FYS 110-16 Life Maps Fall 2009 Instructor: Winslow Willis Class Time and Location: Wednesday 8:00-9:18 Bert Walker Rm # 104 Office Hours: 30 minutes after each class or by appointment Email: [email protected] or [email protected] Required Textbooks and supplies: 1: Step-by-Step to College & Career success 3rd Edition 2: A three ring binder for Capstone Project Course Description: This first year experience course was designed for the purpose of assisting students as they transition in education and life. You will be actively involved in learning and integrating practical applications to promote success. You will develop a learning portfolio and an educational plan while enhancing critical thinking and study strategies. Associate Degree Outcomes and Course Objectives: The JCC Board of Trustees has developed a list of essential skills that all graduates of JCC should develop, prior to the completion of their studies at the college. The following statement, provided by the members of the board at JCC clearly outlines these educational objectives: JCC’s goal is to prepare students to live productive and meaningful lives. Implicit in this goal are efforts to prepare students to: (a) live and work in the 21st century, (b) be employed in situations which will require retraining several times during a productive life, and (c) function in a rapidly changing international society. In FYS 110: you will: 1. Assess your learning styles, assess your career aptitudes, and build a Student Education Plan or academic success. (ADO 4: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving.) 2. Improve study strategies to enhance your understanding and to succeed in courses. (ADO 4: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving.) 3. Develop leadership skills by participating in 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.)Organization of Course LifeMaps explores four major journeys that we live. ► Inner Journey: A main journey is one of learning more about yourself, your strengths, and your learning styles. This journey includes gaining self confidence as you become a part of the college community. ► Learning Journey: This journey includes active learning, effective and efficient study strategies, effective test-taking, and time management. ► College Journey: We will explore the journey of college, using resources, and understanding the processes. ► Life Journey: All of these journeys are involved in forming the career path that you choose. This course will assist you in making your career choice, and with developing an education plan toward that goal. Course Details: Attendance and Participation: - Your attendance and participation in this course are key elements to the success of the class and our daily discussions. It is expected that you will attend each class session and actively participate in all aspects of the class period. - Participation points will be deducted for tardiness, as well as disrupting class sessions. - In case of emergencies or if there is a need to be absent from class, you will need to contact me in advance either by phone or by email. - Unexcused absences could result in your being dropped from the class. Assignments: - You will be expected to complete all assignments and readings prior to the start of each class period. This will serve as beneficial to you with regards to participation points, and will also enhance our classroom discussions. - All writing assignments should be typed and double spaced, using a 12 or 14 font, and one inch margins. - If you have questions regarding an assignment or the requirements of an assignment, ask before the assignment is due. Do not wait until after you have turned an assignment in to ask questions. - Assignments will always be due at the beginning of each class. Late assignments will not be accepted.Academic Honesty: The JCC Catalog states, “Academic honesty…is the ethical behavior that includes producing one’s own work and not representing others’ work as one’s own, either by plagiarism, or by cheating, or by helping others to do so… Faculty members who suspect a student of academic dishonesty may penalize the student by assigning a failing grade for the (assignment) or the course itself. Instructors should document instances of academic dishonesty in writing to the Academic Dean.” Tutorial Assistance: For tutoring and additional free services for academic success visit Marian Burlingham at the Center for Student Success in Bert Walker Hall Room 123, or contact the center via phone at (517) 796-8415. Marian can provide you with information regarding study labs, and tutors that will help you with writing, study skills, test anxiety, math and reading. Students with Disabilities: Students requiring special assistance, including those covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act should call and make a personal appointment with Marian Burlingham at (517) 796-8415. This is the final step in acquiring the appropriate accommodations to help with your courses. Grades: Grades will be based on participation, reflections, the capstone project, and homework activities. Reflections: - A valid reflection should be a MINIMUM of three paragraphs in length, each paragraph consisting of no less than 5-7 sentences. - Each reflection must include: □ A brief summary of the assigned readings. (1 paragraph per chapter) □ A detailed and thoughtful answer to how you will be willing to work on one of the “How do you measure up?” questions. □ One paragraph on your week as a student Reflections must be typed and should be approximately one page in length. (15 points) Capstone Project: This will be a project that culminates all of your experiences in FYS 110, but will also be a guide and inspiration for your future. You will assemble a portfolio that contains information about your career goals, education plan, learning style, strengths as a learner, and effective study and time management strategies. (50 points)Homework Activities: Various activities will be assigned throughout the course. Many of these activities will become part of your capstone project (25 points) Culmination of Points: Attendance and Participation- (10 points) Reflections- (15 points) Capstone Project- (50 points) Homework Activities- (25