The Freshman General Studies Thematic Program (GST) at California State University, Chico was established in 1973 to create a general education program for freshmen and to give faculty the opportunity to explore innovative teaching methods. What resulted was a 33-unit, year-long interdisciplinary course for 36 well-motivated, well-prepared students that meets at least 3 hours a day, 5 days a week. It is team taught by five or six faculty from various departments. The curriculum is a Western Civilization course beginning with human evolution and ending with the contemporary world and the future. The historically-arranged curriculum includes history, performing and plastic arts, literature, philosophy, economics, and natural and social science. Because GST is the students' entire academic load, it allows for field trips and other educational experiences often precluded by scheduling conflicts. An unforeseen program benefit has been creation of a supportive and positive environment for freshmen. Personnel requirements are five or six faculty sharing 2.2 full-time positions and one work-study student. The operating budget is $5,000 plus $1,300 for the work-study student. Much of this document consists of student materials including an introduction to the GST program and its components, syllabus, and schedule. (Author/MSE)