Univ 1301 Experiencing Poverty

Univ 1301 Experiencing Poverty CRN 32542

Semester Term and Year: Summer 2 2011

Instructor: Teri Hibbert Office: Main 313

Office Hrs: by appt. Professor: E-Mail: [email protected]

Phone: 747-5714 Through a collection of readings, we will explore the voice, the presence, and the perspective of the poor who live on the margins of society and are generally invisible to the rest of us. Goals are to bring the realities of the lives of the impoverished as close to the reader as possible and to get the reader to listen carefully to these Course Description: voices of the poor to enhance their understanding (Eitzen 2003). Students will learn to use their sociological imagination when discussing, analyzing and writing about the readings. In addition, students will gain a deeper understanding of the problem of poverty in the United States. We will also assess and explore academic skills vital to college success.

Experiencing Poverty. 2nd edition only Eitzen and Smith Required Texts: Borders: CROSSING INTO YOUR FUTURE 3rd Edition only

Course Objectives: Students will explore poverty in the U.S. using their critical thinking abilities and review study skills necessary for college.

10% Class participation/attendance 30% Essays/Study skills activities/ DISCOVER/etc. 15% Final Portfolio 10% Campus resources: Oral presentation and Powerpoint Grading Breakdown: 10% Meetings (2) with instructor and peer leader (exams, papers, etc.) 10% Library orientation/quizzes 5% Introductory assignment 5% Campus Event Written Report No. 1 5% Professor Interview My approach in teaching any course including Univ 1301 is to allow the student to experience individual responsibility in the college environment. While we are here to teach about a particular topic in Sociology and provide information about UTEP and the academic skills necessary for college level work, it is the students’ personal responsibility to actively participate in the role of college student. The successful student comes to every class prepared, which means Teaching Method: all assigned material has been read, any written assignments have been completed, and he/she is ready to engage in discussion of the readings/skills/activities in class. As the instructor, my responsibilities are to provide a positive learning environment, guide students through the semester with timely feedback about progress, and involve the peer leader with the class in an effective way. Students should feel comfortable in asking questions in person or through email

Brief Description of Students will complete all items on grade list including reading Course Content: articles and completing essays, presenting campus resources, completing a variety of study skills activities.