First Year Journey Course Descriptions

Fall 2026

FYJ 0101.004 Discover Westfield

Professor Dristi Neog

M 1:40-4:10 p.m.

In “Discover Westfield,” you’ll have fun discovering your new college town in order to develop interests in– and connection to– your new community. In exploring downtown Westfield, you will observe, connect, reflect, discover, analyze, and act on your findings. The course will include trips downtown to explore and connect with your new college town, collaborative projects to get to know your classmates, and collective action to help you and your peers connect with your new city. Our goals: to learn college success strategies, to connect with each other and our community, to give back to your community and to gain professional experience. By the end of the semester, you will have discovered how to navigate the Westfield State University community and the City of Westfield, which will launch and enhance your own college journey and empower you to navigate college and academic life confidently.

Student feedback about Discover Westfield:     

 “I think that all FYJ classes should give the opportunity to allow first year students to get to know a little bit about the town that they are away at college in.” Ethan        

  “The scavenger hunt's competitive element [was…] fun, which inspired me to do more exploring. I now feel more comfortable going downtown and have begun going to local businesses more often as a result.” Marko            

“I got to visit these new places that I want to return to, and familiarize myself with Westfield. This allowed me to know more about the town I am staying in, and I feel like I belong here after developing that knowledge of the town; I really feel like a member of the Westfield community now. Also, meeting welcoming people showed me how much the people of Westfield truly love being here, and makes me happy that I get to join this community.” Angelina     

“Even though I have lived in Westfield my whole life, I think this semester was the most I have ever gone out and actually engaged with my community and I am very grateful for that.” Arianna

FYJ 0101.026 Discover Westfield

Professor Bridget Matthews-Kane

M 1:40-4:10 p.m.

In “Discover Westfield,” you’ll have fun discovering your new college town in order to develop interests in– and connection to– your new community. In exploring downtown Westfield, you will observe, connect, reflect, discover, analyze, and act on your findings. The course will include trips downtown to explore and connect with your new college town, collaborative projects to get to know your classmates, and collective action to help you and your peers connect with your new city. Our goals: to learn college success strategies, to connect with each other and our community, to give back to your community and to gain professional experience. By the end of the semester, you will have discovered how to navigate the Westfield State University community and the City of Westfield, which will launch and enhance your own college journey and empower you to navigate college and academic life confidently.

FYJ 0101.044 Radical Stitch

Professor Katherine Ferrier

M 4:45-7:15 p.m.

In The Radical Stitch, students will explore textile arts as both personal practice and social engagement. This First Year Journeys course combines hands‑on instruction in stitching, embroidery, mending, patchwork, and yarn‑based interventions with critical inquiry into the political significance of repair, material stewardship, and a community‑focused art practice. Students will develop technical fluency while situating their making within histories and theories of visible mending, sustainability, and social practice. By the end of the course students will be able to: demonstrate core hand‑stitch techniques, mend textiles with various methods, including darning, sashiko‑inspired reinforcement, visible mending, and patching to extend their life; design and construct basic patchwork units and small textile assemblages using reclaimed materials; and work in teams to plan and execute a small, crochet yarn‑based intervention. The course culminates in a public showing of student work.

FYJ 0101.027 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 where do we start? 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, discover local efforts, and see how we all fit into this critical conversation. This class will help you study a topic relevant to every field through unique in-class activities, exploring campus, and taking part in vibrant group discussions.

FYJ 0101.012 How to Teach Thinking?

Professor Christine Von Renesse

MW 3:10-4:25 p.m.

What does it mean to “think”? Do you like thinking and problem solving but you disliked your mathematics courses? Are you wondering how to learn to think in the age of AI? This course invites you to reflect on your own K-12 education journey and explore problems in education. You will have the opportunity to experience different teaching strategies, compare education systems, and finally suggest actions to improve our learning community. The class will be taught without lecture, using collaborative learning and grading for growth. 

FYJ 0101.028 A Better Tomorrow

Professor Alexandra "Ola" Smialek

MW 3:10-4:25 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 where do we start? 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, discover local efforts, and see how we all fit into this critical conversation. This class will help you study a topic relevant to every field through unique in-class activities, exploring campus, and taking part in vibrant group discussions.

