INQ 101 Intellectual & Creative Inquiry:
Living, Exploring, and Defining Leadership
Monday and Wednesday
4:45-6:00
Morill 14
Instructor: Sal Rizza
Office: ASC 213
Phone: 392-5782
E-mail: rizzas1@southernct.edu
Blog: http://home.southernct.edu/~rizzas1/
Office Hours: Varies daily
Course Description:
INQ 101 is a seminar designed to assist first-year students in becoming engaged members of the
SCSU community. Seminars explore topics related to the meanings of higher education through
a focus on the process of learning how to learn and cultivating the habits of mind for life-long
achievement and success. Students will learn and practice the process of academic inquiry
common to all university disciplines, while exploring their reasons for seeking a university
education and the choices they make as first-year university students. Themes will vary by
instructor. First-year students only. 3 credits.
Section Description:
”I will not lose for even in defeat, there is a valuable lesson learned so it evens it up for me. –
S.Carter
In this section of INQ 101: Living, Exploring, and Defining Leadership, we will explore the
issue of leadership as an area of intellectual inquiry, as well as, leadership as a faculty that can be
developed and creatively utilized. The course is more than the study of leadership; it is designed
to help you develop your own leadership potential.
Based on discussions, readings, films, and other activities, we will be taking a “hands-on”
approach to exploring the topic of leadership which will call on you to be self-reflective and proactive. You will be encouraged to think critically about leadership issues facing our communities
and society, which are especially relevant as our society, community, and world continually face
issues of ethical, moral, and strong leadership.
The work of this course will not be to simply answer “what” Leadership is, but to explore the
complexities of the decisions that leaders make, by asking “why” and “how.” You will also be
challenged to reconsider your personal conception of leadership, who leaders are, and what
qualities it takes to be a leader. We will do this by closely and critically reading the stories of
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others who have grappled with these question and who have done the intellectual inquiry
necessary to come to answers – not simply one answer, but many possible ones. Along the way,
we will be looking at how the choices you are making now, as a college student exemplifying
leadership qualities.
Your final project for the semester will be to synthesize what you have learned by designing and
writing a personal Leadership portfolio that explores these questions, provides some answers to
them, and begins to present to others the “you” that will help you achieve some of the outcomes
and goals for yourself. All the work you do this semester will become pieces of this larger
project. In the end, you will arrange and format all that work into one portfolio.
Learning Objectives & Outcomes:
1.) Students will effectively use inquiry-based learning and information resources to investigate
issues related to education and/or learning, reflect upon them, and form and defend positions.
2.) Students will use reading, writing, speaking, and listening as a way to develop critical
thinking, as well as a way to effectively communicate ideas to others.
3.) Students will become familiar with their own study and time management habits and build an
effective plan for managing their time and improving their study habits.
4.) Students will be able to identify their own learning styles, as well as the variety of learning
and teaching styles of others, including peers and teachers by investigating theories of learning.
5.) Students will begin to learn the connectedness between their general education courses,
academic majors, and personal and professional development.
6.) Students will learn how to navigate parts of the University and access both academic and
social supports, as necessary.
7.) Students will have the opportunity to participate in co-curricular, community-based
opportunities offered by the University and gain an understanding of the importance of these
opportunities in relation to their educational goals and personal development.
Required Materials:
1.) Weekly or Monthly Calendar /Date Book
2.) SCSU University Catalogue
3.) SCSU Student Handbook
4.) Kouzes, James M. and Barry Z. Posner. The Leadership Challenge (4th ed.).
(available in the University bookstore or you may purchase online or, if available, at a
neighborhood bookstore)
5.) Pausch, Randy and Zaslow, Jeffrey. The Last Lecture
(available in the University bookstore or you may purchase online or, if available, at a
neighborhood bookstore)
6.) Class handouts which I will give out the class before the reading is due. If you are absent, it
is your responsibility to get a copy of the handout from me or another student early enough to
come prepared to the next class. Being absent is not an excuse for being unprepared.
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Self-Assessments:
I will also expect you to complete three self-assessments which will help me assess what you are
learning in the course and help the university assess how well the FYE model is working to
achieve its objectives. The SCSU Office of Assessment and Planning will enter and store the
data for all students’ self-assessments. The same Office may track the progress of the whole
incoming class of first-year students through their years at SCSU and two years after graduation.
Improvement of the university experience of students will be the only use to which student selfassessment data will be applied. In this way, both current and future students will benefit.
