LSEM 100-01
Longwood Seminar for Liberal Studies
Fall 2013
Monday, Wednesday 3:00-3:50 pm; G03 Chichester
Instructor:
Peer Mentor:
Office:
Phone:
Email:
Webpage:
Office Hours:
Dr. David S. Hardin
Emily Duke
205D Chichester
434-395-2581
hardinds@longwood.edu; emily.duke@live.longwood.edu
http://www.longwood.edu/staff/hardinds/dh.htm
1:00-3:00 Monday and Wednesday and by appointment
Required Material
 Skloot, Rebecca. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. Broadway Paperbacks, 2011 – This will be
brought to class on each day we are scheduled to discuss it. It’s best to use the paperback version for
uniformity in pagination. We will have Canvas discussions about the book as the semester progresses.

Three-ring binder – as Liberal Studies majors, you will receive much more information than most other
majors. A major and important set of documents that will carry through to graduation is “LSEM 2013 Liberal
Studies Sections Special Materials,” which will be handed out on the first official class meeting day (Monday,
August 26). This will be brought to class on most days. Materials from me usually also will be available in
Canvas.
Suggested Material
Student Planner
Course Description (from the Undergraduate Catalog)
[This course is designed to provide the student with] The knowledge and skills that lead to success in college, the
ability to use critical thinking and analysis in all aspects of student life, and preparation for assuming the role of
citizen leader working for the common good (one credit).
Course Objectives
Welcome to Longwood and our LSEM class! I am looking forward to helping you adjust to Longwood and being
in college – what many people consider the best time of their lives. In addition to meeting the goal outlined below,
I hope to give you some tips and tools to make your Longwood University experience as enjoyable and as
successful as possible.
Core Course Objectives
Through this course, you will:
 Develop academic knowledge and skills to promote a broad range of success at Longwood.
 Establish goals for personal academic success.
 Explore academic majors and discipline-related career options.
 Develop strategies to promote personal social awareness and skills needed by citizen leaders.
 Understand the mission of Longwood University and how it applies to the college experience.
 Understand the application of critical thinking skills to multiple situations.
Grading
 Final grades will be based on the total points you accrue, and scored by the following percentage distribution:
≥ 94% = A; 90-93.99% = A-; 87-89.99% = B+; 84-86.99% = B; 80-83.99% = B-; 77-79.99% = C+; 74-76.99%
= C; 70-73.99% = C-; 67-69.99% = D+; 64-66.99% = D; 60-63.99% = D-; < 60% = F.
 At the end of the term, if you decide to argue for raising an average that is on the cusp between two letter
grades or portions of letter grades, you must make a compelling case based on (1) stellar attendance,
(2) completion of all assignments, and (3) active participation.
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 Any student who feels they may need an accommodation based on the impact of a physical, psychological,
medical, or learning disability should contact the Office of Disability Resources (Graham Hall, 395-2391) to
register for services. Once you register for services, contact me privately and I will do my best to
accommodate any special needs.
Course Requirements
Your grade is comprised of points from 9 different assignments. These assignments relate to participation in
specific types of events and/or a written reflection that will be turned in via Canvas (or in hard-copy form). Each
item below is worth 10 points out of your final grade (out of 100 points), with the exception of your FYRE
assignment (item #8), which is worth double (or 20%/20 points).
1. New Lancer Days Reflection – 10 points
There are two parts to this activity: a) You are expected to participate in New Lancer Days (September 2224), and Emily will note your attendance; (b) You are to write a 150-word reaction to NLD to be turned in via
Canvas. Please note that this should NOT be a simple recap of what you did during NLD. Please discuss how
the activities made an impact on you and how they helped you understand the vision of the university and
your role as a student. You may want to discuss which parts of the program were most/least helpful to you, as
well as any questions you may still have after participating in NLD. Due in class: 8/28.
2. “Why I am in College/What I learned my first week in college” paper and “My Weekly Schedule” – 10
points (5 points each)
There are two parts to this grade: a) A no more than one page (double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman
font, 1 inch margins all around) paper addressing the questions: Why am I in college? What do I expect to
get out of it? What was my first week in college like, and what did I learn from it? This paper will be turned in
via Canvas. One of the most important elements of success in college is good time management. Using the
template provided by the professor, keep track of all of your activities for a full week (7 days, 24 hours a day).
Everyone will use the same color scheme provided by the professor, and we will discuss this in class. Due at
