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2026 Fall FYS Courses
FYS 001 (CRN 13084) – The Art of Problem Solving
Adam Case
TR 12:30-1:45 PM
A “problem” can be many things: a tip that needs to be calculated at a restaurant, a puzzle that we want to solve, a painting that an artist is trying to create, or a scientific question that needs an answer. In this first-year seminar, students will learn how to become better problem solvers by studying how humans’ reason about problems across various disciplines within the arts and sciences. Some of the topics that will be discussed include procedural thinking, intuition, heuristics, creativity, and scientific thinking. We will learn techniques that professionals use to reason about and solve problems within their fields of study. We will also learn how to apply some of these techniques in order to solve interactive puzzles from a computer game!
FYS 002 (CRN 13083) – How We Show Up
Dwana Bradley
MW 12:30-1:45 PM
In accordance with Drake’s mission of preparing students for responsible global citizenship and the ethos of “Every Bulldog a changemaker,” this FYS guides students in addressing concepts, issues, and practices related to charity, volunteering, and social justice.
FYS 003 (CRN 13091) – Doing Democracy in the United States
Deb DeLaet
MW 12:30-1:45 PM
This course explores how to reinvigorate democratic culture in the United States. It engages with readings exploring how to strengthen democratic norms and practices. We also will connect with community organizations working on issues essential to fostering a healthy democracy.
FYS 004 (CRN 13086) - From Debussy to Ravel, Musical Culture in Paris in Early 20th Century
Rika Uchida
TR 12:30-1:45 PM
The course introduces various cultural aspects that influenced musical culture in Paris in 1880-1930. It will introduce basic concepts in music through aural recognition (e.g., What is harmony? What is a scale? What does a whole-tone scale sound like? What does a pentatonic scale sound like? How are these scales used in music of this time? How do they affect the sound and quality of the music, etc.?). Once students develop foundation of musical materials aurally, they will learn style characteristics that are unique to the French composers of the time period.
FYS 005 (CRN 13094) – Nature, People, and Plants
Nanci Ross
TR 12:30-1:45 PM
In this class students identify the practice of science in everyday life, explore the role of culture in how we see nature, evaluate their own perceptions of science and nature, and practice the main skill of science: observation of nature.
FYS 006 (CRN 13089) - Meet the Leaders
Tom Buckmiller
MW 12:30-1:45 PM
The purpose of this course is to expose first-year students to a variety of campus leaders to understand the nuances, joys, and challenges they face. Students in the class will work to understand the similarities and differences of campus leadership positions and styles. In teams of 2, students will write a chapter for a book that features the leaders that visited our class
FYS 007 (CRN 13090) – Self-Compassion: A Superpower for College & Life
Jill Batten
TR 12:30-1:45 PM
Self-compassion is about treating yourself with the same kindness that you offer others, grounding yourself in the here and now, and sharing experiences that make us human! Through practices that promote self-kindness, mindfulness, and common humanity in this FYS, students will develop strategies for academic success, well-being, and community.
FYS 008 (CRN 13085) - Wicked: Defying Gravity and Authoritarianism
Deb DeLaet
TR 12:30-1:45 PM
This course compares the story of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz with the novel Wicked and its subsequent film adaptions. Through a comparison of the original and reimagined stories, this course will explore themes of freedom, otherness, populism, and authoritarianism.
FYS 009 (CRN 13114) – Becoming a Changemaker through Participatory Action Research (PAR
Amber Graeber
TR 12:30-1:45 PM
This seminar introduces students to college-level inquiry and writing through participatory action research, connecting campus and Des Moines communities as students investigate issues, collaborate with others, and propose meaningful, evidence-based change.
FYS 010 (CRN 13092) – Justice in the City
Ankit Pal
MW 12:30-1:45 PM
This course will give students an inside look at the Des Moines criminal justice system by gaining a first-hand perspective of the police department, public defender's office, county attorney's office, medical examiner's office and forensic laboratory. Students will be able to evaluate their own experiences with the criminal justice system and what they learned from throughout the course of how our modern justice system works and compare that to the past decades issues of race inequality, societal influence & corruption. Finally, students will use all of this information to identify the problems that still exist and promote how we can continue to work towards making it a system that promotes justice for all people.
FYS 011 (CRN 13095) - Almost Famous Women
Carrie Dunham-LaGree
MW 12:30-1:45 PM
In this course, we will explore fictional depictions of real women, conduct research into the real women, and engage in analysis comparing course texts to research.
