UNIVERSITY 101 SYLLABUS FOR FALL 1999
“HOW TO SURVIVE & THRIVE AT USC”
Professor Jerel Rosati TC \l1 "Professor Jerel Rosati
Gambrell 316
(803) 256-3489
Email: rosati@sc.edu
Student Peer Leader Student Peer Leader TC \l2 "Student Peer Leader Student Peer Leader
Shelby Montgomery Shawn R. Phillips
(803) 779-9248 (803) 252-3608
Email:shelbyra40@hotmail.com Email:srfp@hotmail.com
Course Description:
The course is designed to help freshmen adjust to the University, develop a better understanding of the learning process, and acquire essential academic survival skills. The course provides a support group for students in a critical year by examining problems common to the freshmen experience. Extensive reading and writing assignments relevant to the student’s first-year college experience are required. This section of University 101 is also a special liberal arts section and will include a focus on understanding and appreciating a liberal arts education.
University 101 is taught in small groups by people who have a special interest in freshman and higher education. The course may by taken as part of a student’s regular load or as an overload. The University considers this a serious and important class where course credit is awarded on a letter grade basis. Credit is applicable as elective credit toward almost all baccalaureate degrees offered by the University.
Course Objectives:
Students who successfully complete this course will:
Examine the purposes of higher education
Develop an understanding of a liberal arts education
Be able to find and use campus resources and services
Establish friendships among their fellow students
Develop valuable study habits and learning skills
Practice and refine formal and informal writing skills
Develop interpersonal skills through interaction in group activities
Participate freely in class discussions and respect others’ viewpoints
Have the opportunity to refine oral communication skills
Become familiar with and learn to use the library
Develop, practice and refine electronic communication skills
Possess personalized knowledge of the career development process
Explore personal and social issues faced by most first-year students (i.e.: alcohol use, sexuality, cultural diversity, etc.)
Appreciate the importance of active community citizenship through service
Develop a support group for the successful transition from high school to college
Be able to thrive as a new member of the USC community!
Goal:
For each student to achieve a sense of self-assurance, individual responsibility, and social confidence while mastering the skills and knowledge to succeed in college.
Required Texts:
Carter, Carol; Bishop, Joyce; Kravits, Sarah Lyman. Keys to Success: How to Achieve Your Goals, Second Edition. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 1998.
Transitions, University 101 Handbook. USC, 1999-2000.
Bode, Richard. First You Have to Row a Boat. Warner, 1993.
The State newspaper (note: the newspaper will be provided each day of class; subscriptions are not
required.)
USC Mortar Board Calendar
Course Requirements:
Students will be evaluated through a variety of requirements. The intent behind these requirements is to have you study and think about the course material throughout the semester--to provide you with numerous opportunities to demonstrate the knowledge you have acquired and to get feedback--in order to maximize your ability to learn and grow as a student.
Class Attendance, Participation & Exercises:
All students are expected to be on time for class and actively participate in class discussions. All assignments should be read and exercises completed for the day they are due as indicated on the ‘Course Schedule and Reading Assignment’. You will not get credit for simply sitting in class or for consistently being late. Please notify the instructor or a peer leader in advance of an absence or tardy. Other requirements include:
>6 classes require mandatory attendance for completion of U101; if any of these classes are missed, they will need to be made up during another class period. These classes include: Sex & the College Student, Sex & the College Student Follow-up, Career Center, RisQue’ Business, Library Instruction (Module 1 on your own, Module 2 with the class), and Alcohol & Drugs Small Group.
>E-mail. The first Library Instruction module will cover getting and using an E-mail address. It will also instruct students how to access and find computing resources on campus. The classes will run on week days between August 16 to September 14. There will be four classes each day and each will last 2 hours. They start at 8 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., and 6:00 p.m. You can attend any of these scheduled classes at your convenience. Students should show up a few minutes before the class they choose to attend (and are not supposed to skip their regularly scheduled U101 class to attend this class). After the class, you will be given a “certificate” that must be returned to your University 101 instructor as verification that you have attended the module.
After completing the Library Instruction MOD 1 on your own, you will “send an e-mail message” to either of the peer leaders. Include a subject heading and a brief message stating whether this is your first time using e-mail or not; if not, how long have you been using e-mail to communicate. The purpose of this exercise is to make sure that everyone is knowledgeable with the use of e-mail as it will be an easy way for any of you to get in contact with either the instructor or the peer leaders. Due by Tuesday, September 14th.
>Lifeline. No more than 5 minutes in length, this presentation will share with the class a part of yourself and is open to your interpretation (examples will be provided by Shawn and Shelby). Due by Tuesday, August 24th.
