestyle habits and overall well-being. |
| College Wellness | Kim M. Foster | TR 08:00 AM - 08:50 AM | Emphasis of this course is to promote all aspects of wellness as a vital sign of health while integrating students into the life and culture of Central Connecticut State University. This course accentuates a university commitment to wellness. Students will understand the benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle, as well as realizing the direct correlation between positive lifestyle habits and overall well-being. |
| College Wellness | Marybeth W. LeFevre | MW 12:15 PM - 01:05 PM | Emphasis of this course is to promote all aspects of wellness as a vital sign of health while integrating students into the life and culture of Central Connecticut State University. This course accentuates a university commitment to wellness. Students will understand the benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle, as well as realizing the direct correlation between positive lifestyle habits and overall well-being. |
| College Wellness | Amy L. Strickland | MW 08:00 AM - 08:50 AM | Emphasis of this course is to promote all aspects of wellness as a vital sign of health while integrating students into the life and culture of Central Connecticut State University. This course accentuates a university commitment to wellness. Students will understand the benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle, as well as realizing the direct correlation between positive lifestyle habits and overall well-being. |
| College Wellness | Rebecca C. Kohl | MW 10:50 AM - 11:40 AM | Emphasis of this course is to promote all aspects of wellness as a vital sign of health while integrating students into the life and culture of Central Connecticut State University. This course accentuates a university commitment to wellness. Students will understand the benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle, as well as realizing the direct correlation between positive lifestyle habits and overall well-being. |
| College Wellness | Kim M. Foster | TR 09:25 AM - 10:15 AM | Emphasis of this course is to promote all aspects of wellness as a vital sign of health while integrating students into the life and culture of Central Connecticut State University. This course accentuates a university commitment to wellness. Students will understand the benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle, as well as realizing the direct correlation between positive lifestyle habits and overall well-being. |
| College Wellness | Michael W. Bantle | TR 01:40 PM - 02:30 PM | Emphasis of this course is to promote all aspects of wellness as a vital sign of health while integrating students into the life and culture of Central Connecticut State University. This course accentuates a university commitment to wellness. Students will understand the benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle, as well as realizing the direct correlation between positive lifestyle habits and overall well-being. |
| College Wellness | Christian G. Echeverria | TR 08:00 AM - 08:50 AM | Emphasis of this course is to promote all aspects of wellness as a vital sign of health while integrating students into the life and culture of Central Connecticut State University. This course accentuates a university commitment to wellness. Students will understand the benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle, as well as realizing the direct correlation between positive lifestyle habits and overall well-being. |
| College Wellness | Michael W. Bantle | TR 12:15 PM - 01:05 PM | Emphasis of this course is to promote all aspects of wellness as a vital sign of health while integrating students into the life and culture of Central Connecticut State University. This course accentuates a university commitment to wellness. Students will understand the benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle, as well as realizing the direct correlation between positive lifestyle habits and overall well-being. |
| College Wellness | Marybeth W. LeFevre | MW 01:40 PM - 02:30 PM | Emphasis of this course is to promote all aspects of wellness as a vital sign of health while integrating students into the life and culture of Central Connecticut State University. This course accentuates a university commitment to wellness. Students will understand the benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle, as well as realizing the direct correlation between positive lifestyle habits and overall well-being. |
| College Wellness | Christian G. Echeverria | MW 08:25 AM - 09:15 AM | Emphasis of this course is to promote all aspects of wellness as a vital sign of health while integrating students into the life and culture of Central Connecticut State University. This course accentuates a university commitment to wellness. Students will understand the benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle, as well as realizing the direct correlation between positive lifestyle habits and overall well-being. |
