SPEE 100: Fundamentals of Speech Communication

(LCOM) STSC 1000: New Student Seminar Syllabus M, W 12:05pm-12:55pm ~ Section 19, Fall 2012

Instructor: Robert S. Jersak

Office#: W1122

Phone#: (651) 779-3256

Email: [email protected] (Email is preferred)

Office Hours: Monday and Wednesday. 3:00pm- 4:00pm and by

GPS LifePlan Enhanced Course STSC 1000 Syllabus Page 2 Required Text book and Supplies:  On Course Special Edition. (2012). Author: Skip Downing.  Century College Student Planner (Free with Student ID at the Connection)  Notebook (Just for this class)  Pens, Pencils, and Highlighters  Stapler

to OUR NEW STUDENT SEMINAR

Course Description: This New Student Seminar course, paired with RDNG 90, is designed to help you foster the habits of success in college … and in life. Throughout the semester, you will learn many proven strategies for creating greater academic, professional and personal success. We will use readings, guided journal writings and active learning strategies to explore our objectives, and your goals, in full.

Course Objectives: At the end of the course, you should be able to:  Describe and apply active learning techniques.  Describe theories of brain development, learning styles and locus of control.  Use college resources and technology to prepare, present and plan  Demonstrate personal responsibility in accomplishing educational, personal and career goals.  Apply effective self-management techniques, including time management, organizational skills, self-discipline, concentration and stress management.

Advising / “Bridge to Success”: As part of Century's “Bridge to Success” program, I will be your advisor for your first semester in college. This advising is in conjunction with your New Student Seminar Course. You will be required to meet twice outside of class time with me. Each meeting will be 30 minutes in length -- once during the first three weeks of the semester and one more time before you register for your second semester. See deadline dates for meetings on the Course Calendar.

OnLine Work and SoftChalk Modules In order to prepare you for success in college, as well as today’s workplaces, this course incorporates several computer-based activities that are designed for you to complete outside of our scheduled class time. Modules will be presented to you from time to time throughout the semester. Ideally, you will complete these modules while you are on campus, and help will be available to you in the Reading and Student Success Lab in room W3250. Your instructor will give you specific instructions with regard to what is assigned and what you need to turn in as a result of your work on the activities and assignments. STSC 1000 Syllabus Page 3 A ttendance  Attend all classes. Class discussions and activities build upon preceding class information.  Attendance is recorded every day and will be counted in your final grade. Points are awarded for your attendance and active participation.  There are no excused absences; this includes cases of illness (yours or anyone in your family), car problems, family emergencies, work, vacations, funerals, weather, lack of transportation, taking a test, etc. You need to make the wisest choice for yourself if you should be in class or not.  Students that miss more than three (3) classes throughout the semester often do not pass the class. If you miss four or more class sessions, we will likely schedule a conference.  If we experience extreme driving conditions, you may hand-in your assignment late without penalty. Your instructor reserves the right to determine the meaning of “extreme”.  When an instructor is absent and the class is cancelled or school is cancelled, it will be posted on the Century College Website (www.century.edu) as well as on the TV monitors in the hallways.  If you experience an emergency regarding your attendance, please think ahead and contact your instructors as soon as possible.

** Make every effort to show your instructors that your education is a top priority **

In-Class Expectations Arrive on time. Arriving late and leaving early interrupt what we are doing in class, but come to class even if you are late or must leave early. Three late arrivals or early leaves equal one absence. Bring your books to each class session. We will be using them in class most days. Be ready to begin: have your books and assignments out as well as something to write with. Your presence and involvement in this class through the material and discussion are crucial to your development as an active student. This class is an interactive, activity and discussion based class. If you miss class, please check D2L for information and assignments and/or call another student before the next class. You are responsible for all materials and content covered keeping in mind the assignment and test policies even when you are not in class.

