As a recent curriculum innovation replacing Freshman English, the Freshman Investigative Seminar consists of 12 or 13 students meeting for one semester of five weekly class hours, directed by faculty from different disciplines. Its objectives are to lead the student to learn how to gather information from various sources, how to keep accurate records of research and reading, and how to write a clear report on a specific topic chosen from research findings. This course first developed from dissatisfaction with the traditional Freshman English course and focused on the subject of the American Indian. Following this general theme throughout the course, students ultimately gained greater appreciation of and insight into both the complex culture of the American Indian and the moral issues involved in confrontations between Indians and the white society. (JM)