| Connections and Collaboration in Action: Creating High-Impact Teams | Alana S. Ledford | T 01:40 PM - 03:10 PM | This first-year experience course introduces students to the power of personal and professional relationships during their college journey. Students will explore how meaningful connections enrich academic success, personal growth, and career development. Develop the strategies and tools necessary to build, join, and lead teams with greater effectiveness. Through weekly real-world case studies of sports, business, and current events, we will analyze, diagnose, and assess the application of collaboration skills. Two sections of this course will be offered. Each class section will participate in a friendly, semester-long competition, creating an environment where teamwork, creativity, and camaraderie are celebrated. The competition fosters school spirit, strengthens connections, and inspires students to take collective ownership of their success. By the end of the semester, students will have gained practical experience in building and leveraging meaningful relationships and collaborative skills. They will leave the course equipped to navigate the social and professional networks of college and beyond, prepared to thrive in group settings, and confident in their ability to contribute to a vibrant and interconnected community. |
| Connections and Collaboration in Action: Creating High-Impact Teams | Cathy D. Donahue | T 01:40 PM - 03:10 PM | This first-year experience course introduces students to the power of personal and professional relationships during their college journey. Students will explore how meaningful connections enrich academic success, personal growth, and career development. Develop the strategies and tools necessary to build, join, and lead teams with greater effectiveness. Through weekly real-world case studies of sports, business, and current events, we will analyze, diagnose, and assess the application of collaboration skills. Two sections of this course will be offered. Each class section will participate in a friendly, semester-long competition, creating an environment where teamwork, creativity, and camaraderie are celebrated. The competition fosters school spirit, strengthens connections, and inspires students to take collective ownership of their success. By the end of the semester, students will have gained practical experience in building and leveraging meaningful relationships and collaborative skills. They will leave the course equipped to navigate the social and professional networks of college and beyond, prepared to thrive in group settings, and confident in their ability to contribute to a vibrant and interconnected community. |
| Creating Community: Explorations in Creativity on and around Campus | Sonja Czekalski | M 09:25 AM - 11:05 AM | First Year Students will engage in critical discourse on contemporary social topics while learning hands on studio craft techniques that transcend into art objects or engagements within the Greater CCSU Community. The course will focus heavily on sustainable art making, community art making, and engaging in the arts as a holistic process across disciplines. |
| Creative Arts and the Sea. | Susan H. McGuire | TR 01:40 PM - 02:30 PM | White sails cutting across an azure ocean, or a superstitious sailor’s imagination conjuring up images of mermaids and sea monsters, are all topics for artists to write, sing, dance, or paint. The ever-changing, and constant, nature of the oceans offers opposing perceptions of the sea as peaceful and calm in one instance, but dangerous and cruel in another. Creative Arts and the Sea is a two-credit course which explores the various ways the Sea is represented through Literature (Short Stories, Poetry and Plays), Music, Artwork, Dance and Film. While some earlier historical references of creative arts manifesting sea-imagery will be mentioned, mostly select arts/artists from 18th century through 21st century will be explored. Creative arts strategies are used to demonstrate artistic expressions, and students are encouraged to experiment with their own creativity based on themes of the sea. |
| Critical Evaluation Skills | Jillian F. Maynard | TR 09:25 AM - 10:15 AM | Every day, we are bombarded by messages in a variety of formats from many different sources. Not all messages are created equal. This course takes a deep dive into why and how mis- and disinformation has become so prevalent in society, and the importance of processing this information through a critical and equitable lens. Skills acquired in this course can be applied to academic, personal, and professional situations. In addition, the course is designed to assist incoming students in their transition to CCSU through guidance on effective study, critical thinking, communication, and information seeking skills; campus engagement; and overall well-being practices. |
| Cultural Variation Around the World | John M. Stavens | M 03:05 PM - 04:45 PM | This course will explore material and non-material culture around the world. It will delve into the many different aspects of life that make up culture, including but not limited to art, music, language, and food. The many characteristics that make up culture will be examined and compared around the world to explore the diversity of the ways people live. |