the beginning of class: 9/4.
3. Midterm Reflection – 10 points
As a freshman, your professors will assign you a midterm grade estimate. Before these estimates are made
available, you will be asked to hypothesize your grade for each of your classes. After your actual estimates
are available, you will fill out your midterm reflection, which will include your hypothesized estimate, your
actual midterm estimate from your professor, and a short reflection for each class describing your plan of
action for the rest of the semester. This will be turned in in class. Based on your midterm grades, the
professor may require an individual meeting. Due at the beginning of class: 10/7.
4. Freshman Reflection – 10 points
Towards the end of the course, write a 150-word summary identifying what you liked and disliked about your
freshmen semester, the experiences you encountered, and the personal growth you attained. Reflect upon
the activities and people that helped in your first semester experiences, as well as prepared you for the
following semesters. This will be turned in at the beginning of class. Due 11/4.
5. Activity Bingo – 10 points
There are two parts to this activity: a) You are to attend at least five campus-wide activities on the Activity
Bingo sheet; and b) write a 200 word reflection on all of the activities (40 words for each activity isn’t much).
Please wait to post your reflections via Canvas until all have been attended (in other words, you will post
once, but that post will include your five reflections). This will be turned in at the beginning of class. Due:
11/11.
6. Civic Engagement – 10 points
There are two parts to this activity: a) You are to participate in one volunteer activity (you are encouraged to
do this in small groups or pairs), and; b) submit a 150 word reflection via Canvas on the experience. This will
be turned in at the beginning of class. Due: 11/11
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7. Advising Meeting – 10 points
Each student is required to meet with me before the registration period to discuss your progress and your
classes for next semester. When the time comes I will post a sign-up sheet on my door and you can sign up
for an appointment. When you come to your appointment you must bring: A typed document showing a four
year schedule listing which courses you will take which semester (a four year “plan of study”). You must make
sure that you have all prerequisites for a course before you can enter it on your schedule. You will get half the
credit of this grade for signing up for the meeting on time and arriving on time. The other half relate to the
materials you bring with you. See schedule below for dates.
8. Freshman Year Reading Experience Assignment – 20 points
This is based on The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot. The assignment is worth double
(i.e. 20) the points because it has two major parts:
(1) First Impressions of TILHL – write a 100-word impression of the book overall, including naming the
important themes and your impressions of them; do you like the book? This will be turned in at the beginning
of class. Due 9/16
(2) TILHL paper –Henrietta Lacks has made a major contribution to our understanding of human genetics.
The story of how that came about and the family drama and societal issues of the times it revealed makes the
book a perfect way to address science, human understanding, ethics, and historical issues of race and class
in the Chesapeake region at the high school and university levels. You are planning on becoming an
elementary school educator. In a 200 word essay, explain what aspects of Henrietta Lack’s story would you
teach to elementary school students and why? This will be turned in at the beginning of class. Due: 11/11
9. Attendance and Participation – 10 points
Your attendance, participation, and preparation will be evaluated as part of your grade. Participation points
will include charting the Campus Navigation Map (due 8/26), filling out your Canvas profile including a
mugshot (due 8/28), completion of myLongwood certification, required course assessments on Canvas,
attendance at “Prelude to the Profession” (due 9/9), etc. Posting to the Facebook group and joining in on
Canvas discussions are significant parts of your participation grade. Activities included under this assignment
will be summarized on a “checklist” provided to you by the professor. I will provide feedback throughout the
semester if I think this part of your grade is suffering.
Additional Activities. There are other activities that are requirements of LSEM courses and you earn credit for
these just by showing up to class (through your attendance/participation grade). Some things will be outside the
classroom setting (e.g. Moton Museum). If you would like to suggest a place for us to visit or a person to come
speak, please do not hesitate to contact me!
Classroom Policies
Attendance
Attendance is checked in each class and outside class activities. Attendance is an extremely important aspect of
your experience in college. Simply get in the habit of attending all classes. You will learn as you progress into
