UNION COUNTY COLLEGE             
         UCC 101 First Year Seminar, Fall 2008
            Sec 005: MW  10:10am-11:05am  L-312
                                                                                    Log on to WebCT here
 
 

Dr. Susannah Chewning

Office: H-125
Voice Mail: (908) 709-7182
e-mail: chewning@ucc.edu

  
 

Office Hours (Cranford)

M/W 12:15pm-1:30pm
T/Th   1pm-3:00pm
and by appointment

 

Course Description:  This course is designed to help students adjust to college by giving them the information, support and strategies they need to feel secure in their college classes.  It will help students clarify their goals, become familiar with the academic environment, and sharpen their ability to learn and think critically.  2 lecture hours per week. 2 credit hours. Prerequisite: ENG 087 and ESL 065 if required

Special Note:  This class is linked in a learning community with MAT 011-003, and everyone in this class should also be in the same Math class.  We will work in this class on the subjects and issues of UCC 101 as well as support strategies for your MAT 011 class.  please bring your MAT 011 folder to this class every day in case we discuss handouts or tests.

Course Objectives:

  • understand what is expected of college students and how to meet these expectations

  • clarify both their short and long term educational and career goals

  • utilize learning strategies in their individual courses

  • understand ways of thinking critically about articles, books, and other materials in the UCC Library, in databases, and online

  • apply critical thinking strategies to learning and life situations

Resources:

Lewandowski, Rosemarie, ed. The First Year Seminar: Union County College.  4th edition. Belmont, CA: Cengage/Wadsworth, 2008.  This book is sold in a bundle with a Student Planner and a pamphlet called Wadsworth Quick Guide for the Community College Student.  All three books are required; you cannot purchase a used copy of the UCC 101 textbook from a previous semester.

 

Lipson, Charles. Doing Honest Work in College : How to Prepare Citations, Avoid Plagiarism, and Achieve Real Academic Success.  Chicago, IL: U of Chicago P, 2004.

A UCC 101 planner (available in the UCC bookstore).

The Union County College Student Handbook, 2008-2009, available at the link above.  We will use the handbook in class, so please save it to your home computer or to a CD in order to have access to it as we discuss it throughout the semester.

The Union County College Academic Catalog, 2008-2010, available at the link above.  Please make yourself familiar with the handbook (print copies are available in MacDonald Hall) both for registration purposes and with respect to your major.

Websites: Thompson/Wadsworth companion site for book chapters, online surveys and quizzes, WebCT, class website; Mathematics support sites such as Success in Mathematics from St. Louis University, Understanding Mathematics from the University of Utah; and various support and study skills sites from Texas A & M University.  UCC email and access to a computer (at home or in a UCC lab) are required for successful completion of this course.

Materials: a pocket folder in which to keep all your graded assignments (you will turn in all your assignments in this folder at the mid-term and final); a jump drive for your college work; looseleaf paper for in-class notes and assignments; students are also required to use their UCC e-mail addresses and to check their email regularly.

Academic Mentor:  In UCC 101-003 class, we are fortunate to have a student who is serving as an Academic Mentor.  Her responsibilities include communicating with you in and our of class (minimum of twice a month), working with you on assignments when needed, and serving as a mentor and liaison between you and the College (not only me, but other members of the faculty, as well, if needed.  She is a successful UCC student, so she will have a lot of good advice, feedback, and comments for you in class and out.  Please be aware that she is a member of the class as well as your resource for additional support and help at the College.  You can contact Joy at 10342890@ucc.edu.

MAT 011 Tutor:  The Academic learning Center has arranged for a special tutor to work with this class as you work to pass MAT 011.  Her name is Shereida, and her hours in the ALC are Friday – 8-11:00 am.

Course Requirements

Attendance:  Attendance is required in this course.  No absences are excused.  Please let me know before you miss a class if you will not be able to attend. 

Participation:  Participation is 25% of the overall grade for this course.  This includes being here on time with all the necessary materials, participating in class discussion, and completing all in-class and out-of-class assignments. Your participation grade in this class can be affected negatively for any of the following:

  • The use of electronic devices such as IPods, laptops, blackberries, cell phones, text messaging, or CD players.  All devices should be turned off, not set to vibrate, for the duration of class.

  • Doing any work for another class during this class.

