Cottrill LIBA 111 Syllabus Sp 2014

LIBA 111 M: First-Year Seminar: The Pursuit of Happiness Tuesday 1:00 1:50 pm (JENS 1W)

Spring 2014 Instructor: Dr. Brittany Cottrill Email: [email protected]

Office: 101 Jensen Office Phone: 263-2906 Office Hours: MWF 10-11:30; T 2:30-3:30 and by appointment

Writing Center: Rasmussen Room 205 Writing Center Phone: 263-2855

Course Description and Prerequisites This 1 credit class builds on the interdisciplinary approach to a course-specific theme while allowing students to explore personal development, intellectual growth, and what it means to have a liberal arts education. The 1-credit element of the course is designed to build on the previous 3-credit course, and to encourage students to plan and reflect on their education and plan of study.

You will. Activities demonstrating learning

1. Discover your strengths, interests, and passions through participating in class and campus activities.

Journal Responses

Major Exploration Project

Liberal Arts Project

Academic Planning

2. Develop the skills and understanding to support critical, self-directed learning and to utilize campus resources for academic and personal success.

Journal Responses


Course Readings and Discussion

Academic Planning

3. Examine who you are as a whole person and how that impacts your potential as a leaner and responsible citizen.

Journal Responses

Academic Planning


What you will learn Activities demonstrating learning Critical Inquiry This course will provide students with multiple opportunities to practice applying discipline specific approaches to investigate, research, assess, and generate knowledge. Students will practice critical inquiry in relation to course readings and issues related to course themes.

Journal Responses



Academic Planning

Course Readings and Discussions

Information Literacy This course will offer students multiple opportunities to analyze questions and problems, collect and evaluate information from an assortment of sources, and produce significant, evidence-based responses and projects using a variety of academic resources.



Written Communication This course is designed to allow students to have the opportunity to practice the writing process, form their ideas for specific audiences and purpose, and develop effective written communication skills.

Journal Responses



LIBA 111 Syllabus Spring 2014 p. 2

* Subject to Revision

How the Course will be Taught

LIBA 110 and LIBA 111 are both seminar classes. This may be different from what you are used to in school. A seminar is a type of class where learners come together and discuss a topic in a small group. This course is student centered, and your instructor will act as a facilitator, resource, and co-learner along with you. The focus of a seminar is to explore and inquire into a topic, but that inquiry may not necessarily be to a specified end (such as learning the facts for a test or mastering an experiment). Instead, this class will ask you to think, analyze, synthesize, and engage with issues, ideas, and questions as a way to improve your thinking and understanding. The conversations will build on previous classes, so you will be expected to make connections. The goal of a seminar is for students to take ownership for their learning and to create an environment build on trust, respect, and investigation.

Resources Necessary for Learning

Texts/Resources Materials posted on Blackboard or handed out in class. You must print documents on Blackboard and

bring them to class.

Technology Necessary A journal on Blackboard

Access to a computer with Microsoft Word, Internet access, s GV email account, and a GV Blackboard account.

Sign up for Remind101 notifications for this class.

Supplies A data storage device (e.g., flash drive, CDs, Google Docs account, etc.) to back up files. Please

dont just rely on your hard drive computers fail.

Student Responsibilities Course Requirements

Journal Responses (180 points) You will be expected to write a journal post each week where you reflect on your strengths, weaknesses, success, and struggles in your second semester. Prompts will be provided each week on Blackboard under Journals. Participation (70) Participation in class includes being prepared and present, as well as actively engaged. Participation points cannot be made up. This includes additional small homework (activities, reading quizzes, etc.). Major Exploration Project (125) You will be responsible for exploring your future major (or a possible major). This project will include an interview with a faculty member in your proposed major and research on the major/degree/job requirements. You will compile this information into a brochure. Liberal Arts Group Project (125)In groups you will complete a project about the liberal arts where you will explore what it means to get a liberal arts education, why the liberal arts are important, and how the liberal arts will help you. In groups you may create a game (Liberal Arts Life, for example), write and illustrate a childrens book (the ABCs of a Liberal Arts education), create a website that explains the value of the liberal arts, or something else. Projects must be approved by me.



