ST. PETERSBURG COLLEGE
Course Syllabus
SLS 1101 The College Experience
Instructor:
Name: Dr. Michael Culligan
Email: culligan.michael@spcollege.edu
Office Phone: (727) 791-2583
Office Hours: W 9-9:30/12:15-2:30; T/Th 9-9:30; 12:15-2; 3:15-3:30; Friday 10-2
Office Location: ES 313H
Academic Department:
Dean: Dr. Joseph Smiley
Office Location: LY 250
Office Number: 727-712-5783
Academic Chair: Anja Norman
Office Location: ES 313
Office Number: (727)791-2671
Department Web Page: https://www.spcollege.edu/socialsciences/
Course Information:
A.
Course Description:
This course is designed to strengthen skills essential to success in college, with further applications to post-college plans. Included are study and test-taking strategies; effective interpersonal skills; time management techniques; creative and critical thinking skills; college services and resources; educational policies, procedures, regulations and terminology; and library resources, research strategies, and information skills for online, blended, and traditional learning environments. 47 contact hours.
B. Course Objectives:
1.
2.
The student will demonstrate effective study, note-taking, and test-taking strategies.
The student will strengthen knowledge of computer skills beneficial to success in online,
3.
4.
5.
blended, and traditional learning environments.
The student will apply effective interpersonal communication skills that reflect a respect for diverse worldviews and cultural perspectives.
The student will demonstrate knowledge of appropriate time management techniques applicable to both academic and lifestyle environments.
The student will demonstrate creative and critical thinking skills.

6.
7.
8.
The student will understand the various facilities, services, and resources available to students at St. Petersburg College.
The student will demonstrate knowledge of college culture, policies, procedures, and regulations along with an understanding of appropriate educational terminology beneficial to success in college.
The student will demonstrate the ability to investigate a subject using a variety of library resources and services.
C. Course Learning Outcomes
1. The student will demonstrate effective study, note-taking, and test-taking strategies.
2. The student will strengthen knowledge of computer skills beneficial to success in online, blended, and traditional learning environments.
3. The student will apply effective interpersonal communication skills that reflect a respect for diverse worldviews and cultural perspectives.
4. The student will demonstrate knowledge of appropriate time management techniques applicable to both academic and lifestyle environments.
5. The student will demonstrate creative and critical thinking skills.
7. The student will demonstrate knowledge of college culture, policies, procedures, and regulations along with an understanding of appropriate educational terminology beneficial to success in college.
8. The student will demonstrate the ability to investigate a subject using a variety of library resources and services.
Required Textbook:
Carter, C, Bishop, J, & Lyman, S. (2012). Keys to Success: Building Analytical, Creative, and
Practical Skills
Meeting Information:
Course Location: ES214
Learning Modality: Face to Face/Traditional
Important Dates:
Last day to drop with a refund: 1/16/2015

Financial Aid Important Dates: http://www.spcollege.edu/uploadedFiles/Financial_Aid/Fall2012dates.pdf
Course Dates: 1/12 – 5/8/2015
Last Day to Withdraw with a W: 3/25/2015
Discipline Specific Information:
Please familiarize yourself with the college wide Student Rights and Responsibilities: http://www.spcollege.edu/academichonesty/ and the Syllabus Addendum: http://www.spcollege.edu/addendum/
Assignments:
Class participation and Homework Exercises
Refer to the class attendance policy for class participation explanation. Students may be given homework assignments throughout the semester to aid in the understanding of material presented in the textbook and in the classroom.
APA Mastery Objectives
Each student will be required to demonstrate the ability to produce the critical components of an
APA research paper. The objectives will be assigned after completing two seminars with the library and writing lab, respectively.
My Learning Plan
You will complete and submit a MLP class schedule that has been approved by an academic advisor and uploaded into the MyPlanner module.
Tests
Tests will be given throughout the semester. The format can include but not be limited to, fill-in-the-blank, matching, multiple choice, true/false, short answer, and essay.
Civic Engagement/Awareness Project
Students will be placed into groups to identify a concern facing the community. Students will then prepare a proposal and complete 5 hours of volunteer work at their desired organization OR develop promotional material (brochures/pamphlets/PSA) for an organization of their choice.
Assessments
Students will utilize several assessment instruments to help determine personal proficiencies and weaknesses to assist in the process of choosing a major and/or occupation. (Focus 2, Rotter’s
Locus of control, etc.)

