Dickinson State University
Fall Semester, 2007
Course Syllabus
I. Course Number & Title: ASC 100, Freshman Seminar
Instructor: Myron Berg
483-2112
Myron.Berg@dickinsonstate.edu
Mentor: name
phone #
e-mail address
Office Hours: 11:00, 1:00
Credit Hours: One
Meeting Times: 2:00, Tuesday & Thursday
Location: Klinefelter Hall #219
Prerequisites: None
Required Resources:
Textbook: Your College Experience, 7th Edition by Gardner, et al.
Student Planner
DSU Student Guide
Dickinson State University Catalog
Students with Disabilities
The Office of Services to Students with Disabilities, a unit within the Academic Success Center
(lower level of Stoxen Library, 483-2999), coordinates accommodations and services for DSU
students with disabilities. If you have a documented disability, you may request accommodations
for this course. Please contact the Office of Services to Students with Disabilities as soon as
possible to request those accommodations.
II. Course Description:
Freshman Seminar will introduce students to strategies leading to independent learning
and the successful pursuit of educational goals. The course is intended to assist students in the
transition to college life and higher education.
The course provides a foundation that fosters students’ intellectual and social growth.
Students will engage in active learning, critical thinking and building skills in the areas of:
utilizing effective study skills, demonstrating effective communication skills, and understanding
campus-based tools for scholarly inquiry. Students are encouraged to grow socially by:
developing self-awareness, discussing the importance of responsibility and self-control,
understanding ethical behavior and appreciating life in a multicultural and globalized world.
III. Student Learning Outcomes:
A. Institutional Outcomes
1. Critical Thinking
Students will demonstrate critical thinking in a variety of contexts for life long
learning.
2. Communication and Technology Skills
Students will demonstrate proficiency in communication skills in a variety of
forms including the effective use of current technologies and other information
resources.
3.
Multicultural and Global Awareness
Students will demonstrate knowledge of national and international
multiculturalism and the importance of global citizenship.
4.
Aesthetic Appreciation
Students will demonstrate knowledge of the arts and humanities including
participation in artistic activities.
5.
Discipline Based Knowledge
Students will demonstrate discipline-specific knowledge and career skills related
to their field/s of study.
6. Health and Wellness Knowledge
Students will demonstrate knowledge of the importance of health, wellness, and
maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
B. Course Student Learning Outcomes
At the completion of this course, the student will demonstrate:
1. An awareness of self-learning preferences and an ability to apply effective study skills.
2. The ability to utilize critical thinking skills.
3. Knowledge of tools needed for scholarly inquiry and the ethics of scholarly inquiry.
4. Effective oral and written communication skills.
5. Self-awareness of one’s worldview and appreciation for the worldview of others.
6. Knowledge of the importance of self-control and responsibility for choices.
7. An understanding of ethical behavior and the obligations of citizenship in a community.
8. An appreciation and sensitivity for life in a complex, multicultural and globalized world.
IV. Course Content: Topical List
Introduction to course and classmates
Course Requirements
Orientation to the Academic Success Center/Library within first 3 weeks
Transition/Academic Success
Academic Integrity / DSU Student Guide Policy
Campus Resources
Introduction of Technology Applications within Campus Environment
Technology presentations (Minimum of 1 presentation)
Library instruction
Campus involvement (10 Activities to be attended)
Critical Thinking
Learning Styles
Textbook reading
Study Skills
Note taking
Test Taking Strategies
Writing Exercises (minimum of 7)
2 outlines
2 drafts
1 short revised paper, of 2-3 pages in length
2 personal reflective responses
Academic Integrity (DSU Student Handbook)
Time Management
Goal Setting
Advising: Catalog, Advising Folder, General Education Requirements,
Registration & computerized registration processes
Scholarship Applications
Predictive Index (PI) & Application to Careers
Measure of Academic Performance and Proficiency (General Education Assessment)
College Student Inventory Report, & review results in a meeting with instructor
Diversity
Civic responsibility and global citizenship
Alcohol and Drug Awareness
Community Service Project (minimum of 1)
Attendance at one-to-one mentor meeting (minimum of 1)
Course Evaluations
V. Teaching Strategies:
A. Various campus and community speakers
Written exercises, journals, essays
Small group activities
Tours of various campus facilities
Lecture and discussion
Library instruction
Student presentations
Role play
E-mail communications
Attendance at 10 campus events
Community service work
B. Research Basis:
This course is based upon research and theories from the following resources:
National Resource Center for the First Year Experience & Students In Transition
National Center for Learning Communities, Evergreen State College, Washington
VI. Assessment of Student Performance:
A. Attendance & Participation:
Attendance for this class is required: both attendance and class participation will be
factored into grades. An important focus of learning in this course can only be derived
from interactions during the class periods. It is an expectation that students will attend
every class.
B. Deadlines:
Students are responsible for meeting all deadlines, unless prior arrangements have been
made with the instructor. This includes instances when the student is absent from class.
If a student is unexpectedly absent, he or she should contact the instructor as soon as
possible to obtain information about assignments.
C. Grading:
Students in this course have opportunity to earn points for various assignments and class
participation and attendance. These points will be calculated, with the total reflected in a
percentage score. The final grade will be the total points earned by the student, divided
by the total possible assigned points. This will be converted to a letter grade, utilizing the
scale listed below. A student who demonstrates 59% and below mastery of the course
content, will receive and F and will not pass the course.
Grade Scale:
Exemplary
Acceptable
Unacceptable
A
B
C
D
F
90-100%
80-89%
70-79%
60-69%
59% and below
D. Academic Honesty:
Academic honesty and integrity are expected behaviors of students. Should any
infractions occur, the ‘Code of Student Conduct’ in the DSU Student Guide would be
followed.
E. Failure to Pass the Course:
This course is required of all DSU Freshmen, designed to help them with becoming a
successful student. Should a student fail the course, they will be required to take a
second course of ASC100 in the following semester of the same academic year.
Library Instruction
The dates and times for your class’s library instruction are:
Tuesday and Thursday, Sept. 25 & 27 from 2:00 – 2:50 pm