Because of the potential for having data tracked, you will be asked to write your student ID
number on the self-assessments. The self-assessments are confidential. Only the instructor will
have access to them. The Office will not report on individual students’ responses, but will group
the responses from the whole incoming class of first-year students together for analysis. At any
time, including the first entry into the tracking data file, you may request that the Office of
Assessment and Planning remove your self-assessments from their analysis files. This may be
done by sending an e-mail to assessment@southernct.edu. If no requests are received from a
student, it will be assumed that said student has given his or her consent to use the data as
described.
Evaluation:
Letter grades will be assigned based on the following percentages.
4 Major Projects
1. Alex Rodriguez Essay
2. Your Last Lecture
3. Leadership Profile Group Presentation
4. Your Leadership Portfolio (Final)
10%
15%
15%
20%
Passport Events and Analyses
10%
Reading Responses, Reflection Pieces
And The Leadership Challenge, Leadership Profiles
10%
Participation
20%
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Passport Events and Analyses:
All students are required to attend one out-of-class workshop, program, or forum on each of the
following topics:
1.) Sexual Assault Awareness
2.) Drug and Alcohol Awareness
Choose two of the categories below and attend one event in each:
3.) Intellectual Life and Fine Arts
4.) Academic and Career Support
5.) Health and Wellness
6.) Campus Involvement
Just so you know that some things we do here are “just for fun”
7.) Just For Fun
In all, you are required to go to five (5) out-of-class workshops, programs, and/or forums. You
are required to write an analysis after attending each workshop, program, and or forum.
These events will be offered at a variety of times, making it possible for students to work around
their schedules. Much more information about these events and the passport event program will
be coming soon.
Class Participation:
Participation in this course is mandatory. Students will participate in full class and small group
discussions. You are expected to be “Critical Friends.” “Critical Friends” provide specific, focused,
constructive and honest feedback. By participating on a continual basis, this class will become a
dysfunctional family – a quirky, funny and most importantly, non-judgmental group who supports one
another even when they disagree. Demonstrate respect and tolerance at all times for one another’s beliefs
and learning abilities.
I expect you to participate during each class. Students who participate develop into stronger students and
“thinkers” as they are able to elaborate and support their ideas and extend their thinking.
Failure to hand in assignments, lack of preparedness and absence from class will lower your participation
grade.
Attendance - Absences and Missed Work:
Attendance is mandatory. You are allowed two absences in this course. These are not free passes and
may influence your grade. Reserve these absences for illnesses, emergencies, a school-sponsored
conference, etc. Each additional absence will lower your grade by 1/3 of a letter (B+ to B or C to C-)
grade. Students who miss more than six class sessions for any reason will fail the course (even if all
course work is completed.)
In the rare case of an excused absence (this does not mean you have a stuffy nose or a cold), students are
responsible for making up work and obtaining any missing information and materials. I will only accept
late work that is accompanied by an excused absence (doctor note, etc.). I expect to receive missed work
the next day (not the next class) unless we have made other arrangements. If you know in advance that
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you will not be in class (for a legitimate reason), please communicate this to me and submit the work on
time. No excuses!
Late Work:
I will generally not accept late assignments. If you are having difficulty completing an assignment for a
valid reason, communicate this to me BEFORE the assignment is due. I am here to help you develop as a
thinker and student. In the event that I accept an assignment late, it must be submitted within one week of
the date it was due, AND it must be accompanied with a one-page essay explaining your circumstances. If
I am compelled by your rationale and justification, I will accept your assignment. Please note that you
will receive a 10 percent deduction.
I will not accept technology excuses. Plan ahead! Print your essays before coming to class. “No
excuses. Play like a champion.” –Wedding Crashers
E-mail:
Please check your e-mail daily. Your Southern email.
E-mail Etiquette:
When constructing e-mail messages, you need to consider your audience. I expect you to use proper
English. You should proofread for spelling and grammar errors. Your e-mails should be free of sentence
fragments, slang and “texting” language/abbreviations. If you e-mail me with these errors, I will forward
your original message back to you for revision.
Class Etiquette:
Please SILENCE (NO VIBRATION) your cell phone and all electronic devices and put them away
when entering this class. What does this mean? This means that I do not want to hear any concealed
vibrating cell phones during class. This means I do not want to see your cell phone on the desk. If you
need your cell phone for an emergency, communicate this BEFORE class begins. Please refrain from
any side conversations during class. They are distracting and disrespectful to yourselves, your peers and
to your professor.
Academic Honesty:
Plagiarism will result in failure (a zero) for the paper in which it occurs and/or the entire course.
