<p>“Is it out of the norm to take a seminar in something new to the student?”</p>
<p>Not at all. You are expected and encouraged to take classes and seminars in different and unfamiliar fields. Freshmen seminars are designed for freshmen, and do not presume any previous knowledge.
Keep in mind that seminars are caped at 12 students, and many popular ones end up being lotteried. Sometimes you may not get into your seminar of choice, so you should have some alternatives planned. That said, sometimes you can get in even if you lotteried out, as some people decide to drop out or pick a different class.</p>