Fall 2015 FYS Course Syllabus INTD TBD [Course-Section] CRN TBD [CRN#]
4 credits
RAMAPO COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY
FYS: Success as a Business Major - from College to Career
Mon, Wed, Thurs 5:30-6:40 p.m. Room TBD
Instructors
Harry Bolton - 973-224-5228 hbolton@ramapo.edu TBD, TBD – hours by appointment
Kathy Stathis - 201-684-7763 kstathis@ramapo.edu Mansion, M209 – hours by appointment
College phone number for special announcements and college closings: 201-236-2902
Peer Facilitator
TBD [Name], TBD [Phone], TBD [E-mail]
As an added resource for first-year students, each section of First-Year Seminar (FYS) will have a peer
facilitator. These upper-level students will attend FYS classes and assist the instructor with the academic topics
covered in this seminar. They will serve as discussion leaders on issues that pertain to your personal and social
development and they will facilitate weekly discussions on the class readings. Your peer facilitator will be your
mentor and will be available to you to provide guidance on navigating the different personal and social hurdles
that you may encounter in your first year at Ramapo.
Course Description- Success as a Business Major
Everyone wants and deserves a successful college career but only you have the opportunity to make it happen.
Most first year college students are not quite sure what to expect when they come to college and are often
overwhelmed by the freedom they are afforded. In this course we will discuss how college differs from high
school in terms of work load, grading policies, and overall expectations. The Secrets of College Success, by
Lynn Jacobs and Jeremy Hyman, will be used to highlight the differences and help to overcome the challenges
faced by first year students.
Students will be introduced to the business majors offered at Ramapo in anticipation of the career opportunities
that await them after graduation. Guest speakers from various businesses will be featured to provide insight into
the day-to-day work performed and skills expected of college graduates. The course will also focus on the ten
skills employers expect you to learn while in college and how to master them using the book 10 Things
Employers Want You to Learn in College: The Know-How You Need to Succeed, by Bill Coplin. The final project
requires in-depth research of a specific business career and a class presentation on the subject.
This course is project intensive and requires a strong work ethic and a high degree of motivation to succeed.
Former students say the work load, approximately 3 hours for each class meeting, is time consuming and
demanding yet provides a foundation that helps them succeed in their college career.
Common Course Description
Designed for first-time, full-time, first-year students, First-Year Seminar (FYS) provides a comprehensive
introduction to college-level learning. Seminar courses are developed around an academic theme or topic that is
based on one of Ramapo College’s academic pillars. First-Year students will have the opportunity to select a
seminar that best suits their interests while learning about Ramapo’s academic foundation. The First-Year
Seminar course helps students in their transition from high school to college life both in and out of the classroom.
The common learning outcomes of FYS are: critical and creative thinking, college-level writing, oral
communication, information literacy, and technological competency. FYS classes are small to emphasize open
discussion and experiential learning within the context of the theme of the seminar course. Peer facilitators play
an essential role in each FYS class ensuring that first-year students have guidance from a more experienced
student. FYS is also the home of the Ramapo Summer Reading Program; all first-year students read the same
book and discuss and write about it in their seminars. FYS encourages new students to participate in a community
of learners, to strengthen their critical thinking skills, and to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
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Fall 2015 FYS Course Syllabus INTD TBD [Course-Section] CRN TBD [CRN#]
4 credits
Course Goals
1) Improve oral communication skills: through various projects students will be given several opportunities to speak in
front of the class and improve their public speaking skills as the course progresses
2) Improve written communication skills: several different types of writing assignments will allow the student to learn the
writing process of drafting, reviewing, editing and finalizing their written work.
3) Sharpen research skills: The student will learn what constitutes valid sources of information, how to find it, how to use
it, and how to cite it.
4) Become aware of different business disciplines and current events: Guest speakers will enhance the student's
knowledge of business careers and interactive assignments will broaden the student's awareness of current business
events and themes.
5) Improve computer/technological skills: All projects will require use of Word, Excel or PowerPoint.
