FIRST-YEAR CONNECTIONS

F1. Inventing My Future: The First Gen Experience (Total = 4 s.h.)

This cluster is intended (ideal) for students who are in the first generation of their family to go to college, meaning that neither of their parents or guardians has earned a 4-year degree from an institution in the USA. First-Generation students represent one in every three Hofstra students, and one out of two students nationally. Led by faculty who were either first-generation themselves or who have a history of working to support them, this cluster will allow students to connect with faculty and each other, foster a sense of belonging, and engage their intellectual curiosity. Students will learn and be encouraged to utilize various University resources that can aid in their academic and social success, read texts and articles pertaining to the first-generation student experience, work on projects comparing such circumstances in a historical context, and reflect and write about their own experience and motivations for going to college. Learning in such an environment can help first-generation students better understand “how to college” and form a community of support to draw upon in their time at Hofstra. Additional engagement opportunities will include off campus trips, home-cooked meals by first-generation faculty and staff, peer and/or faculty/staff mentorship, networking opportunities, and academic success and career planning workshops. 

Please note: UNIV 101 satisfies a University graduation requirement in the electives category; WSC 1 (or its equivalent) is required of all students. Students who receive transfer credit for WSC 1 can register for the cluster without the WSC 1 component. The First-Generation living-learning community is a good option if you are interested in this cluster. Visit hofstra.edu/livelearn  for information.

WSC 1, sec. F1: Composition (3 s.h.)  CRN 92892

M/W, 11:20 a.m.-12:45 p.m., Jennifer Cole

and

UNIV 101, sec. F1: University 101: First-Gen (1 s.h.) CRN 92455

W, 2:40-3:40 p.m., Russ Smith

F2. Inventing My Future: Access and Allyship (Total = 4 s.h.)

This cluster is designed for students registered with Student Access Services and their peer allies, to create a space rooted in inclusion, opportunity, and empowerment. Students will explore themes of identity, voice, and belonging while building academic confidence and meaningful connections. Courses are led by faculty committed to accessibility and student success, and the experience is enriched through peer engagement and campus resource integration. Students will have opportunities to explore personal identity development and build a supportive community grounded in shared experiences, advocacy, and pride. They will be introduced to University resources that support academic and social success, including digital tools and technologies that enhance accessibility, organization, and productivity. Students will reflect and write about their experiences and motivations for attending college. Learning in this environment helps students better understand “how to college” and develop a network of support throughout their time at Hofstra.

Please note: UNIV 101 satisfies a University graduation requirement in the electives category; WSC 1 (or its equivalent) is required of all students. Students who receive transfer credit for WSC 1 can register for the cluster without the WSC 1 component. The Access LLC at Stuyvesant living-learning community is a good option if you are interested in this cluster. Visit hofstra.edu/livelearn for information.

WSC 1, sec. F2: Composition (3 s.h.)  CRN 92416

T/TH, 11:20 a.m.-12:45 p.m., Patricia Navarra

and

UNIV 101, sec. F2: University 101: Access (1 s.h.) CRN 92015

T, 9:55 a.m.-11:05 a.m., Ashley Andree and Liam Owens

F3: Media, Society, and Culture (Total = 9 s.h.)

Modern media and communication technologies continue to evolve at an exponential speed and function as an increasingly integral, if not indispensable, part of one’s everyday life as well as public life. This cluster introduces students to the fundamentals of analyzing media’s historical impact on society as well as its future trajectory. In doing so, students learn about the cultural significance of modern media in the U.S. and around the world since its inception. Students are invited to reflect on current trends and underlying societal norms that media productions and innovations reflect, disrupt, or reinforce. We pay particular attention to how media developments contribute to the maintenance of existing power relations as well as create new power.

Please note: MASS 1 is required of all communication majors; RHET 1 satisfies a University graduation requirement in the Humanities Distribution category; WSC 1 (or its equivalent) is required of all students. Students who receive transfer credit for WSC 1 can register for the cluster without the WSC 1 component. The Communication living-learning community is a good option if you are interested in this cluster. Visit hofstra.edu/livelearn  for information.

