Freshman Seminar
US 1150
MW 2:00-3:15
Fall Semester 2006
Course Syllabus
Instructor: Dr. Mary Timothy
Office: 309F Edwin Duncan Hall
Work phone: 262-6064
Home phone: 264-1634
Email: timothym@appstate.edu
Peer Leader: Elyse Addington
Email: ma66251@appstate.edu
Academic Advisor:
Required Texts:
Power Learning Strategies for Success in College and Life, 3rd Edition, Feldman, Robert,
S. (Rental)
New Connections, 3rd Edition, Brantz and Friedman (Purchase)
Seedfolk by Paul Fleishman (purchase)
Additional reading will be assigned and copies given.
Purpose:
The purpose of this course is to help ease the transition between high school and college.
It will help build academic and life skills, provide opportunities for personal growth, and
establish new relationships. This course is organized around the following themes:
1. Developing academic skills (note taking, writing, speaking, etc.)
2. Discovering Appalachian (resources offered, the library, and the rich history,
traditions, and ceremonies)
3. Building community within the class
4. Exploring what it means to be an educated person and the value of a college
education
5. Fostering personal growth and wellness. (Exploring learning styles, attending
cultural events, engaging in discussion as a means of growth, reflection,
participating in community service, and discovering the facets and importance of
complete wellness)
6. Enhancing computer and writing skills (email, word processing, html, Internet,
PowerPoint, etc)
Course Requirements:
Attendance:
Participation:
Open House
GIC
Seedfolk story
Community Service project
Cultural Events
Major assignments
Time Management
Wellness
Reflective Paper
150 pts
150 pts
25 pts
25 pts
50 pts
100 pts
200 pts (100 each event)
100 pts
100 pts
100 pts
Attendance Policy:
You are expected to attend all class meetings and outside events. In this seminar course,
attendance and participation are vital. For every absence, 20 pts will be deducted;
however, I may accept 2 excused absences without penalty (my discretion for absence
reason such as illness, court dates, religious holidays, funerals, weddings will be excused.
Tardiness is not tolerated and may result in an absence. Must see Peer Leader or
instructor immediately after class to discuss the problem.
You are responsible for all information covered and assignments given during your
absences. Any assignments turned in late will not receive full credit.
Extra Credit:
You may receive up to 20 pts each attendance of pre-approved seminars and/or attending
other cultural events, then writing a short (1-2) page critical response paper.
Expectations:
Be on time to class and outside events.
If you are unable to attend class, please try to let me know before the class meeting.
Read all assignments on time (be prepared for class).
Turn in all assignments on time.
Challenge yourself.
Ask questions. This class is an opportunity for you to begin shaping your college career.
Teach us what you know and be open to learn from your classmates.
Grading: 1000 pt scale
1000-950 = A
919-900 = B+
869-850 = B829-800 = C
779-760 = D+
739-720 = D-
949-920 = A899-870 = B
849-830 = C+
799-780 = C759-740 = D
Below 719 = F
Class Schedule (tentative)
8/23
8/25
8/28
8/29
8/30
9/1
9/4
9/6
9/7
9/11
9/13
9/18
9/20
9/25
9/27
10/2
10/4
10/9
10/11
10/16
10/18
10/23
10/25
10/30
11/1
11/6
11/8
11/13
First Day of class, getting to know each other activities and read syllabus. Read
Chpt. 2 N.C. pp7-11, 25-29.
GIC activity 1-4:30 meet at the Recreation Center wear for outdoor activities
(gym shoes, pants, bring a jacket just in case of rain).
Discuss reading. Give first major assignment given
(money management assign Chpt.13 PL; Chpt. 9 NC to help get started on
project).
Open House meet at DD Dougherty at 5:10 pm
MBTI & discuss awareness for walk
Walk for awareness at 9 pm. meet in Sanford Mall
Labor Day
Discuss summer reading and prepare for Convocation. Read Chpt. 2 PL
Convocation
Time management, discuss reading and give 2nd major assignment
(reflective paper). Read Chpt. 5 NC
Computing discuss pp 57-66 and discuss service learning project.
(meet in computer lab).
Library visit. Read Chpt. 6 NC pp 27-86.
MBTI discussion and assign Seedfolk and story.
Diversity discussion (poem activity) and give 3rd project
(Wellness, group work).
Film hand out Ophelia stories for reading.
Discuss LGBT issues
Discuss Ophelia stories
Advisor visit. Read Chpts. 4, 5, & 6 PL
No class
Study Skills and Stress Management
Work on quilts
Test taking, writing skills, note taking. Read Chpt. 10 pp. 135-156 PL
ASU History
Academic Integrity
3rd Wellness project presentations
3rd Wellness project presentations read Chpt 7 NC pp. 87-94
Career Development
Advisor visit
11/15
11/20
11/22
11/27
Registration information
Stress management
Thanksgiving Break
2nd assignment due, Reflective Paper
(no class, drop off in my office before 5 pm.)
11/29 1st assignment Money management project presentations due.
12/4 Last class meeting. 1st assignment projects
Final Exam Quilt presentations. Party
PL = Power Learning
NC = New Connections