Earning your Grade All assignment sheets will include specific criteria that projects will be graded on. Generally, all essays will be graded for audience, purpose, organization, development, research (if applicable), and correctness. The course uses a traditional grade standard:

A 90-100% | B 80-89% | C 70-79% | D 60-69% | F 0-59 %

*** Note*** Students who fail LIBA 111 will be required to retake the 1-credit course in the following semester.

Grading Standards: The specific grading criteria for each major assignment will be provided with the assignment sheet. Generally speaking, however, the grading standards for this class are as follows:

A (outstanding): An assignment that receives an A (90-100%) meets and exceeds the criteria of the assignment, maintains a sophisticated focus throughout the work, and demonstrates mastery of major principles of audience, purpose, thesis, organization, development, etc. The project captivates readers with sophisticated style from start to finish, makes clear and smooth connections between ideas, and approaches the subject in a unique way so the reader enjoys and learns from the project. B (above average): A project that receives a B (80-89%) clearly meets all criteria of the assignment. The project has a focused purpose throughout and demonstrates solid command of major rhetorical principles. The subject matter is presented in an original and interesting way, though it is not as sophisticated as the A paper. The project makes clear and smooth connections between ideas and is thoroughly developed, and it is free of all but a few minor sentence-level errors. C (average): A project that receives a C (70-79%) meets all the criteria of the assignment and maintains a controlling purpose, though at times the projects focus my drift. The project demonstrates adequate control of major rhetorical principles and adequate command of the subject matter. The argument/perspective may not be original and/or as completing as the A or B level work. It may contain sentence-level errors, but not sever enough to interfere with communications.

**Note: many students are surprised to receive a C when they have done everything listed on the assignment sheet. Simply meeting the minimum requirements constitutes a basic passing grade; to get a B or an A, you must exceed those minimum requirements through more sophisticated execution.

D (below average): A project that receives a D (60-69%) meets some of the criteria but not others. The purpose may be weak or unclear. Perspectives presented may not be original or truly argumentative or on topic. Connections between ideas may be rough or confusing. The project may contain patterns of sentence-level errors that are severe enough to interfere with communication. F (not acceptable): A project that receives an F (0-59%) fails to meet more criteria of the assignment than it meets.

Tips to be Successful The most successful student will:

Believe in her/himself and her/his ability to be successful. You are here because youve worked hard and deserve it.

Meet with her/his instructors and advisor early and often. We are here to help you, but you have to take the first step.

Not wait too long to ask for help. Visit the Writing Center or Math Lab, go to your instructors office hours, ask your classmates, or visit study tables.

Be prepared to talk and work in every class, every day.



Write all due dates in her/his planner for all classes. If you dont use a planner, put them in your phone, write them on sticky notes on your wall, or anything else that will work for you. Put them down somewhere so you know how to plan your time.

Course Policies

Attendance

Attendance in this class is mandatory. Your preparation, participation, and performance are critical to your success in this class. Absenteeism and tardiness compromises your ability to succeed because you will miss opportunities to participate in-class activities/assignments that contribute to your development. I realize, however, that sickness or emergencies can occur; should you need to miss class, please be sure to contact me, preferably beforehand, to discuss what might be done to assist you with getting back on track. Similarly, if you must miss class for a University-sponsored event, it is your responsibility to inform me before hand. Missing class (or being absent by being unprepared to participate) will result in a loss of 5 points from your participation score regardless of the reason for your absence. Missing more than two classes may result in failing the course.

Revision Policy (optional but encouraged)

Because writing is a process, and most writers find that a work must go through multiple revisions, you may choose to revise your graded essays and projects. Your revised projects may earn up to a full letter grade from the original graded draft (for example, if your essay earned a 75% then you may revise the essay to no higher than an 85%). It is not possible to get a worse grade on a revision; however, the extent to which the grade increases depends entirely on the success of the revision. If you choose to revise, you must first schedule an appointment with me to discuss your revision strategy within one week of the original paper being returned. Revisions will not be accepted from students who have not met with me.

Late Work

All assignments are due at the start of class unless otherwise stated. If you know you will be missing a class when an assignment or paper is due you must turn the assignment in early. Work submitted after the due date will be penalized 10% for each additional day. If you feel that you need extra time for an assignment please come to me before the day it is due. If you do not talk to me until the due date I will not be able to discuss a possible extension. Extensions will be considered on a case-by-case basis considering effort towards meeting the deadline and are not guaranteed.

