Course Outline: University College 101

 GENERAL INFORMATION
    This is an introductory course for first year college students. It is conducted in English and entirely as a face-to-face course. This on-line syllabus should be regarded as an example; the "real" syllabus is passed out in class.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

"Designed to develop academic skills and library research skills, to foster personal development, and to provide information about campus resources, thus empowering students to have a successful transition to the higher education experience."

COURSE OBJECTIVES

This course is designed to help students:

1. Make a successful transition to Western Kentucky University.

2. Learn about the campus, various student services, and the university culture.

3. Develop/improve skills in time management, studying, note-taking, test-taking, and critical thinking.

4. Sample the experiences and activities available on the campus.

5. Explore issues related to personal identity and career choice.

6. Establish supportive relationships with other students and faculty.

7. Clarify personal views and values regarding education, wellness, diversity, and money.

8. Acquire and polish skills in interpersonal communication and use of technology.

9. Develop library research skills.

10. Explore educational and vocational opportunities for psychology majors.

REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS AND MATERIALS

Appleby, D. (1997). The handbook of psychology. New York: Longman Publishers USA.

Gardner, J. N., & Jewler, A. J. (1998). Your college experience: Strategies for success (3rd concise ed.). Belmont, Ca.: Wadsworth.

Western Kentucky University. (1999). Freshman seminar. Bowling Green, Ky.: Professor's Publishing.
 

*************************Bring texts to every class!*************************
 

####Also needed: a copy of the WKU catalog

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

1. Attendance and Participation - 150 points

15 classes @ 10 points per class

To receive these points, you must:

• be in class for the whole period.

• sign the class roll.

• participate in all activities, exercises, and discussions.

• bring all required materials to class (texts, plus other materials as assigned).
   

3 e-mail messages @ 10 points per message

To receive these points, you must:

• get an e-mail account, either a free student account or one through a private source, such as America Online, yahoo, etc.

• send one e-mail message to the instructor in each of three periods:

Topic: Introduce yourself to the instructor

Second e-mail due: between September 08 and October 13

Topic: Tell how things are going in your classes or any concern you have about a class or a personal-social issue

Third e-mail due: between October 13 and November 17

Topic: Any topic of your choosing

• include at least 100 words in each of the three e-mail messages.
   

3 events attended @ 10 points per event

To receive these points, you must:

• select three campus events to attend; these may be concerts, recitals, plays, athletic events, lectures, Kentucky museum exhibits, etc.

• provide proof of attendance (ticket stub, program, flyer, etc.). If this is a problem, consult the instructor.

• attach proof of attendance to a sheet of paper on which you list the event, tell when and where it occurred, and give a brief description and evaluation of the event.

• turn in your documentation within one week after attending the event.
   

12 projects or assignments @ 10 points per assignment

To receive these points, you must:

• complete the assignment or project as directed.

• turn in the assignment or project in class on the day it is due. Late papers will not be accepted except under extraordinary circumstances.
   

To receive these points, you must:

• Attend the scheduled sessions in the library.

• Complete all assignments and exams. Your points will be awarded based on the grade submitted to the instructor by the library faculty member.
   

GRADING

396-440 points - A

352-395 points - B

308-351 points - C

264-307 points - D
 

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Attendance is required, mandatory, essential, important, necessary, imperative....you get the idea! In fact, attendance is the most important part of success in this course. Please plan to be here every class meeting. If you do miss a class, please contact the instructor (by phone, e-mail, carrier pigeon, whatever) as soon as possible. If you have an acceptable excuse, you may be given an extra assignment to do to earn the points you missed by being absent.

TOPICS COVERED
Introductions - Overviewing the Course and Getting Acquainted
Overview of College Life and WKU
Tour of Kentucky Library and Museum
Academic Essentials
Academic Essentials (continued); Learning Styles
Listening and Learning in the Classroom
Reading Textbooks for Clarity and Understanding
Making the Grade - Taking Exams and Giving Speeches
Planning your schedule for Spring 00
Careers in Psychology
Thriving in the Information Age: The Campus Library, Computing, and You
Values: Setting Standards for Academic and Personal Integrity
Choosing Careers
Relationships and Campus Involvement; Diversity on Campus
Healthy Decisions
Managing Money
 

***Please note: The above schedule, requirements, and policies are subject to change due to extenuating circumstances.

Created July 14, 2000.  Last modified July 14, 2000.
All contents (c) Retta Poe