»First-Year Foundations: Bridging Ideas (100A)

FFC 100A – Bridging Ideas: The Art of Thinking Critically

These classes invite you to explore big ideas, ask meaningful questions, and think critically about the world around you. Designed to spark curiosity and expand your intellectual horizons, the classes challenge you to engage deeply from a variety of topics ranging from film, history, politics, to the intersection of math and philosophy. Whether you're drawn to the complexities of social issues, the ethics of artificial intelligence, or the power of storytelling, you will find a course in this category that will speak to your interests and stretch you in new directions. These discussion-based classes offer an inspiring start to your college journey and prepare you for a lifetime of thoughtful inquiry.

Interterm 2027

Perception and the Neuron: From Physiology to Learning Theory to Artificial Intelligence
Daniel Alpay
FFC 100A-01 for interterm (Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, 1:00 pm – 4:50 pm)
The aim of the course is to explain the path from the discovery of the neuron to modern machine learning and beyond, using the perceptron(or perceptron algorithm) as a roadmap. The first part of the course is dedicated to critical thinking, with examples from the history of sciences. The second part describes the evolution of understanding of the brain, from antiquity to the models of McCullogh-Pitts in 1943 and of Hodgkin Huxley in 1952. The third part of the course starts with the perceptron (Rosenblatt, 1960), which is directly inspired by the neuron and the model of McCullogh-Pitts. We then describe the evolution of machine learning and end up with discussions on modern AI.

Spring 2027

The Case for Kindness
Jody Brown
FFC 100A-05 (Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:00 am – 11:15 am)
This course examines the philosophical and scientific foundations of kindness and compassion. Students explore questions such as what it means to live a compassionate life and how empathy shapes human relationships and communities. By examining research in psychology and philosophy, the course encourages students to think critically about the role of compassion in personal life, social institutions, and global challenges.

Hallyu from the Inside: History, Trauma, and the Global Rise of Korean Culture
Beverly Min Thiagarajan
FFC 100A-04 (Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:00 am – 11:15 am)
This course examines the historical and political forces that shaped modern Korean identity before the global rise of Hallyu, or the “Korean Wave.” Students explore the legacy of Japanese colonial rule, the Korean War, authoritarian governments, and democratization movements. Through music, film, literature, and media—from BTS to Parasite and Squid Game—the course analyzes how trauma, resilience, and cultural policy contributed to Korea’s global cultural influence. Students also examine the development of K-pop’s training systems, Korean cuisine, and the beauty industry as expressions of cultural transformation.

Life Reimagined: Insights from Philosophy
Mohammad Rafi
FFC 100A-03 (Mondays and Wednesdays, 4:00 pm – 5:15 pm)
How can individuals live meaningful lives in a rapidly changing world? This course introduces philosophical perspectives on questions related to anxiety, morality, knowledge, and technology. Students begin by examining the purpose of the modern university and the importance of free speech in open societies. The course then engages with thinkers such as Sigmund Freud and Friedrich Nietzsche to explore dissatisfaction with modern civilization, the construction of moral values, and the limits of human knowledge. The final section considers how technological change reshapes communication, social interaction, and human understanding.

Lights, Camera, Soundtrack!
Patrick Gutman
FFC 100A-06 (Tuesdays, 7:00 pm – 9:50 pm)
FFC 100A-07 (Wednesdays, 7:00 pm – 9:50 pm)
Lights, Camera, Soundtrack: Impactful Storytelling Through Music invites students to dive into the powerful world of film music. From sweeping orchestral scores to iconic pop soundtracks, this course explores how music shapes the story of what we see and how we feel. Students will learn to listen critically and think deeply about how sound tells powerful stories, influences emotion, and drives narrative on screen. Through case studies, discussion, and hands-on analysis of scenes from blockbusters, indie films, and streaming hits, students will develop tools to decode the musical language of cinema. Required: curiosity, open ears, and a love for great stories!

Monsters and Society
David Winnick
FFC 100A-02 (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 10:00 am – 10:50 am)
In this course, students will study the cultural commentary of monster films, graphic novels, and literature. Students will participate in conversation and critical analysis of works to explore how monster films comment on societal expectations and morals.

Musicals and Cultural Messages
Jessica Sternfeld
FFC 100A-01(Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 10:00 am – 10:50 am)
Musicals, both on stage and on screen, have always been perceived as lighthearted fun.  But they also tackle social and political issues – like war or prejudice – in ways that both reflect and shape their cultural context.  What sorts of lessons do musicals contain?  Can a musical shape culture, make people change their minds about an issue?  How do musicals teach their lessons – through music, lyrics, plot, casting, advertising?  In this course we’ll study recent musicals on stage and on film, focusing on works that have social or political issues as central themes, likely including Hamilton, Hadestown, Jesus Christ Superstar, Rent; and more we’ll choose together.  We’ll watch the musicals, read criticism and scholarship about them, write about them, and engage in discussions in class and online.  Students will also have the opportunity to study a musical of their own choosing, sharing their insights in class or in writing.