Readings and Assignments  Our main forms of communication will take place in the classroom and on D2L. All assignment sheets will be available through D2L.  Complete all readings and assignments before you arrive in class on the date they are due. We will proceed with the understanding you have completed all readings and assignments.  Assignments are due by the beginning of class on the due date. Assignments and Projects received after the due date will be considered late and will automatically be marked down 50%. STSC 1000 Syllabus Page 4

Evaluation and Grading Points for participation and assignments will be tabulated and posted on D2L throughout the semester. You will be notified in advance when projects and tests are due.  Participation points will be graded by both you and the instructor (10 points per week). Participation points cannot be made up for credit.  Check your grades on a weekly basis. Mistakes can be made and it is your responsibility to catch them.  Questions on Grades. I cannot discuss grades during class; if you have any questions about a grade recorded in D2L, please use the following procedure: 1. Print out your grades from D2L 2. Circle (or highlight) your name and the grade in question 3. Next to the circle write what the issue is. (Is there no grade?, Is the grade incorrect?, Do you disagree with what you received?, Why?) 4. Attach (staple) any supporting evidence (i.e., the graded assignment, etc.) 5. Hand in before or after class. I will check the grade and write a response to you regarding the grade. This will help me be more efficient in answering questions and/or correcting your grades.

Final Grades are assigned according to the following scale:

A 90-100% 495-550 pts Superior college-level work B 80-89% 440-494 pts Above-average college-level work C 70-79% 385-439 pts Average college-level work D 60-69% 330-384 pts Questionable college-level work F Below 60% 000-329 pts Unacceptable work

Points Breakdown: In-Class Participation Points 150 pts 15 Weeks @10 pts Success Assignments 5@10 pts 50 pts Success Projects 5@50 pts 250 pts LCOM Common Book Interview Project 32 Day Commitment Project Career Options Project FinancePlan Project Advisor Project (Includes Meetings) GPS LifePlan eFolio Final Project 100 pts Total 550 pts

► If You Are Interested in Following Your Point Totals throughout the Semester, Please Check the “Grades” Section of Our D2L Course Page

Course Policies Academic Honesty: STSC 1000 Syllabus Page 5 The primary academic mission of Century College is the exploration and dissemination of knowledge. Academic honesty and integrity are integral to the academic process. Cheating, plagiarism, and dishonesty are serious offenses that undermine the education process and the learning experience for the entire community. I expect you to understand and adhere to the concept of academic integrity and to the standards of conduct prescribed by Century College’s Policy on Academic Honesty. I expect you to assume responsibility for your work and to adhere to the policy that all materials you submit to fulfill this course’s requirements will be from your own efforts. If you plagiarize material, you will receive a 0 on the assignment, and you may be referred to the Dean of Students for appropriate action.

** What is Plagiarism? ** Plagiarism is using another person’s work as your own without giving credit to the author or source it came from. Instructors can spot plagiarized work easily, especially in this class. It is your responsibility to know what plagiarism is. A reminder, paraphrasing is not just changing a couple of words but placing the idea in your own word. The following are examples of plagiarism:  Using another author’s information and stating that it is your own.  Using another author’s information and not citing it appropriately.  Using direct quotes without quotation marks.  Using an illustration, picture, graph, etc. and not citing it properly.  Using material from the internet and not properly citing it.  Paraphrasing information from another’s source without citing the information. *Source: DuVivier, Roxanne. 100% Online Student Success, Clifton Park, NY: Delmar Cengage Learning, 2009

Classroom Behavior: Students are expected to act with respect toward other students and faculty. Some particular unacceptable behaviors in an educational setting that I feel are relevant to protect and respect the rights of all are: 1. Verbal disrespect (swearing, using vulgar language, interrupting; arguing; inappropriate expressions of anger or hostility; excessive whispering, talking, and giggling; repeated and inappropriate yawning and other offensive behavior) 2. Intimidation of other students, faculty, or staff (this includes shouting, threatening, etc.) 3. Repeatedly arriving late to class and/or leaving early (see instructor if you have scheduling problems) 4. Violating published college policies 5. Eating in the classroom (beverages are usually okay) 6. Playing/listening to music. Cell phones, pagers, and MP3 players must be turned off and put out-of-hand during class times. Please attend to your communication needs prior to entering class. Electronic devices are disruptive to the group process. 7. Leaving cell phones on to ring/talking on cell phones/text messaging 8. Sleeping in class, or placing head on desk for extended periods of time 9. Refusal to participate in activities, groups, and/or other activities 10.Any other behavior that distracts the instructor and/or other students from learning

Drop/Withdrawal Policy: If you wish to drop or withdraw from this class, it is your responsibility to complete the paperwork and meet all the deadlines. However, instructors are required to report to the system students STSC 1000 Syllabus Page 6 who stop attending class. If you are absent from class for two weeks without notice, you will be automatically withdrawn from the course.