  • Eating food during class that has a smell or makes a noise.

  • Sleeping, daydreaming, or otherwise failing to participate.

  • Coming in late or leaving early.

  • Arriving in class without having completed the assignment due for that day.

  • Talking to your classmates when others are talking or otherwise disrupting class discussion.

Please see my classroom etiquette handout for more information on acceptable/unacceptable behavior.

Assignments due before the mid-term: Four pow-wows; CSFI survey and brief paper; Math Autobiography; “Why” paper and image; Group Math presentation(s); ALC Progress Report; Group Activity Report.

Assignments due after the mid-term: Four pow-wows; Career Project; Revised Math Autobiography; Magazine Article; Presentation Outline; ALC Progress Report; Group Activity Report.

Additional Written Assignments: academic integrity paper; chapter responses; a math problem solution tutorial (due in both MAT 011 and UCC 101); scavenger hunt.  There may also be additional assignments; check the online syllabus and WebCT for   any additions to the syllabus.  If you miss a class and are not sure of an assignment, check the syllabus or contact a classmate.  

MAT 011 ALC Tutoring Sessions will take place on Fridays in the ALC from 10:10am-11:05am, during the time we are in UCC 101 on Mondays and Wednesdays.  This is a wonderful opportunity for you to work one-on-one and in groups with a tutor who is specially trained to help you with MAT 011.  Tutoring is for people who need help, but it’s also for people who are already getting good grades to help them maintain their averages and prepare for next semester. Your tutor will help you every Friday; I will attend some of these sessions, as will your mentor, and when there is time, and if you need the help, we will work with you on assignments that are relevant to both UCC 101 and MAT 011.

Breakdown of Grades: Participation (in-class discussion, completion of assignments, presentations, and attendance) 20%; Pow/Wows 20%; Out-of-Class Papers/Portfolios 60% .  

Grading Scale:  100-92 A; 91-87 B+; 86-82 B; 81-77 C+; 76-72 C; 71-67 D+; 66-62 D; below 62 F.  Please see grade explanation attached. Please note that Union County College does not permit the assignment of minus final grades (such as A-, B-, or C-), so I will try not to give such grades on your work. See attached for my grading rubric.

How to reach me: E-mail: chewning@ucc.edu. Voice mail: (908) 709-7182.  Office: Cranford H-125. By regular mail:

                                    Dr. Susannah M. Chewning
                                    Department of English
                                    Union County College
                                    1033 Springfield Avenue
                                    Cranford, NJ   07016

Because of my busy class schedule, I may not have time to return telephone calls. You are much more likely to get an immediate response from me if you e-mail me during the hours of 9am and 5pm. I cannot accept e-mailed or faxed papers, nor can I relay grades (including final course grades) via e-mail or phone. No exceptions. My office hours are M&W 10am-11am; T&Th 1pm-3pm and by appointment. Please make an appointment if you would like to meet with me to discuss your progress in this course. You will be required to meet with me in a conference at least twice during the semester.  Plainfield Students:  our conferences and my office hours will be directly before and after class.

Extra-Credit and Revisions: We can talk about this on an individual basis.  Please note that plagiarized papers (which receive the grade of F) cannot be revised.  Revisions can only be completed on papers if we have met to discuss it prior to your turning it in.

A Note on Grammar: We will not spend much time in class on grammar, but we will discuss your writing in our conferences and in my comments on your written work. I expect your writing (and grammar) to be correct, to begin with, and to develop in style and creativity as the course progresses. All papers must conform in style and format to the MLA System of Documentation and Style. If you find that you need further help with the MLA Style or grammar, speak to me and we can discuss it on an individual basis. You are also strongly urged to visit the Writing Center (in the ALC) for help. I recommend the text A Writer’s Reference, edited by Diana Hacker, if you need a grammar and style handbook.  You can also get help on writing on my webpage at http://faculty.ucc.edu/english-chewning.

Plagiarism and Academic Integrity:  The first instance of plagiarism or cheating of any kind will result in the failure of the assignment.  A second instance of academic dishonesty will result in failure of the class and possible censure and dismissal from the College.  Plagiarized papers cannot be revised.  Please see the attached handout for more specific expectations.

