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College of Southern Nevada Course Syllabus

ALS 101: College Success

Monday 6:00 to 8:50

Cheyenne Campus Room S226

Instructor: Dr. Renée Gammill

Contact information: (for fastest response)

Text or call: 702.588.3769 (Use with respect!)

Course handouts are available at: http://als-101.wikispaces.com/

Course Description (CSN Catalog): This course is designed to assist the student in obtaining skills and knowledge necessary to reach his/her educational objectives. Topics to be covered include memory development, time/priority management, test-taking, communication skills, study techniques, critical thinking, wellness management, understanding diversity, and career issues that face many college students. This course is recommended for all new students, returning students, and others who may benefit.

Course learning outcomes: After successfully completing ALS 101, students will be able to:

  1. Discuss how they are responsible for creating their own successful college experience,
  2. Practice positive behavioral changes,
  3. Locate and utilize campus and community resources,
  4. Identify and employ specific active learning strategies such as:
  5. Setting realistic and attainable goals
  6. Managing priorities effectively
  7. Reducing stress
  8. Discovering and using one’s dominant learning style to best advantage
  9. Reading texts with improved focus, comprehension, and retention
  10. Listening and comprehending lectures
  11. Taking effective, useful notes
  12. Improving memory and recall techniques
  13. Preparing for and taking tests successfully
  14. Presenting clear oral and written reports
  15. Improving creative and critical thinking skills
  16. Locate and utilize a variety of library and technical resources,
  17. Implement plans to effectively manage financial resources,
  18. Understand personal health and wellness issues,
  19. Recognize and understand the value and complexity of a diverse society,
  20. Develop stronger and healthier relationships, and
  21. Develop a personal, unique career development plan.

Required Textbook: Cornerstones for Community College Success by Sherfield and Moody ISBN-13:978-0-321-86059-0http://www.coursesmart.com/cornerstones-for-community-college-success/robert-m-sherfield-patricia-g-moody/dp/9780321860675

Academic Integrity Policy: Students are expected to complete their own assigned work. Directly quoting, summarizing, or paraphrasing the ideas of others without specific identification of the sources, and handing in work that is not the student’s own all constitute plagiarism. Cheating and plagiarism carry serious consequences in the college environment. Students who show evidence of academic dishonesty will receive no credit for the assignment in question. CSN has adopted a college-wide Student Academic Integrity Policy which can be viewed here:

http://www.csn.edu/pages/3342.asp

CSN Disability Resource Center: If a student has a documented disability that may require assistance, he or she should contact the Disability Resource Center (DRC) as soon as possible on any CSN campus:

Cheyenne Campus 651-4045

W. Chas. Campus 651-5644

Henderson Campus 651-3086

Course Attendance/Participation Policy: Regular and prompt attendance is expected in ALS 101.

Attendance will be taken at each class meeting. Students are expected to attend all scheduled class meetings.

This course strongly emphasizes your active involvement. Therefore, a substantial portion of your grade is based on attendance and participation. Be prepared, get involved in discussions, and make the most of your learning experience. Each person in the class is an educational resource and can contribute important insights. A key requirement of this course is to be prepared, participate, and complete all assigned work BEFORE the due date, including reading assigned chapters and materials, participating in field experiences and submitting assignments. This course will also include a series of in-class and web-based activities. You will be graded on successful completion of all activities and assignments.

Course Assignments and Evaluation Methods:

Attendance and Participation (50%)

The activities listed below will be included in your attendance and participation grade. All items are weighted equally, and are worth up to 100 points each.

Class discussions/in-class activities: All students are required to participate in class discussions and in-class activities.

Additional Activities: You will be expected to complete various quizzes, assignments, questionnaires and inventories designed to help you discover your academic strengths and weaknesses, learning styles, and career aptitudes. You may also be required to participate in additional in-class activities and field experiences.

CSN Services Presentation (25%) Each student will collect information about a student organization or department, [Counseling and Advising, Student Financial Services and Academic Scholarships, Office of Student Retention, Student Tutorial Services, Library Services, e-Learning, CSN Online Campus, Disability Services, Online Textbook Options (rentals, e-texts, online book retailers, etc.)], and present findings to the class using a class handout and PowerPoint® presentation software. In order to collect information, each student will interview a member of the organization or visit the center being researched. Pictures and informational brochures and documents should be included as part of the presentation. The electronic presentation and class handout must be submitted in hard copy format at the beginning of class on the date the presentation is made.

