First-Year Courses

Exciting interdisciplinary courses especially for Arts and Sciences students entering their first year!


OFFERED IN 2025/2026

SMC ONES

NEW! SMC135H1: The Donovan Seminar: Visual Art and Meaning

What is the relationship between visual art and the search for meaning? How do we learn to stop and see and interpret? Focusing on the renowned art collections on the grounds and campus of St Mike’s and U of T, this course studies ways in which artists have engaged with their world, with history, and with spiritual and philosophical questions. You also explore the diverse ways in which viewers bring their own engagement with these questions into interpretations of painting, sculpture, and photography.

NEW! SMC175H: Contemporary Ireland: An Introduction

This multidisciplinary course introduces you to the rich culture of the contemporary Republic of Ireland. Particular attention will be focused on Irish Gaelic culture: the Irish language; traditional Irish singing and dancing; sport; film, television, and radio; drama; and contemporary Irish literature (in English and in Irish). The course may include a one-week experiential learning trip to Ireland.

Please note that trip dates are subject to change. St. Michael’s College follows the guidance of government health authorities and the Faculty of Arts and Science when arranging student travel. Questions about the course can be directed to usmc.principalsoffice@utoronto.ca.

SMC188H/189H: The Gilson Seminar in Faith and Ideas/Faith in Rome

This course consists of two half courses that take place over the full year to explore questions related to Christianity and the arts, science, philosophy, and poliitics. The course includes an eleven-day international learning experience in May 2026, featuring daily lectures and site-specific talks and tours in Rome and Assisi.

Please note that trip dates are subject to change. St. Michael’s College follows the guidance of government health authorities and the Faculty of Arts and Science when arranging student travel. Questions about the course can be directed to usmc.principalsoffice@utoronto.ca.

SMC 155H: The McLuhan Seminar in Creativity and Technology

FIRST-YEAR FOUNDATION (FYF) COURSES

NEW! SMC192H Sherlock Holmes: Mass Media and Fan Culture from the Victorians to the Present Day

What is human intelligence? How close are we to replicating it? Is Silicon Valley the seat of a new techno-religion? What insight (or inspiration) can we get from works of science fiction about the future of human-AI interaction? Through discussion, written assignments, and workshops, this seminar presents you with the opportunity to integrate your computer science interests with philosophy, history, and literature.

NEW! MST110H: Robin Hood: Legend and Legacy