Strengthsquest Innovation Creativity

Spring 2009

GEL 101: General Education, Lifelong Learning & Information Literacy: The Student, The University, The Community

CONTACT INFORMATION Instructor: Ryan McRae Office: University Village Business Office Email: [email protected] Office Phone: 750-3711 Office Hours: By Appointment WELCOME TO GEL 101 You are about to start the adventure of a lifetime! This class is designed to help you chart the course and handle the challenging currents of receiving a college education here at Cal State San Marcos! We will cover how to utilize the library and the career centers—vital areas here at CSUSM—to help you achieve your academic goals. This class will help you assess your: time management, study skills, learning styles, teamwork skills, test-taking strategies and personal wellness. The library faculty will introduce you to college level research skills and the technology available on our campus to access, evaluate and communicate information and ideas. Career advisors will help you clarify your long term career goals and you will learn the elements of effective résumé writing and how to research careers. This course will also expose you to opportunities and resources for becoming an active member of our campus community outside the classroom. This class is designed to equip students with the basic skills, concepts, and knowledge necessary to become a lifelong learner. Examination of current theory and research regarding the information age, health and wellness, career development, and psychological assessment. practical application of the theory and research. Includes information literacy and technology skills, group and teamwork, and learning styles. It is my goal that at the end of this class, hopefully sooner, you realize how much there is to learn and that you are excited about it. This is the adventure of a lifetime. STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES Upon completion of GEL 101 you will be able to:

• •

Academic Success Skills Design and implement an effective time management plan that meets your personal schedule and the demands of your coursework. Assess your personal learning style, study skills and test taking strategies and develop a plan to improve in these areas.

GEL 101: The Student, The University, The Community

1

GEL 101

Spring 2008

• • • •

• • • • • •

• •

• • •

•

•

Information Literacy & College Level Research Formulate a research topic and write a relevant thesis Use electronic databases to locate and retrieve information related to a thesis Critique scholarly vs. popular press literature Write a college level research report (in APA or MLA style) and reproduce a related oral presentation Academic & Career Planning Research different academic majors (or confirm your choice of major) Develop a personal academic plan that includes university requirements, general education courses and courses for a major Research various career options Understand the career development process and explore key factors (skills, interests, values, personality and abilities) affecting career/major choice Write a detailed and effective professional resume Identify and make contact with an academic advisor, a career advisor and a faculty advisor Wellness Assess personal wellness along a number of dimensions including physical, psychological, social and fiscal Acquire and analyze information on wellness from Student Health Services and other campus resources Institutional Awareness and Resource Utilization List the campus resources available to students Identify common student needs and the appropriate campus resources to address those needs Identify the variety of ways students can become active participants in the campus community outside the classroom Moral & Ethical Decision Making Locate and analyze the Cal State San Marcos policies on Academic Honesty, DrugFree Campus & Smoking, Nondiscrimination, Sexual Assault, and Student Discipline Clarify your own values while understanding the values and ethical practices of our university community

GEL 101: The Student, The University, The Community

2

GEL 101

Spring 2008

Expectations of the Classroom Environment • •

• • • • • • •

Students will be on time for class; punctuality is expected. Cell phones will be turned off during class; if a student’s phone rings during class, that student will lose 5 points per ring since it disrupts the class. You are not permitted to use a cell phone while in class regardless if you are working independently. I have a short fuse about cell phones. There is a time and place for cell phones. My classroom is neither. Students will respect one another during discussions. Students will uphold the Code of Conduct for CSUSM. Course Requirements for GEL 101. All assignments that are not to be completed in class must be typed, using Microsoft Word or Pages. Assignments that do not have a name on them will be introduced to Mr. Shredder. They will be utterly consumed. Utterly. Any plagiarized assignment is grounds for an immediate failure of the class and a not-so-fun referral to the Dean . Extra credit is given sparsely. It is offered, not given. No extra credit can be applied to the library or career module. Zero. Class behavior (foul language, lack of respect, etc.) can cause a loss of points in the class.