To engage the audience, include an activity to direct their focus. Please be creative and original in selecting your activity. (Examples: For financial aid, a student might bring chocolate coins to share. For psych services, a student might have the audience analyze Rorschach Ink Blots.) For each member of the class, you are expected to provide a one-page handout which summarizes the content of the presentation. On the day of your presentation you are to bring a printed copy of the CSN Services Presentation Evaluation form.

Career Portfolio and Presentation (25%) The career portfolio should be organized in hard copy format in a report cover to research related to three possible careers, including education requirements, working conditions, and salary. You may use the Occupational Outlook Handbook (http://www.bls.gov/oco/ooh_index.htm) as a resource for career information. You will also record your observations about each potential career choice, and then select one career in which you are interested. After choosing the career, you will use Internet resources to locate a job in the field and then prepare a cover letter and resume to be used to apply for the job. The ad, the cover letter, and the resume will be included in the portfolio. The portfolio must include a title page in APA format, a table of contents, and dividers with labeled tabs. The essay portion of the portfolio will include information about THREE jobs in your career field. For the portfolio presentation, you will present an overview of the ONE job that is best suited for you. The presentation should include five slides: Title, Education, Salary, Working Conditions, and Discussion—Why did you choose this career? How is this career suited to your skills, abilities and interests?

Class decorum: College students are expected to come to class prepared with all necessary materials including their textbook and be prepared to constructively and respectfully participate in class discussions and activities. Disruptive devices such as cell phones should be turned to “silent” mode during class meetings. Students should not bring children or other guests to class with them. The instructor reserves the right to dismiss a student who is sleeping, disruptive, or otherwise a detriment to the learning environment. In the rare instance a student is asked to leave the classroom, he or she will receive no attendance points for that class period.

Students’ Rights and Responsibilities: Information about CSN Student policies can be found in the current catalog and online via the college’s website.

Final Grade Calculation:

Letter / Point Range
A / 90-100
B / 80-89
C / 70-79
D / 60-69
F / 0-59

Policy on Late Work/Makeup Work:

All papers, assignments, and quizzes are to be submitted in hard copy format and are due at the beginning of class on the date listed in the syllabus or as indicated by the instructor; all times are given in Pacific Time. Please review the schedule carefully and mark due dates on your calendar. DO NOT wait until the last minute to complete assignments. All assignments must include a cover page in APA style. (http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/)

Late assignments will be accepted up to one week after the due date and are subject to a 25-point penalty.

Course Schedule:

Class meeting/Date / Topic / Readings
Assigned readings should be completed prior to coming to class on the day they are assigned. / Assignments/Quizzes
All assignments are due at the BEGINNING of the class period on the specified due date.
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8/24 / About ALS 101 (Syllabus review)
Day One Questionnaire
Small group introductions / Syllabus
Discuss textbook purchase options:
rentals, e-texts, online booksellers.
Textbooks are also on reserve in the library.
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8/31 / Adjusting to college culture
CSN Services
Resources for Student Success
Counseling and Advising
Student Financial Services/FAFSA
Student Academic Scholarships
Office of Student Retention (Academic Assistance)
Student Tutorial Services
Library Services
Financial Aid
e-Learning
CSN Online Campus
Disability Services
CSN Bookstore
CSN Writing Center / Guest Speaker:
Sherry Herington
Advisor/Success Coach
Retention Services
Email:
702.651.4748
Cornerstone, Chapter 1, pp. 1-29
Discuss p. 68-72, Academic Integrity/Student Services/GPA
Calculating your GPA, pp. 71-2
Review information about CSN:
About the college:
http://www.csn.edu/about/index.asp
Student life:
http://www.csn.edu/pages/1189.asp
Clubs and organizations:
http://www.csn.edu/pages/2862.asp
Academic calendar: http://www.csn.edu/pages/4102.asp
Connect on Facebook!
Each student will choose one of the CSN Services and sign the presentation schedule.
Review CSN Services Presentation checklist. / Bring a printed copy of the course syllabus to class.
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9/14 / Developing motivation
Staying in college / Meet in the classroom; we will go to the library together.
Library Tour:
Jack Sawyer, Librarian
702.651.4444

