Freshman studies is a required course at many liberal arts

Liberal arts

The term liberal arts refers to those subjects which in classical antiquity were considered essential for a free citizen to study. Grammar, Rhetoric and Logic were the core liberal arts. In medieval times these subjects were extended to include mathematics, geometry, music and astronomy...

 colleges in the United States

United States

The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...

. In general, it is mandatory for all freshman to take at least one or two terms. Most programs seek to panoptically introduce students to a variety of material outside of their immediate interests, foster academic debate, and encourage students to become better writers.

The idea was created by Lawrence University

Lawrence University

Lawrence University is a selective, private liberal arts college with a nationally recognized conservatory of music, in Appleton, Wisconsin. Lawrence University is known for its rigorous academic environment. Founded in 1847, the first classes were held on November 12, 1849...

 President Nathan M. Pusey

Nathan M. Pusey

Nathan Marsh Pusey was a prominent American university educator.-Early life and education:Pusey was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa to John and Rosa Pusey...

in 1945 and first implemented by Professor Waple, who chaired the Freshman Studies Committee at that school.