Your first introduction to the program will probably occur via the FYP Handbook, which comes in three volumes, each devoted to two sections of the course. These Handbooks are distributed before the term begins, and will be fundamental to your Foundation Year. They contain lecture schedules, details about the course structure, assignments and late policy, and, most importantly, many of the required readings for the year.
It is crucial for you to crack open these Handbooks at least a day before the first FYP lecture and tutorial. Have a look through the course introduction, calendar, and policies ahead of time, so you can start class prepared. The first lecture is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 4th, in Alumni Hall, on the main floor of the King's Academic Building (commonly called the NAB.) The first assigned readings should be done before the lecture, and are listed in the lecture schedule for Section 1 in the first volume of the Foundation Year Program Handbook, Sections 1 & 2. These are The Epic of Gilgamesh (translated by N.K. Sandars, Penguin), which is available for purchase through the King’s Bookstore, along with other shorter readings which will be found in the Handbook. You should also read the “Introduction to the Ancient World” (again, in the Handbook) in advance of the first lecture.
Your first tutorial will also be on Wednesday, Sept. 4th. Tutorials meet at 11:35 am, 12:35 pm or 1:35 pm (according to the time you registered for) and last for 50 minutes. Tutorials are incredibly important: you will have a great chance to ask questions, discuss the readings and lectures as a group, and get to know a faculty member and your FYP peers. Your tutorial number and classroom location will be listed front and centre on the FYP Brightspace page (our online learning platform) before classes start. On Friday, Sept. 6th, the first set of essay questions will be available on Brightspace immediately following the lecture, and your first paper will be due ten days later, on Monday, Sept. 16 th . Your tutors are always there to discuss your ideas for essays and, along with the FYP Writing Coach, to guide you in improving your writing all year.
If at any point you find yourself in need of an extension on an essay due date, or extra support of any kind, please reach out to Tim Clarke, our Associate Director, Student Support. Our FYP Administrative Assistant, Elisabeth Stones, is also available to answer a variety of questions about the program, from finding your tutorial to navigating Brightspace and more! They, and all the FYP staff, are happy to help make this a wonderful and fulfilling year for you. Visit the office in person on the 3 rd floor of the NAB, or reach out via email at fypoffice@ukings.ca with any questions.
We’re looking forward to meeting you!