UNI101: University Studies
Course Syllabus
Fall 2003, T
|
Instructor |
: Brian M. Morgan |
|
Office |
: Prichard
Hall 212 |
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Phone Number |
: (304) 696-6469 |
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Fax Number |
: (304) 696-6533 |
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Office Hours |
: MWF: MW:
2:15 – 3:00 TR: Other times by appointment ONLY |
|
E-Mail |
Textbooks:
There are no required textbooks for this course.
Course
Description:
This is a one-credit hour course designed to introduce new students to the
nature of university
life, provide them with essential college survival skills, and enhance personal
growth as they enter into the university experience.
Credit:
This is a credit/no credit course.
This means that you will receive one credit (of the 128 required) towards
graduation if you meet the requirements for the course. You will not receive a
grade. The credit will not be calculated into your GPA.
Pre/co-requisites:
NONE
Desired Objectives/Outcomes:
The goal of UNI 101 is to help you
make a successful transition to college and equip you with the skills necessary
to face the academic challenges at the University and the social and cultural
adjustments of adult life. More specifically,
this course will:
-
Provide
opportunities for students to develop relationships with fellow students,
faculty, and the university itself that will help develop and support a
successful university experience
-
Provide opportunities to learn survival techniques in
transitioning from high school to college, and thus say in college and earn a
degree
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Provide opportunities for learning time management and study
skills to assist with making good choices as students in transitioning to a
life of relative freedom at the university
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Assist the student in defining the value of an education and
developing an appreciation for the various cultural, personal, and educational
opportunities available at
-
Assist students in thoroughly
understanding such concepts as academic good standing, probation and academic
policies
Instruction method:
We will be in class 1 hour each week through the course of the semester. We will participate in projects covering the
major topics are part of the course.
Grading Policy:
You either get a grade for the course or you do not. In order to receive credit for the course, you must:
- Attend class regularly and miss no more than one unexcused class. Get in touch with me if you have to miss class
- Complete the required written and oral assignments at a satisfactory level
- Participate in class discussions EACH AND EVERY class period, and come prepared for class
Assignments:
-
Visit
- Visit and complete a written report about at least one university function such as an Artist series performance, University Theater show, music event, or student organized event. This is due by September 23rd.
- Attend a university athletic event (doesn’t have to be football) and send me an e-mail about it. This is due by October 28th.
- Prepare an oral presentation around the topic – “What do you think of MU, IST, and college life in general?” You will be making this presentation on November 18th.
- Write a 1-2 page paper (and be prepared to discuss it) detailing what you do for Thanksgiving, including what type of foods you will eat, who will be attending, and where you will be going. You will read this paper on November 25th.
Policy Statement:
Open
Environment: The lines of communication are WIDE
OPEN. Everyone is encouraged to speak
his/her mind about anything of concern at Marshall or college life in general.
If you have complaints, opinions, comments or questions, please bring them up
in class or e-mail me if you prefer. We
will have several guest speakers during the semester. If you have questions for them, do not
hesitate to ask. This is *your*
course. The more you participate, the
more you will benefit from it.
Exams:
There are NONE! So don’t worry about them.
Attendance Statement:
You are expected to attend class. A
student who misses two or more unexcused classes will not earn credit for the
class. Every absence will be discussed
with the instructor.
Withdrawal Policy:
The University withdrawal policy is followed in this course.
The last day to drop an individual course for the Fall of 2003 is
Topics and Methodology:
The following outline delineates the tentative class schedule with topics to be
addressed during the course. Please
note this is a tentative schedule and it may change upon class progress:
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August 26 |
Introductions (me, each other, IST, UNI 101) myMU, E-mailing assignments - etiquette |
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September 2 |
Introduction to College Academics – how to
read a syllabus Bring a copy of the syllabus for all of your
courses to class |
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September 9 |
Library Instruction – meet at the Drinko
Library Reference Desk (first floor just inside the atrium). DON’T BE LATE!!! Ask for David |
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September 16 |
Extracurricular Activities Discussion of Campus Organizations |
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September 23 |
University policies and procedures. Bring your student handbook and catalog
(guest speaker: Dr. Ralph Taylor) |
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September 30 |
Test Taking Strategies, Preparing for Exams |
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October 7 |
Managing your time Bring all of your schedules to class (course,
work, etc.) |
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October 14 |
Getting and Staying Healthy – Fiscal and physical
well being Money, substance abuse, drinking, and
contraception |
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October 21 |
Living with Diversity, understanding
prejudices, biases (racial, ethnic, gender, age, disability, etc.) |
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October 28 |
Kidney Machine exercise. A discussion of scientific ethics, personal
worth, and decision making |
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November 4 |
Getting ready for the Spring semester – course
requirements for the spring and the next 3 years, how to register, etc. |
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November 11 |
Open Discussion – topics we haven’t covered,
things you want to know about. |
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November 18 |
Oral Reports – What do you think of MU, IST,
and college life in general? |
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November 25 |
Culture – How do we understand cultures? |
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December 2 |
Class evaluations, planning for final exams |
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December 9 |
Final Exam Week – no class scheduled |