Document all of your sources. Cite direct quotations and paraphrases. When in doubt, cite your source
(For all your MLA needs, visit http://owl.english.purdue.edu/). Refer to the Student Handbook for a full
explanation of the violations and consequences of SCSU’s policy.
Accommodating Students:
If you have a disability or some other personal circumstances that require accommodations, it is your
responsibility to communicate this to me at the start of the semester or as soon as a situation arises. I
believe in providing reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities on an
individualized and flexible basis. If you are a student with a documented disability, the university’s
Disability
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Resource Center (DRC) determines appropriate accommodations through consultation with the student.
Before you may receive accommodations in this class, you will need to make an appointment with the
Disability Resource Center, located in EN C-105A. To speak with me about other concerns, such as
medical emergencies or arrangements in
case the building must be evacuated, please make an appointment as soon as possible.
Class Cancellation:
In the event that class is cancelled a sign will be posted. I will also email you all. Also, although all of you
should have already done this, make sure you are subscribed to SCSU Alert. You will receive important
notifications directly to your cell phone including class cancellations due to inclement weather. If
possible, I will notify you via e-mail. If class in canceled, the work that was due on that day is due for the
next class and the rest of the schedule remains the same. In case of inclement weather, call 392-SNOW.
Writing Requirements:
Basic Format – Typed, double-spaced, 12 font in Times New Roman or Arial
Heading – List the following information in the upper-left hand corner:





Your Name
My Name (Mr. Sal Rizza)
Title of Course (INQ 101)
Assignment Title
Due Date
Writing Length – I will usually specify required lengths.
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Course Calendar
Week 1 (August 31st- September 2nd)
Monday:
Introductions/Ice breakersReviewing the Syllabus- theme, content, expectations.
Expectations: Your first week and you.
Discussion: Why? Why? Why? Exercise
Assignment: “How to Mark a Book” and Graff “Introduction: Entering the Discussion”
Note: Read Adler first and then use his recommendations to mark up your other two readings
Track and attend to elements of those readings that you find compelling or confusing. In the
readings by Graff you’re trying to understand the purpose and the method of the book, according
to the authors, and you’re also trying to understand the way they recommend you engage in class
discussion.
Wednesday:
Due: “How to Mark a Book” and Graff “Introduction: Entering the Discussion”
Expectations: Follow your time.
Discuss: “How to Mark a Book” and Graff “Introduction: Entering the Discussion”Assignment:
Due Monday, 9/7Attend New Student Convocation on Friday, 9/4 from 1-2:00pm in Lyman
and attend the Student Involvement and Club Fair immediately following. Write one-page about
New Student Convocation and the Student Involvement and Club Bair and, within your essay,
address the following questions. What did you “see?” Who were the leaders? Why are they
leaders? How do they compare to leaders from your previous educational/co-curricular
experiences?
Assignment: Read- Chapters 1-7 of The Last Lecture.
Assignment: Read “Time Management” and do “Try It” exercises #3, 4, and 5. (handout)
Use the syllabi from all of your classes to create a “Master Calendar” (see pp.39-42). Bring it to
the next class. Bring your datebook also.)
Week 2 (September 7-11)
Monday:
Due: New Student Convocation/Student Involvement and Club Fair Essay
Due: Read Chapters 1-7 of The Last Lecture
Expectations: Reflect on your days, weeks, months and continually evaluate.
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Discuss: New Student Convocation/Student Involvement and Club Fair. Begin discussion about
The Last Lecture
Assignment: Read “Time Management” and do “Try It” exercises #3, 4, and 5. (handout) Use
the syllabi from all of your classes to create a “Master Calendar” (see pp.39-42). Bring it to the
next class. Bring your datebook also.Assignment: Read Chapters 8-15 of The Last Lecture.
Wednesday:
Due: Read “Time Management” and do “Try it” exercises #4, 4, 5. (handout)
Due: “Master Calendar”
Due: Read Chapters 8-15 of The Last Lecture
Expectations: Do what you love. Love what you do.
Discuss: “Time Management” assignment and “Try It” exercises.
Small Group Work: Master Calendars
Discuss: Continue The Last Lecture discussion.
Assignment: Read chapters 15-21 of The Last Lecture
Major Assignment 1: Watch the two Alex Rodriguez interviews on Youtube. Links to the
transcripts will be provided as well.
