Start Sooner Academics
Start Sooner students will enroll in two 4-week courses earning 6 college credit hours. Students will select a general education course from a pre-approved list, as well as enroll in a University College Seminar course that is designed to prepare students for rigorous college classes, teach students how to successfully navigate OU, and build a strong foundation for collegiate success.
Foundation to College Learning
All Start Sooner students will be enrolled in Foundation to College Learning, a 3-credit hour University College Seminar course exclusive to the Start Sooner program.
- UCOL 1013: Foundation to College Learning - This course is intended to assist students in the transition from high school to college. Focus is placed on both the characteristics and behavior of the successful college student. Topics to be covered include, but are not limited to, study skills, time management, goal setting, learning styles, financial planning, emotional intelligence, and personal and civic responsibility.
General Education Course
In addition to the Foundation to College Learning course, all students are required to enroll in a second course that will satisfy general education requirements.
Below is a current list of the courses available from previous years for Start Sooner students. All students will review available classes during a required advising appointment with a member of the Start Sooner team.
*Other courses may be available for participants to enroll in for Start Sooner depending on AP, ACT, and math placement test scores.
The following course is blended, which means the class will meet in person 10:30 - 11:45 a.m. Monday through Thursday. However, please note that the course will also include some online components,
- SOC 1523 Social Problems - Analysis of major social problems of contemporary U.S. and policy debates concerning them. Examination of social science theory and research that are relevant to understanding these problems. Development of social institutions in which social problems occur.
The following courses are fully in person and take place 10:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. Monday through Friday. Additionally, keep in mind that Foundations to College Learning will take place in person for in-person students.
- COMM 1113 Principles of Communication - Introductory study of human communication emphasizing both theoretic understanding of the process as well as skillful application of communication principles and techniques within a variety of settings.
- HES 1823 Scientific Principles of Health and Disease - Students will be exposed to the basic science-based principles needed to develop an interdisciplinary understanding of human health. The course is designed to assist students in the development of a basic understanding of the anatomical structures and physiological process that are critical to understanding the development of various diseased/disorders. Students will apply this knowledge to a fact-based model for choosing and developing appropriate lifestyle and health-related interventions (e.g., exercise, nutrition, stress management), both for health enhancement and disease prevention.
- P SC 1113 American Federal Government - A study of the structure, organization and powers of the executive, legislative and judicial branches including relationships between state and national governments. Emphasis upon political processes and popular government; elections, political parties, pressure groups, voting behavior.
- PSY 1113 Elements of Psychology - A survey of the scientific study of human behavior. Emphasis is placed upon scientific method, basic life processes, mechanisms of adaption, individual differences and group behavior. Students have the opportunity to be exposed to the research process either by serving as participants in research experiments or by conducting reviews of research topics.
- ECON 1123 Principles of Economics: Micro - Goals, incentives and allocation of resources resulting from economic behavior with applications and illustrations from current issues: operation of markets for goods, services and factors of production; the behavior of firms and industries in different types of competition and income distribution.
- HIST 1493 United States History to 1865 - A general survey of United States history to the end of the Civil War, with emphasis upon national political, diplomatic, economic, constitutional, social and intellectual developments.
- PHIL 1213 Introduction to Ethics - Basic issues in moral philosophy examined through a consideration of selected philosophers, including a sampling of normative theories as well as an introduction to issues of metaethics.
Student Academic Resources
All Start Sooner students will enjoy access to all of the university's academic resources. These resources are provided to help students be successful throughout the Start Sooner program and later as college freshmen. These resources include:
If you have any questions about the program or registration process email startsooner@ou.edu or call 405-550-3659.