Courtesy and Integrity

Courtesy and integrity must be shown to everyone in the class. Please be respectful of others thoughts, opinions, and views. If you bring your cell phone to class make sure it is turned off. Please do not answer your cell phone in class or text message. Food and drink are acceptable in class as long as they are not distracting and you do not leave a mess. Laptops are also fine to bring to class as long as all sound options are turned off, you stay on task, and you close your laptop when asked or when appropriate.



Academic Honesty

In addition to following University sanctioned policy, academic dishonesty in this course will not be tolerated and will lead to a failing grade on the assignment and may lead to failing the course.

Contacting Me Online

Email is a wonderful communications tool and I welcome the chance of using it to help you with questions about your writing or about assignments. Please note, however, that email can be unreliable. As a result, I cannot be responsible for any email messages that are lost or addressed incorrectly (and this is not an excuse for late work). If you email me something, I will email you back, ordinarily within 24 hours, to tell you that I have received your message. However, if you dont receive my email reply, this means that I did not receive your message and that you should discuss the content of your email with me personally. Similarly, if you email me right before class, I probably will not be able to read your message until after class.

Resources

If you are a student with a documented disability and would like to discuss special accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact me during office hours or by email at the beginning of the semester. If you think you might have a learning disability, it is your responsibility to contact the Director of Academic Enrichment and Disability Coordinator and apply for any requested accommodation. The director is Ms. Joy Brandt and she can be reached at 263-2971. Additional support can be found at the Career Center at 263-2955, and at the Counseling Center at 263-2986. More importantly, academic support can be found at the Tutoring Center (for all concerns outside of writing and math), the Math Lab, and the Writing Center. The Tutoring Center is located on the second floor of the library. The Math Lab is located in Elings, and the Writing Center is located at 205 Rasmussen.

A Final Word I am really excited to continue working with each of you this semester. It is my hope that Ill continue to be a resource, and that you feel more comfortable transitioning from your first-year at GV to your second year. I encourage you to take advantage of the resources around you and to keep in touch with me as we go through the semester. If you have any questions about the classroom policies or other class matters, as well as issues that arise across campus, please feel free to talk to me.

Institutional Undergraduate Syllabus Statements Revised: 7/12/2013

Academic Responsibility/Honesty/Code of Integrity In accordance with its mission statement, Grand View University is dedicated to the development of the whole person, and committed to truth, excellence, and ethical values. The University strives to promote appreciation of the dignity and worth of each individual and open interaction between student, faculty and staff. Personal integrity and academic honesty are essential to building a campus of trust. Thus, honesty in all aspects of the college experience is the responsibility of each student, faculty, and staff member.

Nettiquette (from Internet etiquette) "Netiquette" refers to the standards for appropriate interaction in an online environment. Students are expected to display proper netiquette in their communications with their teacher and with other students. This includes using proper written English, being polite by disagreeing agreeably when necessary, including your name and other necessary identifiers on any communication. If an email or discussion post ever concerns you, please notify the instructor right away in a private manner.



