Collin College Course Syllabus
Course Number: COSU 0300
Course Title: College Success
Section Number: C02
Course Description: Explores various methods and techniques for improving study skills and
habits, including time management, note taking, reading, communication, test preparation, test
taking, problem-solving, and learning styles. This course may not be used to satisfy the
requirements for an associate degree.
Course Credit Hours: 3
Lecture Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 0
College Repeat Policy: Developmental Education Courses may be taken for a combined total of
no more than 27 credit hours. In addition, you may repeat this course only once after receiving a
grade, including W. If you drop this course before the census day, it will not count against you.
Instructor: Christina Friedl
Contact Information: CFriedl@collin.edu (preferred) or (214)491-6227. Website:
http://iws.collin.edu/cfriedl/. In case of emergency, contact the Developmental Education
office (SCC K102) at (972)881-5720.
Office Location: CPC – B232
Office Hours: M/W 11:00 a.m. – 12:45 p.m., T/R 10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m., or by appointment.
Class Information: Monday/Wednesday, 1:00 p.m. - 2:15 p.m., B204
Course Format: COSU 0300 comprises lecture, class discussions, small group work, and
individual assignments.
Textbook: Essential Study Skills (6th edition) by Linda Wong
Supplies: Textbook (required), scantrons, planner/calendar, paper, pens, pencils, 3-ring binder.
Student Learning Outcomes: In order to successfully complete this course, a student will
be able to demonstrate mastery in the following areas:
• Goal-setting
• Time management
• Textbook marking
• Note-taking
• Preparation for Tests
• Test-taking
Course Requirements: In order to successfully complete this course, students must do the
following:
•
Attend class regularly (see attendance policy below)
•
•
•
Complete all homework assignments, projects, tests and the final exam
Complete all work by established deadlines
Actively participate in class activities
We want you to succeed in college level courses! To help ensure your success, you will be
required to complete enhancement activities that involve identifying and using campus resources
to strengthen self-identified areas of weakness. Among support services available to you are:
ACCESS, Advising, Counseling, Writing Center, Math Lab, Tutoring, Student Life, Financial Aid,
Library, and Study Skills Seminars.
Method of Evaluation: The final grade for this course will be based on the following criteria:
Attendance/Participation
Classroom Assignments/
Conference
Unit Tests
Individual Project
Group Project
Journal Reflections
Homework
Final Exam
Explanation of Assignments:
10%
20%
15%
10%
10%
8%
7%
20%
100%
Attendance/Participation: Attendance is an important component of student success. Tardies,
leaving early, and absences will result in a loss of points. Students who are present in class but
who are not participating appropriately (sleeping, texting, reading a novel, etc.) will be asked to
leave and will be counted as absent. Missing more than three classes can result in failing the
course. See Attendance Policy (below).
Classroom Assignments: Students are expected to complete all classroom assignments during
the instructional time provided. Assignments consist of discussions, activities and small group
work. It is important to note one missed class will result in a loss of both classroom assignment
and attendance/participation points. Students may not make up in-class assignments that they
miss in most cases.
Conference: A critical component of this class will be a one-on-one conference with the
instructor during the first half of the semester. You will receive a grade for your attendance at the
conference and additional assignments tied to this meeting will be required. More details
regarding the conference and assignments will be discussed in class.
Tests: Three (3) tests will be given throughout the semester, not including the Final Exam. Dates
are listed on the course schedule but are subject to change. Tests are mandatory and must be
taken in class on the date scheduled. Test make-ups are allowed in extreme cases for
unforeseeable events and are given only at the instructor’s discretion. Make-up tests are
administered in the Testing Center and must be completed within one week of the original test
date. All make-up tests are subject to the Late Assignment policy (see below) and the grade
earned will be reduced by 30%.
Individual Project: An individual project requiring long-term time management and goal setting
skills will be assigned by the instructor and discussed in class.
Journal Reflections: Journal reflections are informal, introspective writing assignments which
require students to relate classroom topics to their personal experiences and observations. The
instructor will give a specific writing prompt for each journal assignment. Journal assignments
must be at least one full page long, typed, in 12-point font, and double spaced.