Measurable Student Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to demonstrate
the ability to think critically and creatively
proficiency in written communication
Research
Paper
X
X
proficiency in oral communication
information literacy
Class
discussions
and essays
X
X
Final
Project
Homework
Assignments
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
technological competencies (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
X
Required Texts and Reading Material
1. Hacker, Diana, and Nancy Sommers. Rules for Writers.7th ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2012. Print.
ISBN-13: 978-0-312-64795-7.
2. Klay, Phil. Redeployment. New York: Penguin Books, 2015. Print. ISBN: 978-0143126829.
3. Coplin, Bill. 10 Things Employers Want You to Learn in College: The Know-How You Need to Succeed.
Berkley: Ten Speed Press, 2003. Print. ISBN-13: 978-1580085243
4. Jacobs, Lynn F., and Jeremy Hyman. The Secrets of College Success. 2nd ed. San Francisco: JosseyBass, 2013. Print. ISBN-978-1118575123.
Course Requirements & Policies
1. Attendance
•
Regular class attendance is expected and will be taken at the beginning of each class.
•
College policy states that students must notify faculty within the first three weeks of the semester if they anticipate
missing any classes due to religious observance.
•
If you will be absent from class the day an assignment is due, the assignment MUST be emailed to the
instructor PRIOR to the start of class. Late assignments will not be accepted.
•
More than 3 absences will result in a failing grade and removal from the class.
•
Points will be deducted from your final grade for chronic lateness and leaving class early.
•
Missed tests, quizzes or exams can be made up only for an excused absence.
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Fall 2015 FYS Course Syllabus INTD TBD [Course-Section] CRN TBD [CRN#]
4 credits
2. Class Participation & Conduct
•
This is a seminar course therefore reading preparation and class participation are essential requirements.
Participation and contribution to the general discussion in class is expected. If, for whatever reason, you fall
asleep in class or sit with your eyes closed, this too will be counted as an absence.
•
The atmosphere in the classroom will remain neutral; courteous and professional behavior is expected.
•
Cell phones are strictly prohibited in the classroom. All cell phones should be turned off, including silent mode,
while in class. If a cell phone is answered or you are observed texting during class, you will be asked to leave the
class and will be marked with an unexcused absence.
3. Assignments and Projects
Reading assignments are mandatory as class discussion will be based on what was read. Specific chapters in Rules
for Writers are assigned to help you learn the mechanics of good writing, how to conduct valid research and the
proper method for creating citations. Writing assignments must incorporate the principles presented in Rules for
Writers.
Periodic assignments are used to assess your progress. These will include tests, quizzes, writing assignments, Excel
and/or PowerPoint projects, research, presentations and group projects.
For guest speakers, students are expected to research the job and field related to the speaker in order to participate
in the discussion and be able to ask intelligent questions.
The writing requirement for all FYS courses includes 2 essays on the summer reading and a research paper of
approximately 10 pages. Requirements and details will follow.
•
•
Regular assignments and class participation is worth 60% of your grade
Final research project and presentation is 40% of your grade
Requirements for all assignments:
•
Assignments are due at the beginning of class on the date required.
•
Late assignments will NOT be accepted without prior approval from the instructor. (Note: prior approval means
you contact me with enough time to discuss the potential extension.) In other words, unless you have arranged
with me ahead of time for another due date, any assignment turned in after the due date will not be
accepted. There will be no extra credit opportunities for you to “make up” an assignment.
•
More than 3 missed assignments will result in a failing grade and removal from the class.
•
Excel assignments MUST be submitted in Microsoft Excel (PC version). If your document cannot be opened in
Microsoft Excel (PC version) it will not be graded.
•
Writing assignments:
•
MUST be typed, double spaced, with 1” margins and stapled.
•
MUST be converted to Microsoft Word (PC version). IT IS UP TO YOU to ensure your document can be
opened in Microsoft Word before it is submitted. If it cannot be opened, it will not be graded.
