UNIVERSITY 101
COURSE SYLLABUS FALL 2007
CRN 4549, SEC 103
MW 9-9:50 AM
CORBLY HALL 241
INSTRUCTOR:
Ms. Jennifer Sias, M.A. in Humanities and M.S.L.S.
Associate Professor, Information Literacy Librarian
304-696-6577, sias3@marshall.edu
Drinko Library 136
About this UNI 101 class
Course Description: Designed for first-year students, University 101 is a course that helps
students make a successful transition from high school to college life and university-level
expectations. In this course, students are asked to be active participants as they learn about and
discuss issues and challenges college students face. This fall through our One Book program, we
also will have the opportunity to address some of the most important issues we as a society face
as well as possible solutions. A required course, UNI 101 is a one credit hour pass/fail course
that is graded “credit/no credit.” You will not receive a letter grade but will receive one credit
towards graduation if you are successful in completing the course.
Remember,
this is a
required
course!
Course Objectives: This course will assist first-year students in making a successful
adjustment to university life, expectations and challenges.
Course Outcomes: At the end of this course, you should be able to:
1. Identify appropriate campus resources and how to access them
2. Identify and use appropriate research and study skills
3. Understand the critical thinking process and how to apply it in your life
4. Assess the components of a safe and healthy lifestyle
5. Manage time and money more effectively
6. Evaluate career options in various majors
7. Address important societal issues and make a difference in the lives of a local family
8. Plus: you will have fun and make some new friends!
Goals for our One Book Marshall program, which is a major component of this class!
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Enhance critical thinking
Encourage civic engagement
Promote an awareness of diversity of opinions
Develop students’ interpersonal skills
Facilitate personal reflection and personal growth
Improve oral and written communication skills
Facilitate a sense of community among participating students and faculty
Student Learning Outcomes for The Glass Castle.
As a result of this program, students will be able to:
 Read and react to a written text.
 Communicate ideas orally and in writing.
 Recognize different perspectives on an issue.
 Evaluate values and experiences in the context of the themes of the book.
 Work collaboratively with others.
 Demonstrate concern for the communities in which we live.
Our class BLOG - http://muonebook8.wordpress.com/
JNS Last updated: 8/26/07
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Course Requirements:
 The textbooks for this class are the Marshall University Academic Planner and The Glass
Castle, distributed at Orientation. Also, for certain class meetings, you will be required to
bring your copy of the Marshall University Undergraduate Catalog and the MU Student
Handbook.
 Three-ring binder filled with paper for note-taking and a pen or pencil. Bring these to
every class.
 Journal writing – You are asked to keep a journal for this class based on your
experiences as a first-year student and writing prompts that your instructor will give you
in class sessions. Journal-writing can be a fun and therapeutic way for you to express
yourself, your excitement, your joys and your fears. It can be a place where you reflect
on what you are learning and experiencing and a place to ask questions. Your instructor
will take up your journals periodically, so please keep them up to date. You can keep
your journal on loose-leaf paper in a section of your three-ring binder, or you may prefer
to write in another type of journal.
 Class participation – This is a seminar class, not a lecture-style class, which means that
students are encouraged and expected to participate in class discussions and activities
and to ask questions. Also, participate in class discussions through our class blog.
 Complete assignments - You will be expected to complete all assignments given
by your instructor.
 Use your activity fee - You pay an activity fee when you pay tuition. This allows
you to attend many cultural, educational, musical and athletic events sponsored
by MU.
 Attend One Book events, including Francesca Karle’s film and the panel
discussion “From Bear Hollow to Artisan Avenue.” See schedule below for
details.
Attendance Policy: Attend class - You must attend all class meetings. If you miss three or
more classes (without an official Marshall University excused absence), you will not
receive credit for this course. Emergencies will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
*NOTE – The instructor reserves the right to make changes in dates, times, assignments,
meetings, etc. for this course.
Class Meetings & Topics:
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WEEK 1
o M/AUG 20 – Corbly Hall 241
 Welcome, Introductions, Course info. , Pictures
 *Assignment – Before next class, get your email account information
from Computing Services, Drinko Library, 4th floor
 Assignment – Start reading The Glass Castle!
