Liberal Studies 300
Fall 2014
Mondays 4:00 – 6:40 NE 73
Instructor:
Email:
Kelly Johnson, Ph.D.
kjohnson@hshmc.org
Office: EBA 207A
Hours: By appointment
Prerequisite: Completion of ED200
Course Description:
You are on the road toward becoming a teacher! This course is a prerequisite for entering the 5th year
Multiple Subject Program at SDSU. In this class, we read about and discuss ways of thinking or “the habits
of mind” in the disciplines that are typically taught in grades K-8. The goal of our efforts is to enhance
understanding of the nature of these disciplines.
You will explore issues of diversity in contemporary society through directed field experiences, selected
readings, and participation in class discussions. We will explore the concept of a liberally educated person
and the significance of broad based knowledge in the teaching profession. Additionally we will address the
importance of clear academic writing including recognizing and using basic writing conventions.
You should arrive in class on time ready to participate in the class. All cell phones need to be turned off and
miscellaneous items such as newspapers, magazines, etc. are to put away. Laptops should be used for
notetaking only.
Course Goals & Objectives:
The purpose of this class is to provide an educational experience that prepares you to:
1. think critically.
2. write clearly and effectively using correct academic language and grammar.
3. appreciate the similarities and differences between academic disciplines.
4. recognize the attributes and importance of a liberal education.
5. reflect on a variety of education field experiences through a culturally responsive lens.
Required Readings:
1. Selected readings available either on the Liberal Studies website, online or Blackboard
** LS 300 EFE guide: Download from LS330 Blackboard site
Points/Grading
You will accumulate 205 points during this semester. At the end of the semester, those points will be
assigned a transcript grade according to the following criteria:
90% or above
A (100-96% = A and 95-90% = A-)
80%-89%
B (89-88% = B+; 87-85 = B; and 84-80% = B-)
70%-79%
C (same pattern repeated as for a B)
60%-69%
D
59% or lower
F
The total range of possibilities is provided in order to present a complete picture. There is no expectation that
anyone will fall into the bottom 4/5ths of the scale.
Page 1
Course Assignments
Each of the following course requirements will be explained and discussed in class. The criteria which
guide grading include the following operational definitions:
Professional Quality: Work is presented in a form that is acceptable to show a parent or colleague in a
professional meeting. Time and attention appears to have been given to this activity (carefully prepared
versus being “thrown together”). All assignments completed out of class must be typed and double spaced
using Times New Roman size 12 font.
Functional Value: The product in its present form serves as a useful tool (has actual teaching application).
It would be useful to other similarly prepared professionals (it has communicative value).
Progressive: The assignment demonstrates growth in the instructional process (objectives, instruction,
assessment). Relates to the set of best practices discussed in class and in the readings.
Completed on Time: Assignments are due on the assigned day. Problems with the policy should be
discussed and negotiated advance of the due date. Late assignments will be accepted only if such
arrangements are possible and are made before the due date. Late assignments that have not been discussed
in advance with the instructor may result in a letter grade reduction for the assignment for each day past the
due date.
Academic Honesty: Academic honesty is of utmost importance. All work submitted must be original and
created specifically for this class. References to the work of others must be appropriately cited in any paper
submitted. Academic dishonesty will be treated within the guidelines established by the University. Students
agree that by taking this course all required papers may be subject to submission for textual similarity
review to Turnitin for the detection of plagiarism.
Students with Special Needs: Students who need instructional accommodations for their disabilities should
contact me privately. We can discuss specific accommodations for which you have received authorization.
If you need accommodations due to a disability, but have not registered with Student Disability Services at
619-594-6473 (Calpulli Center, Suite 3101), please do so before making an appointment to see me. You
may access more information about available services for SDSU student by visiting
http://www.sa.sdsu.edu/sds/sds-main/students.html.
Requirements
Points
1. Class attendance, participation, professional conduct, Response Journals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
LS 300 is a participatory class. It is expected that you participate fully and respectfully in class discussions.
Your experiences, background and ideas are critical elements in class discussions. If you are unable to attend a
class session, email the instructor in advance. Please note that being absent is not an excuse for missing
important information given in class. It would benefit you to have the names and phone numbers of several of
your classmates. Each student is expected to display professionalism, which is defined and evaluated using the
following criteria: attendance, preparedness/timeliness, attitude, responsibility, initiative, positive participation,
and collaboration/collegiality. Response Journals will be filled in weekly during class.
2. Response papers (2 x 10 points each) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Page 2
After reading each article (Harris and DePaul available on Blackboard) please type a one-page response. One
paragraph should summarize the article and the second paragraph should address how this reading does/might
apply to you and your teaching life.
