First-Year Seminars (FYSM) are small courses (generally between 20 and 25 students). They are taught by roster faculty, who have many years of experience teaching at the College of Charleston. The courses focus on a narrow topic and introduce students to the research and writing skills of a particular discipline. Those skills will be applicable to all classes students will take at the College. FYSMs engage students in group work, class discussion and debate.

Outside-the-classroom opportunities for socializing, class trips and getting to know faculty and other students who might share similar interests are plentiful. In combination with their other courses, FYSM courses offer students an excellent introduction to the academic life of the College of Charleston.