FYJ 0101.046 The Truth is Out There

Professor Kristoffer Danielsen

MW 3:10-4:25 p.m.

Put on your tin foil hat and get ready to explore the world of conspiracy theories, cryptids, and the paranormal. In this class we will use topics ranging from Bigfoot and UFOs to Flat Earth and Reptoids to tackle concepts like science, folklore, psychology, and morality. We will dive into the social media echo chamber of QAnon, evaluate eyewitness accounts of cryptids and aliens, and consider the existential crisis of AI. Through exploration of these and other topics we will learn skills that can be directly applied to our everyday lives and our academic journey at Westfield State University. What awaits us in the Hollow Earth? Are we living in a simulation? Is it Berenstein or Berenstain?? The Truth Is Out There!

FYJ 0101.002 Data and Society

Professor Susanne Chuku

MWF 9:20-10:10 a.m. 

In this course, students will examine how datafication produced by digitalization impacts the economy and today’s society. The heavy reliance on data in the decision-making process maintains and manifests certain asymmetries and power relations in our society. Students will be given tools to understand the constructed nature of data; they will conduct data inquiries through analysis, visualization, and interpretation.

FYJ 0101.002 Data and Society

Professor Karin Vorwerk

MWF 9:20-10:10 a.m. 

Data is the new oil, so they say. Data can be mined, bought, sold, refined, cleaned, and fuels much of our economy. But exactly how does that work? Whose data are we talking about? How do companies make billions from data? What are some of the economical, ethical, moral, political, and environmental challenges? And what does AI have to do with it all? These are some of the questions you will explore in this FYJ. You will also have the opportunity to present your findings at WSU fall CURCA conference (not scary, I promise).

FYJ 0101.006 Visual Storytelling: Creating Photo Essays

Professor Tara Conant

MWF 9:20-10:10 a.m. 

Are you interested in the visual arts, do you enjoy photography and want to learn more about it? This course is about telling visual stories through the art of documentary photography. It isn’t about staged shots or perfect poses—it’s about capturing life as it happens. Here you’ll explore how images can reveal truth, spark emotion and debate, and make people stop and think.   There will be hands-on photo projects, working in the digital darkroom and learning how to and construct your own visual voice.  While documenting people, places, and events around Westfield State and the local community you will be able to explore the world with your camera (or cellphone camera). By photographing subjects that interest you, have personal meaning; this will allow you as a photographer to delve into subjects deeper and with broader understanding. Along the way you will learn techniques used by professional photographers such as composition, lighting, timing. Also how to approach your subjects ethically and respectfully while capturing the moment with your camera.

FYJ 0101.013  ¡Hola! Me llamo...

Professor Christina Beaubien

MWF 9:20-10:10 a.m. 

¡Hola! Me llamo Christina. This is a novice-level course in Spanish and is designed for students with no previous Spanish-language experience. In the course, we will explore basic concepts to help students attain basic fluency in Spanish. Topics include making introductions, student life, family & friends, and what you do in your free time. Class sessions are extremely interactive as you will be working in pairs to practice your speaking and listening skills while learning helpful vocabulary and grammar. You will be encouraged to incorporate Spanish into your everyday life and will earn class credit for that out-of-class engagement. Come learn more about yourself and see if language-learning is right for you!

FYJ 0101.016 From Speedy Gonzales to Encanto: Representations of Latin America in US Pop Culture

Professor Christin Cleaton-Ruiz

MWF 10:25-11:15 a.m. 

In this course we will explore the way that Latin America shows up in TV, music, movies, video games, and other aspects of US popular culture. 

FYJ 0101.039 Games Without Borders

Professor Gregory Coogan

MWF 10:25-11:15 a.m.  

Games Without Borders introduces students to lifelong learning through culturally diverse movement activities. Students will learn about games, sports, recreational, and leisure activities of cultures from around the world and take part in cooperative game play and learning activities.

