SFA 101 FreshmanSeminar

Syllabus

Semester Schedule

Writing Assignment Topics

Listserv Questions
(posted each week starting Sept6th)

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Class Faces and BackgroundInformation Fall 99

Advice at the end of thesemester: (to freshmen from freshmen '99)

ClassFaces and Background Information Fall 98

Adviceat the end of the semester: (to freshmen from freshmen '98)

ClassFaces and Background Information Fall97

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Syllabus for SFA 101 FreshmanSeminar

Fall 1999

Note: some aspects of this syllabus (schedule etc.) are tenativeat this time.

Instructor: Dr. Lauren Scharff
Office: ED 215f or 117c (lab)
Office Hours: MW 2-3:30, T TH 1:00-3:30, and by Appointment

How to contact me:
Phone: 468-4402
Email:lscharff@sfasu.edu

Student Assistant: Jason Gomez
Phone: 569-7693
Email: jpgomez78@hotmail.com

Course Description:

The freshman seminar is designed to increase student success incollege. Topics include time management, college note and testtaking, critical thinking skills, career planning, the nature of auniversity, and ways to become part of the college community. Whileultimate responsibility for success in college rests with thestudent, this course can provide fundamental assistance.

Learning Objectives:

At the completion of this course, the student should be able to:

• take personal responsibility for shaping their college experience.
• identify resources that are available on campus and in the community that can assist students with problems related to health, academics, personal relationships, discrimination, substance abuse, course changes, part-time work, financial aid, and crime.
• describe and use specific methods to read a textbook with improved retention, take effective notes, and prepare for and take tests.
• talk effectively with college faculty.
• locate and utilize a variety of library services and resource materials.
• identify the essential elements of critical thinking and apply those elements to issues both inside and outside the classroom.
• manage their time more effectively.
• identify career areas in which they have both aptitude and interest.
• discuss functions of higher education in America and events in the history of Stephen F. Austin State University.

Readings:

All students will receive a 1999 SFA 101 Handbook and calendar atthe beginning of the semester. Information in this handbook will beused for class discussion, and be the basis of questions on the exam.You will also receive The Keys to College Success (a quick-tipbrochure with truly helpful hints). Make sure you get them, readthem, and understand them.

Attendance:

Attendance is mandatory. The percentage of times you are presentwhen role is taken will determine 25% of your final grade. You willlose 2.5% of your grade each time you have an undocumented excuse.There will be three evening events scheduled (see below on schedule).You must attend at least two of the three events. Early in thesemester you will also have a time scheduled to meet with theinstructor and the TA; at this time you will have a digital phototaken to put up on the class webpage.

A documented excuse is one which is verifiable concerning somemedical, family, or personal emergency. You will be required tosubmit the documentation. Oversleeping, leaving town for weddings,concerts, etc. are not considered acceptable excuses.

Exam:

There will be one exam during the semester. It will be on October6th, and it will include multiple choice and short answer questionsand one essay question. The exam will be based on material in thereadings and classes. The exam will not be particularly difficult ifyou have done the readings and attended class. In addition to testingyou on the material, this exam will give us a change to see how youdo on different types of questions and to make suggestions to you forwhen you take exams in other classes. Your grade on this exam willdetermine 15% of your final grade. There will be no final exam.

Writing Assignments:

Four times during the semester you will turn in 1.5-2 page papers(~400 words each). These assignments will only be read by theinstructor and the student assistant. There will be a list of papertopics available below on the class webpage. You may choose any fourfor your papers. The due dates for the papers are indicated on theschedule below*, and on those dates the paper is due at the beginningof class.

All papers must be turned in typed (there are several computerlabs across campus that you may use at no charge). Proper sentencestructure and spelling are required. Superficial papers will notreceive full credit. Otherwise, as long as your paper is a reasonableattempt to follow the directions, it will be considered correct. Yourgrades on these 4 papers will determine 40% of your final grade (10%each paper). Late papers will be penalized (-0.5% for later that day,-1% for each subsequent day).

Electronic Participation (ListservParticipation):

A large portion of today's information is available over theInternet. The Internet also provides several means to communicatewith other individuals who live in different parts of the world.Becoming familiar with some of these resources may put you at anadvantage in many of your future endeavors.

For this class, you will be required to set up an email accounton campus (available to each student at no charge) and to participatein on-line discussions. I will create a listserv, which will shareemails to everyone in the class. Each week, beginning the week ofSeptember 6th (you should all have accounts by then), I will post aquestion to the listserv. You may answer that question, or respond(appropriately) to someone else's response. You may also bring up anew point regarding a previous week's question.

Each month, beginning in September, you must contribute AT LEAST2 times, so that by the end of the semester, you have a least 10"meaningful" contributions to the listserv. By "meaningful", I mean aresponse that reveals your thoughts or ideas, and an explanation foryour statement. In other words, if you state an opinion, also includewhy you hold that opinion. The listserv topics will each reflectsomething related to class discussion, so this will be a means tothink more deeply about them and further share ideas. "Bashing" aclassmate's ideas or responses will not be accepted. Your listservparticipation will comprise 20% of your course grade. You will onlyreceive half credit for contributions that are not within the monthlydeadline.