Point Scale for Determining Final Grade: 90% A 80% B 70% C 60% D 59%-0% F

Description of each graded item: Class Discussions & Reflection Papers The class discussions will occur in class on a variety of topics such as:, ethics, study skills, first year experiences. Reflection papers will be assigned and handle topics such as: the textbook, films we’ve seen ethics, study skills and personal reflection. This is not an exhaustive list of topics, merely examples. Please note: All papers must be in Times New Roman and 12 pt. Font. If spacing, margins, or just general sloppy work, I will hand the paper back. Name, date and class belong in the

GEL 101: The Student, The University, The Community

3

GEL 101

Spring 2008

upper right hand corner, single spaced. Tile is centered, and the body of the paper is double spaced. I will just shred In-class exercises, quizzes & homework from the Feldman text1 The in-class exercises and quizzes will happen in class and will not be made up for any reason. These will deal with the reading due that day and any reading previously due. Homework will be from assigned reading and reflection. Research Project The information for the research project will be forthcoming.

Library and Career Module This will be outlined in the appropriate syllabus. If you fail either of these sessions, you may fail this class.

Communication with the Instructor Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need help. My email is [email protected] and my phone is 760-750-3711. You can also set up an appointment to see me in my office. My general course policy does not allow for make up exams or acceptance of late work. However, if you have a serious illness or other issue, it is your responsibility to contact me as soon as possible. Although I live in University Village, please refrain from coming to my home. Please respect my privacy—I am available through office hours.

Attendance Policy You have two excused absences when it comes to my class. After that, you will lose 5% of your total grade for every absence. If you are absent, it is your entire responsibility to make up the work, to contact me, come by and find out what you missed; I will not chase you down. Any absence over two days will require a doctor’s note. Please be aware—if you miss 7 or more classes, you will fail the class (regardless of your grade); there will be no extra credit, life vest or anything like that. Communication with the Instructor Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need help. My email is [email protected] and my phone is 760-750-3711. You can also set up an appointment to see me in my office. My general course policy does not allow for make up exams or acceptance of late work. How1

Pop quizzes are fair game on whatever reading is due. See schedule below. They can’t be made up.

GEL 101: The Student, The University, The Community

4

Spring 2008

GEL 101

ever, if you have a serious illness or other issue, it is your responsibility to contact me as soon as possible. Academic Honesty Policy Statement Students will be expected to adhere to standards of academic honesty and integrity, as outlined in the Student Academic Policy. All written work and oral presentation assignments must be original work. All ideas/material that are borrowed from other sources must have appropriate references to the original sources. Any quoted material should give credit to the source and be punctuated with quotation marks. Students are responsible for honest completion of their work including examinations. There will be no tolerance for infractions. If you believe there has been an infraction by someone in the class, please bring it to the instructor’s attention. The instructor reserves the right to discipline any student for academic dishonesty, in accordance with the general rules and regulations of the university. Disciplinary action may include the lowering of grades and/or the assignment of a failing grade for an example, assignment or the class as a whole. If you cheat blatantly, I will fail you blatantly. Incidents of Academic Dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Students. Sanctions at the University level may include suspension or expulsion from the University. I have no discretion if I find cheating has occurred; you will be referred to the Dean of Students. ADA Statement Students with disabilities who require reasonable accommodations must be approved for services by providing appropriate and recent documentation to the Office of Disabled Student Services (DSS). This office is located in Craven Hall 5205, and can be contacted by phone at (760) 750-4905, or TTY (760) 750-4909. Students authorized by DSS to receive reasonable accommodations should meet with me during my office hours in order to ensure confidentiality. Texts Needed to be Purchased The Student, The University, The Community Texts We Will Read But Are Free Urban, Hal, (2003 or newer). Life’s Greatest Lessons: 20 Things that Matter. Newport, Cal (2007). How to Become a Straight A Student. Pausch, Randy (2008). The Last Lecture.