This is reflected in the Grand View University Code of Integrity which states: As a member of the Grand View University community, and in accordance with the mission of the university and its Lutheran identity, I agree to appreciate and respect the dignity and worth of each individual. I will honor and promote a community of open interaction, personal integrity, active and intellectual engagement, and academic honesty with students, faculty and staff. Accommodation Grand View University prohibits unlawful discrimination and encourages full participation by all students within the university community. When a student requires any instructional or other accommodation to optimize participation and/or performance in this course, it is the responsibility of the student to contact both the instructor and the Associate Director of Student Success: Academic Support and Disability Services and apply for any requested accommodation. The associate director is Ms. Joy Brandt and she can be reached at 515/263-2971. Class Attendance Students are responsible for adhering to the attendance policies as expressed by the instructor/department. Furthermore, the Federal Government requires that students receiving financial aid attend classes. Students, who are identified by the instructor as not attending classes, will be reported. Students who fail to return to classes may lose all or a portion of their financial aid. Classroom Conduct Students should conduct themselves as responsible members of the University community respecting the rights of others. Any student behavior interfering with the professors ability to teach and/or the students ability to learn constitutes a violation of the Code of Student Conduct found in the Grand View Catalog. The professor may ask the student to leave the classroom and that student will be subject to disciplinary sanctions. University E-Mail Account It is essential that all students check their Grand View University e-mail account or set their account to forward to a preferred email address. Students may set-up an e-mail auto forward from the myView web site (myView > Campus Life > Technology Resources > myView Mail > myView Mail Forwarding). Appeal of Final Course Grade or Faculty Members Final Academic Disciplinary Action Students who wish to appeal a final course grade or other academic disciplinary action of an instructor must complete at least section I.A. of the Academic Appeal Form on-line within fourteen calendar days after the published due date for the final grade submission of the academic term in which the issue of disagreement occurred. Visit site below to complete first part of the form. https://secure/grandview.edu/gradeappealform.html This form must be submitted electronically to the Office of the Provost. Nursing Students appealing a grade in a nursing course must follow the Nursing Division procedures. Use of Blackboard and MyGrades The MyGrades tool of Blackboard is intended to be a communication tool and to facilitate information sharing between instructors and students. The grades and feedback posted on MyGrades are not to be interpreted as the final grade submitted by the instructor. Discrepancies and mistakes can be made in using and interpreting the technology by both student and instructor. Refer to the grade policy in the syllabus for a full understanding of how your grade is calculated. Students will find their final grade on myView > myTools > Academic Profile > Grades by Term. Assignment of Credit Hours With successful completion of this course, Grand View University will award you a specified number of credit hours on your transcript. Our accrediting body, the Higher Learning Commission, as well as the US Department of Education have standards in the definition of what counts as a credit hour (see GV Catalog for a full definition) so that students receive the full educational experience we claim. This course will involve face-to-face class time and outside learning activities to fulfill credits awarded.

Course Calendar* * Subject to change. Students are responsible for all modifications.

Week 1 Jan. 7

Welcome Back and Introductions Homework for Next Week:

Journal Response #1

Read Cohens How to Get an A. and How to Just Pass distributed in class

Week 2 Jan. 14

Introduction to Film; How to Get an A and How to Just Pass activity Homework for Next Week:

Journal Response #2

Week 3 Jan. 21

Film Day 1 Homework for Next Week:

Journal Response #3



Week 4 Jan. 28

Film Day 2 Homework for Next Week:

Journal Response #4

Read Cohens The Major Issue distributed in class

Week 5 Feb. 4

Introduction to Major Exploration Project Homework for Next Week:

Journal Response #5

Read Harrisons You Need to Know Choosing a Major distributed in class

Week 6 Feb. 11

Choosing a Major; Interviewing : Getting Started and How to Do it Homework for Next Week:

Set up and conduct your Interview for next week

Journal Response #6

Read Harrisons You Need to Know how to Choose Classes distributed in class

Week 7 Feb. 18

Due: Interview Due by the end of the week Guest Speaker: Researching Your Career Homework for Next Week:

Continue to work on collecting your research

Journal Response #7

Week 8 Feb. 25

Guest Speaker: Academic Advising Plan of Study Homework for Next Week:

Complete your plan of study

Remember to make and attend your registration appointment next week

Journal Response #8 ** Due before your conference with me! **

Week 9 March 4

Mandatory Advising Conferences Homework for Next Week:

You must take your major exploration project to the Writing Center this week for at least one 30-minute session

Complete your Major Exploration Project and submit it on Blackboard

Read UMDs The Purpose of a Liberal Arts Education provided in class

Journal Response #9

Week 10 March 11

Freshman / Sophomore Registration Due: Major Exploration Project What are the Liberal Arts? Introduction to Liberal Arts Group Project Homework for Next Week:

Reading TBA (infographics)

Journal Response #10

Week 11 March 17-21

No Classes Spring Break

Week 12 March 25

Introduction to Info graphics Homework:

Read Michael Roths Whats a Liberal Arts Education Good For?



provided in class


Week 13 April 1

Liberal Arts Group Project Workday Homework for Next Week:

Read Harrisons You Need to Know What it Takes to Graduate distributed in class


Week 14 April 8

Liberal Arts Group Project Workday Homework for Next Week:

TBA

Week 15 April 15

Presenting your Liberal Arts Group Projects Preparing for Next Fall

Finals Week: TBA

Cottrill LIBA 111 Syllabus Sp 2014

Documents

Transcript of Cottrill LIBA 111 Syllabus Sp 2014