PIE 5555 Foundations of Pie Making

Syllabus

Contents

Contact Information 1

Communicating with Your Instructor 1

Course Goal 2

Prerequisites 2

Required Materials 2

Course Organization & Online Tools 2

Course Schedule and Due Dates 3

How Students Demonstrate They Have Achieved Course Aims 4

Naming and Submitting Documents 4

Late Work Policy 4

Drop Policy 4

Assignments and Weights 4

Guidelines for Success 5

Technical Support 6

Using the Alkek Library 6

Special Accommodations 7

Financial Aid 7

Tuition Costs 7

Contact Information

Name: Dr. Cherry Fill

Office Location: Cook Building

Office Hours: Virtual office hours Wednesdays from 11:30am to 12:30pm and by appointment.

Office Telephone: 512-245-5555

E-mail:

Communicating with Your Instructor

Office Hours

Do not hesitate to send me an email if we need to talk so we can agree on a convenient time for a phone call, Connect session, or a meeting.

Forums Versus Email

If you have a question about course content or mechanics, I encourage you to post it to the Problem Solver discussion forum. Doing so gives students in the course an opportunity to help one another and allows everyone to benefit from answers to your questions. Of course, don’t hesitate to email me directly if your concern is of a personal nature.

Email Response Time

Generally I will respond to emails within 2-3 days of receiving them. If I plan to be away from my computer for more than a couple of days, I will let you know in advance.

Please include PIE5555 somewhere in the subject line of your email so I will know to attend to it quickly.

Course Goal

The goal of this skill development course is to develop your ability to make a wide variety of pies (i.e. cutting in lard, rolling out dough, mixing fillings, optimum baking temperatures and times, etc.).

Refer to Learning Modules for learning objectives for each module of instruction.

Prerequisites

Successful completion of CAKE4444 or instructor approval

Required Materials

Textbook

Pan, P., Butter R., & Flakey S. (2008). United Behind Pies (4th ed.). Allyn and Bacon. ISBN-10: 0-555-33576-5

Computer Hardware

In order to participate in any Texas State online course, you should have easy access to a computer less than 5-years old and a high-speed internet connection via cable modem or DSL.

You are expected to be proficient with installing and using basic computer applications and have the ability to send and receive email attachments.

Software

·  Firefox (latest version; Macintosh or Windows) http://www.getfirefox.com

·  Flash Player plug-in (latest version). A free download is available at http://www.adobe.com/products/flashplayer/

·  QuickTime plug-in (latest version). A free download is available at http://www.apple.com/quicktime/download/

·  Virus protection: a free download is available at http://www.tr.txstate.edu/software/download.html

·  Microsoft Office: A license to use Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook for Windows or Entourage for Macintosh, and PowerPoint, is available for $35 at the Texas State University Bookstore in the LBJ Student Center. A student ID is required to purchase a license. The Windows version is Office 2007, which runs on Windows XP and Vista. The Macintosh version is Office 2008, which runs on OS 10. To order by phone, call the University Bookstore¹s Computer/Electronics shop at (512) 245-2880 or toll-free at (877) 884-3338. They will provide a form for you to complete and fax or mail to them along with your payment of $35.00 plus a $10.00 fee to cover shipping and handling.

Course Organization & Online Tools

Learning Modules

The course is organized into modules of instruction, called Learning Modules, as outlined in the Course Schedule and Due Dates below. Each learning module is listed by its main topic and contains required readings, videos, mini lectures, discussion forum assignments, essay and framework assignments, and collaborative assignments that you complete working in teams.
Learning module sections also include reminders to work on pie project assignments, which are described in more detail in documents contained in Resources.

Note: Most materials used in conjunction with the course are subject to copyright protection.

Discussion Forums

You will find the following discussion forums in the course TRACS site:

§  Problem Solver: Post any questions or comments you may have about course mechanics or technical issues to this forum.

§  Cyber Lounge: Use this forum to celebrate your personal accomplishments, encourage each other, post inspirational quotes, etc.

§  Forums related to collaborative and discussion assignments, as described in Learning Module sections

My role in discussion forums is that of a facilitator. I will occasionally correct misconceptions and/or redirect conversations that need redirecting. I may also post comments following the completion of discussion indicating my general impressions of the comments and conclusions.

