First-Year Preceptorial

Information for Faculty

The interdisciplinary First-Year Preceptorial is the one intellectual experience that is shared by all students at Union. Each first-year student at Union takes Preceptorial during the fall or winter term of their first year.  Faculty from all disciplines teach the course, which focuses on developing students' critical reading, thinking, and writing abilities. The current course themes are Nature and Culture and Ways of Knowing. Within these broad themes, instructors choose their own readings and themes (see Course Descriptions). 

 
The Mission of First-Year Preceptorial

First-Year Preceptorial is unlike any other course at Union in its breadth, the fundamental importance of the issues it engages, and the community it creates. Through reading, writing, and discussing important ideas from diverse perspectives, students develop an appreciation for the values embodied in the liberal arts. These include the habits and skills of critical inquiry, a tolerance for diverse points of view, an awareness of ambiguity, and a deep curiosity about the social, ethical, cultural, political, and natural world in which we live.  All of this takes place in an environment that cultivates skills in analytical reading, clear and vigorous writing, and convincing argumentation. We seek through the First-Year Preceptorial to create a strong sense of community among first-year students by means of a vigorous program of co-curricular activities, such as musical and theatrical performances, talks by distinguished speakers, and recreational outings. Finally, because the First-Year Preceptorial brings together faculty from across the college, it contributes importantly to Union's goal of creating more cooperation among faculty from different disciplines.

New to teaching Precept? 
         Check out the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) of other new instructors. 
         Check out the course goals and guidelines. 
         Check out the Resources for ideas about how to teach critical reading, thinking, and writing.
         Check out information about using the Minerva houses and special Precept funds.