Access/Accommodations: Reasonable accommodations will be provided for students with various types of physical, psychological, or learning disabilities. Please contact the instructor to discuss accommodations for this course. Disabilities must be registered at the Access Center, room 2440, West Campus, 651- 779-3355-TTY or 651-773-1715

Student’s Right to Know Have you picked up your copy of the “Student Right to Know” booklet? They’re available at the main entrances of the college and in the Counseling Center, and they contain important details on the college’s policies regarding Harassment and Discrimination, Crime Awareness and Campus Security Report, Drug and Alcohol Free Campus, Student Conduct and Academic Honesty. If you see or experience harassment, discrimination, student conduct or academic honesty violations, call the Student Conduct Officer at (651) 773-1780 (Room W2252). If you see or experience criminal acts or drug or alcohol violations, call Campus Security at (651) 747-4000 (campus extension 4000).

Brief Details on Our Assignments Each assignment will have a corresponding Assignment Sheet that will explain the assignment and the basis for evaluation in full. You’ll receive these in class as we go along, and they’ll be posted on D2L.

In-Class Participation Points: Because college success requires active engagement with content and classmates, your attendance in and participation during this class is very important to your success. You will assist the instructor in evaluating your weekly participation in class. Please note: these points cannot be made up for credit for any reason.

Success Assignments: Five assignments have been designed and will be assigned throughout the term (please see Course Calendar) to get you thinking beyond the textbook and classroom discussions. How can you apply what you’re learning in this class to how you’re living and learning? These assignments will help turn ideas and concepts into successful practices in your life. To earn the total possible points for each assignment, be sure to read and follow the directions carefully. The full list of assignments is below: 1. myCentury Technology Assignment 2. Time Management and Procrastination Assignment 3. Student Success Day Participation Assignment 4. Learning Styles Assignment 5. My EducationPlan Assignment

Success Projects and GPS LifePlan eFolio: STSC 1000 Syllabus Page 7 Six larger projects have been designed to get you actively involved in building your personal, professional and academic skills. You will have ample time to complete these projects, and ample support. And though there are presentation components to three of these projects – relax. Though I teach Communication, I don’t expect this to be a Public Speaking course, and we will make this a comfortable place for you to present your ideas and findings.

 Learning Community Common Book Interview Project You will conduct one personal interview with a member of your community that inspires you. You will be given questions to help guide you in your interviews, and you should spend at least an hour in the interview. You will then provide a printed report of your interviews (including interview notes), as well as share your findings with the class.

 Career Options and FinancePlan Projects You will utilize GPS LifePlan Modules to research potential careers of interest and to create a plan for financial stability. Each of these projects will culminate in a short study designed to help you begin moving towards an enjoyable, rewarding, successful educational experience and career.

 32 Day Commitment Brain research indicates that it takes 32 days to create the pathways for a lasting habit. This project will require that you work with others to support one another as coaches on a plan that will help you to take your first steps towards a much larger goal. This assignment will mark the end of in-class journaling, and begin a series of personal record on your process of commitment.

 Advisor Project Your meetings with me, as a part of the “Bridge to Success” program, will incorporate two short assignments designed to connect you with Century College resources and help you plan for your coming semesters, and possible program of study, at Century College.

 GPS LifePlan eFolio Final Project Why do all this work, only to lose it at the end of the semester? In this class, you’ll create an electronic portfolio designed to help you arrange, organize, keep and utilize your work on the many assignments and projects -- many of which are cumulative and plug right into your GPS eFolio. During our Final Exam session, you will present your completed eFolio to classmates, taking the opportunity to highlight successes, accomplishments and plans for your future.