Group Project: The class will be divided into groups. Each group will be assigned a topic and
presentation date by the instructor. Each group will be responsible for developing a creative
project and presenting the project to the class. Limited class time will be given to assist in the
completion of this assignment. It will be necessary for students to meet outside of class in order to
complete this project.
Homework: Homework assignments will relate to the current chapter and are practical
applications to enhance information learned in class. Students are expected to complete the
assignment and bring a paper copy to class. Assignments must be submitted at the beginning of
the class period on the due date. Some assignments may require use of computer and internet
resources.
Final Exam: A comprehensive departmental final exam is REQUIRED for all students at the end of
the course (NO EXCEPTIONS). The final exam counts for 20% of the final grade. Students must
take the final exam on the scheduled date.
Extra Credit: Extra Credit opportunities may be given at the instructor’s discretion. Extra credit
is a tool to assist you in improving your grade; it is not a substitute for homework assignments.
Extra credit may not be made up due to absence.
Grading Policy: Grade AD, BD, CD, FD or IP will be awarded.
A grade of "DD" will not be awarded.
Grading: In order to receive an "AD" in the course, a student must complete coursework with an
average of 90-100. In order to receive a "BD" in the course, a student must complete coursework
with an average of 80-89. In order to receive a "CD" in the course, a student must complete
coursework with an average of 70-79. If a student has below a 70 average on coursework, he/she
will receive an "FD". Please note that a student cannot receive a "DD" in this course.
Attendance Policy: Students must attend classes regularly, with no more than two (2) absences.
Students are expected to attend each class and to arrive on time. If a student is late or leaves class
early three (3) times, it will count as one (1) absence. Each absence beyond two (2) will result in
the student’s attendance grade being lowered by 10 points for each absence. The instructor will
not make a qualitative decision regarding the merit of an absence. You are either here or you are
not. In extreme cases, such as hospitalization, an excused absence may be granted with proper
written documentation approved by the instructor. If absent, it is the student’s responsibility to
ask the instructor or classmates about missed assignments. Please see the Registration Guide for
the last day to withdraw.
Course Withdrawal Policy: My goal is for you to successfully complete this course and to be
prepared to successfully complete subsequent courses. Prior to withdrawing from this class,
please meet with me to discuss your progress and learn about the support services at Collin to
help you succeed.
The process for withdrawing from a Developmental course is: (1) Meet with your professor, (2)
Meet with an advisor, (3) Meet with the Dean of Developmental Education. After completing these
three steps, take the signed course withdrawal form to the Admissions Office for professing. See
the current Collin Registration Guide for the last day to withdraw. If you simply stop attending and
participating and do not withdraw from the course, you will most likely receive an FD.
Classroom Expectations:
Late Assignments: Tentative due dates are listed in the course schedule. Any changes will be
announced in class. All work must be handed in at the beginning of the class period on the due
date. Assignments turned in after class begins are considered late and will receive partial credit.
Grades for all late work will be reduced by 30%. No late assignments will be accepted after
December 1, 2011.
Be Prepared: After the second scheduled class period, students must bring all textbooks and
materials to every class. Failure to come to class prepared may result in your dismissal from class
(which will count as an absence).
Participation: Students are expected to listen and take notes during class lecture, participate in
discussions and activities, and complete all classroom assignments. Treat your instructor and
fellow classmates with courtesy and respect. Disruptive or disrespectful behavior of any kind will
not be tolerated (doing homework for other classes, texting, sleeping, etc.). If you cannot
participate positively in class, you will be asked to leave. This will result in a loss of points and
count as an absence for the day.
Leaving During Class: Take care of your personal needs before or after class. Please arrange
your personal appointments for times other than class time.
Electronics: ALL CELL PHONES, iPods, laptops, palm computers or any other electronic devices
MUST BE TURNED OFF before entering the classroom and MUST REMAIN OFF AND OUT OF SIGHT
for the duration of the class. Use of laptop computers is not permitted unless approved by the
ACCESS office (written documentation required).