Connect

In addition to the learning activities noted above, I will also hold Connect sessions during the semester at dates and times to be announced. For more information about Connect, visit http://www.its.txstate.edu/services/adobeconnect.html.

Assignments

Unless indicated otherwise in Learning Modules, you will submit essays, frameworks, and pie project assignments using the Assignments tool. The due dates in Assignments match the due dates in the schedule below.

Resources

In Resources you’ll find documents that describe the pie project, including rubrics for the project, and for discussion forum posts.

Course Schedule and Due Dates

Be sure to note the following:

·  The schedule below lists only the assignments with due dates. There are numerous other required assignments in Learning Modules, including reading assignments, videos, and mini lectures. Learning Modules will walk you step by step through the instructional sequence for this course. (All students in the class are required to submit all assignments below except those assigned to a facilitator.)

·  All assignments are due by midnight of the dues dates below.

Module / Assignments / Due / Points
Welcome to
PIE 5555 / Syllabus Quiz
Connect: Introductions / 9/4
TBA / 1
1
Why Pies? / Discussion Forum (first post, response)
Team Activity
Module Quiz / 9/4,9/8
9/6
9/8 / 2
5
3
Understanding Problems With Pies / Discussion Forum (first post, response)
Fried Pie Tasting
Module Quiz / 9/15,20
9/19
9/20 / 2
3
5
Populations Who Like Pies / Discussion Forum (first post, response)
Cooking Wisely Activity
Module Quiz / 9/22,26
9/24
9/26 / 2
5
3
Assessing Pie Eating Outcomes / Discussion Forum (first post, response)
Customer Survey
Module Quiz / 9/28,10/3
10/1
10/3 / 2
5
3
Planning and Evaluating Successful Pies / Discussion Forum (first post, response)
Essay
Module Quiz / 10/6, 10
10/8
10/10 / 2
5
3
Fostering Successful Pie Sales / Discussion Forum (first post, response)
Taste Test
Module Quiz / 10/15, 19
10/17
10/19 / 2
5
3
Serving Pies to Hundreds / Discussion Forum (first post, response)
Kitchen Clean Up
Module Quiz / 10/22, 28
10/24
10/28 / 2
5
3
Pie Regulations / Discussion Forum (first post, response)
Team Activity
Module Quiz / 10/30, 11/20
11/15
11/20 / 2
5
3
Pie Regulations / Discussion Forum (first post, response)
Final Pie project
Module Quiz / 11/30, 12/6
12/2
12/6 / 2
13
3
TOTAL: / 100

How Students Demonstrate They Have Achieved Course Aims

Forum Participation

An important part of your class investment/professionalism grade will be based on your participation in forums. See the discussion rubric in Resources for a more information about how forum posts will be graded.

Essays and Team Activities

You will be assigned to write essays and complete activities described in your textbook. These assignments are designed help you develop ideas and explore approaches to your pie project, which is described below. In many cases, the text you develop for essay and activity assignments can be adapted or used directly in your project.

Pie Project

You will also participate in a semester-long pie project. Many of the activities in this class are directly related to the components of your pie project.

The pie project must be submitted as described in the pie project documents in Resources. You will also record a presentation of key aspects of your pie. I will evaluate the draft and final versions of your pie project and your pie project presentation using the pie project rubric included in Resources.

Naming and Submitting Documents

Before you submit a document, name your file according to the format below. Avoid special characters and spaces in file names. Use a single underline _ to separate words.

The name of your… / …should follow the format: / Example:
Essay / LastNameFirstInitial_Essay.doc / SmithJ_Essay.doc

Late Work Policy

Serious late-work penalties apply if work is not submitted on time—at least a letter grade a day. If you do not submit the final pie project, and presentation assignments, you earn an automatic F, no matter what your total points are. No late posts to forums will be accepted.

You are responsible for keeping a back-up copy of all submitted work.

Drop Policy

Permission to drop this class with a "W" will only be given after the student consults with the instructor. It is the student's responsibility to complete University paperwork and pay the required fees.