•
All references and citations must be done in MLA format. Consult Rules for Writers, starting on page 479 for
information regarding proper in text citations and how to create a list of works cited on page 490. Correct
formatting will be part of your grade for all written assignments.
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Fall 2015 FYS Course Syllabus INTD TBD [Course-Section] CRN TBD [CRN#]
4 credits
4. Grading
The final course grade is determined as follows: regular assignments and participation is 60% and the final research
project and presentation is 40%.
Your participation grade will represent more than just your ability to make it to class, you will be expected to engage in
thoughtful classroom discussions with your classmates, professors and peer facilitator(s). Your participation in class
discussions, attitude, level of preparation and attendance will be used to assign your participation grade.
Grade Distribution
A
100-93
A92-90
B+
89-85
B
84-82
B81-80
C+
79-75
C
74-72
C71-70
D+
69-65
D
64-60
F
<60
Tentative Course Schedule
Week 1
Wed, Sep
02
Thu, Sep 03
Week 2
Mon, Sep
07
Wed, Sep
09
Thu, Sep 10
Week 3
Mon, Sep
14
Wed, Sep
16
Thu, Sep 17
Week 4
Mon, Sep
21
Wed, Sep
23
Thu, Sep 24
Week 5
Mon, Sep
28
Wed, Sep
30
Thu, Oct 01
Week 6
Mon, Oct
05
Wed, Oct
07
Thu, Oct 08
Week 7
Mon, Oct
12
Introductions/Summer reading discussion
Syllabus review/Summer reading discussion
Read syllabus and bring questions
Ch1&2, Secrets of College Success
College closed
Redeployment & Guest Speaker
First draft of Redeployment essay due
Ch3 Secrets of College Success & Ch1&2 10 Things
Reading discussion
Ch3 & 4 10 Things
Reading discussion
Peer Facilitator
Ch4 Secrets of College Success
Ch5 Secrets of College Success & Ch7 10 Things
Guest Speaker/Final draft of Redeployment Essay
Ch6 Secrets of College Success
Reading discussion
Library Session
Ch7 Secrets of College Success
Reading discussion & Career Survey
Ch8 Secrets of College Success
Reading discussion
Guest Speaker
Ch5&6 10 Things
Working with Excel (Pizza)
Advisement assignment
Reading discussion
Working with Excel (GPA)
Informational Interviewing
Ch8 10 Things
Ch9&10 10Things
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Fall 2015 FYS Course Syllabus INTD TBD [Course-Section] CRN TBD [CRN#]
4 credits
Wed, Oct
14
Thu, Oct 15
Week 8
Mon, Oct
19
Wed, Oct
21
Thu, Oct 22
Week 9
Mon, Oct
26
Wed, Oct
28
Thu, Oct 29
Week 10
Mon, Nov
02
Wed, Nov
04
Thu, Nov
05
Week 11
Mon, Nov
09
Wed, Nov
11
Thu, Nov
12
Week 12
Mon, Nov
16
Wed, Nov
18
Thu, Nov
19
Week 13
Mon, Nov
23
Wed, Nov
25
Thu, Nov
26
Week 14
Mon, Nov
30
Wed, Dec
02
Thu, Dec 03
Week 15
Mon, Dec
07
Wed, Dec
09
Careers by industry
Career research
Ch11 &13 10 Things
Archway assignment
Resume writing
Working with Excel (Percent Change)
Advisement session
Community Service
Ch17 10 Things
Careers by Majors
Guest Speaker
Research data from Bureau of Labor Statistics
Cahill Center
Interview techniques
Guest Speaker
Study Abroad
Career Assessments
Guest Speaker
Career Assessment results
Ch15 10 Things
Guest Speaker
College Closed
College Closed
Guest Speaker
Ch18 & 19 10 Things
Final presentations
Final presentations
Final presentations
Final presentations
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Fall 2015 FYS Course Syllabus INTD TBD [Course-Section] CRN TBD [CRN#]
Thu, Dec 10
Week 16
Mon, Dec
14
Wed, Dec
16
4 credits
Final presentations
Final presentations
Final Exam-Case Study
Important Dates
Sep. 02 First Day of Fall Classes
Sep. 07 Labor Day (college closed)
Sep. 09 Last Day for Class Adjustments (on the Web)
Last Day to Drop Class with 100% Tuition Refund
Last Day to request Independent Study and Audit Grade Options
Sep. 15 Last day to request a Pass/Fail Grade Option
Sep. 16 Last Day to Drop Classes with 50% Tuition Refund
Oct. 12 Columbus Day (classes held, offices closed)
Nov. 03 Election Day (classes held, offices closed)
Nov. 11 Veterans Day (classes held, offices closed)
Nov. 13 Last Day to Withdraw from Classes with "W" Grade
Nov. 25-26 Thanksgiving Break
Dec. 15 Reading Day
