RSC Signature

Russell Sage College's First Year Experience Course launches the college's signature general education sequence. Learning activities aim to strengthen relationships between the student, and self, the student's peers, and the wider college community. The course immerses students in the multiple dimensions of wellness included in the RSC THRIVE initiative, encourages self-awareness, and hones communication and teamwork skills in a supportive, student success oriented, atmosphere. To be taken in first term of study at the College. Required for all new first-time first year students. Note: RSC 101 is waived for transfer students with 15 or more transfer credits upon admission or who have earned an associate degree prior to enrollment.

Exploring Intercultural Perspectives: Your Link with the World explores (human) diversity and the historical, cultural, global, and systemic forces that shape our experiences and world views. Students will learn and develop the skills necessary to work with and understand others in this ever-changing world. The course explores topics such as Intercultural Understanding, Global and Local Lives, Civic Engagement and Social Justice. The course also builds upon critical writing, thinking, and reading skills developed in the Year 1 Writing Sequence encouraging students to see the ways in which knowledge can transfer from course to course and year to year culminating in RSC 301. To be taken in the 2nd year of study at the College. This course may require attendance at lectures outside of class time. Note: RSC 201 is waived for transfer students with 54 or more transfer credits upon admission or who have earned an associate degree prior to enrollment.

Innovating to Impact: Your Engagement with the Community invites students to examine complex problems that directly impact our communities. This course follows a Reduced Seat Time (RST) format, meaning students meet in person for two credit hours per week, while the third credit hour is dedicated to active, community-based engagement outside of class. Students will work with their instructor to secure an approved engaged learning placement that aligns with course objectives. Pre-existing internships, jobs, athletic commitments, or volunteer work do not fulfill this requirement. (Please check the advising handout for the theme of the course and the anticipated population you will be working with.)

Students will explore these concepts through cross-disciplinary communication across cultural boundaries, applying service-learning and/or design thinking approaches. As the culminating course in the Russell Sage College General Education Program, RSC 301 integrates critical reading, writing, and thinking skills developed in the Year 1 Writing Sequence and expands on RSC 201: Intercultural Perspectives to demonstrate the interconnectedness of these signature courses. RSC 301 is to be taken in the 3rd or 4th year of study.