Picture Yourself Here. STSC 1000 Syllabus Page 8

Course Calendar*

Wk Dates Topics and Assignments Due Introduction to the Course and Classmates Aug. 27

Team Building Activities 1 Aug. 29 Reading Due: Syllabus (and Begin Previewing OnCourse Textbook) OnLine Log In to a Century Computer Sept. 3 No Class - HOLIDAY Technology and D2L Orientation ~ CLASS MEETS IN ROOM W3140 2 Sept. 5

OnLine Work on myCentury Technology Assignment Wise Choices Sept. 10

Time Management 3 Sept. 12 Assignment Due: myCentury Technology Handout OnLine Post Response to D2L Discussion Board Exploring Careers ~ CLASS MEETS IN ROOM W3140 Sept. 17

Time Management Continued 4 Sept. 19 NOTE: Last Day for Advisor Project Meeting #1 OnLine Work on Career Explorations Module Introducing GPS LifePlan eFolio ~ CLASS MEETS IN ROOM W3120 Sept. 24 Assignment Due: Time Management and Procrastination Assignment STUDENT SUCCESS DAY 5 Sept. 26

Online Continue Work on eFolio Home Page and Content Learning Styles and Study Habits Oct. 1 Assignment Due: SSD Sessions Report Learning Styles and Study Habits Continued 6 Oct. 3

OnLine Complete Learning Styles Assessment (See Learning Styles Assignment) STSC 1000 Syllabus Page 9

Motivation Oct. 8 Assignment Due: Learning Styles Assignment Motivation Continued 7 Oct. 10

OnLine Continue Work on Building eFolio Self-Management, 32DC and SMART Goals Oct. 15

Interview Presentations 8 Oct. 17 Assignment Due: Common Book Interview Project Online Email / Contact Success Coach Exploring Careers Continued Oct. 22 Assignment Due: Career Options Project Managing Finances 9 Oct. 24

OnLine Work on FinancePlan Module Managing Finances Continued Oct. 29

10 Oct. 31 NO CLASS OnLine Continue Work on FinancePlan Module Physical and Mental Well-Being Nov. 5

Managing Relationships 11 Nov. 7 NOTE: Last Day for Advisor Project Meeting #2 OnLine Work on Mentor Project OnLine Module/My EducationPlan Assignment

Nov. 12 NO CLASS – VETERANS DAY Managing Relationships Continued 12 Nov. 14 Assignment Due: My EducationPlan Assignment OnLine Email / Contact Success Coach Registration with Counselor ~ CLASS MEETS IN ROOM W3140 Nov. 19

Staying OnCourse 13 Nov. 21 Assignment Due: My FinancePlan Assignment OnLine Register for Spring 2013 Courses Global Competency Nov. 26 Reading Due: Pages 177-183 14 Nov. 28 NO CLASS – THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY OnLine HOLIDAY STSC 1000 Syllabus Page 10

Developing Leadership Dec. 3

Developing Leadership Continued 15 Dec. 5 Assignment Due: 32 Day Commitment Project OnLine Continue Work on Building eFolio eFolio Workshop ~ CLASS MEETS IN ROOM W3140 Dec. 10 Course in Review and Looking Ahead 16 Dec. 12

Online Finalize eFolio Finals Session 12:15pm-2:15pm Dec. 17 Assignment Due: GPS LifePlan eFolio Project

* Course Calendar is Tentative and Subject to Change

Let’s Get Started! … STSC 1000 Syllabus Page 11 The Wise Choice Process

1) What’s Your Present Situation? Identify the actual problem or difficulty

2) How Would You Like It to Be? Specify your goal (desired outcome)

3) What Are Your Possible Choices? Without evaluating, make a list of options

4) What’s the Likely Outcome of Each Choice? Missing information? Stop and get more.

5) Which Choice(s) Will You Commit to Doing? Make a promise to yourself.

6) When & How Will You Assess Your Plan? Evaluate your results.