First Year Seminar (FYS 110 –14 Life Maps) Wednesdays, 4:30-5:48 BW room 104 Fall 2009 8/26/09 – 11/22/09 “Life is a journey. You’ll need a map.” Instructor: Jill Kielhorn Email: [email protected] Phone: 517 414-2568 Text: “Step by Step to College and Career Success,” 3rd ed. by Gardner & Barefoot ISBN-13: 978-0-312-68307-8, Bedford/St. Martin’s Supplies: 3-ring binder (½ inch) for portfolio, loose-leaf paper, two-pocket folder for handouts, pens, pencils, student planner Course Description This first-year experience course equips students for transitions 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. Course Organization Life Maps explores four major journeys in life: Inner Journey – We will be learning more about ourselves, our strengths, and our learning styles. This journey boosts our confidence and helps us become more comfortable in the college setting. Learning Journey - This journey is meant to help us steer through our college courses. It includes active learning, helpful study strategies, effective test-taking, and time management. College Journey – This journey deals with navigating college, using available resources, and understanding the process and what JCC has to offer. Career Path – You will spend time considering career options and develop an educational plan that leads toward your career goals. What are 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. The Associate Degree Outcomes (ADOs) addressed in this class are: The ability to think critically and solve problems. (ADO #7); and The ability to work productively with others. (ADO #9).Goals of the Course 1. Assess your learning styles, assess your career aptitudes and build a Student Education Plan for academic success. (ADO 7: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving.) 2. Improve study strategies to enhance your understanding and to succeed in courses. (ADO 7: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving.) 3. Develop leadership skills by participating in student life and service learning opportunities. (ADO 9: Working productively with others.) 4. Access and effectively use college resources. (ADO 9: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving.) Your Instructor’s Areas of Responsibility for Your Learning Accessibility – E-mail or call me, or set an appointment. I will be glad to discuss your college experience and assist you with this class. Don’t hesitate to ask any questions. I am usually in the classroom fifteen minutes after class. If you have any questions about grades, please see me then. Remember, I want you to succeed! Variety – The class will offer a variety of activities including reflective writing, public speaking, class discussion, group activities and a final capstone project. Your Areas of Responsibility for Learning Punctuality – Turn in your work by the due date. Be punctual in coming to class. Constant tardiness will affect your participation grade. Attendance and Participation – You will get the most from this course by reading each assigned chapter thoroughly, attending every session, participating in the learning activities in class and online, being respectful and cooperative, and completing the assignments. Any absence results in losing your participation grade for that day. This class meets 12 times for a little more than one hour each time. If you miss one class, it will have a negative effect on your grade. If you miss two classes, you will see that your grade goes down one full grade, i.e. 4.0 drops to a 3.0. While you are in class, it is expected that you will actively participate in discussions and activities. I ask that you read the assigned chapters BEFORE you come to class so that we can have a more meaningful conversation. You are responsible for completing all assignments, reflections, and projects that were assigned which is considered as part of you participation and attendance grade. Consult your course calendar to stay on schedule with the class requirements. Homework is due at the beginning of class; late work will not be accepted unless you and I have discussed this beforehand. If you haveany questions about an assignment, please call, email, or talk to me before or after class. Please don’t wait until it is time to hand in the assignment to tell me that you did not understand it or for some reason could not complete it. Classroom Etiquette Please turn off all technology before class begins. (cell phones, i-pods, laptops, PDAs, game devices, etc). If you must be available for family emergencies, let me know ahead of time. Absolutely NO text-messaging during class. No sports caps or hoods are to be worn in class. If you need to leave, please do not disrupt the class. No food in the classroom, although a small snack or bottled water is acceptable. No vulgar or coarse language will be tolerated. Students who ignore these rules will be asked to leave and will be counted as absent. As a college student, your demeanor should reflect your interest in becoming an educated adult. We are helping to prepare you for the work world of success. Academic Honesty Academic honesty is expected. This means producing your own work, not using others’ work as your own, not plagiarizing any other person’s work, cheating or helping others to cheat. Please refer to The JCC Student Handbook of Rights and Responsibilities. Any work violating academic honesty will be marked “0”. The Four Types of Course Work in FYS 110 Participation in Class Activities – This is an active course. Your participation is essential in helping us all learn together. Class activities and involvement will count. Homework and Reflection Activities – Reflection topics will be given to you in class to respond to during the week. Keep these entries together as a way to discover more about how to learn and how you learn. Each Reflection is due the following class. Your work must follow the course format for full credit. See handout. Homework Activities – Assignments will be given to you during class. Many activities will become part of your capstone project. Each homework assignment is