See student handbook for a complete set of the college conduct rules and regulations.
Religious Holy Days: Please refer to the current Collin Student handbook.
ADA Statement: It is the policy of Collin College to provide reasonable accommodations for
qualified individuals who are students with disabilities. This College will adhere to all applicable
federal, state and local laws, regulations and guidelines with respect to providing reasonable
accommodations as required to afford equal educational opportunity. It is the student’s
responsibility to contact the ACCESS office, SCC-G200 or 972.881.5898 (V/TTD: 972.881.5950) in
a timely manner to arrange for appropriate accommodations. See the current Collin Student
Handbook for additional information.
Academic Ethics: Every member of the Collin College community is expected to maintain the
highest standards of academic integrity. Collin College may initiate disciplinary proceedings
against a student accused of scholastic dishonesty. Scholastic dishonesty includes, but is not
limited to, statements, acts, or omissions related to applications for enrollment or the award of a
degree, and/or the submission of one’s own work material that is not one’s own. Scholastic
dishonesty may involve, but is not limited to, one or more of the following acts: cheating,
plagiarism, collusion, use of annotated texts or teacher’s editions, use of information about exams
posted on the Internet or electronic medium, and/or falsifying academic records. While specific
examples are listed below, this is not an exhaustive list and scholastic dishonesty may encompass
other conduct, including any conduct through electronic or computerized means:
Plagiarism is the use of an author’s words or ideas as if they were one’s own without giving credit
to the source, including, but not limited to, failure to acknowledge a direct quotation.
Cheating is the willful giving or receiving of information in an unauthorized manner during an
examination; collaborating with another student during an examination without authority; using,
buying, selling, soliciting, stealing, or otherwise obtaining course assignments and/or examination
questions in advance, copying computer or Internet files, using someone else’s work for
assignments as if it were one’s own; or any other dishonest means of attempting to fulfill the
requirements of a course.
Collusion is intentionally or unintentionally aiding or attempting to aid another in an act of
scholastic dishonesty, including but not limited to, failing to secure academic work; providing a
paper or project to another student; providing an inappropriate level of assistance;
communicating answers to a classmate about an examination or any other course assignment;
removing tests or answer sheets from a test site, and allowing a classmate to copy answers.
See the current Collin Student Handbook for additional information.
Students who are found responsible for violating the student code of conduct will receive a
zero for the test/assignment.
Evaluation of Instruction: CCCCD seeks to improve the learning experience of all students. To
assist in evaluating courses, students will be requested to complete an Evaluation of Instruction
form near the end of the fall and/or spring semester(s).
Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Policy: The TSI was mandated through action of the 78th Texas
Legislature to replace the Texas Academic Skills Program (TASP). Like TASP, TSI is designed to
measure competency in reading, writing, and mathematics and to provide developmental courses
in areas identified as deficiencies. The developmental courses are designed to promote student
success and to ensure college readiness and students are encouraged to complete the required
developmental course(s) early in their college career.
Note: The instructor reserves the right to make changes to this syllabus during the
semester. Changes will be announced during class hours.