Schedule of Assignments: All assignments are listed below. In addition to these assignments, there may be homework given in class. Some of these assignments will be posted on the online syllabus; however, if you miss a class and miss the homework, you should speak to a classmate (or check WebCT) to get the assignment--don't count on me to give you assignments.  
 

    

W

9/3

Introduction to class.  First Pow/Wow. Online study skills survey (in class). Please complete the Research skills online survey and email the results to me by 9/17.

 

 

 

F

9/5

ALC Tutoring session.

 

 

 

M

9/8

Lewandowski, chapter 1.  Bring in Weekly Schedule Grid. Bring response to “Quick Guide," pp. 4-5.  Planner Review. Video: Math: A Four Letter Word.  Discussion of Math Autobiography. Skill for the week: discovering self-motivation.

 

 

 

W

9/10

Visit to the ALC: at the end of class, email “Math Myths” journal entry to your MAT 011 professor and me from your UCC email.  Group Assignments. 

 

 

 

F

9/12

ALC Tutoring session.  Work on Study Index Cards.  Study for first Math exam.

 

 

 

M

9/15

Visit to the UCC Library. Lewandowski, chapter 1.  Discussion of CSFI.  Response due on chapter 1 (emailed to me from your UCC email account).  Group meeting.  Part 1 of Scavenger Hunt should be completed.

 

 

 

W

9/17

Lewandowski, chapter 6. Part 2 of Scavenger Hunt should be completed.

 

 

 

F

9/19

ALC Tutoring session.

 

 

 

M

9/22

Lewandowski, chapter 9, p. 182; discussion of taking Math tests. Skill for the week: mastering self-management.

 

 

 

W

9/24

Visit to ALC.  College Success Factors Index due–available online at http://csfi-wadsworth.com/ – use the code in your book and the password distributed in class. Scores will be discussed in class.

 

 

 

F

9/26

ALC Tutoring session. 

 

 

 

M

9/29

Lewandowski, chapter 4. Group meeting.  Part 3 of Scavenger Hunt should be completed.

 

 

 

W

10/1

Lewandowski, chapter 4.  Response to “Quick Guide,” pp. 9-15.

 

 

 

F

10/3

ALC Tutoring session.

 

 

 

M

10/6

DVD:  Hands Up!. If you miss class, please watch the DVD in the Library. Academic Integrity response due.  Take the plagiarism survey. Skill for the week: gaining self-awareness.

 

 

 

W

10/8

 Lewandowski, chapter 2 continued. Discussion of “Exam Action Planner.” CSFI research project due.

 

 

 

F

10/10

ALC Tutoring session.  Work on Study Index Cards.  Study for second math test.

 

 

 

M

10/13

Mid-term examination.  Mid-term self-assessment due.

 

 

 

W

10/15

Midterm conferences.  Pow/Wow. Mid-term portfolio due (see online checklist). Bring your planner for my review.

 

 

 

F

10/17

ALC Tutoring session.

 

 

 

M

10/20

Lewandowski, chapter 2.  Skill for the week: developing emotional intelligence.

 

 

 

W

10/22

Lewandowski, chapter 2.
     

M

10/27

Lewandowski, Chapter 5. Reading Skills Survey. 

 

 

 

T

10/28

Last day to withdraw from fall classes.  I do not give late withdrawals.

 

 

 

W

10/29

Reading Response due: see attachment. Group meetings—revise Why Papers and create and outline for your section.  Response due on chapter 5.

 

 

 

M

11/3

Lewandowski, chapter 3. Film: The Civil War.  Group meeting. Skill for the week: accepting personal responsibility.  Group Presentations.

 

 

 

W

11/5

Lewandowski, chapter 3.  Meetings with Joy.  Response due on chapter 3.

 

 

 

M

11/10

By this date you should have decided what career to write about for the paper due on 12/10.  Email me your results for the online Princeton Review Career Quiz. Group Presentations. Group meetings.

 

 

 

W

11/12

Math study skills results (website). Group Presentations. 

 

 

 

M

11/17

Group meetings. Skill for the week: employing interdependence.

 

 

 

W

11/19

Lewandowski, chapter 9.  Group Presentations. Half Portfolio Due: group activity report; revised CSFI paper; revised Why paper; responses to chapters 5, 3, and 9; two pow/wows.

 

 

 

M

11/24

Lewandowski, chapter 9.  Group Presentations. Response due on chapter 9.