3. Plagiarism Quiz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Go to: http://library.sdsu.edu/guides/tutorial.php?id=28 Copy and paste this link to take the tutorial and the
quiz. After completing the quiz, print the final page with your score and turn it in to the instructor.
4. Liberally Educated Person Essay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
You will write an essay about what it means to be liberally educated. The overview attached to this syllabus
will help you write a formal essay expressing your philosophy about the relevance and the relatedness of
subjects taught in primary education. This type written paper should not exceed 3 pages. In addition to turning
in a final draft, you will receive 5 points (of the total 25) for peer editing a classmates paper.
5. Process/Habits of Mind Essay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
You will write a four-page essay comparing and contrasting two disciplines attending to goals, processes,
and products. Specific guidelines are attached to this syllabus.
6. Content Team Presentation (20 pts. pres. + 10 pts. ref. paper + 10 pts. part). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
PRESENTATION: In groups of 5, you will be teaching a lesson to the class in a particular discipline. You
must include a lesson plan indicating the appropriate grade level, content standard, and sequence of events.
You must demonstrate your understanding of goals, processes, and product indicating that you understand
the habits of mind of that discipline. Every member must take an active role in planning and teaching this
lesson. You will earn up to 10 points for participating in other groups’ lessons.
REFLECTION PAPER: Your reflection paper must answer the following questions: (1) What is the most
interesting thing you learned about your discipline (or perhaps saw this point from a new/different
perspective) (2) What was your experience in working with your particular group – what were the
dynamics, who was leader, how did you distribute tasks (3) What was your thinking about the way to
present your lesson – engagement, sequence of activities (4) If you were to present this lesson again next
semester to a new audience, what might you want to do differently?
7. Early Field Experience (EFE) Report. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
You will spend 30 hours in public school settings this semester. You will turn in a detailed report of your
experiences. Specific details and forms are available in the Early Field Experiences (EFE) Guide that you
will obtain from the Liberal Studies 300 Blackboard site. The EFE with 30 hours of observations must be
completed to receive a passing grade in LS 300. There will be two 2-3-page reflections written in
connection with the EFE. Each reflection can be submitted and graded (on a scale from 1-4) prior to the
completion of the EFE.
TOTAL SEMESTER POINTS = 205
COURSE OVERVIEW
Meeting
8/25/14
9/1/14**
9/8/14
Topics
Overview and expectations
What is a liberally educated person?
Labor Day Holiday – no class
Early Field Experience review
Begin strategies Foldable™
Page 3
Readings & Assignments
Read through syllabus and come next class
with questions.
Read: The Purpose of a Liberal Arts
Education, Robert Harris (available on Bb)
9/15/14
Liberally Educated Person
Integrated Curriculum
9/22/14
Review Liberally Educated Person essay
SARC
Edit essay drafts
Context for Learning
Effective lessons
Content & Common Core Standards
Review Content Team Presentations
Applying for the credential programs; guest
Sharon Bendall
Review Discipline Comparison essay
Independent Work: Content Team
Presentations
Position Statements
Students with Special Needs
Classroom Environments
Group Work: Content Team Presentations
Content Team Presentations
World Education
Cultural Awareness
Independent Work on Content Team
Reflection Paper and EFE reports
9/29/14
10/6/14
10/13/14
10/20/14**
10/27/14
11/3/14
11/10/14**
11/17/14
11/24/14**
12/1/14**
12/8/14
Independent Work on EFE reports
Share EFEs
DUE: Response #1
DUE: Print out and bring EFE guide
Read: What to Expect Your First Year of
Teaching, Amy DePaul (available on Bb)
DUE: Response #2
DUE: Plagiarism quiz
DUE: PEER EDIT Essays
DUE: Liberally Educated Person Essay
DUE: Discipline Comparison Essay
DUE: Content Team Presentations
DUE: Content Team Reflection Paper –
email to instructor by 11:59 PM
(kjohnson@hshmc.org)
DUE: EFE Report
DUE: Response Journal
** No face to face class meeting
Schedule is subject to change
---------------------------------------------Due Dates at a Glance-------------------------------------Assignment
#1 – Response Questions
#2 – Plagiarism Quiz
#3– Liberally Educated Person Essay
#4 – Process/Habits of Mind Essay
#5 – Content Team Presentation
#6 – Content Team Reflection Paper
#7 – EFE Report
#8 – Response Journal
Due Dates
September 8, 15
September 22
Draft/Peer Edit: September 29; Final: October 6
November 3
November 17
Emailed to kjohnson@hshmc.org by 11:59 PM November 24
December 8
December 8
Page 4
A Liberally Educated Person Essay
Consider that in preparation for a multiple-subject credential you are taking this course called “Liberal
Studies.” Foundational to this course it that you have an understanding of what a liberal education is. This
essay assignment is an opportunity for you to express your understanding of what Liberal Studies is and
how you and others are liberally educated.