RHET 1, sec. F3: Oral Communication (CP), (3 s.h.) CRN 91381

M/W, 11:20 a.m.-12:45 p.m., Jamel Hudson

and

MASS 1, sec. F3: Mass Media: History and Development (3 s.h.) CRN 92803

M/W, 2:40-4:05 p.m., Brian McFadden

and

WSC 1, sec. F3: Composition (3 s.h.) CRN 90776

M/W, 4:20-5:45 p.m., Robert Plath

F4: Film and Philosophy (Total = 10 s.h.)

This cluster integrates introductory courses in film and philosophy with first-year composition. The film course introduces the basic language of filmic expression and the methodologies of film study, including their influence on television and video. There is an emphasis on the ways of looking at films and television, the major concepts of theory, the various forms of film and television, and the techniques that determine visual styles. In the philosophy course, students consider whether film is a passive mirror of a preexisting reality, or whether we should think of it

as possessing the power to actively construct a reality of its own. Can film be morally or socially dangerous? In the composition course, students write in a variety of genres about their work in the other two courses.

Please note: RTVF 10 satisfies a University graduation requirement in the Humanities category; PHI 10 satisfies a University graduation requirement in the Social Sciences category; WSC 1 (or its equivalent) is required of all students. Students who receive transfer credit for WSC 1 can register for the cluster without the WSC 1 component. The Studio living-learning community is a good option if you are interested in this cluster. Visit hofstra.edu/livelearn  for information.

RTVF 10, sec. F4: Introduction to Cinema Studies (AA), (3 s.h.) CRN 90334 

M, 9:10 a.m.-12:45 p.m., Breixo Viejo

and

PHI 10, sec. F4: Introduction to Philosophy (HP), (4 s.h.) CRN 92881

T/TH, 9:10-11:05 a.m., John Farley

and

WSC 1, sec. F4: Composition (3 s.h.) CRN 90408

T/TH, 11:20 a.m.–12:45 p.m., Tejan Green Waszak

F5: Film Studies and Production (Total = 6 s.h.)

This cluster is intended primarily for film majors, or for other RTVF majors with an interest in film. It combines the critical analysis of film aesthetics and narrative form (RTVF 10) with the practical application of those same principles in the students’ own short film projects (RTVF 27). By taking the first two film requirements together as a cluster, students begin to form connections as a community — a “network” that will benefit them throughout their Studies.

Please note: RTVF 10 satisfies a University graduation requirement in the Humanities category; both RTVF 10 and RTVF 27 are required of all film majors or RTVF majors with an interest in film. The Studio living-learning community is a good option if you are interested in this cluster. Visit hofstra.edu/livelearn  for information.

RTVF 10, sec. F5: Introduction to Cinema Studies (AA), (3 s.h.) CRN 90332

F, 9 a.m.-12:45 p.m., Rodney Hill

and

RTVF 27, sec. F5: Introductory Film Production (3 s.h.) CRN 90342

 T/TH, 1-2:25 p.m., George Nicholas

or

RTVF 27, sec. FE: Introductory Film Production (3 s.h.) CRN 90341

T/TH, 9:40-11:05 a.m., William Jennings

F6: Film and Literature (Total = 9 s.h.)

This cluster integrates introductory courses in film studies (RTVF 010) and literature (ENGL 010). RTVF 010 (Introduction to Film Studies) provides an overview of the basic “language” of filmic expression and the methodologies of film study, emphasizing the critical analysis of film aesthetics and narrative form. Screenings include films by a range of filmmakers from different periods of film history and various parts of the world. ENGL 010 (Introduction to Literary Study) provides an entry point into the college-level study of literature. Readings include various genres and types of writing, considered in their historical, political, and aesthetic contexts. The two courses in this cluster will explore the ways in which literature and film approach common stories and themes, by way of comparing and contrasting select novels, short stories, etc., to their film adaptations. Other texts (both literary and cinematic) may be used to showcase the fundamental differences between the two modes of expression.

Please note: RTVF 10 satisfies a University graduation requirement in the Humanities category; ENGL 10 satisfies a University graduation requirement in the Humanities category; WSC 1 (or its equivalent) is required of all students. Students who receive transfer credit for WSC 1 can register for the cluster without the WSC 1 component. The Studio living-learning community is a good option if you are interested in this cluster. Visit hofstra.edu/livelearn  for information.

