Foundations Program
The Foundations program will ensure that you start off on firm footing in your educational experience at the university.
During the first year on campus, all incoming students in the College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters choose one course to take from the nearly 25 seminars offered every year.
Because Foundations seminars count toward general education requirements (DDC) and not traditional academic concentrations, we encourage you to look for a course that catches your interest, not one that is tied to your major.
Foundations is a required program and is not an elective. If you don't register for a foundations course in your first year here, your student account will be put on hold until you register for a course in this program.
Course Options
Explore courses currently being offered. Select a course title to read the description, meet the faculty member teaching the course, and learn other key facts.
Summer 2026: Upper-level Courses
Fall 2026: Lower-level Courses
- Because Internet: The Language of Digital Media (FNDS 1203)
- Understanding Global Cultures (FNDS 1205)
- Gothic Monsters Next Door (FNDS 1305)
- Comics, Graphic Novels, Manga: Understanding Visual Narratives (FNDS 1308)
- Let's Talk About Talk (FNDS 1309)
- Biology is Not Destiny: Exploring the Role of Culture on Human Biology (FNDS 16…
Fall 2026: Upper-level Courses
Learning Goals for Foundation Courses:
1. Immerse students in university culture and scholarship
2. Engage students in building relationships with peers and faculty
3. Develop a student’s mindset and skill set for resiliency and success at UM-Dearborn and beyond
Helpful links for first-year on our campus students
For More Information
START: Student Advising and Resource Team
2149 James C. Renick University Center (UC)
313-593-5576
[email protected]