Parting Shot
Each student will video themselves answering a question they wish they had known the answer to at the beginning of the semester. A short reflection will accompany the submission.
Final Exam
The final exam will consist of a scenario where you will need to use critical thinking skills to assist a St. Petersburg College student who faces a myriad of concerns.
GRADE SCALE
The final grade will be based on total points/percent determined from
Points/Percent
90 – 100
80 – 89
Grade
A
B
C
D
F
70 - 79
60 – 69
59 and below
Assignments
Class participation and homework exercises
Focus 2/Career Assignment
In class Tests
APA Mastery Objectives
Financial Literacy Assignment
MLP
Civic Engagement/Awareness Project
Final Exam
Parting Shot
Total Points
Points/Percentages
20pts
15pts
60pts
10pts
5pts
30pts
20pts
25pts
5pts
190 pts

Attendance:
1.
Please note the course attendance policy is tied to the participation grade and homework grade. Class begins promptly. Please demonstrate professional behavior and be on time .
2.
EACH STUDENT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR WITHDRAWING HIMSELF/HERSELF
FROM THE CLASS this is done through the MySPC student portal. Class attendance is expected and required. Each student is allocated 3 absences (total) throughout the mainterm semester. (Includes excused and unexcused). Any absences thereafter will affect your participation grade.
3.
Additionally, on days when group participation is required, an unexcused absence will automatically result in a reduction of the participation grade (others will have to take up the slack for the absence of a classmate). These participation days may be unannounced.
Course Etiquette:

All cell phones are to be turned off before entering class. Use of cell phones during class is a violation of college policy and may result in dismissal from class.

Syllabus change policy – This syllabus is a guide for the course and is subject to change with advance notice.

Computers may be used for the recording of notes. Deviating from classwork, however, will result in a suspension of computer privileges and/or dismissal for the day.

Propensity for tardiness, cell-phone usage, or inappropriate computer use will result in participation deductions.

M12 Introduction
W14 Chapter 1 Growing Toward Success
M19 FOCUS 2
W21 Taking Control of Your Future
M26 Pre-assessment/Career Lab Visit
W28 Chapter 3 Diversity
Scissors!/ Mentor Visit
Focus 2 Assessment/Advisor Visit
Pre-Assessment (in-class)
Diversity Interviews
M2 Test #1
W4 MLP Discussion
M9 Library Intro/ Chapter 2 Goal Setting
MLP Part #1 Assigned
W11 Chapter 1 Motivation and Locus of
Control
Rotter’s Locus of control Instrument;
Complete VARK for next class
(http://www.businessballs.com/freepdfmaterial s/vak_learning_styles_questionnaire.pdf
M16 Chapter 3 Learning Style
W18 Chapter 4 Critical, Creative and
Practical Thinking
M23 Test #2
W25 Chapter 6 Listening and Note Taking
Civic Engagement Project Assigned
MacGyver Challenge!
MLP Part #1 Due; MLP
Part #2 Assigned
M2 Chapter 8 Preparing for and Taking
Tests
W4 Chapter 7 Memory and Studying
M9 SPRING BREAK
W11 SPRING BREAK
M16 Library Seminar/Databases
W18 Writing Studio/APA
M23 Chapter 3 Communication and
Conflict Management
W25 Chapter 2 Time Management and
Procrastination
M30 Test#3
MLP Part #2 Due
APA Objectives Assigned
2 Minute Drills

W1 Chapter 9 Wellness
M6 Chapter 9 Financial Literacy
W8 Stress Management
M13 Chapter 9 The Interview/Job Search
Financial Literacy Assignment
W15 Test #4
M20 Civic Engagement
W22 Civic Engagement
Presentations
Presentations
M27 Parting Shots\Review for Final
W29 FINAL
Parting Shot Due