FYS 110: LifeMaps “Life is a journey. You’ll need a map.”Class: FYS 110 Class day and times: Tuesdays 11am – 12:20pm Location: BW 202Instructor: Name: David DeBaker Office: BW 232 e-mail: [email protected] MyFys Blog: www.daviddebaker.com/fysblogText: Hamachek, Alice. Coping with College: A Guide for Academic Success. 2007.Materials: A single subject 8 ½ x 11 notebook for your journal. A two pocketed folder for all the handouts.Course DescriptionThis First Year Seminar course equips students for transitions in education and life. Students will be actively involved in learning and integrating practical tools to succeed. Students will develop a learning portfolio and an educational plan while enhancing critical thinking and study strategies.Organization of Course LifeMaps explores four major journeys in life.  One is our inner journey of learning more about ourselves, our strengths, and our learning styles. This journey boosts our confidence and aids and helps us develop a sense of feeling “at home” within the college community.  Another is our learning journey in courses. This journey includes active learning, effective and efficient study strategies, effective test-taking, and time management.  Yet another journey is involves navigating college, using available resources, and understandingthe processes.  Finally, in this course you will consider your career path. You will spend time considering careeroptions and develop an educational plan that leads toward your career goals.Goals of the CourseIn FYS 110, you will:1. Assess your learning styles, assess your career aptitudes and build a Student Education Plan for academic success. (ADO 4: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving.)2. Learn and apply study strategies that improve your ability to succeed in courses. (ADO 4: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving.)3. Develop communication and leadership skills by working in groups, and learn about student life and service learning opportunities. (ADO 5: Working productively with others.)4. Access and effectively use college resources. (ADO 4: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving.Associate Degree Outcomes (ADOs)The Jackson Community College Board of Trustees has determined that all JCC graduates should develop or enhance certain essential skills while enrolled in the college. Several of these Associate Degree Outcomes (ADOs) are addressed in this class, including: The ability to think critically and solve problems. (ADO #4); and The ability to work productively with others. (ADO #5).Your instructor’s area of responsibility for your learning:Accessibility – E-mail me, come to my office during office hours, or set an appointment. I will be gladto discuss your college experience and assist you with this class. Variety – The course will include a variety of activities: workshops, discussion, computer work and projects.Your areas of responsibility for learning (Course Work):Timeliness – Turn in your work by the due date.Attendance and Participation – You will get the most from this course by attending every session, participating in the learning activities in class and online, and completing the assignments. Missing more than two classes will affect your final grade.MyFys Blog @ daviddebaker.com/fysblogI will be keeping a blog of my personal semester of deep dive thinking about my planning for school habits and study habits. It is not required that you look at the blog or comment, but I think it will help you to see my own process and it may help you with yours. Your grade is based in the followingr areas and is weighted as follows:15% Participation, DISCUSSION!!!! In class activities and in class work.5% Observation Blue Book or Other.15% Deep Dive Journal15% Summary and Deep Thinking Journal.10% Mini Papers40% Perfect Study Spot and ReflectionParticipation in class activities – This is an active course. Your participation is essential in helpingus all learn together. Observation Blue Book or Other – This is the thing you keep close by to write down things your noticing during your deep dive thinking. It can be a blue book or other approved way. Deep Dive, Summary, and Deep Thinking Journal or Blog – This journal or blog has two parts you need to complete each week. These can be done on the same page. The deep dive part should be a reflection as your week is going on. Look AHEAD on the schedule to get the deep dive questions. The summary and deep thinking blog part should answer the questions asked in the schedule. MUST BE BROUGHT TO EVERY CLASS!!!Blog or Journal – This assignment can me done as a traditional journal. You can also do this as anonline blog on any blog service you would like, myspace, blogger.com, or wordpress.com. If you choose to do this as a blog your blog must be open to your classmates and the general public to view. A link to your blog will be posted on MyFys Blog. If you do a blog you must print out your post and bring it to class.Mini Papers – These papers will help prepare you for your Ideal study spot and reflection. They should always be typed and double spaced. More information as the semester develops.Perfect Study Spot and Reflection – The perfect study spot is a physical representation of what your dream study spot would look like. This will be gone over in great detail throughout the semester. The reflection is a two to three page paper that looks back over your deep dive semester and discusses what you found out about yourself. You will also write about your plans for next semester and beyond, your goals, and how you’re going to handle the roadblocks, splinters, and tacks. Tentative Course Calendar is attached to this syllabus.Student Success Services:For tutoring and additional free services for academic success, call (517) 796-8415 or stop by theCenter for Student Success, Walker Hall Room 123. Faculty and tutors will help you with writing, study skills, test anxiety, math and reading.Students requiring special assistance, including those affected by the Americans with Disabilities Act, should call the Center for Student Success at (517) 796-8415 or go to Walker Hall Room 123. This is the first step in acquiring the appropriate accommodations to help you with your