EPY 150: Strategies for Academic Success

Spring, 2016

Location: WNC Douglas Campus

M W:12:30-1:45

Instructor:Tricia Wentz

Office Hours:by appointment at Douglas Campus

Email:

Credits:3

Prerequisite:None

Transferability:Transfers as a 3-credit class in college success

Required Text:

TEXT (TX) Becoming a Master Student, 15th Edition, Dave Ellis, Houghton Mifflin Company: 2013.

ISBN# 978-1-285-19389-3 (Student Textbook)

Course Description:This course is designed to develop and enhance a wide variety of skills and techniques that will aid each of you in becoming a Master Student. Students will learn how to learn more efficiently and effectively. The covered learning skills include: time management, memory skills, reading skills, note taking, test taking, critical thinking, writing and communication. The course also encourages personal discovery of individual strengths and will address: life coping skills, relationships with others, personal finance and health, and working in a team environment.

Course Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • Use self-assessment techniques to identify their strengths and weaknesses in learning, time management, memory, reading, note-taking, test-taking, critical thinking, communication, diversity, finances, health and career planning;
  • Identify the best practices for college students in learning theory (motivation, self-efficacy) study skills, behavior analysis, and the science of memory;
  • Analyze and evaluate how habits can be changed
  • Implement the best practices (and habits) for completing homework, reading, note-taking, stress reduction, self-care,(including health and finances), critical thinking, evaluating information, and test taking;
  • Explain the importance of diversity in the classroom and the workplace
  • Identify college resources available for assistance (including student services and library resources; and
  • Create personal, academic, and career goals for the future

General Learning Outcomes:

EPY 150 is linked to the following “General Education Student Learning Outcomes,”

Students who complete a degree at WNC are expected to demonstrate that they:

  • Have problem solving, creative, and critical thinking skills
  • Have effective and efficient learning skills, including the location and evaluation of information

Course Delivery

This course will involve lecture, class discussion, and group work with a stated goal of achieving greater interest in the subject and encouraging critical analysis of ideas, arguments and points of view. This goal is achieved by formulating questions, seeking answers, and direct participation in class. As such attendance is mandatory.

Course Evaluations:

The course grade will be based on the completion of ten quizzes, 2 exams,weekly homework and classroom assignments, classroom participation, and one final project. Attendance and participation will be assessed at the end of the semester. If you cannot attend a class period, you are responsible for contacting the instructor prior to your absence and for making up any missed work.

Make-up/Late Work: All exams, quizzes, and homework due dates are scheduled. Neither make-upassessments nor late homework will be allowed except in the case of verifiable medical emergency.

Assignments: You are responsible for completing assignments in the textbook. Completion of assignments will be checked on a regular basis. You will receive 100% for completed assignments and 0% for any not completed by scheduled deadlines. As the journal assignments require honesty and self-reflection, they will not be graded on content which is considered private.

In class exercises contribute to the class participation grade assessed at the end of the course. Refusal to participate will lower the points available.

Midterm Grades: Students passing with a 70% or above will receive a “C” midterm grade. Students who are below 70% will receive an “F” midterm grade. These are not factored into final course grades but are designed to indicate progress through the first seven weeks of the semester.

Withdrawals:A grade of “F” will be earned in the event a student fails to achieve 60% or higher in this course. Withdrawals are the sole responsibility of the student in conjunction with the admissions office. The last day to switch between credit and audit and last date to drop a full- semester course: April 1, 2016

Incompletes: No incompletes will be granted.

General Housekeeping:

  • Classroom conduct: This course is designed to encourage a great deal of discussion about a variety of topics and issues. It is quite possible that there will not be a consensus on these issues; thus, we must work together to create an environment where all participants feel free to express themselves. This will be done by following the basic rules of courtesy: no name-calling, no interrupting, no use of pejorative language directed at classmates or outside groups.
  • Academic Integrity: At WNC students are expected to adhere to the highest standards of academic integrity and avoid instances of academic dishonesty. Academic dishonesty includes: plagiarism, cheating, and/or falsifying medical excuses for absences. Any violation of the above will result in a failing grade on the particular assessment where the infraction occurred, and may result in a failing grade for the course. In certain cases dismissal from the institution may be recommended.
  • Disability Services: Western Nevada College supports providing equal access for students with disabilities. This syllabus is available in alternate format upon request. Susan Trist (DSS Coordinator) is available to discuss appropriate academic accommodations that students may require. Please contact Susan Trist (775-445-4459 or ) at your earliest convenience.
  • Electronics: Use of cell phones, PDA’s, and any audio or video recording devices is prohibited.
  • Instructor Communication: I will make every effort to respond to email requests/correspondence within 48 hours Monday through Friday. I will notify the class prior to any changes in this schedule. To meet with me in person, please refer to office hours schedule on the first page.

This class is divided into three parts:

  1. Identifying the Habits of Success—Focus on Goals
  2. Implementing the Habits of Success—Focus on Practice
  3. Integrating the Habits of Success—Focus on Future

There are several learning activities in this class to help you reach the course objectives. Success in this class (and in college) depends on you developing the habits of success. This includes:

  1. Homework and Class Assignments – There are 12 assignments and the best 10 will be graded (25 points each). They will be a combination of activities from Becoming a Master Student, application activities, self-assessments and short essays. (No late work accepted)
  1. Quizzes—There are 12 quizzes (10 points each). These quizzes will be multiple-choice, true-false, and short answer questions. The 10 highest scores will be calculated in your grade. There are no make-up quizzes.
  1. Exams—There are 2 exams (100 points each). The first exam covers Part A and the second exam covers Part B. They will be a combination of multiple-choice, true-false, and short answer. You will have one opportunity to take the exam on the date scheduled.
  1. Final Project—Self-Assessment/Portfolio (50 points).
  1. Participation—Attendance in this class will be crucial for your success, because either in-class and/or homework assignment points as well as in-class quiz points will be issued each class period.

Grading Policy and Procedures:

Your Final Grade will be determined by points you have earned from completing:

  • Homework/Classroom Assignments(best 10 out of 12) 250 points
  • Quizzes (best 10 out of 12) 100 points
  • Exams (Exam 1 & Exam 2) 200 points
  • Final Self-Assessment/Portfolio/Project 50 points

600 points

  • Points Earned
/
  • Grade Received

  • 540-600
/
  • A

  • 522-539
/
  • B+

  • 498-521
/
  • B

  • 480-497
/
  • B-

  • 462-479
/
  • C+

  • 436-461
/
  • C

  • 420-437
/
  • C-

  • 402-419
/
  • D+

  • 360-401
/
  • D

  • Below 360
/
  • F

Wentz/2015

1