 

 

 

W

11/26

No class; Thanksgiving break.

 

 

 

M

12/1

Lewandowski, chapter 8.  Career Inventory Due. Visit to the Library. Be ready to discuss the career you will write about for your research. Review of electronic resources for career paper. See library resources posted to WebCT.  Skill for the week: adopting life-long learning.

 

 

 

W

12/3

Lewandowski, chapter 8. Careers and Professions. Review of electronic resources for career paper. Curriculum review handout due.

 

 

 

M

12/8

Discussion of developmental post-tests. Group meetings.  Response due on chapter 8.

 

 

 

W

12/10

Research project due on careers.  Final Portfolio Due: Career Project;  Revised Math Autobiography; responses to chapter 8 and 9; Curriculum review; Presentation response.

 

 

 

M

12/15

NJ Basic Skills Post-tests.

 

 

 

M

12/22

Final Examination, 9:30am to 12:00pm. Skill for life: believing in yourself!!

 

 

 

    UCC 101-005 First Year Seminar                                                                                                                      Papers

    Pow-Wows:  At least eight times during the semester (a minimum of four before the mid-term and four after) you will turn in brief self-evaluations identifying the best experiences you’ve had and the worst experiences you’ve had in relation to your overall college experience.  Some examples of good experiences could include high scores on tests or homework, positive feedback from an instructor or classmate on your work, successful completion of a difficult assignment, applying something you’ve learned in school to something at home or at work, a positive personal experience with someone at the College – students, staff, faculty – anything that made your week easier or gave you some positive feeling.  Negative experiences can take may forms, of course, including negative feedback, a disappointing grade, an unfriendly encounter with another person, something in your life that is affecting your work or your focus, a missed assignment.  You must complete four before the mid-term and then evaluate what you’ve turned in, so it will require you to think about it and reflect on your experiences.  You might want to keep a journal of your experiences and write them down as they happen so you can include them in each assignment.  We will also discuss these assignments in class.

     Class Magazine:  At the beginning of the semester you will be split up into groups; there will be four roles in each group, and each of you will be responsible for one of the roles: editor, art/photography, proof-reader, group spokesperson.  The editor will occasionally meet with other editors in order to edit and organize the overall magazine, but most of the time you will meet within your group to discuss your progress.  Before the mid-term, each group will decide what topic they are working on and will choose specific aspects of the topic to work on together and separately.  Each student will complete a “Why Statement” which will appear in the magazine; before the mid-term, each student will also complete a short paper on the topic the group has chosen.  During the second half of the semester the groups will meet frequently in and out of class to work on their section of the magazine and with the larger group of the class to work on the progress of the magazine.  The content of each group’s section will depend on what the group decides, but it can include information from the math autobiography, career project, or other relevant topics and issues pertinent to UCC 101 and MAT 011.

     Longer Papers

     Due 10/8: Your CSFI Results After you have completed the CSFI you will receive a score which will indicate which areas you have mastered and which might need some work. Please send a copy of your score to me and to your MAT 011 instructor. Choose two of the factors (preferably those you did less well on) and find two articles in newspapers, magazines, or online databases that discuss that issue (specifically in relation to college) and offer some help for improvement.  You will spend some time in the Library (after our Library tour on 9/17) to find these sources. Your paper will discuss the areas you’ve identified, how they are addressed in college (either using our book or some of the online resources I have provided), and how the sources you’ve found discuss them.  How does this area affect college success?  Can you improve, and how are college students expected to work on this area?  Who (what type of student) is usually most affected by problems in this area?  This paper should be typed and should be at least two pages in length.  We will talk about potential sources and how you will document them in class. This paper must be typed and must follow the MLA Format.

     Due 12/10:  Careers and ProfessionsWe will spend a good deal of time talking in class about career choices and training for various professions.  After reading chapter 8 in our book, you should have a good idea of the kinds of jobs you might want to consider upon graduation from college.  The format of this paper will be discussed at length in class.

     Due 12/10: Your Mathematics Autobiography This paper should be typed and should be at least two pages in length. We will discuss the assignment in class: one draft is due in the midterm portfolio (10/15) (with a copy to your MAT 011 instructor); a revision is due in the final portfolio (12/10) (with a final copy to your MAT 011 instructor).