First Year Journey Course Descriptions
Spring 2026
MW 1:40-2:55 p.m.
FYJ 0101.010 A Better Tomorrow
Professor Alexandra "Ola" Smialek
MW 1:40-2:55 p.m.
Why should we care about our changing climate? Whether we see the news about natural disasters or want to focus on our own role, there is so much to be done. But how? We can work to build a better tomorrow in the places we love by tackling and understanding climate issues and natural hazards. Through targeted strategies, innovative projects, and increased awareness, our communities can become stronger and better prepared. In this class, we’ll learn what it takes to address the issues at hand, explore local efforts, and see how we all fit into this critical conversation. Whether you want to be a planner or not, this class will help you explore a topic relevant to every field!
TTh 8:15-9:30 a.m.
FYJ 0101.001 AI Ethics in Action: Shaping Your Future Responsibly
Professer Jessica Lototski
TTH 8:15-9:30 a.m.
In an increasingly digital world, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the way we learn, work, and interact, but with great power comes great responsibility. In this engaging and interactive First Year Journey course, we will explore how to utilize AI while unpacking the ethical implications it brings. Together, we will practice using AI to research productively, enhance learning, and support critical thinking, while avoiding misuse like plagiarism or bias. Through discussions, tutorials and workshops, research and reading, hands-on projects, and reflection students will learn how to use AI tools effectively for problem-solving and career development—while upholding integrity, authenticity, and respect for original thought. Through this inquiry, we will apply strategies and explore resources to support students' transition to college as a WSU student.
TTH 12:45-2:00 p.m.
FYJ 0101.002— Collage: Organized Chaos and Campus Resources
Professor Jennifer Delgado
TTH 12:45-2:00 p.m.
In this course, we will learn more about what resources the University offers. As we do so, we will create collages that relate to and reflect on these discoveries. You will learn about the history of collage as well as varied techniques to achieve your own works of art. We will also spend time critiquing the works created in order to further understand the process. In doing so, your work will continue to improve! This will also help everyone get to know one another! We will work with departments on campus to learn about what resources are available to you. We will then use this information to create collages along these specific themes. This will be your guide as you create visual works of art. You will use art supplies, found objects, and resources in order to create your collages.
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Beverly Army Williams
Executive Director, General Education and High Impact Practices
Scanlon Hall