Course Calendar – COSU 0300
Professor: Christina Friedl
Date
Week 1
M
8/22
W
8/24
Week 2
M
8/29
Week 3
W
8/31
M
9/5
W
9/7
Week 4
M
9/12
W
9/14
Week 5
M
9/19
Week 6
W
9/21
M
9/26
Week 7
W
9/28
M
10/3
W
10/5
Week 8
M
10/10
W
10/12
Topic
Introduction to Course
Activities
Course Overview, Syllabus, Pretest
Chapter 4:
Time Management/
Goal Setting
Pie of Life, Schedules, Setting and
Writing Achievable Goals
Introduce Individual
Project
Monday: Labor Day
Holiday (No Class)
Activities related to project
Chapter 1:
Learning Styles
Chapter 10: Listening
& Taking Lecture Notes
Chapter 9: Developing
Note-taking Skills
Wrap-Up and Test
Review
Monday: Test #1
Chapter 2: Processing
Information into
Memory
Chapter 3:
12 Principles of
Memory
Cognitive Learning Styles, Linear
vs. Global, Multiple Intelligences
Census Date: 9/6
Listening skills, Note-taking for
Lectures, Note-taking Strategies
Textbook notes, Cornell Notetaking system
Test Review Activities
Test #1: Chapters 1, 4, 9, 10
Information Processing Model,
Sensory, Working, and Long-Term
Memory
SAVE CRIB FOTO
Individual Conferences
Mandatory one-on-one meeting
with Instructor (times TBA)
Chapter 5:
Self-Management Skills
Motivation, Procrastination,
Concentration, Stress Management
Wrap-Up and Test
Review
Review Activities
Assignments
HW: Print a copy of the syllabus for
this class/section from the Collin
College website. Read and highlight
important details. Bring to class. (Due
8/24)
HW: Take online Brain Dominance
survey (link on Blackboard). Print a
copy and bring to class. (Due 8/29)
HW: Create a Term Schedule, textbook
exercise 4.3, page 97, using a
planner/calendar. (Due 8/31)
Journal #1 (Due 9/7)
HW: Complete Time Log, textbook
exercise 4.1, page 94. (Due 9/12)
HW: Create a set of textbook notes for
Chapter 1 or 4 using the Cornell
system. (Due 9/14)
Installment Plan Payment Deadline:
9/15
Prepare for Test #1
Work on Individual Project
Journal #2 (Due 9/28)
Work on Individual Project
Work on Individual Project
Self-Assessment Due at Conference
Time
Last Day to Withdraw: October 14
Individual Projects Due 10/12
Installment Plan Payment Deadline:
10/13
Prepare for Test #2
Week 9
M
10/17
W
10/19
Week 10
M
10/24
W
10/26
Week 11
M
10/31
W
11/2
Week 12
M
11/7
W
11/9
Week 13
M
11/14
W
11/16
Week 14
M
11/21
W
11/23
Week 15
M
11/28
Week 16
W
11/30
12/7
Monday: Test #2
Introduce Group
Project
Chapter 7:
Strengthen your
Reading Skills
Chapter 8: Learning
from College Textbooks
Chapter 11:
Visual Notes and Study
Tools
Chapter 6:
Test-taking Skills
Chapter 12 & 13:
Developing Skills for
Objective, Recall, Math
and Essay Tests
Wrap-Up and Test
Review
Test #2: Chapters 2, 3, 5
Teambuilding Activities
Reading Process, Levels of
Reading, Surveying, Terminology,
Active Reading, SQ4R,
Organizational Patterns, Graphics
Visual Notes, Mapping,
Hierarchies, Comparison Charts,
Index Cards
Preparation, Performance Skills,
Anxiety Management
Test-taking Strategies, Four Levels
of Response
Review Activities
Wednesday:
Thanksgiving Holiday
(No Class)
Course Wrap-Up
Review for Final Exam
FINAL EXAM
1:00 -3:00 p.m.
Journal #3 (Due 10/26)
Work on Group Project
HW: Complete Textbook Exercise 11.3
(page 321). Your finished design
should be neat, easy to read and
visually appealing. (Due 11/2)
HW: Create a comprehensive set of
index card notes for any chapter
covered in Test #3 using the guidelines
beginning on page 332. Your set must
include at least 10 cards, and must
have at least two example of each type
of card: question card, definition card,
category card. (Due 11/21)
Group Projects Due on assigned date
Group Presentations
Monday: Test #3
Work on Group Project
Test #3: Chapters 6, 7, 8, 11, 12,
13
Group activities applying skills
acquired in this course.
Review Activities
Prepare for Test #3
Journal #4 (Due 11/30)
Prepare for comprehensive Final Exam:
ALL CHAPTERS
NO LATE WORK accepted after
Thursday, December 1
Final Exam on pre-assigned day. Consult the final exam schedule in the
Registration Guide for more details.