Thematic LEAP

All LEAP classes focus on the themes of diversity and community. In Thematic LEAP those themes are the main selling point, while in the other versions of LEAP there is an additional reason for students to choose the class: to be grouped with other students who are either interested in the same field or profession (in the case of Pre-professional LEAP) or who are living together (in the case of Residence Halls LEAP).

Thematic LEAP is perfect for students who don’t know yet what they want to major in. There are no restrictions on who takes Thematic LEAP. So even if you are living on campus or know what you’ll major in, you aren’t obligated to take Residence Halls LEAP or Pre-professional LEAP. You are free to register for Thematic LEAP if one of these sections sounds particularly interesting to you.

You register for Thematic LEAP, as for all other LEAP classes, during summer Orientation.  To reserve your place at Orientation, visit the Orientation website, http://www.sa.utah.edu/orientation/, or call 801/581-7069.

Some Thematic LEAPs are designated service emphasis. Check the Class Schedule for specific section numbers.

All LEAP classes are linked with Writing 2010 classes, sections of which are reserved for LEAP students. This gives LEAP students an advantage in registering for Writing 2010 (which otherwise tends to fill up quickly). Students registering for these sections of 2010 are able to stay together with students from their LEAP class, which allows them to continue building community beyond the LEAP classroom.

Thematic LEAP, like other LEAP classes, satisfies two general Education requirements (Humanities and Social Science) as well as the diversity requirement. The classes are small, between 15 and 30 students, and instruction is by discussion and small group work. There will be a Peer Advisor—a second year student who excelled in LEAP the year before—assigned to each class to answer questions and offer advice and guidance. The class is designed to teach you the general academic skills you’ll need to be successful in your classes at the university (close reading, critical thinking, argumentative writing, research skills) as well as to introduce you to the fundamental questions and modes of inquiry governing research in the humanities and social sciences.