Seminars provide an opportunity to explore the things you learn about in lectures in more depth, by discussing them with your tutors and other students.  This section will look at how to prepare for a seminar, and what to expect from one.

What is a seminar?

A seminar is a small in-person class that often happens after a lecture.  During a seminar, students and a tutor discuss a particular topic. This will usually be directly linked to the theme of the most recent lecture, but will typically go much further into the topic, and the discussion may go in unexpected directions as people respond to each other’s contributions.

Who does what?

Often the tutor will give the students some reading to do in advance of the seminar.  To get the most out of the experience, you should always try to read the core texts and any recommended reading, and you should be prepared to contribute, even if you decide not to speak.

Many students find speaking in front of a group and voicing their opinions uncomfortable, particularly early on in their studies;. If you have told City you are autistic and have met with the Disability and Neurodiversity team, your tutor should be aware of any reasonable adjustments in place for you. If, for example, the thought of being called upon to speak makes you anxious, you can discuss ways of managing this with your Disability and Neurodiversity advisor, and they can help communicate this with your tutors.

The tutor’s role in a seminar is to support and guide a conversation between students. It is different than a lecture in this regard, as the students will do most of the talking.

Why are seminars important?

Seminars allow you to:

• Explore topics in greater depth
• Learn from other students
• Share your own ideas
• Ask questions and clarify things you are unsure about
• Gain confidence speaking in front of others

• Check your timetable and be aware of when and where your seminars are (the sessions may not be every week, and may fall on different days)
• Familiarise yourself with the seminar room
• Make sure that you have access to any required readings or research, well in advance of the seminar
• Try to actively listen to the other students’ ideas and opinions, don’t just wait for your turn to speak
• If you feel you a worried about speaking in your seminars, speak to your Disability and Neurodiversity advisor and your tutor if you feel comfortable to

• What do I need to do to prepare for the seminar?
• Are the reading materials available online?
• Do I know where I have to be and when I have to be there?
• Do I know anyone else in my seminar group?
• Is my tutor aware I’m autistic, and do I need to let them know?

There is some more useful information on seminars on the Glasgow Caledonian University website:
http://www.gcu.ac.uk/media/gcalwebv2/gculead/content/PDF%20Practical%20seminar%20tips.pdf

This article was adapted from an article by Jackie Hagan, Learning Support Coordinator at the University for the Creative Arts at Rochester.