There are many answers to this question, but here are a few:
Yearlong seminars achieve results. Research shows that having a well-planned sequence of courses to build foundational skills is more effective than opting for a patchwork selection of courses. Much like in studying languages or mathematics or a musical instrument, regular practice of certain skills consistently over time improves those skills dramatically.
Learners respond well to being part of an ongoing and connected community of peers and having their professors know them personally.
All learning tends to develops incrementally, iteratively, and over time. Seminars take the approach that all essential skills are practiced in all terms and that those skills are integrated throughout. Reading, writing, speaking and research are not broken into separate “blocks” but happen organically as they would in work settings beyond SOU.
Seminars are more than just a basic writing course, a communications course, or a research course. In this case, the whole is really greater than the sum of its parts. Seminars include bigger discussions around the nature of learning, the definitions of meaningful work, academic and career planning, and what it means to be an active part of a community of lifelong learners.
Many larger schools do not have the luxury of such connected, personalized and ongoing learning – the type of learning that SOU believes in, values and supports. In many ways, it is the privilege of a smaller university (whether public or private) to offer yearlong seminars. SOU makes this choice because it is of great benefit to students.