>Complete the Strong Interest Inventory for career planning and return to class by Tuesday, September 7th.
>Cultural Event Review. You are required to attend one cultural event (a play, a ballet, an orchestra, etc. – rock concerts or sporting events are not acceptable for this assignment) and turn in a 1-2 page review along with the playbill. Your review should contain both a description of the event and your personal reaction to it. Prior approval of the event will be required. For possible places and ideas look at Transitions pgs. 50-3 and the “Weekend” section of The State. (Note: to view the format and content of a “well-written” review, look through The State newspaper for examples.)
>Additional in-class and outside of class exercises will be incorporated throughout the semester to supplement the topics being discussed.
Library-Internet Research Exercise:
This exercise will be accomplished in conjunction with the Library Instruction MOD 2 session on Thursday, October 14th. Ideas for possible research will be submitted in class on Thursday, October 7th. Cooper Library has a website that lists a variety of library assignments that you can do (at www.sc.edu/library/pubserv/u101/index.html). Further information will be provided as we create this project together. The due date will be set sometime after the Library session. (Note: Appendix A in Keys to Success provides additional student resources for researching information on the internet as well as Transitions pgs. 30-3.)
Campus Organization or Support Service Oral Presentation:
In this exercise you are to collect general information about an official USC sponsored organization, club, society, fraternity, sorority, etc., or support service. For a campus organization, attend at least one meeting and collect the following information: meeting place and time, requirements to join (socially and/or academically), dues/membership fees/other costs, projects of the group, purpose of the group, benefits of membership, and a contact name and/or number. For a support service collect the following information: find out their purpose; who they provide their service to; where they are located, and how they can be reached (i.e.: phone or internet). [Note: these questions are the minimum required information, you are free to seek additional information as you see fit.] You will be asked to present this information to the class in the form of a brief oral report (5 minutes or less). Supporting your presentation, you will provide a one-page handout with relevant information (brochures can accompany your handout, but will not replace your own work). Oral presentations will be spread throughout the semester. A list will be sent around the room for volunteers and topics early in the semester. The first day of oral presentations will be chosen shortly after the beginning of the semester. (A listing of campus organizations and services can be found in Transitions on
pgs. 37-42, 43-49, 111-114.)
Community Service Experience & Paper:
Each University 101 student is required to complete 10 hours of community service during the semester. These 10 hours can be completed in one event or split among a couple, which total 10 hours. A partial listing of experiences can be found in Transitions on pages 42-3, 69-70 and additional information can be obtained through the Office of Community Service Programs at (#7-6688). A USC Volunteer Fair is scheduled for September 8 (see below under optional activities). A 2-3-page paper will be submitted upon completion of the service(s) and will include a description of your experience; your feelings and reactions to the experience, elaborating on what you learned through your participation and how you predict your experience will affect you in the future.
(*Note: Don’t get caught in the rush to complete this requirement at the end of the semester. Plan accordingly. You will enjoy the experience much more.)
Journal:
You are to read one chapter per class in, First You Have to Row a Boat, and write a journal entry answering the
questions below. There will be two journal entries collected per week (so write them on separate sheets of paper). The previous week’s journals will be collected on Tuesdays at the beginning of class. Your journals should answer the following questions:
1. What is the major point being made by the author about life & personal growth in the chapter?
2. To what extent do you believe that this is a valuable word of advice?
3. If so, how have you applied it within your own life? If not, why not? What advice would you suggest instead?
(*Note: This exercise can be hand-written, but legibility is a must or you will be required to re-write it.)
Mid-Term Exam
Final Exam
The format for both the Mid-term and Final Exams will consist of essays. The final exam will be cumulative.
Writing Assignments:
All written assignments must be typed, double-spaced, unless otherwise indicated.
Missing an Assignment or Examination:
In order to turn in a late paper or make-up an exam, I (or a Peer Leader) must be contacted WITHIN 24 HOURS OF THE DUE DATE and provided a legitimate explanation (i.e., medial illness) with evidence eventually provided. Late assignments or make-up exams will be graded in terms of a higher set of expectations given the additional time allowed. It is your responsibility to make-up or complete an assignment as soon as possible.
Grading:
University 101 is a letter-graded course. Assessments are made of all submitted and required student work. Letter grades are awarded commensurate with student achievement, as in any other college/university course.
