FYS is a class designed to transition students into college successfully. Students are placed into a class with a topic that fits their interests. These classes become the first “community” here on campus, beginning with orientation the week before classes, and spending the entire first year together to ease the transition into collegiate academics and social spheres. The various FYS topics will expose students to different people and concepts, while also finding places of interest. Dr. Tom Mould, Professor of Anthropology, teaches an FYS course called, The Power of Everyday Storytelling.
“I have had students who were not Anthropology majors and did not intend to become ones, nonetheless see the utility of anthropological and folkloric approaches to tackling issues and problems related to their personal passions, majors, and careers. I enjoy teaching first year students because of the potential to sow seeds that will cross-pollinate far beyond our major, something I believe is central to the mission of the liberal arts.”
Dr. Mould kindly shares this story as an example for recognizing the importance of interdisciplinary courses and the power of individuals.
“It was the fall of my first year at Butler. The class was new, and so were all of us in the room. One afternoon, one of my students came to my office hours and talked about his interest in working to improve interracial dialogue at Butler. “We’ve been learning how stories are so powerful. Can they help us create a more inclusive campus climate?” My answer was quick: “Of course.” His response was equally quick: “OK, how?” We have spent the past two years figuring that out. When he mentioned this research to the next year’s batch of students, one of the women in the class asked if she could join the project. The answer again was quick: “Of course.” She happens to be an Anthropology major, but the original student? Business major then, Business major now.”
This FYS is offered frequently.