Alex Rodriguez with Katie Couric stating that he has never taken steroids- 12/16/07
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RgCDpqTJYw )
Alex Rodriguez interview (February 9 2007) with Peter Gammons interview after his name
appeared on was released as one of the individuals whose name appeared on the 2003 Mitchell
Report indicating that he tested positive for performance enhancing drugs
Part 1- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8zy1mW1QHI (Required)
Part 2- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rThWjGq0OfY&feature=channel_page
Part 3- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGYFX18YBT4&feature=channel
Part 4- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Bwe6umntSY&feature=channel
Write a two to three-page essay answering the following questions. Is Alex Rodriguez a leader?
Why? What does his denial of taking performance enhancing drugs, testing positive, and then his
subsequent apology say regarding him as a leader? What qualities does Rodriguez possess or not
possess that make or don’t make him a leader?
Due: Monday, September 14th.
Revision Due: Wednesday, September 23rd
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Week 3 (September 14-18)
Monday:
Due: Alex Rodriguez Essay
Due: Read Chapters 15-22 of The Last Lecture
Expectations: How’s your health? How’s your time?
Discuss: Alex Rodriguez Assignment and continue The Last Lecture Discussion
Assignment: Read Chapters 22-30 of The Last Lecture
Wednesday:
Due: Read Chapters 22-30 of The Last Lecture
Expectations: Priorities?
Discuss: The Last Lecture.
Assignment: Read chapters 31-60 of The Last Lecture
Assignment: Revise Alex Rodriguez Essay
Week 4 (September 21-25)
Monday:
No Class
I would strongly encourage you to utilize this day to make an appointment with the Writing
Center (if needed), and to focus on your assignments.
Wednesday:
Due: Read Chapters 31-60 of The Last Lecture
Due: Revised Alex Rodriguez Essay
Expectations: Finally Thinking.
In-Class Work: We will be watching The Last Lecture
Major Assignment #2:
Attend Jeffrey Zaslow on 9/25 and write Your Last Lecture, Due September 30th.
We will be meeting as a class for this very special program. Please plan on meeting at the Adanti
Student Center at 7:30pm outside of the Theatre. We will walk over together.
An evening of inspiration with Jeff Zaslow, co-author of the bestseller The Last Lecture.
Join us for an inspiring, funny and moving presentation about the last lecture delivered by Randy
Pausch that has become a worldwide phenomenon. Share in this incredible story delivered by
Jeffrey Zaslow, a columnist for the World Street Journal and co-author of the current
international bestseller The Last Lecture.
*FREE for SCSU Students with valid ID (Limit 2).
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Week 5 (September 28- October 2)
Monday:
Due: N/A
Discussion: The Last Lecture and Jeffrey Zaslow
Expectations: What does this all mean?
Assignment: Your Last Lecture
Wednesday:
Due: Your Last Lecture
Discussion: Your Last Lecture presentations.
Expectations: Time for the Challenge
Assignment: Read pages 3-41 of The Leadership Challenge
Week 6 (October 5- October 9th)
Monday:
Due: Read pages 3-41 of The Leadership Challenge
Discussion: The Leadership Challenge, The Five Practices
Assignment: Read pages 45-72 of The Leadership Challenge
Wednesday:
Due: Read pages 45-72 of The Leadership Challenge
Discussion: The Leadership Challenge, Modeling the Way
Expectations: What does this all mean?
Assignment: Read pages 73-98 of The Leadership Challenge
Week 7 (October 12- October 16th)
Homecoming Week!!