| Designing Your College Experience: Creativity, Connections and Purpose. | Drew Harris | W 1:40 -3:20 pm | Through experiential exercises, readings, videos and podcasts this class explores the importance of creativity as a foundation for learning, and connections – both personal and between ideas – as essential to getting the most of their college experience. Through developing these skills, students will have a foundation to identify and call upon their purpose in their college experience and beyond. |
| Drawing Around Campus | Priya N. Green | W 12:15 PM - 01:55 PM | This drawing course will start in the drawing studio classroom in the Art & Design department to cover the fundamentals of drawing using pencils on paper. Topics covered will include proportion, scale, value, light, shadow, grayscale and color. We will then draw on location at various sites around campus, both indoors and outdoors, looking at various subject matter and visiting a variety of departments on campus. The semester will culminate with students selecting one piece to install and present in a group art exhibition at the university gallery with a public reception open to friends, family and the campus. |
| Elections and Election Law | Gabriel Rosenburg | MW 10:50-11:40 | Elections have become a focus of our democracy with calls for new regulations or changes to how and when Americans vote. This first-year course will focus on how elections are run and what the rules are for elections. Students will learn that elections are one of the many areas where state and federal laws intersect and they will learn what those laws are. As the students begin to understand this crucial part of US citizenship, they will also learn what it means to be a citizen here at Central. |
| Exploring AI & Society | Robert S. Wolff | TR 08:00 AM - 08:50 AM | Are you curious to learn about the impact of Artificial Intelligence on society now and in the future? Do you enjoy courses taught from interdisciplinary perspectives? Are you ready to explore a variety of AI applications and tools, from conversational models like ChatGPT and Claude.ai to creative content generators like Adobe Firefly and DALL-E, and less well-known aids like Scite AI and Transkribus? This course tackles questions big (what does all of this mean for human society?) and small (what is the Turing test?). Please note we will use a Discord server as part of the class. |
| Finding & Building Your Community | Matt Landrigan | TR 04:30 PM - 05:20 PM | This course will cover all aspects of community building including finding your community on campus, utilizing your community outside of campus, building your professional community/network, and providing service to our campus community and New Britain community. |
| FYE for Stem Students | Jia Yeum | TR 12:15 PM - 01:05 PM | This course gives an overview of the math and statistics classes at CCSU, especially for students interested in STEM. You'll explore what math courses your major might need, build a class roadmap, and learn how math connects to real careers. You’ll also get to meet faculty, work in groups to refresh basic math skills, and grow soft skills like public speaking and teamwork. The class also helps you manage your time, understand college expectations, and learn about helpful campus resources like the Learning Center, Career Development, and more. |
| Honors Foundations: Preparing for Success in the CCSU Honors Program | Kristine Larsen | MW 09:25 AM - 10:15 AM | Honors Program Director (and Honors Program alum!) Dr. Kristine Larsen is your personal faculty guide to getting the most from your CCSU experience and excelling in the Honors Program. Meet fellow program students and learn how to navigate all of the resources CCSU has to offer. Open to students accepted into the Honors Program. |
| How to See What You're Looking At | Leanne Zalewski | R: 12:15 - 1:55 pm | What do you really see around you? Let's slow down and take a closer look! We will look at art on campus as well as at the New Britain Museum of American Art. You will be amazed at what you will notice once you actually stop and observe. |
| Improv for Success: Building Essential Career-Readiness Competencies | Jason L. Snyder | MW 10:50 AM - 11:40 AM | According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), communication, critical thinking, and teamwork are essential career-readiness skills—yet many students struggle to develop them. Improv training offers a fun, interactive way to bridge this gap.
Through improvisational exercises, students will learn to think quickly, listen actively, support their peers, and respond with confidence—skills vital in any professional setting. This course fosters adaptability, creativity, and emotional intelligence while promoting openness, empathy, and resilience in both college and career life.
By stepping outside their comfort zones, students will gain self-confidence, sharpen their communication, and embrace teamwork—all in an engaging, inclusive environment designed to prepare them for success beyond the classroom. |
| It's a SMALL WORLD after all | Claudia Richards-Meade | TR 04:30 PM - 05:20 PM | This course invites students on a journey of self-discovery and cultural awareness, fostering a deeper understanding of both themselves and others.