FYJ 0101.018 From Speedy Gonzales to Encanto: Representations of Latin America in US Pop Culture

Professor Christin Cleaton-Ruiz

MWF 11:30 a.m.-12:20 p.m. 

In this course we will explore the way that Latin America shows up in TV, music, movies, video games, and other aspects of US popular culture. 

FYJ 0101.021 New York, New York, It's a Hell of a Town!

Professor Brian Conz

MWF 11:30 a.m.-12:20 p.m.   

This First-Year Journey course will take students on a ‘deep dive’ into the history, geography and cultures of New York City, one of the world’s greatest cities, located just three-hours drive from the Westfield State University campus. Through discussions, movies, readings, atlases, field guides, virtual tours, and a course field trip to the city, students will develop their understanding and appreciation of this global megacity and the forces that have created it. In the process students will better appreciate the forces and challenges that shape urban areas the world over. Topics include immigration, ethnic neighborhoods, and city life; architecture, the arts and city planning; urban decay, crime and gentrification; urban ecologies and economies; the birth of hip-hop; social movements, popular cultures, and more. Students will develop research projects on topics of their choice relating to the city.

FYJ 0101.031 The Beautiful Game: Exploring Soccer's Global Impact

Professor Erold Bailey

Tuesdays, 4:30-6:55 p.m. 

The aim of this course is for students to explore topics that will develop and/or deepen their understanding and insights about the far-reaching impact of soccer. This purpose will be achieved through exploring topics such as the history of soccer, iconic soccer players, major soccer competitions and leagues, the economy of soccer, the role of soccer in social justice advocacy, soccer as a site for interracial and international relations, and soccer as an arena in which globalization is enacted. The course will also provide you the opportunity to explore and develop your awareness of the university resources available to support your journey as college student. Welcome to an exciting exploration of the beautiful game!

FYJ 0101.040 Human Stories, Your Stories: Exploring Self Through Text as Windows, Mirrors, and Sliding Glass Doors 

Professor Kimberly Quinn

Thursdays, 3:45-6:15 p.m. 

This course is built on Rudine Sims Bishop's concept that stories serve as "windows, offering views of worlds," a "mirror" reflecting our own lives, and "sliding glass doors" to new experiences. What stories have shaped you into who you are and what stories might shape you into who you could become? Designed to support the transition to college, students will examine personal narratives and compelling literary texts to sharpen their identities and establish a value-based framework for their lives as college students and beyond. The curriculum explores the enduring influence of narrative, including engagement with myths, fairy tales, short fiction, and essays. Through inquiry, close reading, discussion, creative writing, and reflective journaling, students will analyze universal concepts such as identity, transformation, struggle, and purpose. Key student outcomes involve developing critical skills, gaining insight into personal values, and creating an actionable vision for future decisions. Major assignments include composing original personal vignettes and developing Ten Maxims to Live By.

FYJ 0101.034 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 version of the First Year Journey, we will explore how to utilize AI while unpacking the ethical implications it brings. Together, we will practice using AI to enhance learning, support critical thinking, conduct research, and communicate effectively, while avoiding misuse like plagiarism and bias. Through discussions, tutorials and workshops, research and reading, hands-on projects, and reflection you will learn how to use AI tools effectively for personal, academic, and career endeavors. We will explore how your boundaries for AI use are shaped by your own goals as well as your work within academia (and other professional contexts) which often center integrity, authenticity, and respect for original thought. This inquiry will occur alongside and within the FYJ goals that support your transition to college and help you be successful at WSU.

FYJ 0101.036 Chasing the High: Addiction in Modern College Life

Professer Nancy Keyes

TTH 8:15-9:30 a.m.

The focus of this course will be on exploring and developing an understanding of addictions, the addiction process and recovery. You will be preparing arguments, rhetoric, and research on behavioral compulsions, including alcohol and other drugs, compulsive gambling, eating disorders and sexual addictions. There will be a focus on researching diversity in addicted populations, the business of drugs and prevention. Attention will be given to biological and genetic factors in addition to family issues and community responses.

FYJ 0101.008 Who is the Real G.O.A.T.?

Professer William Pass

TTH 8:15-9:30 a.m.

