Residential Freshman Interest Groups 2008
What is a Residential Freshman Interest Group (RFIG)?
A Freshman Interest Group is a learning community of students registered for two courses linked to a common theme. Students must sign up for all courses in the FIG; they will be the only ones allowed to register for the courses. FIGs provide a special opportunity for students to develop social and academic relationships with other students in their FIG. Students in FIGS also have greater levels of interaction with faculty members. The only entry requirement for a FIG is freshman status. None of the courses in a FIG have prerequisites. The enrollment for each FIG is limited to 22 students.
For Fall 2008, the two FIGs will have a residential component (thus RFIG) which means the students selected to participate in RFIGs will live together in Osprey Crossings, UNF’s premier residence hall community, as well as take two classes together. The Residence Life staff will complement student learning with fun, interactive programming.
As many of you may know, this fall we are beginning a new program called UNF Reads! which involves a common summer reading for all incoming UNF freshman. The book selected for UNF Reads is Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything by Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner.
For this reason, we have selected as a theme for the two RFIGs the topic of “Freakonomics”. One of the RFIGs will examine Freakonomics from an economic perspective; the other RFIG will examine Freakonomics from a sociological perspective. Both of these are two-course RFIGs that will link either a General Education sociology or economics course with a college writing course.
Freakonomics: The Hidden Side of Everything
What do drug dealers, cheating schoolteachers, and girls named “Jasmine” have in common? In this Freshman Interest Group we will use sociological and economic reasoning to uncover the facts and unravel the myths surrounding criminal activity, social inequality, racism, sexism, and the reasons why Americans go to church more often than people in Europe or Asia. Our central text will be Freakonomics, a controversial and bestselling book that argues that much of what we see on the news or accept as common sense really makes no sense at all. Both the writing component and the sociology or economics component will examine the information presented in the text and create written and oral arguments that support or refute popular beliefs or ideas. Our hands-on study of the topic will culminate in a research project that provides practical application for the theories developed in Freakonomics.
| RFIG 0001 FIG Group 1 - The Hidden Side of Everything: How American Society Really Works. | ||||
| Course/Section No. | Title | Gen. Ed. Requirement | Time | Instructor |
| SYG 2000/82883 | Intro to Sociology | Social Science A | MW 3:00-4:15 | Phillips |
| ENC 1101/81141 | College Writing | English Composition | TR 10:50-12:05 | Caton-David |
| RFIG 0001 FIG Group 2 - The Hidden Side of Everything: How American Economy Really Works. | ||||
| Course/Section No. | Title | Gen. Ed. Requirement | Time | Instructor |
| ECP 1002/82799 | Survey of Econ. Issues | Social Science A | MWF 10:00-10:50 | Johnson |
| ENC 1101/81141 | College Writing | English Composition | MWF 11:00-11:50 | Gambino |
Is a Residential FIG for me?
- Residential FIGs are intended specifically for first year students entering the University of North Florida during the Fall 2008 semester who choose to live on campus in Osprey Crossings. The cost per semester/per student for a double room in Osprey Crossings is $2,475.
- The program is not intended for students who possess college credit prior to beginning their Fall semester.
- Participants of the Academic Potential Program are not eligible.
- Students who attend UNF classes in Summer A or Summer B 2008 are not eligible.
How Will Residential FIGs Benefit Me?
- Ease your transition into college
- Live with students who have shared interests with you
- Do better academically
- Build meaningful relationships with faculty
- Live in Osprey Crossings, the newest residential complex at UNF
- Live down the hall from a study lounge and meeting space
- Attend activities and events designed just for you
- Take part in a special Welcome Program with other FIG students
- Have access to Academic Advising in your area
Tell Me More About Living in Osprey Crossings
Osprey Crossings is UNF’s newest residence hall complex. This community has been specifically selected for the Residential FIG program because the structure and environment of the building is specially designed to help promote study and interaction. The program rooms and lounge space are conducive to studying, hanging out, and attending class.
If you are selected to participate in the 2008 Fall RFIG program, you will be assigned to a Double Room in Osprey Crossings ($2,475 per person, per semester).
To take a virtual tour of Osprey Crossings, visit the Housing Operations website:
* Complete RFIG Application Here *
Please mail, email, or fax RFIG Applications to:
University of North Florida
Office of Undergraduate Studies
Attention: Melody Taylor
Residential FIG Application
1 UNF Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32224
Phone: (904) 620-2994
Fax: (904) 620-2787
Email: undergrad.studies@unf.edu