Woodsworth One

What is Woodsworth One?

Woodsworth One is a program that offers first-year students interested in the Social Sciences and Humanities a small class experience. It is designed to provide students with opportunities to get to know and work more closely with their professors and classmates, while acclimatizing to life and studies at the University of Toronto.

The theme is “Order and Disorder” and the courses focus on law, crime, war, justice and government policies. If you’re studying Political Science, Sociology, Criminology, International Relations, History, Economics, Philosophy and related disciplines, Woodsworth One could be a great fit for you!

Who can take Woodsworth One?

Woodsworth One is for first-year students enrolled in the Social Sciences and Humanities within the Faculty of Arts & Science. In keeping with Woodworth College’s tradition of open access, there is no incoming grade requirement. 

What courses do I take?

As a Woodsworth One student, you can take ‘WDW151H1-F Order and Disorder I’ in the Fall term and/or ‘WDW152H1-S Order and Disorder II’ in the Winter term. Each course is worth a half credit (0.5 Full Course Equivalent, or ‘FCE’). The courses are capped at 25 students and the emphasis is on class discussion and participation. Learning in these courses is meant to be interactive, engaging, and fun – you participate in role-playing games, simulations, debates, discussions, and more.

You can choose to take either WDW151, WDW152, or both. These courses are each great on their own, but they work even better together – WDW152 (Winter term) builds upon WDW151 (Fall term) and by taking both, you have two semesters to get to know the course team and your classmates.

How does Woodsworth One support first-year students?

Woodsworth One pairs in-class learning with co-curricular activities like field trips, guest talks, academic skill-building workshops, and scavenger hunts that help you learn more about campus and university life and provide lots of opportunities for students to meet each other and build friendships.

As a Woodsworth One student, you also have access to a team of peer mentors: upper-year students who have already gone through the program. These mentors attend class and help you navigate your first year. They share advice on everything from studying, balancing school and other demands, to finding the best spots on campus to eat or rest. They help students build a strong sense of community within the program.

The Woodsworth One team also includes Woodsworth’s Academic Writing Centre, a Learning Strategist, a dedicated Registrar, and a program administrator. Each member of the team seeks to create a strong sense of community and to set students up for academic success. 

Woodsworth One offers:

• Small classes, but a big community;
• A direct connection to the professor;
• Interactive learning experiences, field trips, and guest speakers;
• Networking & advising for future academic and career paths;
• Workshops to build academic skills: test-taking, time management, essay-writing, and more;
• Lots of support: upper year mentors, and support staff dedicated to aiding the transition to university.

How do I register for Woodsworth One?

• Registration in Woodsworth One is done via ACORN.
• Find course enrolment instructions on the Faculty of Arts & Science website.

Want to learn more?

• Email us at one.wdw@utoronto.ca