Fall 2008First Year Seminar 110: Life MapsTexts:Tentative Course CalendarJackson Community CollegeDepartment of Language, Literature, and ArtsFall 2008First Year Seminar 110: Life MapsSection: 27 (035964): R 4:30 – 5:37 p.m., Western High School – Room ___Instructor: Andrew VariellOffice: Potter Center 109B Mail Box: Bert Walker 233Email: [email protected] Office Hours: T 3-5 p.m., W 2-5 p.m., F 12-3 p.m., and by appointment. Texts:Gardner, John N., et al. Step by Step to College and Career Success, 2nd ed. Boston: ThomsonWadsworth, 2008. (ISBN: 1413030769)Course Description:This first year experience course equips students for transitions in education and life. Students will be actively involved in learning and integrating practical applications to promote success. Students will develop a learning portfolio and an educational plan whileenhancing critical thinking and study strategies. In other words, in this class we will examine various facets of college and how to assimilate yourself in the colligate life and for success beyond college.Course Requirements:1. Attendance: It is highly suggested to attend and be on time for all class meetings. It is very difficult to make up missed classes since much of the learning is in-class lecture, discussion, and activity oriented. If you know in advance that you will be late or absent for a given class period notify me at (517) 490-3188 or at [email protected] far in advance as possible. Poor attendance could result in lowering your grade. You are responsible for turning in all assignments and getting any materials and/or information for the following class.2. Required Readings: Readings are listed on the course calendar. You are expected to read and be prepared to discuss all readings prior to coming to class. Keep notes of all questions, comments, connections, and responses for all readings in a notebook and bring these with you for class discussion.3. Class Participation (10%): As stated in the “Attendance” portion – this class is in-class lecture and discussion and activity based therefore, students are required to participate everyday. Students should be engaged in and contribute to the discussion and activities. 4. Assignments: All papers written for this class should follow the standard MLA format –12 point font, double space, 1” margins, proper citations (if needed), etc. They also should be free of grammatical and mechanical errors.FYS 110i. Reaction Papers (50%): Over the course of the semester you will be required to turn in a weekly response paper. These response papers are designed to helpyou synthesize and apply what you have learned from the various ideas, concepts, and skills over the semester. Some response papers will have a focused idea or theme to be addressed – others will be up to your discretion aslong as you meet all the requirements. Unless otherwise noted each paper should be no more than 2 (two) pages in length.5. Quizzes/Homework (10%): Throughout the semester there could be quizzes and/or homework assignments given per the discretion of the instructor. The quizzes may or may not be announced ahead of time. The best way to prepare for these quizzes is to have your reading done ahead of time. Homework assignments will be given ample time to complete.6. Exit Portfolio (30%): At the end of the semester you will be asked to turn in an exit portfolio to demonstrate your organizational skills, mastery of the course, and acquisition of skills meant by the premise of this course. More details and format to come at a later date.Make Up Work:It is the students’ responsibility to make up any missed work, quizzes, or assignments dueto an excused absence. Late work submitted without prior instructor approval will not be accepted. If a student has an unexcused absence on a day that a quiz is given, the student will receive a 0 for that quiz score.Course Evaluation/Grading:Grades will be based upon a 4.0 scale. Each assignment has its weighted percentage next to it. Here is a review of all graded work:Class Participation 10% Response Papers 50%Quizzes/Homework 10% Exit Portfolio 30%Grading Scale:100 – 95 4.0 A94 – 90 3.5 A-89 – 85 3.0 B84 – 80 2.5 B-79 – 75 2.0 C74 – 70 1.5 C-69 – 65 1.0 D64 – 60 0.5 D-59 – 0 0.0 EAssociate Degree Outcomes:The Board of Trustees has determined that all JCC graduates should develop or enhance certain essential skills while enrolled in the college. In this course the successful student will meet ADO 7 – the ability to think critically and solve problems – in the following ways:- Assess your learning styles, assess your career aptitudes, and build a Student Education Plan for academic success.2FYS 110- Improve study strategies to enhance your understanding and to succeed in courses.- Access and effectively use college resources.Also, the successful student will meet ADO 9 – the ability to work productively with others – in the following ways:- Develop leadership skills by participating in student life and service learning opportunities.Academic Integrity: This Policy applies to any and all student experiences in which academic credit is involved (e.g., courses, internships, practica, theses). Academic integrity is a cornerstone of an educational institution’s commitment to the principles of free inquiry; students are responsible for learning and upholding professional standards of research, writing, assessment, and ethics in their areas of study.Academic Dishonesty: Academic honesty is expected of all JCC students. It is the ethical behavior that includes producing your own work and properly citing the work of others. Academic dishonesty such as plagiarism, cheating, or helping others to commit academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. It will result in failure of that work and/or could result in immediate failure of the course.Additional Assistance: ADA Statement: JCC provides students with disabilities reasonable accommodation to participate in educational programs, activities, or services. Students with disabilities requiring accommodations to participate in class activities or meet course requirements should first contact the Center for Student Success by calling 796-8415 or by stopping byBert Walker Hall Room 123, and then contact the instructor as soon as possible.Tutors: I will be more than happy to tutor you on all facets of this class should you need it. In addition, tutors (plus additional services for academic