Linked Courses

A linked course is when students who are enrolled in USC 101 (Intro to University Education) are also enrolled in a General Education First Year Inquiry (FYI) course at the same time. Because the same group of students will be in two courses together, they are able to build a smaller community of peers as they transition to college.

Each of our linked classes provides unique in-class instruction, as well as some out-of-classroom experiences. The instructors who choose to teach an FYI course create an engaging educational experience for the incoming first-year students. In this smaller setting students feel more comfortable to dialogue, ask questions, and connect to the experience.

All incoming (fall semester and Summer Start) Exploratory Studies students are required to be enrolled in the USC 101 course in the fall, but enrollment in the linked course is optional.

How to Get Into a Linked Course

If you are interested in signing up for a linked course opportunity, you will be able to indicate your interest through the Pre NSO survey. We will add interested students to the Linked Courses until they are filled.

Linked Course Options for Fall 2024

EMA 110: Introduction to Arts Entrepreneurship

This course introduces students to the basic components of an entrepreneurial lifestyle in the arts for those interested in starting an art business. Students explore fundamental issues arts entrepreneurs encounter and how they can be addressed before the startup process reaches the launch cycle. Students are required to provide their own transportation to and cover the admission costs of off-campus events.

“The coolest thing about Intro to Arts Entrepreneurship is that we meet real arts entrepreneurs in the Triangle and also visit local arts businesses and organizations. I also bring in recent Arts Entrepreneurship alumni who are out there applying the skills they developed in the Minor as arts entrepreneurs in the real world. They still remember what it was like to sit where you do, and many “big brother/ big sister” relationships form between current students and alumni. Many students also find internship opportunities at the places we visit, which is pretty exciting!” — Dr. Kathryn Brown

PS 201: American Politics and Government

Analysis of American political institutions and processes, including the constitution, political culture, campaigns and elections, political parties, interest groups, the media, the president, Congress, the federal courts, and public policy. Discussion of contemporary and controversial issues in American politics. Emphasis on placing current issues in comparative and historical perspective where relevant.

“I try to make the class a place where students and myself can have some fun as we explore many rather serious political issues and concerns in a setting that respects all student opinions where we can all agree to disagree without being too disagreeable.  I try to run a very participatory class with an emphasis on applying the concepts and information learned from the one textbook to ongoing current events. I do this by having student-led current events discussions; these sessions are also opportunities to learn and develop both critical and creative thinking skills. We also watch several fun and informative videos during the semester. My goal is for students to develop their participatory citizenship interests with respect for all political views.” — Dr. Dan Graham

STS 323: World Population and Food Prospects

Examination of the dynamics of population size and food needs, production, distribution, and utilization. Consequences of inadequate nutrition and food choices, efforts to increase the compatibility of effective food production systems and alternate crops and cropping systems examined.

“This course involves the study of how all of us can empower ourselves to meet our current basic human needs while respecting the ecosystems that will be required for future generations (including your children) to enjoy the same choices we are privileged to enjoy today. During the course, we will take several field trips, including visits to a farm (where we will plan garden vegetables), campus greenhouses, the Arboretum, university research stations, and a “green” home in Cary. The course is heavily focused on interactive learning-our students learn by designing and conducting the exercises we use to accomplish course objectives.”  — Dr. Robert Patterson

COM 112: Interpersonal Communication

Interpersonal communication competence: self-concept, language and culture, self-disclosure, active listening, verbal and nonverbal communication, and conflict management.