harder coursework that making up missed material is rather difficult and can result in a downward spiral!
According to the Undergraduate Catalog of Longwood University, the instructor has the right to fail a student who
has missed a total (excused and unexcused!) of 25% of the scheduled class meeting times (that’s just 4 LSEM
class meetings!). Excused absences are those resulting from the student's participation in a college-sponsored
activity, from recognizable emergencies, or from serious illness and will require written documentation (cited from
Longwood Undergraduate Handbook).
Classroom Etiquette
Classroom conduct is one of the more obvious aspects of attitude and overall learning environment. Good
etiquette reflects a positive attitude. Respect the instructor, peer mentor, and each other. Talking and making
annoying noises are disrespectful and distracting. I am a stickler for this. So much so that I have a list of dos and
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don’ts entitled “Classroom Etiquette”. Following my etiquette guidelines is part of your attendance/participation
score. We will go over this in class.
Technology
All electronic communication devices – phones, iPods, iPads, etc. -- are to be turned off unless otherwise
instructed. Although this is a Canvas-based course, you should not need your computer during class unless
approved by the instructor or as part of a specific activity.
Assignments
All assignments that require writing (most of them) must be typed in Times New Roman 12 point font, doublespaced, with one inch margins all around. Due dates for your assignments are above and in the weekly schedule.
Stay up-to-date by putting them in your planner. Grades for late assignments will be deducted by 20% per day
late under acceptable circumstances. An assignment is considered late immediately after the start of the class in
which it is due.
Class on the web
I pre-date the Internet and home computing by two decades (probably much like your parents). Nonetheless, I try
to take advantage of the modern technology I can master. Longwood has just switched from Blackboard to
Canvas. As a result, all of your professors are struggling to get up to speed with this new platform. If I can
manage it, there will be announcements, supplemental handouts, etc. posted on Canvas. You are expected to
check your email and Canvas at least once every 24 hours (this is part of your participation grade!). Although I
am not a member of your linked-in generation – and for the life of me I can’t understand why you want to stay in
touch with everyone around the clock – I will do my best to respect the 24-hour email rule and respond to your
emails within 24 hours. This is in hopes that you will get used to checking your email and Canvas on a regular
basis and continue this practice through the rest of your time at Longwood. I will create a Facebook group that
you all will name so we can keep in touch, network, and let your families know what you’re up to in your first
semester at Longwood.
Assignment and email etiquette
Assignments and emails should be written properly and professionally. It is common courtesy that will pay off in
the long run. Emails should be thought of as a professional letter, not a note to your BFF (or mortal enemy). I
have 150 other students, so you should identify yourself with “LSEM” and a subject in the subject line of any email
you send me. Not only in this class but in all professional correspondences you should write as though you are
trying to be employed by the person on the receiving end. To mangle the old saying, you catch more flies with
spell-checked and grammatically-correct honey than poorly-composed and hard-to-read vinegar. Any Facebook
entries you post should be crisply composed, tasteful, spell-checked, and reflect positively on you, this course,
your classmates, and Longwood University. We will discuss this topic further in class.
Honor Code
Do not lie, cheat, or steal, nor tolerate those who do. It is better to do poorly on an exam, assignment, or even an
entire class, than destroy your entire college career. If you are suspected of infractions of the honor code you will
be turned over to the Student Honor Board for adjudication. You never want to have to appear before your Honor
Board peers – it is decidedly unpleasant!
Disabilities
Any student who feels they may need an accommodation based on the impact of a physical, psychological,
medical, or learning disability should contact the Office for Disability Services (103 Graham Building, 395-2391) to
register for services. Once you register for services, contact me privately and I will do my best to accommodate
any special needs.
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Course Schedule
Wk
0
Date
Topic(s) Covered/Activities/Dates to be aware of
F 8/23
Class 0
First Meeting! Welcome to Longwood! – 1:15-2:30
Chichester G03
Handouts, handouts & more handouts; Viva
FarmVegas!; Introductions, class picture,
Facebook group name; The Immortal Life of
Henrietta Lacks (TILoHL) discussion; Devising a
question & choosing a presenter for the “Active
Engagement: The Impact of HeLa” panel
discussion (7:30 pm Jarman Auditorium)
Assignments Due/
Homework