By stepping outside their comfort zones, they will develop empathy, cultural competency, and a global mindset, essential for creating a more inclusive and connected campus community. This course isn’t just about learning—it’s about transforming the way we engage with the world and each other. Quote: “It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences.” - Audre Lorde |
| Jump at the Sun: Zora Neale Hurston and the Art of Storytelling | Haile Cole | MW 01:40 PM - 02:30 PM | This course will focus on the literary and anthropological writings of Zora Neale Hurston. Although well known for her more popular literary work such as "Their Eyes Were Watching God", Zora was a Black, woman, Anthropologist who studied under Franz Boas, the father of American Anthropology. Although much of her work went largely unrecognized until after her death, Zora's writings detail the Black southern experience through fiction, ethnography, and even playwriting. Zora's use of Black vernacular, folklore, and creative storytelling were a significant contribution to the field during that time. This course seeks to create a safe space for students to strengthen their skills through fun and creative writing practice, workshopping and feedback. Most importantly and using Zora's writings as inspiration, this course asks students to consider how we tell our own stories authentically and creatively. |
| Leading for the Future | Scott Z. Hazan | TR 03:05 PM - 03:55 PM | This First-Year Experience (FYE) class at CCSU is designed to foster self-awareness and prepare students for success in college and beyond. In Leading for the Future, students will explore their values and strengths and learn how to apply them to their academic and professional lives. The course emphasizes the development of essential soft skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and ethical decision-making. By honing these skills, students will be equipped to navigate challenges, build strong relationships, and succeed both during their time at CCSU and in their future careers. |
| My Words, My World. | Alicia J. Waring | TR 03:05 PM - 03:55 PM | I aim to guide students in finding their voice as they transition into Central. Blending the power of spoken word poetry with essential first-year experience insights, this course offers a creative and dynamic space for students to reflect on their personal journeys. Through storytelling and self-expression, students will identify, discuss, and apply the transferable skills they’ve already developed in new and meaningful ways. This course will promote individuality, diversity, and inclusion as students relate to one another and build a community where every voice matters. |
| Once Upon a Time: Using Folklore and Fairy Tale to Navigate College | Kelly L. Jarvis | MW 12:15 PM - 01:05 PM | Although fairy tale and folklore is now considered a part of Children’s Literature, the early variants of many tale we now know and love were written with a Young Adult audience in mind. This course will look at fairy tales as narrative which help young adults navigate the gateway between adolescence and adulthood with a focus on defining boundaries in relationships, negotiating power and powerlessness, understanding the importance of critical inquiry, and embracing the power of storytelling. Tales will be studied as reflections of the cultures which circulate them and used as templates for writing our own stories. |
| Playing Games and Learning Things | Kate E. McGrath and Elizabeth L. Throesch | TR 12:15 PM - 01:05 PM | Why do we play games? From video games to board games, role-playing games, or even playground games like "Tag," everyone has at least some experience in gaming. Is there anything deeper to this? Do games reflect our culture and values, or are they just entertainment? Is playing a form of learning, and if so, what can we learn from the games we play? |
| Pop! the University: Popular Culture and College Life | Bruce P. Day | T 10:50 AM - 12:30 PM | This course explores how popular culture shapes Higher Education as well as being a powerful force for socialization in our society. We will use popular culture as a lens for understanding the variety of experiences and opportunities the university has to offer. |
| Swift Beginnings: Navigating College Life Through the Lyrics and Lessons of Taylor Swift | Surbhi Patel | MW 01:40 PM - 02:30 PM | First-year experience course designed to engage incoming college freshmen in exploring themes of identity, resilience, relationships, and self-discovery. By analyzing Taylor Swift's music and career, students will draw connections between her storytelling and their own transition into college life. This course will use her lyrics as a lens to discuss navigating challenges, finding one’s voice, and building meaningful connections, fostering a supportive community as students begin their academic journey. |
| Telling Your Story, Con Ganas! | Inez M. Vera | MW 12:15 PM - 01:05 PM | This first-year experience course is all about embracing life’s twists and turns with passion, resilience, and heart. You’ll explore how your personal journey—complete with the triumphs, challenges, and even failures—shapes who you are and where you're headed. Through interactive activities, creative expression, and powerful discussions, you’ll learn to own your narrative and tackle the future con ganas (with determination and drive). This is your chance to write the next chapter of your life, embracing every success and setback along the way. Let’s tell your story together—porque tú puedes! (because you can!) |
| The Art of Belonging: Navigating Campus and Self | Maria I. Santilli | TR 12:15 PM - 01:05 PM | This course invites students to explore the concept of belonging while navigating the complexities of campus life and personal identity. Through a blend of creative activities, reflective practices, and collaborative discussions, students will gain insights into how to cultivate a sense of belonging in their new environment. |