RTVF 10, sec. F6: Introduction to Cinema Studies (AA), (3 s.h.) CRN 92584 

TH, 4-8 p.m., Sharron Greaves

and

ENGL 10, sec. F6: Introduction to Literary Study (LT), (3 s.h.) CRN 92346

M/W, 4:20-5:45 p.m. Samantha McCalla

and

WSC 1, sec. F6: Composition (3 s.h.) CRN 90571

T/TH, 1 p.m.–2:25 p.m., Tejan Green Waszak

F7: Elements of Music (Total = 7-9 s.h.)

This cluster is designed for music majors, music education majors, or music minors, but is also suitable for non-majors with strong musical backgrounds. It includes a comprehensive survey of the fundamentals of music theory and notation, sight- reading for singing and rhythmic training, and the principles of voice leading and melodic structure that are most useful in the study of tonal harmony.

Please note: MUS 61/61A and MUS 69/69A are required for all music majors. Students are placed in either MUS 61 or 61A, and either MUS 69 or 69A, based on their score on Hofstra’s music assessment test. WSC 1 (or its equivalent) is required of all students. Students who receive transfer credit for WSC 1 can register for the cluster without the WSC 1 component. The S.T.A.G.E. living- learning community is a good option if you are interested in this cluster. Visit hofstra.edu/livelearn  for information.

MUS 61, sec. F7: Elementary Ear Training (2 s.h.) CRN 90191

M/F, 10:10-11:05 a.m., Neil Holcomb

or

MUS 61A, sec. F7: Elementary Ear Training (3 s.h.) CRN 90298

M/W/F, 10:10-11:05 a.m., Andres Maldonado

and

MUS 69, sec. F7: Music Fundamentals (2 s.h.) CRN 90576

M/F, 9 -9:55 a.m., Neil Holcomb

or

MUS 69A, sec. F7: Music Fundamentals (3 s.h.) CRN 90565

M/W/F, 9-9:55 a.m., Philip Stoeker

and

WSC 1, sec. F7: Composition (3 s.h.) CRN 92499

M/W, 2:40-4:05 p.m., Michael Heiss

F8: Modern Dance (Total = 8-10 s.h.)

This cluster is designed for incoming majors in dance or dance education. DNCE 11 focuses on technique in contemporary dance forms, and it is the first course in a four-year major sequence. Students in the Bachelor of Arts track meet three times a week for DNCE 11; students in the Bachelor of Fine Arts track meet five times a week for DNCE 11. Students in both tracks will take MUS 151, which is a study of musical concepts as they apply to dance, and a composition course, in which writing assignments are connected to dance criticism. Students attend a variety of dance and music performances in New York City during the semester.

Please note: DNCE 11 satisfies a University graduation requirement in the Humanities category; MUS 151 is required for dance majors on the BFA track and is strongly recommended for dance majors on the BA track; WSC 1 (or its equivalent) is required of all students. Students who receive transfer credit for WSC 1 can register for the cluster without the WSC 1 component. The S.T.A.G.E. living-learning community is a good option if you are interested in this cluster. Visit hofstra.edu/livelearn  for information.

BA and BFA Tracks:

DNCE 11, sec. FC: Freshman Performance Lab CRN 90396

F, 11:20 a.m. – 12:45 p.m., Robin Becker

and

MUS 151, sec. A: Rhythmic Training and Accompaniment for Dance (3 s.h.) CRN 91704

T, 4:20-7:05 p.m., Mark Katsaounis

and

WSC 1, sec. F8: Composition (3 s.h.)  CRN 90363

T/TH, 9:40-11:05 a.m., Patricia Navarra

and

BA Track:

DNCE 11, sec. FA: Modern Dance I (CP), (2 s.h.) CRN 92420

T/TH, 2:40-4:05 p.m., Robin Becker

BFA Track:

DNCE 11, sec. FAX: Modern Dance I (CP), (4 s.h.) CRN 91060

M/W, 11:20 a.m.-12:45 p.m., Larry Keigwin

T/TH, 2:40-4:05 p.m., Robin Becker

F9. Elections 2026 (Total = 7 s.h.)