M 8/26
Class 1
New Lancer Days impressions; syllabus
discussion;
Introduction to Canvas & myLongwood;
“Classroom Etiquette”; Math Praxis I; BMI
spreadsheet


Prelude to the Profession 3:30-4:30 Hull 132 8/27
Prelude to the Profession 10:00-11:00 Hull 132 8/28
1
Wellness Fair 10:00-3:00 in the Health & Fitness
Center 8/28


W 8/28
Class 2
High school vs. college; Conducting Professor
Intel; Care & Feeding of College Professors
Prelude to the Profession 3:30-4:30 Hull 132 8/29
Labor Day – No class!
2
M 9/2




Last day to drop/add is September 3!

Prelude to the Profession 3:30-4:30 Hull 132 9/3
Prelude to the Profession 10:00-11:00 Hull 132 9/4

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Homework:
Enjoy New Lancer Days!
Add a profile pic to your Canvas
profile
Begin posting to Facebook
Start “My Weekly Schedule”
recordation beginning Monday
morning!
Due:
Campus Navigation Map
Under Pressure
Homework:
Review the syllabus thoroughly
and do any assignments it
suggests for Wednesday
Get your base weight and
height measured at the
Wellness Fair and begin
entering data into the BMI
spreadsheet
Bring a couple of other course
syllabi to class Wednesday
Attend one “Prelude to
Profession” meeting before 9/9
(get proof of attendance)
Due:
Syllabus freebie
Canvas profile pic
New Lancer Days Reflection
Homework:
RELAX, reflect, and appreciate
the progress of the early 20th
century!
Color-code “My Weekly
Schedule”
Compose “Why am I in
College?” & “What I Learned
My First Week in College”
Wk
2
Date
W 9/4
Class 3
Assignments Due/
Homework
Topic(s) Covered/Activities/Dates to be aware of
Weekly Recap
Emily’s Time Management Tips
LSEM Bingo


Prelude to the Profession 3:30-4:30 Hull 132 9/5

M 9/9
Class 4
Weekly Recap
Liberal Studies Program – Melissa Baldwin
Emily’s experience with/tips for Liberal Studies;
LS Special Materials discussion

Due:
My Weekly Schedule
Why am I in College? & What
I Learned My First Week in
College
Homework
Begin doing activities for LSEM
Bingo
Homework:
Read “How to Survive a Hardin
Course” (see Dr. Hardin’s
webpage)
Prelude to the Profession 3:30-4:30 Hull 132 9/10
3

W 9/11
Class 5
Writing Center – Alix White
Center for Academic Success – Rebecca Sturgil
“How to Survive a Hardin Course”; Study skills
Convocation is 9/12!
M 9/16
Class 6
4

Homework:
Compose “First Impressions of
TILoHL”
Read and be prepared to
discuss “Why Science is Like
Play”
Weekly Recap
TILoHL & Critical Thinking; “Why Science is Like
Play”; Thinking Beyond the Minimum

Due:
First Impressions of TILoHL
Involvement Fair 9/17

Homework
Go to Involvement Fair
Campus involvement – Emily
Greek Life – visitor
W 9/18
Class 7

Due:
Prelude to the Profession
attendance
Rock the Block 9/20
Family Weekend is 9/20-22!
Prelude to the Profession 3:30-4:30 Hull 132 9/19
6
Wk
Date
Topic(s) Covered/Activities/Dates to be aware of
5
M 9/23
Class 8
Weekly Recap
“Library vs. Wild” – Greenwood Library
Weekly Recap
Study Abroad – visitor
Midterm Reflection
6
M 9/30
Class 9
Study Abroad Fair 10/3 2-5 pm Lankford
Oktoberfest Weekend is October 4-5
Assignments Due/
Homework


Homework:
Enjoy Oktoberfest!
Hypothesize course grades
before October 7

Professors submit mid-term grade estimates 10/7
Weekly Recap
Financial Literacy – Gayle Covington
7
M 10/7
Class 10
Fall Break is 10/14-15!

Homework:
Enjoy Fall Break!
Note day change for Week 8/Class 11!
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W 10/16
Class 11
Weekly Recap
Academic & Career Advising Center – Mary
Meade Saunders
Deadline to withdraw with a “W” is 10/16 at 5 pm!
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M 10/21
Class 12
Weekly Recap
Understanding the Advising Process;
Spring & 4-Year Planning
10
M 10/28
Class 13
Weekly Recap
myLongwood certification G13
7


Advising Session #1 sign-up (if
needed)
Write up “Midterm Reflection”

Due:
Midterm Reflection


Homework:
Sign up for Advising Session #2
(held 10/28-31, 11/4-7, 11/1112) on sign-up sheet outside
Dr. Hardin’s office
Homework:
Compose “Freshman
Reflection”
11
Weekly Recap
Health Center fieldtrip
M 11/4
Class 14
Advising & Registration for Spring 2014 begins 11/4!
12
M 11/11
Class 15
Weekly Recap
TILoHL Paper Discussion – Henrietta Lacks: what
aspects of her story would you teach to
elementary school students and why?
Registration day for you is November 13!

Due:
Freshman Reflection



Homework:
Compose “TILoHL Paper”
Compose “Activity Bingo” paper
Compose “Civil Engagement”
paper




Due:
Advising Session (by 11/12)
TILoHL paper
Activity Bingo
Civic Engagement
This syllabus is tentative and very subject to change as events warrant. Any changes will be discussed
in class and major changes will be consensus-based if possible
Things to keep in mind:

Both Emily and I are ready to help with any problems or questions that you may have pertaining to this
course. Please do not hesitate to utilize these valuable resources. Even if you are not having problems in this
course, feel free to stop by my office just to say “hey”!

Keep an extra copy of your work for your own files in the event that a paper is lost or misplaced. Back up your
computer files!
Revised October 16, 2013, 2:50 pm
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