Monday:
Due: Read pages 73-98 of The Leadership Challenge
Discussion: The Leadership Challenge, Modeling the Way
Assignment: Read pages 103-128 of The Leadership Challenge
Assignment: Leadership Profile, Modeling the Way
Wednesday:
Due: Read pages 103-129 of The Leadership Challenge
Due: Leadership Profile, Modeling the Way
Discussion: The Leadership Challenge, Inspire a Shared Vision
Assignment: Read pages 130-156 of The Leadership Challenge
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Week 8 (October 19- October 23)
Monday:
Due: Read pages 130-156 of The Leadership Challenge
Discussion: The Leadership Challenge, Inspire a Shared Vision
Assignment: Read pages 161-187 of The Leadership Challenge
Assignment: Leadership Profile, Inspire a Shared Vision
Wednesday:
Due: Read pages 161-187 of The Leadership Challenge
Discussion: The Leadership Challenge, Challenge the Process
Assignment: Read pages 188-216 of The Leadership Challenge
Week 9 (October 26- October 30)
Monday:
Due: Read pages 188-216 of The Leadership Challenge
Discussion: The Leadership Challenge, Challenge the Process
Assignment: Read pages 221-247 of The Leadership Challenge
Assignment: Leadership Profile, Challenge the Process
Wednesday:
Due: Read pages 221-247of The Leadership Challenge
Due: Leadership Profile, Challenge the Process
Discussion: The Leadership Challenge, Enable Others to Act
Assignment: Read pages 248-274 of The Leadership Challenge
Week 10 (November 2nd- November 6)
Monday:
Due: Read pages 248-274 of The Leadership Challenge
Discussion: The Leadership Challenge, Enable Others to Act
Assignment: Read pages 279-306 of The Leadership Challenge
Assignment: Leadership Profile, Enable Others to Act
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Wednesday:
Due: Read pages 279-306 of The Leadership Challenge
Due: Leadership Profile, Enable Others to Act
Discussion: The Leadership Challenge, Encourage the Heart
Assignment: Read pages 306-351 of The Leadership Challenge
Week 11 (November 9- November 13)
Monday:
No Class: Individual Academic Advisement Appointments
Due: Read pages 306-351 of The Leadership Challenge
Discussion: The Leadership Challenge, Encourage the Heart
Assignment: Leadership Portfolio, Encourage the heart
Work on Major Project 3, Group Work
Wednesday:
No Class: Individual Academic Advisement Appointments
Week 12 (November 16- November 20)
Monday:
Due: Leadership Profile, Encourage the Heart
Discussion: The Leadership Challenge
Assignment: Group Work
Wednesday:
The Leadership Challenge, Group Presentations
Week 13 (November 23- November 27)
Monday:
The Leadership Challenge, Group Presentations
Wednesday:
No Class
Thanksgiving Recess
Assignment: Leadership, A World View, Reading TBD
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Week 14 (November 30- December 4th)
Monday:
Due: A World View, Reading
Discussion: A World View
Assignment: Reflections
Wednesday:
In Class Work: Slumdog Millonaire
Discussion: Slumdog Millionaire
Week 15 (December 7th- December 11th)
Monday:
In Class Work: Slumdog Millonaire
Discussion: Slumdog Millionaire
Assignment: Slumdog Millonaire Creative Work
Wednesday:
Due: Slumdog Millionaire Creative Work
Discussion: Slumdog Millionaire
Week 16, Finals Week (December 14-18)
Major Project 4 Due: Your Leadership Profile
Please realize that the course calendar is always subject to change,
and that those changes will be announced in class. If you are absent,
it is your responsibility to find out what you missed well in advance
of the next class, so that you are prepared.
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Major Assignments
Major Assignment#1 (10%)
Watch the two Alex Rodriguez interviews on Youtube. Links to the transcripts will be provided
as well.
Alex Rodriguez with Katie Couric stating that he has never taken steroids- 12/16/07
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RgCDpqTJYw )
Alex Rodriguez interview (February 9 2007) with Peter Gammons interview after his name
appeared on was released as one of the individuals whose name appeared on the 2003 Mitchell
Report indicating that he tested positive for performance enhancing drugs
Part 1- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8zy1mW1QHI (Required)
Part 2- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rThWjGq0OfY&feature=channel_page
Part 3- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGYFX18YBT4&feature=channel
Part 4- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Bwe6umntSY&feature=channel
Write a two to three-page essay answering the following questions. Is Alex Rodriguez a leader?
Why? What does his denial of taking performance enhancing drugs, testing positive, and then his
subsequent apology say regarding him as a leader? What qualities does Rodriguez possess or not
possess that make or don’t make him a leader?
Due: Monday, September 14th.
Revision Due: Wednesday, September 23rd
Major Assignment #2: (15%)
Attend Jeffrey Zaslow on 9/25 and write Your Last Lecture, Due September 30th.
We will be meeting as a class for this very special program. Please plan on meeting at the Adanti
Student Center at 7:30pm outside of the Theatre. We will walk over together.
An evening of inspiration with Jeff Zaslow, co-author of the bestseller The Last Lecture.
Join us for an inspiring, funny and moving presentation about the last lecture delivered by Randy
Pausch that has become a worldwide phenomenon. Share in this incredible story delivered by
Jeffrey Zaslow, a columnist for the World Street Journal and co-author of the current
international bestseller The Last Lecture.
*FREE for SCSU Students with valid ID (Limit 2).
14
Major Assignment #3 (15%)
The Leadership Challenge, Leadership Profile Group Presentation
Major Assignment #4 (20%)
Your Leadership Profile
.
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