Liberal Studies 300 Spring 2014
Wednesdays 4:00PM Instructor: Charlie Littrell
email: haney@mail.sdsu.edu Office: EBA 214 Office hours by appt.
Prerequisite is Education 200
Course Description and Introduction
You are on the road towards becoming a teacher! This course is a
prerequisite for entering the 5th year Multiple Subject Program at San
Diego State University. In this class, we read 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.
Student Learning 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 the academic
disciplines
4. Recognize the attributes and importance of a liberal education
5. Reflect on a variety of educational field experiences through a
culturally responsive lens
Required Materials
“Liberal Studies Course Reader” – Littrell in SDSU Bookstore
My Writing Lab – Pearson Publishing – registration in class
LS 300 EFE guide: Can also download from the Liberal Studies website:
http://libst.sdsu.edu - Click on Coursework, Information for specific classes,
LS 300 Field Experience
Your grammar book will be check – suggested Keys for Writers
Ann Raimes,
Guidelines for Assignments
For each submitted assignment:
1. Put your name, class #, course title and meeting time, my name,
page #’s and name of the assignment, and date in the upper right
hand corner of the paper.
2. Staple multiple pages
3. Type all assignments completed outside of class. Papers should be
double spaced in a clear size 12 font. Please proofread all papers
before submitting them. Grammar and spelling are important.
College caliber writing is expected at all times. I recommend you
save a copy of all written work on your computer or on a disk.
4. All work is to be submitted on or before the due date. See the
weekly assignment handout for due dates. Late papers may not be
accepted and need to be discussed individually with me prior to
the due date. You may not submit assignments via email.
5. 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 San Diego State University.
Course Assignments
In-class and out-of-class activities will be required during the
semester. The activities selected for this course are designed to
enhance course content, readings in the text, and class discussions. It is
expected that the student will benefit from each activity in direct
relation to the seriousness and effort applied.
Activities will be introduced and discussed in class. There may, on
occasion, be independent time during class to work on group projects.
Other activities will be completed on the student’s own time. It is
believed that shared experiences are beneficial to each individual
and the class as a whole.
The following list is a brief description of assignments for the
semester. This is merely an overview. There will be very specific
instructions given during class time regarding each of these
assignments.
Individual Oral Presentations on chosen topics
Plagiarism Quiz Go to: http://infotutor.sdsu.edu/plagiarism/. 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 me.
Reflections/Responses on selected readings
Essay #1 - “A Liberally Educated Person”-must be submitted to MWL
Essay#2 “Process/The Habits of Mind” - must be submitted to MWL
Subject Area Group Presentations
My Writing Lab
Early Field Experience:
Each student is required to complete 30 hours of classroom
observations. Exact instructions and requirements are in the EFE
guide and will be discussed in class. The EFE with 30 hours of
observations must be completed to receive a passing grade in
LS 300.
Professional/Participation Conduct
LS 300 is a participatory class. Your experiences, background, and
ideas are critical elements in class discussions. Your feedback following
group presentations is important. There will be no tests or quizzes; however,
your attendance is required. Please note being absent is not an excuse
for missing important information given in class. It would benefit you to
have the names, email addresses, and phone numbers of several of your
classmates.
Name________________email____________________cell phone______________
Name________________email____________________cell phone______________
Work started and completed during class time cannot be made-up. 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.
Another way to look at LS 300, is you are beginning your work as a
teacher—a professional in the community. Being a professional comes
with many responsibilities. Two responsibilities that are related to this
course are to thoughtfully participate in our classroom community and to
critically examine your and others’ ideas and assumptions about teaching
and learning. To thoughtfully participate in this class, you should:
 attend all classes,
 arrive on time and remain for the entire period,
 be prepared for each class by having thoughtfully completed all
readings and assignments,
 share your ideas and listen respectfully in class sessions
 remain on-task during class sessions,
 respect others' opinions in the class,
 be curious about ideas different than your own, and
 keep me informed of any extenuating circumstances in your life
that may hinder your ability to succeed in this course.
Attendance is mandatory. While certain circumstances may warrant an
"excused" absence, students are required to inform the course instructor in
advance if unable to attend any given class; designation of absence as a
legitimate excuse is up to the discretion of the instructor. Doctor’s notes
are appreciated and will assist the instructor in not deduct class
participation points.
Cell phones may not be used for any purpose during class. If an
emergency situation exists, the student must alert the instructor before
class and should keep his/her phone on silent mode. Laptops or other
non-class-related distractions are not to be used in class. If
accommodations are needed for class note taking, confer with the
instructor beforehand.
Failure to participate in class activities and discussions will result in the
deduction of points from the overall grade or assignments. Tardiness will
result in a deduction from student’s participation points.
Emails should be professionally written with correct spelling, grammar, and
sentence structure. The emails should be appropriate and respectful
along with your email address.
Due Dates:
Assignments are due on the assigned day. Difficulties with this policy
should be discussed and negotiated well in advance of the due date.
Late assignments will only be accepted if such arrangements are possible
and made on or before the due date. Please find someone in the class
who would be willing to print out your assignments and bring them to
class, if you are able to do so yourself.
Assignment
Individual Oral Presentation
Points Possible
50
Plagiarism Quiz
Dinner Party
2 Reflections/Responses (25 each)
Essay #1 – Liberally Educated Person
Essay #2 – Process Essay
Subject Group Presentation
EFE
My Writing Lab
Participation/Professional Conduct
10
50
50
60
100
50
140
100
90
Total Points Possible
700
A reminder – regardless of point totals, you cannot receive a
passing grade in LS 300 without completing the EFE.-