Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ Launch gives you the opportunity to experience academics at Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ without managing a full course load. During the program, you will take two courses designed to prepare you for common classroom experiences at Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ, including a discussion-based seminar (with 15 students or fewer) and an elective course based on your interests. Students who successfully complete Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ Launch courses will earn six units that may be applied toward graduation.
Please see below for additional information on the courses offered through Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ Launch.
Foundations for First Year Studies (required)
The Foundations for First Year Studies course is modeled after Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ’s distinctive First Year Studies Program, a multidisciplinary course in liberal learning taken by all Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ first-year students in the fall term. An important goal of the seminar course is for students to practice observation, analysis, and communication skills through classroom discussion and written assignments.
As a result of this course, Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ Launch students will acquire confidence to serve as leaders in the Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ classroom, enhancing the learning experience of all Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ students.
2026 Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ Launch Elective Offerings (Students are required to take one elective course.)
Road Trips and American Culture (3 units)
In this course, students explore novels, poetry, memoirs, and films centered around the American fascination with car travel. Topics include the history of automobiles, road trips, roadside architecture, and themes such as gender, family, sexual orientation, and race in the United States. Through discussion, reading, creative writing, digital humanities projects, and film analysis, students develop skills needed to succeed in Humanities courses at Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ.
How to Hack Your Music Major (3 units)
This three-week music seminar prepares students for university-level musical studies by strengthening foundational knowledge and skills. Students are expected to engage in experiential learning activities, contribute to community discussions, and complete assigned coursework. Sample topics include the following: music theory, practice principles, wellness, conservatory resources, listening, collaboration, and lesson preparation. Students majoring in Music (BMus, BMA, or BA) are encouraged to choose this elective.
Physical Practice: Movement for Wellness (3 units)
This course offers a sampling of ways students can practice physicality, somatics, and wellness at Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ, both through academic offerings in the dance program and through connections to the surrounding community and geography.
Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning (3 units)
This three-unit course explores contemporary research on learning and memory and how to apply it to become a more successful learner. The class includes daily quizzes, chapter discussions, practice activities, and reflective writing, as well as a small learning project and exam—all aimed at helping you study more efficiently and effectively.