This cluster examines U.S. politics, and policy making, focusing on the 2026 congressional midterm elections as well as current policy debates. The cluster has three themes: foundations of American democracy;  individuals, institutions, and organizations that influence politics and policy making; and institutional challenges in the 21^st century. We will begin by studying the values and principles that govern American politics, with particular attention to how they have evolved since the late eighteenth century. We then will study the values, institutions, and interests that inform policy-making debates. We will conclude the cluster by considering how different political institutions might change governing approaches to American democracy. For each topic, we will focus on case studies in the 2026 elections, particularly in New York and Long Island, and discuss their potential implications for U.S. politics and policy making.

Please note: PSC 001 satisfies a University graduation requirement in the Social Sciences category; LIBR 001 satisfies a University graduation requirement in the electives category; WSC 1 (or its equivalent) is required of all students. Students who receive transfer credit for WSC 1 can register for the cluster without the WSC 1 component.

PSC 001, sec. F9: American Politics (BH), (3 s.h.) CRN 93552

T/TH 1-2:25 p.m., Meena Bose

and

LIBR 001, sec. DL: Introduction to Library and Information Technology, (1 s.h.) CRN 92643

Online asynchronous, Annmarie Boyle

and

WSC 1, sec. F9: Composition, (3 s.h.)  CRN 92456

T/TH, 2:40-4:05 p.m., Daisy Miller

F10. Forensic Science

Forensic science is the application of science to investigations pertaining to the legal system. Forensic scientists apply principles and techniques of various sciences to the examination and comparison of biological evidence, trace evidence, impression evidence, drugs and firearms. This cluster includes the foundational chemistry course students need to pursue forensic analysis, as well as the introductory course in forensic science to begin learning the basics of investigatory skills.

CHEM 003A, sec. F10: General Chemistry I (NS), (3 s.h.) CRN 91406

M/W, 2:40-5:35 p.m., Instructor TBA

and

FOR 100, sec. F10: Survey in Forensic Science (NS), (3 s.h.) CRN 92012

M, 9:10-11:05 a.m., Deborah Silva

and

WSC 1, sec. F10: Composition (3 s.h.)  CRN 91498

T/TH, 9:40-11:05 a.m., Laura LaVacca

and

CHEM 003B, sec. F10: General Chemistry Lab I, (1 s.h.) CRN 93618

W, 9:55 a.m.-12:45 p.m., Instructor TBA

and

FOR 100, sec. F3L: Survey in Forensic Science Lab, (0 s.h.) CRN 93630

R, 1:30-3:20 p.m., Instructor TBA

or

CHEM 003B, sec. FB: General Chemistry Lab I, (1 s.h.) CRN 90006

R, 2:40-5:30 p.m., Ronald Strothkamp

and

FOR 100, sec. F2L: Survey in Forensic Science Lab, (0 s.h.) CRN 93629

T, 1:30-3:20 p.m., Instructor TBA

Please note: Cluster F10 carries an additional $150 laboratory fee.CHEM 3 and FOR 100 both satisfy a University graduation requirement in the Natural Sciences category; CHEM 3 also satisfies the Quantitative Reasoning category; WSC 1 (or its equivalent) is required of all students. Students who receive transfer credit for WSC 1 can register for the cluster without the WSC 1 component.

F11-12: Pre-Health Sciences

Students seeking to pursue a broad range of healthcare professions (such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary sciences, nursing, nutrition, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and physician assistant studies) will need to possess a solid foundation in science, particularly biology and chemistry. After all, organisms are massive collections of biological molecules executing complex combinations of chemical reactions in a highly controlled and regulated manner. The Pre-Health Sciences Clusters explore general chemistry, biological processes from ecosystems to cells, and the interplay between these disciplines in the function of organisms, particularly humans. Throughout the cluster, we consider how various chemical and biological processes are related and influence the human condition. Students may select different combinations of courses within the pre-health sciences clusters, depending on their major interests and academic background. The Health Sciences track in Cluster F12 introduces students to applied health research and epidemiology methods, the importance of teamwork in the health professions, and is ideal for students majoring in Health Science, Exercise Physiology (Pre-Medical Studies concentration), and School of Health Sciences undecided majors.

