Ace Advising & Registration: Strategies for Course Exploration & Creating a Plan
From Requirements to Revelations: Course Selection is a Time for Discovery
College is about exploration. Widener's Foundations & Transformations liberal arts education requirements support our undergraduate students in just that. Here, you have the flexibility and freedom to dive deep into the topics that spark curiosity, challenge your mind, and power your personal and academic growth.
Jump Ahead:
- How to Find Your Requirements
- Strategies for Finding Courses
- New Special Topics Offered this Semester
- Tips for a Smooth Registration Process
Foundations & Transformations: Widener's Unique Take on a Liberal Arts Education
In addition to completing your major's academic course requirements, you'll expand your knowledge in new ways by completing Foundations & Transformations courses offered by the College of Arts & Sciences.
How to Find Your Requirements
- To see what classes you have left to take, view your academic progress in student planning by clicking on the checklist icon.
- From here, all remaining requirements will be shown in red as "Not Started".
- To view courses that will fulfill the requirement, click the Search button to be taken to the course catalog.
To learn more about Foundations & Transformations general education requirements, review the Academic Catalog for the year you started your Widener journey and select either "General Education" or "Academic Policies".
Strategies for Finding Courses
By mindfully exploring course options, you can strategically select "gen ed" courses to gain new perspectives, interests, and valuable skills.
- Start By Knowing Your Requirements: Follow the steps above to see what you courses you have left to take and the courses that fulfill the requirement.
Search By Interest: All undergraduate students are required to complete coursework in core focus areas. You can easily filter by Subject or Course Type to find exactly what you need or are interested in.- Humanities: Art History, Art Studio, Creative Writing, Dance, English, Fine Arts, French, History, Humanities, Italian, Music, Philosophy, Spanish, Theater, and Gender, Women and Sexuality Studies or African and African American Studies
- Science: Astronomy, Biology, Biological Psychology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth and Space Science, Environmental Science, Mathematics, Physics, and Science
- Social Science: Anthropology, Criminal Justice, Economics, Communication Studies, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, and Gender, Women and Sexuality Studies or African and African American Studies courses when taught by an instructor in the Social Sciences
- Work Towards a Minor or Certificate: Strategize the courses you take to go towards completing a minor or certificate that adds value to your major, sparks your curiosity, and will make your resume stand out.
- Ask for Recommendations: Get the insider scoop on which courses to take by asking your friends, professors, ASC 101 faculty, and advisors.
Explore *New Special Topics* Offered this Spring
Want to know more about the #88 "Special Topics" course offerings? We've got you covered! As lifelong explorers, our professors are constantly engaged in developing new classes. Here are the latest!
Humanities
- Arts (ARTS-188): Public Art (D)
- Art History (AH-388): Art History of Masculinities (D)
- English (ENGL-188-A&B): Perspectives on Race (W)
- English (ENGL-188-C): Postcolonial Perspectives (W)
- English (ENGL-188-D): Drama (W)
- English (ENGL-188-E&F): Life Writing (W)
- English (ENGL-388): Grow Up in Utopia/Dystopia (W)
- French (FREN-388): Contemporary French Cinema
- History (HIST-388): Europe Between Wars (W)
- Humanities (HUM-388): Wartime Italy
- Music (MUS-388-A): Music and the Body (D)
- Music (MUS-388-B): Gender/Sex African Music (D)
- Spanish (SPAN-388): Latin American Music & Society
Science
- Math (MATH-188): Intro to Data Science
Social Science
- Communication Studies (COM-288): Journalistic Inquiry & Digital Display (S)
- Computer Science (CSCI-188): Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
- Psychology (PSY-288): Consumption, Markets & Culture
| Course Type Key | ||
| (W) - Writing Enriched | (D) - Diversity | (S) - Service Learning |
For further details about special topic courses and new classes offered through the College of Arts & Sciences, view the Spring 2025 Advising Alert.
Tips for a Smooth Advising & Course Registration Process
- Make an appointment with your faculty advisor to discuss course registration.
- Plan ahead by exploring classes before you meet with your advisor.
Add all wished-for classes to your plan so all you have to do is click "Register" when it's time.- Having hesitations about your major? Remember, your academic advisor is a great resource to help you navigate program options.
- Know your status and address any holds that may disrupt registration.
- Check your email for your course registration time slot and be ready when it begins.
For more information, review the Course Registration & Student Planning FAQs.
Scott Van Bramer, PhD, is the Director of the Foundations & Transformations general education program, Chair of the Environmental Science and Sustainability program, and a dedicated professor. With a passion for fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills, he collaborates with faculty and students to enrich the college experience and prepare students for lifelong learning, reflection, and growth.