FYS 012 (CRN 12096) - Marvel Comics and Contemporary Culture
Jeff Karnicky
TR 12:30-1:45 PM
This course focuses on a Marvel Comics Superhero--such as Black Panther or Scarlet Witch--and looks at how they are shaped by contemporary American culture
FYS 013 (CRN 13097) – A Concentric Compendium of the Cosmos
Michael Dayton
MW 12:30-1:45 PM
This course uses the concept of Stoic “concentric circles” to explore the self and community. Students begin with the inner circle (the self) and gradually explore outward through relationships with family, community, and others. Through reflective essays, guided online research, and discussion, students will process and create ideas, expand their mental horizons, and learn to learn about themselves. This course is not about recitations of facts or answering rhetorical questions: this course is about you.
FYS 014 (CRN 13098) - Philosophy and/as Fiction
Timothy Knepper
MW 12:30-1:45 PM
Philosophy is the pursuit of truth; fiction, an invented story. Yet philosophy is sometimes written in fictional form, and fiction sometimes reveals philosophical truths. This course examines whether philosophy can be demarcated from fiction and how truth can be revealed in fiction.
FYS 015 (CRN 13115) - Intersection of Faith, Entrepreneurship, and the Common Good
Instructor - TBD
MW 12:30-1:45 PM
This course introduces first year students to the intersection of faith, entrepreneurship, and community impact. Students will explore how churches and faith rooted values can shape business leadership, ethical decision making, innovation, and economic development. Through scripture and theology, case studies, and practical business tools, students will learn how mission, money, and meaning can work together, especially in neighborhoods where institutions like the church often serve as anchors of trust, care, stability, and social infrastructure.
FYS 016 (CRN 13099) – Composing the Female Body in Literature and Culture
Yasmina Madden
MW 12:30-1:45 PM
Our culture has always celebrated, admired, legislated, objectified, revered, and shamed women, the female body, and the female-identified body. Whether the attention has been positive or negative, one thing is certain: The female body has always been scrutinized and very often in ways that male bodies are not. In this seminar, we will analyze the ways that contemporary literature and popular culture compose or construct the female body in particular ways, and what these various narratives and depictions reveal to us.
FYS 017 (CRN 1301) – Legacy of the Salem Witch Trials
Lisa West
TR 12:30-1:45 PM
This course will explore the LEGACY of the Salem Witch Trials and how that that legacy is not directly related to actual historical events. We will consider what elements remain significant and what have disappeared. We will consider different ways religion, community, and identity have been perceived. We will read 17th century documents, a general audience account, and fictional adaptations.
FYS 018 (CRN 11067) - Mascots, Media, and Mega-Fans: The Culture of Sports Fandom
David Lubbers
MW 12:30-1:45 PM
Why do fans paint their faces for the Super Bowl or wait hours to meet Griff III? Students will explore identity, loyalty, ritual, and media, uncovering how fandom builds community and fuels billion-dollar entertainment industries.
FYS 019 (CRN 13101) – Call the Road Your Own: Explore Travel Journalism
Jennifer Wilson
MW 12:30-1:45 PM
By studying the art of travel journalism, learn to say yes to new experiences while developing a curiosity about people and culture, and an appetite for exploration.
FYS 020 (CRN 13102) - Conspiracy Theories, Misinformation & Other Bullshit
Bart Schmidt
TR 12:30-1:45 PM
Throughout history, Americans have embraced conspiracy theories to explain the sometimes un-explainable. We will explore conspiracy theories, as well as misinformation and bullshit in everyday life. Students will be exposed to the language, rhetoric, and logic of conspiracy theories and be given the tools to identify trustworthy information.
FYS 021 (CRN 13116) - Adaptation: Reading Films Based on Other Sources
Nick Renkoski
MW 12:30-1:45 PM
More than half of current Hollywood movies are based on other sources but what is the process of bringing a story from page or stage to the screen? What things are gained, and what things are lost? This FYS examines the range and forms these transformations can take.
FYS 022 (CRN 13117) - A Small Dose of Toxicology
James Sacco
TR 12:30-1:45 PM
Rapid advances in science and technology have produced enormous benefits but have also created undesirable dangers that impact human health and the environment. How do we deal with products that make our lives better but that also harbor a potential for harm? Why are we still confronted, on a daily basis, by toxins in our food, air and water? Through selected readings and movies, class discussions, and presentations, students will study and research the controversial impact of poisons on our society.