Please note for cluster F11 and cluster F12: Both carry an additional $135 laboratory fee. BIOL 112 and CHEM 3A satisfy University graduation requirements in both the Natural Sciences and Quantitative Reasoning categories; WSC 1 (or its equivalent) is required of all students. Students who receive transfer credit for WSC 1 can register for one of the clusters without the WSC 1 component. The Pre-Health Professions (PreP) living-learning community is a good option if you are interested in these clusters. Visit hofstra.edu/livelearn  for information.

F11 (Total = 11 s.h.)  Pre-Health Sciences

BIOL 112, sec. F11: General Biology I (NS, QR), (4 s.h.) CRN 91601

M/W/F, 8:30-9:25 a.m., Michael Shahandeh

and

BIOL 112, sec. FBL: General Biology Lab I, (0 s.h.) CRN 91602

T, 2:40-5:35 p.m., Instructor TBA

and

CHEM 3A, sec. F11: General Chemistry (NS, QR), (3 s.h.) CRN 90245

M/W, 9:40-11:05 a.m., and F, 10:10-11:05 a.m., Instructor TBA

and

CHEM 3B, sec. FA: General Chemistry Lab I, (1 s.h.) CRN 90163

W, 2:40-5:30 p.m., William Nirode

and

WSC 1, sec. F11: Composition (3 s.h.)  CRN 92295

T/TH, 11:20 a.m.-12:45 p.m., Neil Donahue

or

BIOL 112, sec. F11: General Biology I (NS, QR), (4 s.h.) CRN 91601

M/W/F, 8:30-9:25 a.m., Michael Shahandeh

and

BIOL 112 Lab, sec. FAL: General Biology Lab I, (0 s.h.) CRN 91603

TH, 9:40 a.m.-12:35 p.m., Instructor TBA

and

CHEM 3A, sec. F11: General Chemistry (NS, QR), (3 s.h.) CRN 90245

M/W, 9:40-11:05 a.m., and F, 10:10-11:05 a.m., Instructor TBA

and

CHEM 3B, sec. F11: General Chemistry Lab I, (1 s.h.) CRN 91110

T, 2:40-5:30 p.m., Instructor TBA

F12 (Total = 8-12 s.h.) Pre-Health Sciences with Health Professions Track Option

BIOL 112, sec. F12: General Biology I (NS, QR), (4 s.h.) CRN 92157

T/TH, 11:20 a.m.-12:45 p.m., Russell Burke

and

CHEM 3A, sec. F12: General Chemistry (NS, QR), (3 s.h.) CRN 92031

T/TH, 2:40-4:35 p.m., Mary Rooney

and

HPR 73, sec. F12: Framework and Design in Health Care (3 s.h.) CRN 91163

T/TH, 11:20 a.m.-12:45 p.m., Hallie Decker

and

HPR 179U, sec. F12: Introduction to Health Sciences (1 s.h.) CRN 91993

W, 11:20 a.m.-12:15 p.m., Katie Sell / Jamie Ghigiarelli 

and

BIOL 112 Lab, sec. FCL: General Biology Lab I, (0 s.h.) CRN 92155

F, 9:40 a.m.-12:35 p.m., Instructor TBA

and

CHEM 3B, sec. FC: General Chemistry Lab I, (1 s.h.) CRN 90427

W, 2:40-5:30 p.m., Kevin Bisceglia

or

BIOL 112 Lab, sec. FDL: General Biology Lab I, (0 s.h.) CRN 92156

F, 2:40-5:35 p.m., Instructor TBA

and

CHEM 3B, sec. FD: General Chemistry Lab I, (1 s.h.) CRN 91771

F, 9:55 a.m.-12:45 p.m., Instructor TBA

F13: Health and Wellness (Total = 10 s.h.)

Understanding health and wellness and its impact on our communities in which we live and serve has never been more important. It is critical for the next generation of health care practitioners, clinicians, policymakers and advocates to possess a deep understanding of and appreciation for the importance of wellness, health promotion and disease prevention across the lifespan for all populations. Through an interdisciplinary approach, this cluster will provide students with a better understanding of health safety, disease risk reduction and prevention, community health, the importance of health professions professionals working as a team, and health-focused expository writing at both the college and professional levels.