Dec. 16-22 Final Exam Week
Dec. 19 Common Finals
Dec. 22 Last Day of Semester
Dec. 22 Last Day to Request "I" Grade
Dec. 23 Final Exam Make-up Day
First-Year Academic Advising
Each First-Year Seminar course is assigned a professional Academic Advisor from the Center for Student Success who
serves as your Academic Advisor during your first year. This advisor will attend your First-Year Seminar class for a group
advisement session to review general academic advising policies and procedures. They will also be available to answer
any general questions regarding college policies/practices. Students are encouraged to schedule individual appointments
with their Student Success Advisor for assistance with course selection and the development of a personal academic
plan. If you have any questions regarding Academic Advisement please call CAAFYE at (201) 684-7441 or via email at:
caafye@ramapo.edu
General Education Program Course
This course fulfills the First-Year Seminar category of the general education curriculum at Ramapo College. Common to
all First-Year Seminar (FYS) courses, you will develop critical thinking skills that are basic to college level study,
regardless of your area of interest. You will be reading, writing, and participating in thoughtful group discussions with the
aim of developing the skills of a scholar. You will learn to support your arguments using a foundation of knowledge and
facts rather than simply using personal opinions and experiences.
This specific FYS course falls within the experiential learning and interdisciplinary studies categories. Not only will
students be learning about business careers but will engage in activities that cross into other disciplines such as
communication arts, history, and politics. Experiential learning will take place through a variety of interactive assignments
and participation in on-campus events.
Writing Intensive (WI) Course
Writing will be integrated into the life of this course. You will receive comments, direction, and support as you work on
strengthening your writing skills. Your writing will be evaluated and returned in a timely fashion, allowing you to
incorporate my comments into your future work. For help outside the classroom, please see me during my office hours
and/or work with a writing tutor in the Center for Reading and Writing (CRW), Room: L-211, x7557, crw@ramapo.edu.
Electronic Forms of Communication
In accordance with College policy, I will use your Ramapo College email address (@ramapo.edu) to communicate with
you about all course-related matters.
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Fall 2015 FYS Course Syllabus INTD TBD [Course-Section] CRN TBD [CRN#]
4 credits
Students with Disabilities
If you need course adaptation or accommodations because of a disability that has been documented with the Office of
Specialized Services, please make an appointment with your professor. Please note: Students must be registered with
the Office of Specialized Services (OSS) to receive accommodations. For additional information, contact the Office of
Specialized Services (OSS) at x7514 or email at oss@ramapo.edu.
Academic Integrity Policy
All members of the community are expected to be honest and forthright in their academic endeavors. Since violations of
academic integrity erode community confidence and undermine the pursuit of truth and knowledge at the College,
academic dishonesty must be avoided.
Procedures
The Office of the Provost has responsibility for the oversight and enforcement of the Academic Integrity Policy and for
making the policy an institutional priority. The Office of the Provost is also responsible for publishing the policy and for
educating both faculty and students about the policy.
Faculty members play a crucial role in the Academic Integrity Policy. They are responsible for educating their students
about the importance of academic integrity and for communicating to students their expectations with respect to academic
integrity in course work. They are also urged to report alleged violations of the policy to the Vice Provost.