Grading:

This is a Pass / Fail course. In order to pass this course, yourattendance percentage, exam grade, writing assignment grades, andlistserv grade must altogether average 75% or better. passing thiscourse will give you one semester credit which can be used toward thetotal number of credits you need to graduate. Passing this class willhave no effect on your grade point average. Failing this course willcount as an F and will affect your grade point average.

What will classes be like?

Classes will use a variety of formats: lectures, small groupdiscussions, guest speakers, visits to campus facilities, exercises,questions and answers and opportunities to simply express what youare feeling or thinking.

In order for this class to be beneficial to you and others,attend every class on time, turn in all writing assignments on time,read the assigned materials, participate in individual and groupactivities and discussions, and treat everyone in this class withrespect and courtesy.

Course Complaints

For any college course, complaints or problems should first bediscussed with the course instructor. Difficulties can usually beresolved there. If the complaint cannot be resolved, the next personto see is the department chair. For SFA 101 courses, the chairpersonis Dr. Tim Clipson (468-2188).

Important University Dates -- Fall1998

Aug 30	     last day to add a courseSept 6        Labor Day HolidayOct  15	     last day to drop a courseOct  15	     last day for regular registration for Nov 13 TASP testOct 18-Nov 3  late registration for Nov 13 TASP testNovember 	 registration for spring classesNov 13        TASP testNov 24-28	Thanksgiving Holiday (begins at noon on Wednesday)Nov 29	     last day to withdraw from enrollmentDec  13-17    final exam weekDec  18	     commencement  

Semester Schedule

The following reflects planned topics for each class date.Because open-ended discussion will be encouraged, actual topics mayvary some from below. Paper due dates, the exam date, and the eveningactivity dates can be considered fixed (unless some emergency comesup).

Dates	Monday	Wednesday
----- / Aug 25	no classes	Intro to course & each other
Aug 30/ Sept 1	Goals / Calendar use (bring copies of all syllabi) Welcome to SFA 6:30pm (Tuesday night)	Library computer room: email and Internet
Sept 6 / 8	Labor Day Holiday	Campus Tour: Major Student Assistance Centers
Sept 13 * / 15	Taking Notes (bring notes from each of your classes) Making College Count 6:30pm	Guest Speaker(s)
Sept 20 / 22	Time Management	Critical Thinking
Sept 27 / 29	Introduction to the Library I (Keys and Student Handbook)	Introduction to the Library II (Keys and Student Handbook)
Oct 4 / 6	Exam Strategies (Keys)	Exam in Class
Oct 11 / 13	Knowing Yourself: personality inventories	Campbell Interest and Skills Survey
Oct 18 * / 20	Guest Speaker(s)	Results of Interest Survey
Oct 25 / 27	Discussion Day	No class due to evening events
Nov 1 * / 3	Cultural Diversity	Advising and registration info
Nov 8 / 10	Guest Speaker(s)	No class due to evening event Observatory trip 7:00 pm
Nov 15 * / 17	Heath issues and stress mngmnt SFA 101 Blood drive 16-18th	Heath issues and stress mngmnt
Nov 22 / 24	Dealing w/your family now that you're at school	Thanksgiving Holiday
Nov 29 / Dec 1	Class Discussion / Review goals	Guest spreaker(s)
Dec 6 / 8	Party	No class due to evening event

* indicates a paper due date

Writing Topics

Below are eleven possible paper topics for you to choose from.You are required to write on four of the topics. You may choose whichtopics, and the order in which you turn them in. Papers are due atthe beginning of class on the following dates:

Monday Sept 13
Monday Oct 18
Monday Nov 1
Monday Nov 15

• Take a 30-45 minute day-time walk through the arboretum and along LaNana Creek with a friend (stay in area around campus). Describe in detail two things along the way that caught your attention. Assess your thoughts and feelings before, during, and at the end of the walk. Did you sense a change in focus, concentration, relaxation, or general energy level?
• Go to a football game. Describe some of the different people and actions you observe. What makes people seem interesting / attractive to you (as people to get to know, not necessarily as dating possibilities)?
• Interview an RA for your dorm. What are his/her thoughts about the job? What are two dorm situations that he/she hopes not to have to deal with during the year? What is his/her favorite thing that has happened on the job?
• Interview your roommate. Find out about his/her background and things you have in common. Discover some differences also. What do you think your relationship will be like in the semester/ in the future?
• Sometimes the responsible thing to do may feel strange or awkward (or it may not!). Go out and buy a condom. Turn in the receipt with a date on it, and a summary of your thoughts before, during, and after you bought the condom.
• What was the biggest adjustment that you felt you would have to face when you started school at SFA? Why did you think that? Now that you've been here a while, do you think that was the biggest thing, or did something else end up being the biggest adjustment? If it changed, describe what that something else is and why is became the biggest adjustment. Finally, what have you done to help yourself adjust -- both regarding the "big adjustment" and other, smaller adjustments.
• Volunteer to help at one of the agencies around town or at an event on campus. Write about your experience. Don't just summarize what you did; include your impressions and feelings about the experience.
• Involvement is a large part of college life. If you decide to join an organization, describe your thoughts on the organization, the people who are involved, the pros and cons of joining, and what you hope to get out of the experience.
• Interview a faculty member. For example, what area(s) is his/her specialty? What led him/her to work at SFA? What is this person's favorite thing(s) about working here? What is this person's least favorite thing about working here? What is this person's most memorable moment at work?
• Interview a staff member. Use a similar approach as outlined above for the faculty interview.
• Think of some question that you've thought about, but never bothered to find the answer. Go to the library and find at least two different reference materials that pertain to your question and which may possibly contain the answer. Describe your question, your library experience, and something that you learned (the answer to your question, or some related relevant information).
• Get on the World Wide Web. Spend 30-40 minutes searching for information on a topic that interests you. Summarize your topic, what you found, and your thoughts about the experience.

Listserv Questions

Listserv questions will be posted both here on the webpage andalso to the class listserv each Monday morning, beginning onSeptember 6th. By this time each student should have established anemail account.

• Week of Sept 6th: Several of you indicated that one of your goals was to make it to class. Although ultimate responsibility for going to class rests with you, there might be some factors under the instructor's control which influence your attendance. So, what are your thoughts on what an instructor can do to promote attendance. Consider at least a couple ideas and explain why you think they might be a good idea. I plan to share some of these ideas with other faculty.
• Week of Sept. 20th (listserver was down week of 13th): Last week you got to hear from a panel of upperclassmen. Reflect on what was said and how what they said may relate to your life and decisions. For this week, share what most influenced you from the discussion and why.
• Hopefully this will now go smoothly. Your reply to this message, along with sharing something good that happened to you recently (it's always nice to hear about good things!) will count as one of your listserver replies.
• However, I was sorry to miss the play on Monday night. For this listserver response, I'd like you to share your favorite aspect of the play (and why) and also your least favorite (and why).
• On Wednesday you will take your SFA 101 exam. There will be 20 multiple choice questions, 10 short answer questions, and one essay. For this listserver question, give an exam strategy for any one (or more) of these questions types, or for test taking in general. Remember, an exam strategy is something you do while you are taking the test.
• For this week, share how something specific you've learned about yourself has helped or influenced one/some of your decisions this semester.
• Today's listserv question will be two-part: First, I'd like your response to Lt. Harold Cottle's presentation last Wednesday: What was something new that you learned? Did anything he said surprise you? Do you think this is a good presentation to have for college students? WHY? Second, I'd like your response to a handout that I'll give to you in class today: Whose fault was Scott's death? WHY?
• Since on Wednesday we will be talking about registration and doing some peer advising, what I'd like you to do for this quesiton is the following: Without being unconstructively critical, give some advice on what classes or professors that you would recommend or not recommend. For example, give information in terms of HOW a professor teaches (lecture-style, group work, types of assignments, etc.) that will be more useful than just "I like him/her", or "He/she was easy" (what is easy for one person may not be easy for another).
• Today and in the past we have stressed getting involved in order to make your college experience more complete / successful. So, for this question what I'd like you to do for each other is share one SPECIFIC aspect about a SPECIFIC organization that makes it seem interesting or appealing to you. You do not have to have joined the organization yet to share information about it.
• Hopefully you're not too stressed out after our stress discussion today in class! One thing that was mentioned as possibly good to help you relax and refocus was listening to music. This, of course, will not make the stressor go away, but listening to music may relax us and help us later deal more effectively with the stressor. What I'd like you to do for this question is give a specific music recommendation. What is your favorite song/piece of music to listen to when you're stressed and why. Included a description (type of music, rythm, theme in the lyrics, etc.) so that the rest of us will be able to appreciate it and maybe we'll check it out too.
• On Monday you received a handout on stress and coping with stress. One of the recommendations is to laugh. So, for this week, I'd like you to share a joke (not funny because it is sick and/or disgusting) or a funny experience. Let's all have a few laughs!
• Now that the semester is almost over, it might be a good time to reflect and think about why you're here in the first place. So, for this week's question, answer the following:

  1) Why did you come to college? If there were several factors, go ahead and list more than one.

  2) What do you expect to get from your college education?

  3) Do you think you could succeed in the life that you want without a college education -- why or why not?

  4) Are your actions now that you're here at college in line with the importance that you place college in your life?

• So, what is the most important "lesson" that you've learned at SFA? Additionally -- what advise would you give incoming freshmen (I'll compile these and put them on our webpage).

   

   

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