| The Authoritarian Threat to Democracy | Romuald K. Byczkiewicz | MW 09:25 AM - 10:15 AM | Why do some societies embrace democracy while others turn toward authoritarian rule? This course takes a deep dive into the rise of modern autocratic movements and how they compare to liberal democracies. Through an interdisciplinary lens—drawing from History, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology—we’ll uncover the forces shaping today’s political landscape. Students are encouraged to explore ideas and discuss their own views about politics. Students will also learn to use the library resources of the university to search for issues or topics for their writing assignments. |
| The DIY Model: Entrepreneurial Skills for the Creative Professional | Sunny V. Knable | MW 01:40 PM - 02:30 PM | There is a large gap between the creative skills students master in college and what they learn professionally. "The DIY Model" is a First-Year Experience class that aims to fill that void, exploring the modern artist's many personal, creative, and professional roles. Students will learn practical entrepreneurial skills in class, be given creative critical-thinking assignments, research their role models, and be exposed to various professional scenarios to help them succeed in college and better prepare them for the "real world." While this class is geared toward musicians, much of the information applies to arts, dance, and theater students. |
| The Science of Learning. This is an on-ground-hybrid course; less than 50% of the course meets online. | Rebecca A. Boncoddo | W 01:40 PM - 03:00 PM | What if you could hack your brain for better learning? This course takes the latest insights from learning science and turns them into practical, game-changing study strategies to help you thrive in your first semester of college. Additionally, the course is designed to connect our students to valuable resources on campus to support their learning. |
| The Veteran's Path: Strategies for Academic and Career Success | Christian G. Echeverria | MW 08:25 AM - 09:15 AM | The Veteran’s Path: Strategies for Academic and Career Success is a 16-week course designed to support military veterans transitioning into academic and civilian careers. Combining practical skill-building with a veteran-centered community at CCSU, the course helps students develop a personalized roadmap for success. Topics include academic resources, study strategies, career exploration, and translating military experience into civilian contexts. Early sessions focus on acclimating to university life, while later weeks cover resume writing, interview prep, and networking. The course also emphasizes mental well-being, community, and resilience to support a balanced, successful transition. |
| True Crime in Real Life | Kimberly Meyer | TR 3:05-3:55 | Are you a true crime junkie or amateur sleuth? In this class, we will explore true crime cases (solved and unsolved) and get you thinking like a detective. We’ll examine evidence, media coverage, and what happens in court, to start! You will also consider the tough questions of which cases are shown in the media and why so many people are interested in these stories in the first place! |
| Utilizing Character Strengths to Enhance Student's Academic Motivation and Well Being | Dana A. Wilkie | MW 08:25 AM - 09:15 AM | This course aims to empower students by harnessing their character strengths to improve academic motivation and overall well-being. Students will explore various character strengths and learn how to leverage them to increase their motivation, resilience, and engagement in academic pursuits. The course will also provide strategies for enhancing personal well-being, managing stress, and fostering a positive mindset. |
| Wellness Unlocked: Keys to Thriving in College | Scott Kazar | TR 09:25 AM - 10:15 AM | This session supports the goals of CCSU 102 by guiding students through the many wellness and recreational opportunities available on campus. Students will be introduced to fitness classes, intramural sports, and wellness services that promote both mental and physical health — essential tools for navigating the challenges of college life.
Through interactive discussion and activities, students will explore how engaging in recreation can spark curiosity, build resilience, and foster meaningful social connections. The session also encourages self-reflection on the role of wellness in personal identity, self-care practices, and future academic or career goals. |
| What’s Next?: You Are Central | Robbin Smith | MW 8:25-9:15 | Your journey at CCSU is just beginning—but what’s next is up to you. This course is designed to help you take ownership of your college experience by building resilience, discovering your place on campus, and learning how to create meaningful change in your community.
You’ll explore:
How to find the resources you need meet the challenges of college and thrive in the face of adversity
How to connect with clubs, resources, and opportunities that match your passions
How to turn your ideas into action and be a positive force at CCSU
This is more than a first-year course—it’s a launchpad for personal growth, leadership, and academic success. Because you’re not just at Central—you are Central. |
| Who Are You Really: What is the Self? | Edward Arnold | MW 12:15 PM - 01:30 PM | "Who Are You Really: What is the Self?" explores the concept of the self, questioning its existence and significance across cultures and contexts. The course examines religious, philosophical, and scientific perspectives on the self, addressing ideas of its unity, independence, and necessity for understanding the world. It contrasts the self with the concept of the "person," shaped by language and social context. Through readings in philosophy, psychology, and complexity science, students will consider how self-interest impacts compassion and explore the potential for transformation through practices like meditation, yoga, and ascetic traditions. The course concludes with films that challenge the boundaries of life and death, guiding students to rethink their understanding of the self and its relationship to the world. |
