Avoiding Failure?
FYSEMR 68M
Subject & Catalog Number
Course Information
Description
Avoiding failure? Where will your own life be if you avoid failure? What allows us to overcome and benefit from the inevitable failures in creative endeavors? Why is failure so critical for innovations and creative achievement—for individuals and societies? The seminar charts the biography of an idea about the improbable foundations of creative undertakings. There is ample literature to suggest that our most iconic creative endeavors are not purely achievements, but conversions, corrections after failed attempts that required grappling with tensions. But when is this true? Doesn’t success beget success?
This seminar will let students explore the gift of failure for the riddle it is—like number zero, both a void and the start of infinite possibility. By the end of the seminar, students will gain an understanding of the nature of creativity and innovation and have a clear sense of where failure is helpful in these endeavors. This seminar will feature guest lectures from artists, athletes, and entrepreneurs, and feature creative projects as assignments to explore these ideas.
Class Notes
First-Year Seminars are available only to first-year students. You may apply to both Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 First-Year Seminars via the FYS lottery between July 6 and August 6, 2026 at 11:59PM-midnight.
You may apply to as many seminars each term as you would like, but we recommend you apply to at least six in fall and three in spring.
As part of your application, you must provide a brief statement on why you are interested in each seminar. You will be notified of lottery results for both fall and spring seminars at 5 pm on August 11. If you are unsuccessful in the lottery, you may still join any seminar with open seats. A list of open seminars and instructions on next steps will be available on the First-Year Seminar Program website August 11 at 12 Noon.
Not Available for Cross Registration