Students have the responsibility to understand the Academic Integrity Policy and to comply with the policy in their
academic work.
Criteria
There are four (4) broad forms of academic dishonesty:
1.
Cheating
Cheating is an act of deception by which a student misrepresents his or her mastery of material on a test or
other academic exercise. Examples of cheating include, but are not limited to:
o copying from another student’s work;
o allowing another student to copy his/her work;
o using unauthorized materials such as a textbook, notebook, or electronic devices during an
examination;
o using specifically prepared materials, such as notes written on clothing or other unauthorized notes,
formula lists, etc., during an examination;
o collaborating with another person during an examination by giving or receiving information without
authorization from the instructor;
o taking a test for another person or asking or allowing another to take the student’s own test.
2.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism occurs when a person represents someone else’s words, ideas, phrases, sentences, or data as
one’s own work. When a student submits work that includes such material, the source of that information must
be acknowledged through complete, accurate, and specific footnote or endnote references; additionally,
verbatim statements must be acknowledged through quotation marks. To avoid a charge of plagiarism, a
student should be sure to include an acknowledgment of indebtedness:
o whenever he or she quotes another person’s words directly;
o whenever he or she uses another person’s ideas, opinions, or theories, even if they have been
completely paraphrased in one’s own words;
o whenever he or she allows another individual to contribute to the work in some significant fashion (for
instance, through editing or sharing of ideas);
o
whenever he or she uses facts, statistics, or other illustrative material taken from a source, unless the
information is common knowledge.
Examples of standard citation formats can be found on the George T. Potter Library Website: Library
Website: Citation Manuals and Style Guides
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Fall 2015 FYS Course Syllabus INTD TBD [Course-Section] CRN TBD [CRN#]
4 credits
3.
Academic Misconduct
Academic misconduct includes the alteration of grades, involvement in the acquisition or distribution of
unadministered tests, and the unauthorized submission of student work in more than one class. Examples of
academic misconduct include, but are not limited to:
o changing, altering, falsifying, or being the accessory to the changing, altering, or falsifying of a grade
report or form, transcript, or other academic record, or entering any computer system or College office
or building for that purpose;
o stealing, buying, selling, giving way, or otherwise obtaining all or part of any unadministered test or
paper or entering any computer system or College office or building for the purpose of obtaining an
unadministered test;
o submitting written work (in whole or in significant part) to fulfill the requirements of more than one
course without the explicit permission of both instructors;
o disregarding policies governing the use of human subjects or animals in research;
o sabotaging another student’s work through actions designed to prevent the student from successfully
completing an assignment;
o knowingly facilitating a violation of the academic integrity policy by another person.
4.
Fabrication
Fabrication refers to the deliberate use of invented information or the falsification of research or other findings
with the intent to deceive. Examples of fabrication include, but are not limited to:
o citing information not taken from the source indicated;
o citing of sources in a “works cited” that were not used in that project;
o altering, stealing, and/or falsifying research data used in research reports, theses, or dissertations;
o submitting as one’s own any academic work prepared in whole or in part by others, including the use of
another’s identity;
o falsifying information or signatures on registration, withdrawal, or other academic forms and records.
Reporting Violations
In order to ensure due process, any member of the community who is aware of a violation of the Academic
Integrity Policy is expected to report the incident to the Vice Provost. A faculty member may choose to resolve
the incident him/herself or send the case to the Vice Provost for review (see below). In either case, the faculty
member reports the incident to the Vice Provost on the reporting form, which serves not only to report the
incident but also to record the finding and the sanction in situations in which the faculty member chooses to
resolve the case. A faculty member is encouraged to report an alleged violation of academic integrity within 30
days of the discovery of the alleged violation but must do so no later than the last day to submit grades for the
term in which the alleged violation occurred. A faculty member may report an incident after that date, but only if
he/she has new evidence.
More details on Ramapo College’s academic integrity policy can be found here:
http://www.ramapo.edu/catalog-2015-2016/academic-policies/
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