 Remember, next class we meet at the Drinko Library Reference desk at 9
sharp.
o
W/AUG 22 – DRINKO LIBRARY – Reference desk, 1st floor. Topic – E-mail,
myMU, class BLOG & computing applications at Marshall University
 Assignment - Read pp. 1-41 of The Glass Castle before Aug. 27!
 Bring to next class:
 The Glass Castle
 Syllabus from every class & Academic Planner
Our class BLOG - http://muonebook8.wordpress.com/
JNS Last updated: 8/26/07
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WEEK 2
o M/AUG 27 – Corbly Hall 241
 The Glass Castle – our first discussion!
 Syllabus Review and Planning – Bring the syllabi from all your classes
and your academic planner to today’s class!!
 Assignment – Blog - http://muonebook8.wordpress.com/
o
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W/SEPT 5 – The Glass Castle discussion –
bring your book!
Assignment – Keep reading
The Glass Castle! By 9/17 you
need to have read to p. 241!
WEEK 4
o M/SEPT 10 – Corbly Hall 241
 Writing/Research Process – Selecting a subject
 Assignment – Keep reading The Glass Castle! By 9/17 you need to have
read to p. 241!
o
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“I can guarantee you that
each of you has
resources inside of you
that you didn’t know were
there. They’re there.
Don’t be afraid to use
them.” ~Jeannette Walls
WEEK 3
o M/SEPT 3 – NO CLASS – LABOR DAY
o
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W/AUG 29 – Corbly Hall 241 - University Policies and Procedures – BRING YOUR
UNDERGRADUATE CATALOG TO CLASS!!
 Assignment – read to p. 125 of The Glass Castle before Sept. 5! Bring
your book to the next class.
W/SEPT 12 – Corbly Hall 241
 The Glass Castle – discussion – bring your book!!
 Keep reading! *By Sept. 17 you need to have read to p. 241
 Mark your calendar for this evening!
WEEK 5
o M/SEPT 17
DRINKO LIBRARY –Reference Desk – Topic – Intro to MU
Libraries services and resources – beginning research
 Read to p. 241 (this gets you through the Welch section)
 Assignment: Developing questions for Phyllis Owens, former teacher of
Jeannette Walls
Our class BLOG - http://muonebook8.wordpress.com/
JNS Last updated: 8/26/07
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7:30 PM
TUE. SEPT. 18
MSC 2W16
Alumni Lounge
Mark your calendars for
this evening!
o
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W/SEPT 19
NO Class! You are expected to attend the Panel Discussion on
Sept. 18 above. Make sure you sign in with Jennifer! If you have a conflict,
discuss it with Jennifer immediately!
WEEK 6
o M/SEPT 24 – DRINKO LIBRARY – Ref Desk (We will go to 349) –
 Topic - More in depth library related research – finding articles
o
W/SEPT 26 – Corbly Hall 241 – Study & “Survival” Skills we can learn from The
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SATURDAY/SEPT 29 – MARSHALL DAY OF SERVICE
Glass Castle
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WEEK 7
o M/OCT 1 – Corbly Hall 241- Writing, Writing & Tutoring Centers. Also, discussion
on academic integrity and avoiding the big “P.”
 The Glass Castle – memoirs, memories and “truth”
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W/OCT 3 - Corbly Hall 241 - Bloggers unite!
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WEEK 8
o M/OCT 8 – Corbly Hall 241 – Body and Soul – Healthy activities, outlets and
resources at Marshall
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WEEK 9
o M/OCT 15 – Corbly Hall 241 – Study Abroad/Travel/Seizing Opportunities
o
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W/OCT 10 – Corbly Hall 241 – Time and money management and “management
lessons” in The Glass Castle.
W/OCT 17 – Drinko Library 138 – Career Planning – What do you want to be
when you grow up? Or, more importantly, what do you want to do with your
life?
WEEK 10
o M/OCT 22 – Harris Hall 444 - MOCK REGISTRATION
o
W/OCT 24 – Drinko Library 138
 Final class meeting – Party!
Our class BLOG - http://muonebook8.wordpress.com/
JNS Last updated: 8/26/07
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