Assignments and Weights

Your overall course grade will be based on the assignments listed above, as follows:

Component / Weight
Forum participation / 10%
Quizzes / 10%
Essays and team activities / 40%
Final pie project / 25%
Pie project presentation / 15%
Total / 100%

Each graded assignment is assigned a percentage score, and assignments are weighted as indicated above to arrive at a final percentage score for the course. A conventional grading scale is used to determine your final grade:

A: 90-100%

B: 80-89%

C: 70-79%

D: 60-69%

F: below 60%

Guidelines for Success

Conduct and Civility

Every student is held accountable for abiding by the tenants of required conduct outlined in the TX State Student Handbook (http://www.dos.txstate.edu/TxState-Handbook.html). Students are expected to contribute to the learning environment by respectfully interacting with their colleagues and professor regardless of any difference of opinion. When students voice opinions with which you do not agree, feel free to voice your opinion in a polite and civil manner. This approach can help us enhance the free flow of ideas. Students must not interfere with the learning of their colleagues.

Communication Skills

All students must have adequate writing skills to communicate content in a professional and concise manner. Students must be proficient in their written presentations including strategies for developing ideas, citing scholarly references, writing style, wording, phrasing, and using language conventions. Students must follow APA guidelines, use non-racist and non-sexist language, and include sufficient references to support their thesis and ideas in the paper.

Academic Honesty

Students must demonstrate high standards of integrity. They should do their own work on all material submitted to meet course requirements. Since dishonesty harms the individual and his/her fellow students, as well as the integrity of the University, School, and profession, the School and University will strictly enforce policies on academic dishonesty. You must read and abide by the academic honesty policies as stated in the Texas State Official Student Handbook. If you have any questions or reservations about this policy or your obligations under it, see your academic advisor immediately.

Time Commitment

Online courses are typically just as time intensive as traditional courses. In fact, many students claim that online courses require more time and commitment. As you begin this course, you would be wise to schedule 8 or more hours per week for studying materials and completing assignments.

Falling behind in this course is particularly problematic because the concepts we cover are cumulative. This means that not becoming proficient with information and objectives presented and assessed in a particular week can lead to low scores for that week as well as in subsequent weeks.

Active Participation

Online courses require your active participation. Here are some tips for success:

·  In discussion forums, you learn from one another by posing questions, justifying your comments, and providing multiple perspectives. When you prepare for discussions through thoughtful reflection, you contribute to your own successful learning experience as well as to the experience of your peers.

·  Log in to the course frequently (at least several times per week for long semesters and daily for summer sessions) and check the announcements. This will keep you apprised of any course updates, progress in discussions, assignment information, and messages requiring immediate attention.

·  Be aware of and keep up with the Course Schedule in the Syllabus.

·  Participate in team activities to the best of your ability. How well your team does—and how well you do—depends on all the team members working cooperatively.

Technical Support

TRACS Support

If you have questions about TRACS, click TRACS Facts on the TRACS login page. Then click the For Students tab at the top of the page. The TRACS Facts site contains training documents, tutorials, and tips on using TRACS. If you are unable to find an answer to your question in TRACS Facts, contact the ITS help team by email at , or by telephone at (512) 245-2319.

Help/ITAC

The IT Assistance Center (ITAC) can help you resolve problems with campus technology (e.g., Internet connectivity, usernames and passwords, university network outages, peripheral equipment issues, desktop software/hardware, etc.). You can contact ITAC by phone/voicemail at (512) 245-4822, by email (), by live chat (http://remotehelp.css.txstate.edu/) or on campus in MCS 262. The call center and chat hours are 8:00-5:30, and the Service Desk hours are 8:00-6:00.

If you have technical issues that you cannot resolve through ITAC, please describe the problem in an email to me or in a post to a discussion forum in your course site.

Using the Alkek Library

Reference librarians at the Alkek Library help students with a wide variety of course-related and personal research needs. For example, reference librarians help with database and web searches, research strategy, article indexes, and the library catalog. Librarians also assist students with obtaining library materials (such as books, journal articles, and online texts) from the Alkek and other libraries.

Reference Assistance

Barbara Potts, 866-255-3511,

Helpful Links

Library Website: http://www.library.txstate.edu