Grading Summary: Grading Scale:
Class Attendance, Participation & Exercises 30% A = 90-100
Library-Internet Research Exercise 5% B+ = 87-89
Campus Organization or B = 80- 86
Support Service Oral Presentation 5% C+ = 77-79
Community Service Experience & Paper 10% C = 70-76
Journal 10% D+ = 67-69
Mid-Term Exam 20% D = 60-66
Final Exam 20% F = 59 & below
100%
Academic Dishonesty:
The University of South Carolina, like all institutions of higher education, is fundamentally dependent upon the maintenance of proper standards of honesty. Maintenance of these standards is the responsibility of every member of this academic community—students, instructors, and staff alike. We will not spend our time trying to find cheaters, but when confronted with clear evidence of academic dishonesty, we will respond vigorously. Such impropriety in this class will result in an F for the course.
Teaching Strategies:
This course will utilize a variety of instructional formats and approaches that enhance the teaching and learning process. Initially, the instructional methods will be designed to develop a group awareness of each other with group building exercises. After this initial group building process, the objectives will be achieved by lectures, small group discussions, guest lecturers, practical exercises, journals, site visits, and assignments within and outside of class, as well as other teaching strategies that may be found valuable from time to time.
The class is organized around the required readings. We expect every student to come to class prepared and regularly participate. Every student should be able to summarize and analyze each assigned reading and place it in perspective relative to the rest of the course material. Students also are encouraged to offer comments or questions which contribute to class discussions on a regular basis.
Optional Activities:
Wednesday, September 8, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Russell House Patio
USC Volunteer Fair for becoming involved in service in the Columbia area sponsored by the Office of Community Service Programs. (Rain location: Russell House University Union Ballroom)
Thursday, September 23, 5 p.m.
Public lecture by prominent historian and journalist Gary Wills. More information will be provided.
Wednesday, September 29, 7 p.m., Gambrell Auditorium
“An introduction to film” – A discussion about film with clips provided illustrating particular cinematic techniques. Refreshments will be provided (i.e.: popcorn and soft drinks) and an informal discussion of the films will continue afterwards.
Tuesday, October 26 , 6 p.m.
“Liberal Arts Career Night/Pizza with the Dean. More information will be provided.
About Your Instructor
Jerel Rosati is a Professor and has been a member of the Department of Government and International Studies at Carolina for seventeen years. He has a great love of knowledge and learning about the world and human affairs. His intellectual interests range from understanding American politics and history, United States foreign policy, and the Vietnam War to exploring the dynamics of global change, political psychology, and the nature of human interaction. In addition to the usual undergraduate and graduate students, he has taught Bulgarians, Chinese, Israelis, Somalis, Master's of International Business students, and high school teachers. He has been named the Outstanding Professor of the Year in the Humanities and Social Sciences by the South Carolina (Honors) College and the Outstanding Teacher in International Studies in the Department of Government & International Studies. He also enjoys research and writing, and is the author of The Carter Administration's Quest for Global Community: Beliefs and Their Impact on Behavior and The Politics of United States Foreign Policy, as well as the co-editor of The Power of Human Needs in World Society and Foreign Policy Restructuring: How Governments Respond to Global Change. He has been a Research Associate in the Foreign Affairs and National Defense Division of the Library of Congress's Congressional Research Service, served as President of the International Studies Association's Foreign Policy Analysis Section, and President of the Southern region of the International Studies Association. He has been a Visiting Scholar and has taught abroad at Somali National University and the Foreign Affairs College in Beijing. He is the proud father of three children and enjoys travel, sports, music, reading, and good company. He came of age during the early seventies as an undergraduate at U.C.L.A. when the events surrounding the Vietnam War and Watergate reached a crescendo, which had a profound impact on his personal and intellectual development to the present day.
Communicating with Your Instructor and Peer Leaders
Please feel free to come see us during our office hours or to make an appointment. EMAIL is a very effective way to communicate with us.
* * *.
THIS SYLLABUS REFLECTS THE EXPECTATIONS AND REQUIREMTENTS YOU MUST FULFILL. WE EXPECT YOU TO TAKE THIS COURSE AS SERIOUSLY AS ANY OTHER 3 CREDIT COURSE AND WORK AS HARD AS WE DO—WHICH IS, AFTERALL, THE KEY TO LEARNING AND INTELLECTUAL GROWTH.
* * *
Course Schedule and Reading Assignments:
(note: ‘*’ = mandatory attendance required for the completion of this course)
COMPLETE THE ASSIGNED READINGS FOR EACH CLASS!