So, who is the greatest coach, player, team of all time? What are the Most Coveted Trophies in Sports? In this course we will explore what makes someone or a team the “GOAT” Students will collaborate with their professor and peers to examine what attributes makes an individual great at their sport. Students will be supported as they develop ways to become a great leader and a colleague as they move on in life. We will integrate strength, passion, and goals as the students plan out their vison as they go forward in the Westfield State journey.   

FYJ 0101.014 Power and Glory: World Cup

Professer Nicholas Aieta

TTH 9:45-11:00 a.m.

This course offers students new ways to engage with international sports history. International competition, particularly in football (soccer), can provide doorways to better understand global relations. Students in this course will explore the history of World Cup tournaments while critically assessing varied source materials ranging from images to academic books to public relations campaigns. 

FYJ 0101.010 Emerging Adulthood: Who Am I and Who Will I Become?

Professer Janet Gebelt

TTH 9:45-11:00 a.m.

The college years are an exciting time of growth, discovery, and change…. are you ready?!? In this course we will explore answers to questions you will be wondering about intensely at this stage of your life, commonly known as emerging adulthood. Through readings, discussions, and in-class activities we will explore how you might answer the question “who am I” and, more importantly, what that means for “who will I become?” We will begin by talking about what it means to be a student, life-long learner, and member of the Westfield State community. Then we will move on to research that focuses on how emerging adults find themselves as individuals, covering topics such as identity (e.g. personal, cultural, sexual identities), ethical systems/values, and career development. Additionally, we will look at research about emerging adults in relationships with others, covering topics such as attraction, intimacy, and sexuality. 

FYJ 0101.033 Philosophy Through Film

Professer Rachel Katler

TTH 11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Should we take more risks and at what cost? Are we living in a simulation? What is time? In this discussion-based class, we’ll use movies as a jumping off point in order to talk about philosophy. Every week, you’ll watch a film and we’ll discuss its philosophical implications in class. For instance, what can we learn about the meaning of life from watching Everything Everywhere All at Once? Why do we find some people to be less than others based on our perceptions of their identity (Legally Blond)? Is war ever ethical (Grave of the Fireflies)? In this First Year Journey, you’ll learn how to ask good questions, have thoughtful conversations with your peers and have fun while watching films.  

FYJ 0101.033 Redefining Fashion: What We Wear and Why It Matters

Professer Sarah Heim

TTH 11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

How do you decide what you are going to wear each morning? What factors impact those decisions, and how aware are you of those influences? Fashion is everywhere, and it’s more than just clothes: it’s shoes, jewelry, hair, nails, and makeup. It’s accessories, like that new water bottle or i-phone case you just ordered online last weekend. It’s piercings and tattoos. It's the collection of things you adorn your body with that make you who you are. In this class we will take a comprehensive look at why we wear what we wear, where it comes from, and what it says about who we are. Using the Westfield State University campus as our fashion laboratory, we will observe students, faculty and staff at work, and at play – making connections between our course materials and what we see in the real world. Our classwork will be geared towards topics related to modern fashion, including gender, race, sports, and the environment.

FYJ 0101.011 Emerging Adulthood: Who Am I and Who Will I Become?

Professer Janet Gebelt

TTH 11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

The college years are an exciting time of growth, discovery, and change…. are you ready?!? In this course we will explore answers to questions you will be wondering about intensely at this stage of your life, commonly known as emerging adulthood. Through readings, discussions, and in-class activities we will explore how you might answer the question “who am I” and, more importantly, what that means for “who will I become?” We will begin by talking about what it means to be a student, life-long learner, and member of the Westfield State community. Then we will move on to research that focuses on how emerging adults find themselves as individuals, covering topics such as identity (e.g. personal, cultural, sexual identities), ethical systems/values, and career development. Additionally, we will look at research about emerging adults in relationships with others, covering topics such as attraction, intimacy, and sexuality. 

FYJ 0101.001— Living Your Best Life: Physical Activity, Leisure, and Play

Professor Melissa Roti

TTH 12:45-2:00 p.m.