FYS 023 (CRN 13104) – Transformative Texts
Martin Roth
MW 12:30-1:45 PM
This course will introduce students to liberal arts learning through a critical and imaginative engagement with texts that have profoundly influenced how humans think about justice, politics, nature, religion, and the meaning and value of human existence
FYS 024 (CRN 13105) - Shakespearean Adaptations and Appropriations
Jeanette Tran
MW 12:30-1:45 PM
This course considers the various ways in which Shakespeare has been adapted and appropriated over the last 400 years. What makes Shakespeare’s works so ripe for adaptation? Does adaptation and appropriation diminish or enrich Shakespeare’s work? How do the genres or mediums of adaptation shape the message?
This course will introduce students to liberal arts learning through a critical and imaginative engagement with texts that have profoundly influenced how humans think about justice, politics, nature, religion, and the meaning and value of human existence
FYS 025 (CRN 13106) - Disability & Culture
Kate Ringstad
MW 12:30-1:45 PM
This course will engage students in exploring how different cultures perceive and interact with individuals with disabilities. It will examine how education, employment, and community engagement vary across cultures for individuals with disabilities. Students will engage in research and critical thinking regarding different academic topics including: (1) analysis of data, (2) verbal and written expression skills, (3) contextual understanding, (4) self-reflection.
FYS 026 (CRN 13106) - 1930s Hollywood
Dina Smith
TR 12:30-1:45 PM
Read, write, and analyze histories of 1930s, Depression-era Hollywood alongside watching black-and-white, old Hollywood movies.
FYS 027 (CRN 13108) - Banned Books and Censorship
Joanna Stankiewicz
TR 12:30-1:45 PM
What makes a book dangerous? Why do books like Captain Underpants and The Bluest Eye get banned? This course dives into the power of storytelling and what censorship reveals about society. Read challenged books, investigate who bans them and why, and explore intellectual freedom through discussion, research, and case studies.
FYS 028 (CRN 13109) - Chocolate is Life
Carl Vieregger
TR 12:30-1:45 PM
This course will explore the business and economics of chocolate; the ethics and sustainability of chocolate; and the culture and history of chocolate—while also exploring the business, ethics, and culture of living a good life. And we’ll be tasting chocolate!
FYS 029 (CRN 13110) - The History of Hip Hop
Janalyn Phillips
MW 12:30-1:45 PM
Ready or Not, Walk this Way! We will discuss everything ‘Hip Hop’ from A to Jay-Z. The influences, legends, culture, celebrations, rivalries, and art will be explored. Oh yes, and there will be plenty of music!
FYS 030 (CRN 13111) – WEIRD GIRLS AND MONSTROUS WOMEN
Beth Younger
MW 12:30-1:45 PM
Gender in Fiction is an introduction to college level reading, writing, and critical thinking. In this course students will read several novels and lots of short stories.
FYS 031 (CRN 13112) - What's in Your Water?
Claire Hruby
TR 12:30-1:45 PM
In this course, students will learn about local, national, and international water quality issues. Students will visit local water bodies, take samples, visit DMWW treatment plant, learn about the effects of contaminants on human health and ecosystems, and report on their investigations in writings, PowerPoint presentations, and via various media.
FYS 032 (CRN 13112) – South Africa
Melisa Klimaszewski
TR 12:30-1:45 PM
This seminar studies the culture of South Africa through novels, films, biography, short stories, and poetry. Students will understand figures like Nelson Mandela in depth as they learn about the history of apartheid, Black consciousness, and coalitions against racism through detailed analysis of literary texts.
FYS 033 (CRN 13113) – The Music of Superman (and Lois)
Dana Sloter
MW 12:30-1:45 PM
Superman and Lois Lane are enduring figures in American popular culture. This course will introduce concepts from film and television music and music research to help students chart how the portrayal of both characters has shifted over time.
FYS 034 (CRN 13114) - This Aint no Disco
Geoff Wall
MW 12:30-1:45 PM
Exploring the alternative and electronic music of the 1980s looking at trend and cultural impacts that affect us today
FYS 035 (CRN 13115) - History and Performance Art
Shayne Mims
MW 12:30-1:45 PM
We will examine significant moments and people in history and then study the plays or musicals that were written in response to or to bring that story to the world.
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