Please note: This cluster is ideal for students majoring in Community Health, Exercise Physiology (Exercise Science and Allied Health concentration), and School of Health Sciences undecided majors. WSC 1 (or its equivalent) is required of all students. Students who receive transfer credit for WSC 1 can register for one of the clusters without the WSC 1 component. The Pre-Health Professions (PreP) living-learning community is a good option if you are interested in these clusters. Visit hofstra.edu/livelearn  for information.

EXPH 010, sec. F13: Contemporary and Historical Perspectives on Healthcare Reform (3 s.h.) CRN 92563

M/W, 9:40-11:05 a.m., Grace Valdez

and

HPR 62, sec. F13: Personal and Community Health (3 s.h.) CRN 90730

T/TH, 11:20 a.m. -12:45 p.m., Sharon Phillips

and

HPR 179U, sec. F13: Introduction to Health Sciences (1 s.h.) CRN 91994

W, 11:20 a.m.-12:15 p.m., Isma Chaudhry

and

WSC 1, sec. F13: Composition (3 s.h.) CRN 91779

M/W, 2:40-4:05 p.m., Marilyn Buono

F14:Computer Science: Thinking Machines – Math, Logic, and Programming (Total = 7 s.h.) 

The field of artificial intelligence (AI) aims at developing “thinking machines” – intelligent computer systems that can learn, understand, reason, plan, solve problems, and even sense and act like humans. Recently, advances in robotics and large- scale systems, machine learning, computational linguistics, computer vision, dynamic systems, neuroscience, and cognitive science have led to substantial advances in AI and brought us closer to reproducing

human intelligence. Researchers are now poised to address the main challenge of creating “general AI.” In this cluster we examine the foundations in mathematics and computer science on which all computer programs are built – including those that are capable of AI. Along the way, through research and discussions, we highlight the people, ideas, and events that shaped AI, and explore its frontiers.

Please note: Priority is given to majors in the Computer Science Department, but non-majors are welcome. CSC 14 satisfies a University graduation requirement in either the Computer Science or Mathematics category; CSC 15 satisfies a University graduation requirement in the Computer Science category. The Math/Science/Engineering living- learning community is a good option if you are interested in this cluster. Visit hofstra.edu/livelearn for information.

CSC 14, sec. F9: Discrete Structures for Computer Science I (CS, MA), (3 s.h.) CRN 90893

Lecture, M/W, 11:20 a.m.-12:45 p.m., Lab, F, 11:20 a.m.-12:15 p.m.; Gretchen Ostenheimer

and

CSC 15, sec. F9 and FBL: Fundamentals of Computer Science (CS), (4s.h.) CRNs 90277 & 90278

Lecture M/W, 2:40-4:05 p.m..; Lab, T, 2:40-4:35 p.m.; Xiangmin Shen

Q. Can all first-year students take seminars and clusters?

A. Yes! All first-year students may take seminars or clusters in the fall semester and seminars in the spring semester of their first year. Students enrolled in Honors College may take seminars and clusters, but they should speak with their academic advisor to manage their schedule appropriately.

Q. What will my fall course schedule look like if I take a first-year seminar or cluster?

A. If you take a seminar, it will be one course out of the set of four or five you will take between September and December 2026. If you take a cluster, you will have two or three cluster courses– for example, Drama, English, and Composition – in  addition to two or three other courses, to total four or five courses for the fall term.

Q. I’m a psychology major. Will an economic seminar count toward graduation?

A. Yes. First-year seminars and clusters help you move closer to graduation. All students at Hofstra must take distribution courses — University graduation requirements – and almost all first-year options fulfill these requirements. In fact, we have designed these first-year options to help you explore your major and other paths you may choose to fulfill your career goals.

Q. I’m planning to major in business. Which cluster or seminar is right for me?

A. All Hofstra undergraduate students (including business majors) must satisfy the same set of required courses, so ANY of the clusters and seminars will count toward your general education requirements.

Q. Can I change my mind about my preferences? A. Yes! When you come to New Student Orientation, you and your advisor will work out your full fall course schedule together. At that time — or when you get to campus in the fall — you are welcome to choose courses that are different from the ones you choose here.

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