GEL 101: The Student, The University, The Community

5

Spring 2008

RESEARCH PROJECT FOR GEL

The Values of CSUSM and Their Impact on You, the CSUSM Student GEL 101: Lifelong Learning Ryan McRae, M.Div. This semester we will discuss the power of choices and decisions we make based on our values. These values will be key to your success not only academically, but also life in general. CSUSM lists these as its values: VALUES California State University San Marcos is an academic community dedicated to the values of: Intellectual Engagement: learning, teaching, discovery, and application of knowledge Community: shared commitments to service, teamwork, and partnership Integrity: respect, honesty, trust, fairness, academic freedom, and responsibility Innovation: creativity, openness to change, flexibility, responsiveness, and future focus Inclusiveness: individual and cultural diversity, and multiple perspectives Your research project is a 10 minute presentation and a 12 page paper concerning the values of CSUSM, why they are important components to the health of the University, how the failure of these values impacts our society and how you reflect on these values in your life. It is highly recommended that you focus on one of the 5 tenets and its individual aspects. Instructions on Completing the Paper The paper, must be 12 complete pages, with one inch margins all around, 12 pt typeface using Times New Roman. A cover page (which does not count towards word count, c’mon) and annotated bibliography with at least seven (7) scholarly sources. This must be in APA style, which you will learn in the library This paper is due at the beginning of class on: May 5th, 2009 Instructions on Completing the Presentation The presentation must be between 8-10 minutes about the CSUSM value tenet and may be completed in a group of no more than three. Powerpoint or Keynote should be used to

GEL 101: The Student, The University, The Community

6

Spring 2008

Research Project

augment the presentation. Creativity is key. Boredom is not key. Your grade will be based on the following criteria:  “A” presentations demonstrate the following: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Fully prepared presentation with complete knowledge of material and ability to answer impromptu questions; Uses visual aids effectively (focus on audience, not visual aids); Exudes confidence when presenting; Appropriately dressed for the type of presentation; Maintains eye contact with everyone in the audience; Speaking is clearly understood; Maintains an appropriate tone and pace; Smooth transitions from point to point and to the next speaker if applicable Maintains an appropriate relationship with the audience

“B” presentations realize 1 through 9 well, but some areas can be strengthened to make the presentation more effective overall. “C” presentations realize 1 through 9 adequately—and demonstrates overall competence—but contains a few, relatively minor problems or flaws.  “D” presentations fail to realize some elements of 1 through 9 adequately—and contains several, relatively serious problems or flaws, or many minor ones.  “F” presentations fail to realize several elements of 1 through 9 adequately—and contains many serious problems or flaws, and usually many minor ones, as well.  A print out of the slides must be handed in the day of your presentation. We will discuss this project more in class. It must have 3 academic sources, and application for your fellow students. The following question must be answered: So what should we do about it? For example, if you are Innovation the audience must know how to incorporate innovation into their collegiate lives and how it benefits them. This presentation is due: May 5th and 7th]

GEL 101: The Student, The University, The Community

7

Spring 2008

Schedule

Jan 20, 2009 Jan 22, 2009 Jan 27, 2009 Jan 29, 2009 Feb 3, 2009 Feb 5, 2009 Feb 10, 2009 Feb 12, 2009 Feb 17, 2009 Feb 19, 2009 Feb 24, 2009 Feb 26, 2009 Mar 3, 2009 Mar 5, 2009 Mar 10, 2009 Mar 12, 2009 Mar 17, 2009 Mar 19, 2009 Mar 24, 2009 Mar 26, 2009 Mar 31, 2009 Apr 2, 2009 Apr 7, 2009 Apr 9, 2009 Apr 14, 2009 Apr 16, 2009 Apr 21, 2009 Apr 23, 2009 Apr 28, 2009 Apr 30, 2009 May 5, 2009 May 7, 2009 May 12, 2009 May 14, 2009

Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6 Week 7 Week 8 Week 9 Week 10 Week 11 Week 12 Week 13 Week 14 Week 15 Week 16 Week 17

Where did you go wrong?/Intro to college Syllabus Planning/ Explanation of Major Projects Poster Presentation Poster Presentation Newport Lecture Time Management Math, Writing and Language Lab How to Work on a Team (Assigning groups) Lecture on Hal Urban Lecture on Hal Urban Born into Brothels Born into Brothels Strengthsquest Strengthsquest Setting our priorities in life. How to Analyze Pretty Much Anything Library Module Library Module Library Module Library Module Library Module Library Module Public Speaking Public Speaking Spring Break Spring Break Career Module Career Module Career Module Career Module The Most Important Lecture I’ll ever give. The Most Important Lecture I’ll ever give. Presentations/Finals. Presentations/Finals.

This is a rough estimate of what is due; I will keep you up to date through the class.