'08ers, you willing to answer some questions?

tunanfish
Fri, 17 Dec 2004 10:20:47 +0000

With regards to Freshman seminars, I actually haven’t taken one. First semester, I applied to a couple, but didn’t get into any – the ones I applied to were far and away the most popular and I ended up on the wrong side of the admit list.

A lot of the people I know, however, have had different experiences in their freshman seminars. A lot of the seminars don’t go too in-depth on their respective subjects and I’ve heard complaints from some friends that there are people in their seminar who – well, they just don’t know why they’re in the seminar at all. On the other hand, they are the best way to get to know a professor, and, as I’ll discuss later, a lot of great professors teach seminars.

This semester, I got into the seminar I applied to (a history of science-esque seminar taught by Time Magazine’s main science writer), but in the end I decided not to take in because I had gotten into another seminar that was usually upperclass-only taught by a wonderful professor and that focused on a topic (Darwin’s writings + responses to his writings) that I frankly was more interested in. Despite that, I’m sure the seminar I applied to will be great.

As to the colleges, it doesn’t matter too much which residential college you take your seminar in. I’m not sure if you will know which college you’re in before you apply, but if you don’t, no use in trying to game the system that way. Besides, some colleges (like Wilson) have more centrally-located seminar rooms, whereas others (like Butler) may have seminar rooms that are actually closer to other colleges’ dorms than their own! But don’t worry about which college the seminar is in.

Lastly, here’s a list of professors I would highly recommend taking seminars and/or courses from:

Sean Wilentz – participated in the Clinton impeachment trial, teaches HIS 373 right now + is an awesome lecturer. He taught a seminar on the Clinton trial a few years ago, but his specialty is 19th-century U.S. history, I think. Nice guy + a good professor.

Sarah Anderson – she is one of the teachers in HUM right now and is one of the nicest professors I’ve seen on campus. In addition to being a great Beowulf scholar, Professor Anderson is super-adept at managing seminars. She has taught a course called “Merlin and Magic” in the past about medieval stuff, but I would highly recommend taking her course. (She’s an English lecturer).

Anthony Grafton – best professor @ Princeton for me so far. Awesome professor of History (specializes in books as an area of expertise) and epic in seminar settings. Super-smart and gregarious – I’m super-excited I get to have a precept with him next semester.

John Fleming – world’s leading Chaucer expert + taught a course on Dante this fall; one of the best Princeton professors. Take his course even if you have no interest in the subject.

Cornel West – super-famous + apparently has a good seminar as well – I know a lot of the people in it. He’s kind of known for taking some less-than-stellar people in his selective seminars, but might as well apply.

William Howarth – I’m taking that Darwin course with him next semester; English professor who specializes in “environmental literature;” often teaches a seminar about Walden. Going to retire in a few years + very cool and friendly, I highly recommend him.