Clayton State University

CSU1022 University Foundations
Course Syllabus - Fall 2007                                

Individuals with disabilities who need to request accommodations should contact the Disability Services Coordinator, Student Center 255, 678-466-5445, disabilityservices@mail.clayton.edu.

Course Description:

Number and Title:

CSU 1022 (CRN 85904)
University Foundations - Introduction to CSU 

Credit Hours:

University Foundations is a two hour credit course that counts for Institutional Credit in the GPA.

Catalog Description:

University Foundations helps new students make a successful transition to Clayton State University and prepares them to meet the challenges of higher level learning and the demands of their chosen field  The course connects students and faculty who share a common interest by building a community of learners committed to achieving excellence. University Foundations refines academic goals, encourages a greater sense of personal responsibility, creates intentional learners and provides the information and support that students need to earn a college degree. This discussion-based seminar helps students to learn how to improve their basic skills in areas such as written communication, oral communication and critical thinking. (Institutional credit only; counts in GPA)

Notebook Computer Requirement:

Each CSU student is required to have ready access throughout the semester to a notebook computer that meets faculty-approved hardware and software requirements for the student's academic program. Students will sign a statement attesting to such access.  For further information on CSU's Official Notebook Computer Policy, please go to http://itpchoice.clayton.edu/policy.htm.  

Computer Skill Prerequisites:

• Able to use the Windows^TM operating system.
• Able to use the Microsoft Word^TM word processing program.
• Able to send and receive e-mail using the Outlook^TM or Outlook Express^TM program
• Able to attach and retrieve attached files via email.
• Able to use a Web browser

You should develop the habit of checking your e-mail daily.  Because of the number of student we typically have, there may be some delay in the instructor's response to an individual's e-mail.  Do not send time-sensitive information via e-mail.  A delivered e-mail does not relieve you of the responsibility of informing the instructor about some concern.  On the other hand, the instructor may send e-mails with information vital to your success in the course.  Check your e-mail often, at least once a day.

Course Objectives:

            The objectives of the course are that students be able to:

• develop greater proficiency in oral and written communication
• demonstrate an improved ability to think critically
• use basic communication and instructional technologies
• develop learning-centered relationships with fellow students, advisors and instructors
• set priorities, establish short and long term goals, and effectively manage time
• identify campus resources that serve various academic, psychological and social needs
• conduct basic research and find needed research materials online and at the library
• apply knowledge of learning styles to educational tasks
• use learning strategies (reading techniques, note-taking methods, memory strategies, and test taking stratefies) effectively
• understand their majors and identify careers that suit their interests and abilities
• develop habits and strategies that promote fiscal responsibility, healthy lifestyles, stress management, and effective interactions with diverse groups of people
  

Student Learning Outcomes:

The general learning outcomes of the course and learning community program include:

• strengthening students' ability to read, write and speak effectively
• improving students' abilities to analyze, interpret and communicate information in a systematic way
• developing students' knowledge of their goals, abilities, and interests in conjunction with practices that contribute to success in college and in their chosen field
• building connections between students with similar interests and between students, faculty and the university

Term:

Fall, 2007

Instructor Information:

Instructor:

Dr. Patricia Metthe Todebush
Office phone: (678) 466-4788
fax: (678) 466-4899
e-mail:  patriciatodebush@.clayton.edu
internet:  http://a-s.clayton.edu/ptodebus/default.html

Office:

Arts and Sciences Building , Room 105-A

Office Hours:

Monday 3:30 - 4:30 PM
Tuesday & Thursday 2:30 - 6:00 PM
Wednesday 11:30 AM - 2:30PM by appointment
& other times by appointment

Class Meetings:

Textbook Information:

Text:     Gardner, J. N., & Jewler, A. J. (2006) The essential college experience with readings (6th ed.). Boston: Thomas Learning 

Text:     New York Times Newpaper  Specifically the Science Section found in each Tuesday Edition

Evaluation:

Writing Assignments: Writing assignments are required. These assignments will consist of some combination of short papers, laboratory reports, journals, essay exams and book reviews. 

Group Presentations: Students will develop and participate in group presentations. One such presentation will be on a research topic of the group's choosing. Students will be required to do research for this presentation and will use MS PowerPoint to communicate their information. A second group presentation will involve leading a discussion on an outside reading.

Final Exam: The final exam will be a 50 question multiple choice test requiring the students to reflect upon what they have learned in this course during this semester. Students may also be required to take quizzes and other tests at the Instructors discretion.

Student Enrichment Activities (SEAs): Students will learn about campus service providers attend campus events and or participate in campus or community service activities. 

Attendance and Participation:

This class requires student involvement and participation. In order to learn as much as possible in this class and to make one's share of contributions, students are required to participate. Roll will be taken during every class period meeting. In the event that students are not able to attend class due to illness or other emergency, they should contact the instructor before the class meets.

Grading:

The mid-term grade in this course will be posted before the deadline for withdrawal without academic penalty. They will be calculated by a formula for each student's graded work at that time.

Cheating

Academic Irregularity:  Academic Integrity is vial for true teaching and learning to take place in a scholarly community. Any form of cheating is a serious violation and will be addressed in accordance with university policy. All instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Office of Student Life/Judicial Affairs.  Judicial procedures are described at http://adminservices.clayton.edu/studentlife/judicial_affairs.htm.  

    Plagiarism: Using another person's ideas without giving due credit is plagiarism. Quotation marks should be used to denote words that are directly copied, and the original source must be cited with other people's exact language is used or their ideas are paraphrased.  University policy will be followed in the event that plagiarism is detected.

Course Schedule:

The instructor reserves the right to change the schedule as necessary and will communicate any changes to the class during lecture and via email.

Course Policies:

Students must abide by policies in the Clayton State University Student Handbook, and the Basic Undergraduate Student Responsibilities.

Disruptive Behavior: Teachers and students are engaged in scholarly pursuits. Students who do not respect others in the classroom or who act in ways that disrupt the learning process will be asked to leave.