CSN Services Presentation
Cornerstone, Chapter 2, pp. 30-50
Student topic presentations
Discuss personal mission statements using Internet resources and Chapter 2, p. 45.
Cornerstone, Chapter 3, pp. 51-79
Student topic presentations / Syllabus Quiz
Be prepared to make a two-minute presentation on a topic of your choice from the assigned reading for Chapter 2. Be prepared to explain how you will apply this information to your life.
Review examples of personal mission statements:
http://missionstatements.com/personal_mission_statements.html
Choose an example of a personal mission statement that appeals to you. Be prepared to share the statement and to discuss reasons that it appealed to you.
Review tips for writing personal mission/guiding statements:
http://blacklifecoaches.net/2012/02/21/frame-reference-personal-mission-statement/
Develop a personal mission statement. Use the information on p. 45 under the heading Point 8 to prepare your statement.
Answer questions on p. 49.
Be prepared to present your mission statement to the class.
Be prepared to make a two-minute presentation on a topic of your choice from the assigned reading for Chapter 3. Be prepared to explain how you will apply this information to your life.
Access the CSN libGuide available on this link: http://libguides.csn.edu/content.php?pid=485649&sid=3982111
After opening the libGuide link, click on 100 Ways to Motivate Yourself: Change Your Life Forever. You will need your Canvas password to access the e-book. Follow the instructions on the link to obtain this password.
Review the Table of Contents, and select a motivational topic of interest to you. Write down the number and name of the topic, a short summary of it, and then write about what it means to you and how you will apply it to your life. Be prepared to discuss your response to this assignment in class.
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9/21 / Improving communication and conflict resolution skills
Writing Center Tour
Computer Lab Tour
Critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and information literacy skills / Meet in the classroom. We will walk to the Writing Center together.
Writing Center Tour
Morse Arberry Telecommunications Building, Room 1707
702.651.4101
Computer Lab Tour
CSN Services Presentation
Cornerstone, Chapter 12, pp. 298-307
View conflict resolution video #2, Collaboration available: http://digital.films.com.ezproxy.library.csn.edu/PortalViewVideo.aspx?xtid=10885
View conflict resolution video #7, Conflict Resolution Summary.
As students watch the videos, they will record ideas for resolving conflict. In small groups, students will share the ideas and discuss situations in which they have been involved in conflict.
Student topic presentations, Chapter 12
Write solutions for conflict resolution scenarios.
Cornerstone, Chapter 5, pp. 111-137
Student topic presentations, Chapter 5
The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch / Be prepared to make a two-minute presentation on a topic of your choice from the assigned reading in Chapter 12. Be prepared to explain how you will apply this information to your life.
Bring to class:
Completed Conflict Management Assessment, p. 302.
Think about conflicts in which you have been involved that could have been avoided. Examples?
Be prepared to discuss appropriate ways for diffusing conflict.
Be prepared to make a two-minute presentation on a topic of your choice from the assigned reading in Chapter 5. Be prepared to explain how you will apply this information to your life.
Bring to class: Printout from this website: http://tchavezgsedp.weebly.com/conflict-scenarios.html
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9/28 / Critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and information literacy skills
Planning your time and reducing stress / CSN Services Presentation
Cornerstone, Chapter 5, pp. 111-137
Student topic presentations, Chapter 5
The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch
Cornerstone, Chapter 6, pp. 138-163
Student topic presentations, Chapter 6
Small group discussion: Refer to the article to answer the question, “How can students apply stress-management strategies to life situations.” / Be prepared to make a two-minute presentation on a topic of your choice from the assigned reading in Chapter 5. Be prepared to explain how you will apply this information to your life.
Write two paragraphs on this question: What wisdom would you impart to the world if you knew you only had 30 days to live? Be prepared to present to the class.
Be prepared to make a two-minute presentation on a topic of your choice from the assigned reading in Chapter 6. Be prepared to explain how you will apply this information to your life.
Complete the stress assessment on p. 158. Bring the results to class.
Review the information on this link: http://www.counselingcenter.illinois.edu/self-help-brochures/stress-and-anxiety/stress-management/. Print a copy of the article and bring it to class for a group discussion.
Review the information on this link: http://www.counselingcenter.illinois.edu/self-help-brochures/academic-difficulties/time-management/ Be prepared to discuss these strategies in class. Use what you have read to create a plan for completing assignments in all of your classes for the next two weeks. You may use this link to create your plan: http://www.worksheetworks.com/miscellanea/calendars/hour.html
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10/5 / Learning styles and intelligences
Reading and comprehension skills / CSN Services Presentation
Cornerstone, Chapter 7, pp. 164-188