BRING THE REQUIRED READINGS TO CLASS AS THE BASIS FOR DISCCUSSION
Thu Aug. 19 Introduction, Syllabus, The Carolinian Creed, Lifelines by Shawn and Shelby
Readings: Keys to Success, p. xv, (skim) pgs. xvii-xix; Transitions, pgs. 1-2
Read syllabus thoroughly
Assignment: Make your own Lifeline
Tue Aug. 24 Lifeline presentations
Thu Aug. 26 Diversity: Guest Speaker from the Office of Multicultural Affairs
Readings: Keys to Success pgs. 6-8, 25-7, 283-94; Transitions pgs. 55-61, (skim) 62-4
Tue Aug. 31 Student Services, Volunteerism, Priorities, Time Management, Procrastination
Readings: Keys to Success pgs. 11-17, 410-12, 85-97; Transitions pgs. (skim) 22-3, 37-49, 69-70, 111-14
Thu Sept. 02 Learning Styles, Self Perception, Abilities, Limitations, Interests, Habits
Readings: Keys to Success pgs. 39-62
Assignment: Complete exercises on pgs. 42-4, 45-6,47-8
Tue Sept. 07 Values, Integrity, Ethics, Carolinian Creed, USC Academic Rules
Readings: Keys to Success pgs. 76-77, 415-16; Transitions pgs. 19-20, 65-7,
(skim) 67-8, iii-v, 15-16
Discuss relevance of First You Have to Row a Little Boat
Assignment: Complete Strong Interest Inventory
Thu Sept. 09 * Sex & the College Student – Class meets at the Russell House Theater
Readings: Keys to Success pgs. 302-4, 342-51; Transitions pgs. 77-87
Tue Sept. 14 Personal Health, Wellness, Campus Safety
Readings: Keys to Success pgs. 321-34; Transitions pgs. (skim) 89-97, (resources) 91,
(facilities) 93, (Carolina shuttle system) 51, 73-6
Assignment: E-mail exercise (see: ‘Class Attendance & Participation)
Thu Sept. 16 * Sex & the College Student Follow-up
Readings: Keys to Success pgs. (review 303-4, 342-51); Transitions pgs. (review 77-87); + review notes on Sex & the College Student
Tue Sept. 21 Reading and Studying
Readings: Keys to Success pgs. 161-84
Thu Sept. 23 * Career Center – Class meets at the BA building, Rm. 602-B
Readings: Keys to Success pgs. 361-7, 370-77; Transitions pgs. 23-5
Tue Sept. 28 Open Topic
Thu Sept. 30 MID-TERM EXAM
Tue Oct. 05 * RisQue’ Business – Class meets at the Russell House Theater
Readings: Keys to Success pgs. 334-42; Transitions pgs. (skim) 97-104
Thu Oct. 07 Effective Communications, Conflict, Criticism
Readings: Keys to Success pgs. 295-302, 304-310
Assignment: Bring in an idea for a possible topic to research during the Library
Instruction MOD 2 session
Tue Oct. 12 FALL BREAK – NO CLASS
Thu Oct. 14 * Library Instruction – Class meets at the Thomas Cooper Library, Third Floor, Multimedia Classroom (L304)
Readings: Keys to Success pgs. 184-6; Transitions pgs. (skim) 25-30
Tue Oct. 19 Listening Skills, Memory
Readings: Keys to Success pgs. 242-54
Thu Oct. 21 Open Topic
Tue Oct. 26 * Alcohol & Drugs Small Group
Readings: Keys to Success pgs. (review 334-42); Transitions pgs. (review 97-104);
+ notes on RisQue’ Business
Thu Oct. 28 Goal Setting, Majors, What is Liberal Arts + Advising Tips
Readings: Keys to Success pgs. 77-85, 62-4; Transitions pgs. 11-15
Discuss relevance of First You Have to Row a Little Boat
Tue Nov. 02 Writing
Readings: Keys to Success pgs. 208-28
Thu Nov. 04 Note Taking
Readings: Keys to Success pgs. 199-208
Tue Nov. 09 Working Students, Financial Aid, Money Management
Readings: Keys to Success pgs. 367-88
Thu Nov. 11 Motivation, Initiative, Thinking Positively
Readings: Keys to Success pgs. 18-25
Discuss relevance of First You Have to Row a Little Boat
Tue Nov. 16 Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, Decision Making, Strategic Planning
Readings: Keys to Success pgs. 120-47
Thu Nov. 18 Test Taking
Readings: Keys to Success pgs. 254-268
Tue Nov. 23 Open Topic
Thu Nov. 25 THANKSGIVING BREAK – NO CLASS
Tue Nov. 30 Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, Adapting to Change (Success & Failure), Your Future
Readings: Keys to Success pgs. 5-11, 399-410, 413-15, 416-18
Discuss journal experience about First You Have to Row a Little Boat
Thu Dec. 02 Review for Final Exam
Fri Dec. 10 FINAL EXAM AT 2:00