The following should be evident in your reflective essay and help support your topic development:
 Harris article, On the Purpose of a Liberal Arts Education
 Your research on one liberally educated person
 Reflection on how, or in what way(s), YOU are a liberally educated person
The following elements of writing should be evident in your essay and help support your logic:
 The reader should “hear” your voice (it’s okay to use first person “I”)
 Attention to topic development – tell the reader enough to show your thinking, but don’t fill the page
with empty words
 Attention to Standard Academic English – grammar, spelling, and punctuation count!
Your final paper should not be more than 3 type-written pages (12 point Times New Roman font) and
double-spaced.
Focus
1
2
3
Focus is
vague,
disjointed
Topic wanders
off track
Development is
fine, but
mechanical
Topic connects
fairly well
Topic development is focused and logical
Integration
of Course
Content &
Resources
No research is
evident
Some research
is evident
Some
connection
made between
content,
research and
classroom
discussion
A great deal of
connection
between content,
resources, and
classroom
discussion; paper
is logically
organized
Creative integration, presented cohesively
with clear, well-documented
understanding of a liberally educated
person
Connections
to Self
Does not relate
to self
Makes vague
connection to
self
Writer is
present, but not
fluently
integrated into
the essay
Writer is present
and an integral
component of the
paper
Writer is present and integral in the paper
and reflects on her/his understanding of
her/his status as a liberally educated
person
Attention to
Conventions
Many errors in
spelling,
grammar,
punctuation,
and/or word
use that
interfere with
fluent reading;
rubric and
edited rough
draft attached
Multiple errors
in spelling,
punctuation,
grammar,
and/or word
use that
interfere with
fluent reading;
rubric and
rough draft
attached
Several errors
in spelling,
punctuation,
grammar,
and/or word
use that
interfere with
fluent reading;
rubric and
rough draft
attached
Errors in spelling,
grammar,
punctuation,
and/or word use
show a need to
edit more
carefully; rubric
and rough draft
attached
Perhaps one or two editing errors or typos
– clearly well composed and edited; rough
draft and rubric are attached. Paper
includes citations and bibliography, if
necessary
Topic
Development
Page 5
4
5
Total points: ______________________/25 possible
(5 points for peer edit)
Process/Habits of Mind Essay
You will be writing an essay comparing and contrasting 2 disciplines read about and researched in this
course. The essay should be four pages, double-spaced, Times New Roman, font 12. You might consider
using the following format:
 Introduction with a clear, concise thesis statement: The similarities and differences between the two
disciplines in general.
 First discipline: Identify a person and his/her product that exemplify this field
Goal: What was the person trying to do? What was the context?
Process: What did the person do?
Product: What is the consequence/result of his/her goal + process?
 Second discipline: Identify a person and his/her product that exemplify this field
Goal: What was the person trying to do? What was the context?
Process: What did the person do?
Product: What is the consequence/result of his/her goal + process?
 Compare and contrast the two disciplines in depth – refer to what was discussed in the previous
sections.
 Conclusion – answer the “so what?”
 Works cited (MLA format)
The following are suggestions for sample practitioners whose “products” are used in elementary education.
Painting
Picasso
Monet
Van Gogh
Literature
Gary Paulson
Roald Dahl
Patricia Polacco
History
Lewis & Clark
Ben Franklin
Frederick Douglas
Science
Newton
Galileo
Hubble
Mathematics
Pythagoras
Pascal
Fibonacci
Process/Habits of Mind Essay
Checklist - Total possible points = 40
CONTENT:
 Clear and on task
 Perceptive and insightful
 Descriptive writing and well detailed to support thesis
 Use of transition sentences to segue from one portion of the essay to the next
 Appropriate choices of discipline practitioners
 Compares and contrasts the 2 disciplines
1-15 points
DOCUMENTATION:
 Well-researched, accurate information
 Citations within the body of the paper
 Works cited page with proper information
1-10 points
GRAMMAR & MECHANICS
 Correct spelling and grammar usage
 Paper has been properly proofread
 Peer edited draft AND rubric are attached to final paper
 High level use of vocabulary and word choice
1-15 points
SCORES:
Content: _____
Documentation: _____
Grammar & Mechanics: _____
Page 6
Total points: ________