Amidst a fast-paced digital era, this course is designed to help you rediscover the power of active leisure as a transformative tool for sparking creativity, enhancing overall health and fostering meaningful connections. You will explore the synergy of physical activity, leisure, and play in fostering well-being. You will learn to harness the benefits of physical activity for all individuals while emphasizing inclusivity and access to opportunities. Whether for personal growth, inspiring others, or wellness careers, this course integrates body, mind, and community so you can live your best life. 

FYJ 0101.042— Life Writing IRL

Professor Elizabeth Starr

TTH 12:45-2:00 p.m.

Life writing is what we do when we tell stories about our experiences and selves, and can take many different forms (journaling, autographic comics, podcasts, personal essays, multimedia storytelling, to name just a few examples).  We’ll explore what it means to put life writing to use as a creative practice, a form of connection, a source of knowledge, and as a way to question dominant narratives.  This class is a good fit for all majors, whether you consider yourself a writer or not; all that’s required is interest in how life writing can help us make sense of our own and others’ experiences. The class will draw from your expertise and interests as we try out strategies to support your own writing practice, consider the ethics of working with life writing, and learn more about the role these narratives play in many different areas of study. 

FYJ 0101.037 Chasing the High: Addiction in Modern College Life

Professer Nancy Keyes

TTH 12:45-2:00 p.m.

The focus of this course will be on exploring and developing an understanding of addictions, the addiction process and recovery. You will be preparing arguments, rhetoric, and research on behavioral compulsions, including alcohol and other drugs, compulsive gambling, eating disorders and sexual addictions. There will be a focus on researching diversity in addicted populations, the business of drugs and prevention. Attention will be given to biological and genetic factors in addition to family issues and community responses.

FYJ 0101.035 AI Ethics in Action: Shaping Your Future Responsibly

Professer Jessica Lototski

TTH 12:45-2:00 p.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 version of the First Year Journey, we will explore how to utilize AI while unpacking the ethical implications it brings. Together, we will practice using AI to enhance learning, support critical thinking, conduct research, and communicate effectively, while avoiding misuse like plagiarism and bias. Through discussions, tutorials and workshops, research and reading, hands-on projects, and reflection you will learn how to use AI tools effectively for personal, academic, and career endeavors. We will explore how your boundaries for AI use are shaped by your own goals as well as your work within academia (and other professional contexts) which often center integrity, authenticity, and respect for original thought. This inquiry will occur alongside and within the FYJ goals that support your transition to college and help you be successful at WSU.

FYJ 0101.020— Philosophy Through Film

Professor Rachel Katler

TTH 2:15-3:30 p.m.

Should we take more risks and at what cost? Are we living in a simulation? What is time? In this discussion-based class, we’ll use movies as a jumping off point in order to talk about philosophy. Every week, you’ll watch a film and we’ll discuss its philosophical implications in class. For instance, what can we learn about the meaning of life from watching Everything Everywhere All at Once? Why do we find some people to be less than others based on our perceptions of their identity (Legally Blond)? Is war ever ethical (Grave of the Fireflies)? In this First Year Journey, you’ll learn how to ask good questions, have thoughtful conversations with your peers and have fun while watching films.  

FYJ 0101.038— The One Where We Talk About F.R.I.E.N.D.S.H.I.P.

Professor Nicole West

TTH 4:00-5:15 p.m.

“So, no one told you life was gonna be this way?  Your jobs a joke, your broke, your love life’s DOA?”  What if you could learn more about the importance of the relationships in your life and the instinct for us all to be social, all through the lens of the celebrated sitcom FRIENDS!  We will break down the relationship between siblings like Ross and Monica or Phoebe and her twin Ursula.  Discover how we take friendship to the next level like Rachel and Ross.  Learn how to handle conflict with loved ones like Rachel and Monica or Ross and Carol.  Study the impact our parents play in our lives like Phoebe and her estranged parents or Chandler and his two moms?    We will spend time in Central Perk to dig into the central focus of all our lives, our relationships with others. How do we find a friend and turn them in to a forever friend.  We’ll also talk about toxic friends and the ending of friendships.