Special Studies

This course is designed to prepare first-time, full-time students for success in college. Students will develop an awareness of fundamental skills, which support achievement in all academic disciplines. These skills include time management, study skills, educational planning and use of campus resources. Emphasis is given to students developing the ability to apply these skills to their unique academic envirorment.

Founder's Seminar (SST 111-112) is a two-semester study of a single topic that is intellectually challenging for students and faculty; some of the topics studied include "Evidence," "Passion," "Edges & Middles," and "Friction and Flow."  In the fall, students discuss presentations on the topic made by faculty from the different disciplines and professions.  In the spring, students develop their scholarly voices as tehy work on topically-organized individual projects which they present to their classmates.  Students earn 1.5 credits (Pass/Fail) each semester.  These courses are required for all entering first-year students and count toward their elective requirements.  Founder's can be an entry point for the Russell Sage Honors program, Honoring Women's Voices.

Founder's Seminar (SST 111-112) is a two-semester study of a single topic that is intellectually challenging for students and faculty; some of the topics studied include "Evidence," "Passion," "Edges & Middles," and "Friction and Flow."  In the fall, students discuss presentations on the topic made by faculty from the different disciplines and professions.  In the spring, students develop their scholarly voices as tehy work on topically-organized individual projects which they present to their classmates.  Students earn 1.5 credits (Pass/Fail) each semester.  These courses are required for all entering first-year students and count toward their elective requirements.  Founder's can be an entry point for the Russell Sage Honors program, Honoring Women's Voices.

This is a one semester course offered on alternate campuses and required for first semester international students, unless exempted by the Director of Global Education, Cultural Enrichment, and Diversity.  The course will focus on the transition that international students make when they begin studying in the United States.  Focus will be given on American idioms, cultural differences, and classroom skills (reading, writing, and participation).  This class will allow international students to discuss problems they are having in their daily interactions with American students and in American classrooms and questions that may come up during these interactions.  Each class will also focus on specific area of necessity within their academic workload.

This first-year seminar sets the stage for success at Russell Sage College, supporting the student's sense of belonging and promoting ownership of her education.  The student will develop an awareness and appreciation of the skills and resources key to becoming a lifelong learner and a SAGE (Successful, Active, Goal-oriented and Engaged) student. 

This first-year seminar course builds upon the skills gained in SAGE Seminar I, supporting the student's sense of belonging and promoting ownership of her education.  The student will develop an awareness and appreciation of the skills and resources key to her success as a lifelong learner and a SAGE (Self-sufficient, Accountable, Grounded and Evolved) student. During the second semester students focus on developing financial literacy, career awareness and leadership skills, as well as implementing the strategies to achieve academic success acquired in the first semester.

This course offers the opportunity to engage in community service at non-profit organizations.  A two-day training workshop, two-hour classes every other week, and a one-day post-experience workshop are required.  Students may choose tutoring in a literacy project, work in a civic office, or serve in a non-profit organization.

Students interested in Study Abroad may contact [email protected]. See sage.edu for more information. Note: registration in SST 444 requires completion of study abroad paperwork.