Freshman Studies is central to the identity of Lawrence University. For this reason, Freshman Studies is, and has always been, controversial. Most faculty believe this is as it should be. A course which defines Lawrence’s identity must spark debate, dialogue, and reflection among the Lawrence faculty; if it did not, then the institution itself would begin to ossify. It is the continuing controversy surrounding the works chosen, the lectures presented, the pedagogy, and the purpose of Freshman Studies that helps to keep both the course and Lawrence University vital.
Regular participation of some kind in Freshman Studies is expected of all faculty and is considered a central feature of every Lawrence faculty member’s duties. Teaching in Freshman Studies is extremely demanding. It requires instructors to wrestle with works outside of their areas of expertise, to devote considerable time to developing and grading written assignments, and to work closely with students. Success in teaching Freshman Studies is taken very seriously in tenure and promotion decisions. Indeed, excellent teaching in Freshman Studies is admired and rewarded at all faculty ranks, and although many of these rewards are informal, an annual prize is awarded to one outstanding instructor.
Clearly, the faculty take Freshman Studies very seriously, but it is important to know that students take the course very seriously too. They recognize its important role in the Lawrence curriculum and the demands it places on instructors, and they respect instructors who meet those demands with enthusiasm and genuine interest.
