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Photo of a classroom Otterbein College Academics > Programs > Senior Year Experience (SYE) > How to Choose an SYE

How to Choose an SYE

Of course you have to consider your overall schedule as you choose your SYE. But we've learned that students who choose their SYE based on topic, learning style, or broad subject area (whether familiar or new) tend to gain all the benefits of SYE sooner, learn more, see the experience as valuable, and get a better grade! We encourage you to think carefully about this culminating course at Otterbein, to read the more detailed information about the options posted under course descriptions and to talk to your adviser about all your possibilities.

As you choose your SYE, it might be helpful to think about who you are as a person and as a student. What follows are some questions to help you in your thinking, along with the SYEs that match particular traits. Note that all SYE courses listed are not offered each year. Check which courses are available for the upcoming year here.

Are you interested in active learning and hands-on problem solving? Think about
  • SYE 416 Community, Leadership, and Change in Non-Profit and Social Service Organizations
  • SYE 418 The Face of AIDS
  • SYE 423 Global Citizenship: Issues and Problems for the 21st Century
  • SYE 425 Social Justice, Responsibility and Change
Do you prefer intensive study, reflection, and debate? Try
  • SYE 402 Engaging Cultures:  Words and Worlds
  • SYE 419 Naked, Community and Sober:  Search for Utopia
  • SYE 422 High Stakes:  The 2008 Presidential Election
  • SYE 428  Politics, Culture and Art

Are you interested in service learning? You might like

  • SYE 403 Toward Peace and Justice: Living and Leading in Community
  • SYE 416 Community, Leadership, and Change in Non-Profit and Social Service Organizations
  • SYE 423 Global Citizenship: Issues and Problems for the 21st Century
Are you committed to doing something to change the world? Consider
  • SYE 403 Toward Peace and Justice: Living and Leading in Community
  • SYE 418 The Face of AIDS
  • SYE 423 Global Citizenship: Issues and Problems for the 21st Century
  • SYE 425 Social Justice, Responsibility and Change
Do you like small classes? Think about
  • SYE 403 Toward Peace & Justice: Living and Leading in Community
  • SYE 490 Managing Transitions to the Future: The SYE Internship Seminar
  • SYE 416 Community, Leadership, and Change in Non-Profit and Social Service Organizations
  • SYE 428 Politics, Culture and Art
Do you prefer to work on your own? Are you self-motivated? Do you enjoy research? Consider
  • SYE 475 Off-Campus Study
  • SYE 495 Individualized SYE
  • HNRS 305 and 405 Honors Seminar and Project (Honors students only)
Are you interested in combining class work with field experience out in the work force or community? You should look at
  • SYE 403 Toward Peace and Justice: Living & Leading in Community
  • SYE 416 Community, Leadership, and Change in Non-Profit and Social Service Organizations
  • SYE 490 Managing Transitions to the Future: The SYE Internship Seminar (You must enroll in 10 credit hours of internship in your home department and then concurrently or the quarter following enroll in SYE 490.)
Are you interested in international travel or an off-campus experience? Think about
  • SYE 470 Examination of Culture and Health Care in England (open to all seniors)
  • SYE 471 1900-WIEN-2000: Culture and Conflict in Vienna at the Turn of Two Centuries
  • SYE 473 Africa
  • SYE 475 Off-Campus Study (when you are studying abroad or off-campus for a quarter/semester)
  • SYE 474 The Strange Case of Edinburgh:  Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (summer 2009 travel)
  • SYE 476 India:  Creating Social Change
Are you a Continuing Studies student? Think about
  • SYE 420 Inventing the Self and the Future
  • SYE 417 Organizations as Citizens:  Ethical and Social Responsibilities
Are you in education and planning to student teach?
  • See your department for more details.
Are you in athletic training?
  • See your department for more details.
Are you in theatre and planning an internship?
  • See your department for more details.
Are you in honors?
  • Consult with the director of the program and your thesis adviser for more details.
Are you a Equine Health Technology major?
  • Talk with your adviser and get approval from the SYE program director to enroll in SYE 490 (Internship Seminar) during your clinical experience.