GSU 1010: New Student Orientation Fall 2015

Freshman Learning Community: Humanities 10 Wednesday, 3:00-4:15 Location: Aderhold Building; Classroom 107

“Culture Production and Contemporary Events”

“I arise in the morning torn between the desire to improve the world and a desire to enjoy the world. This makes it hard to plan the day.” --E.B. White

Instructor Information

Instructor’s Name: Hannah SpadaforaEmail: Aspadafora1 @gsu.edu Office Hours: By AppointmentOffice Location: Saxbys Café Lobby

Please come and visit me! I believe in your ability to be successful! I would be more than happy to talk to you about how your semester is going, answer your questions about the course and college, as well as discuss your goals and strategies for success.

Textbook and MaterialsHuot, Nikolas and Nia Woods Haydel, eds. GSU 1010: New Student Orientation is available for free in your Brightspace section.

ONE of the following books is required [based on group number] :

The Assassination of Theo Van Gogh: From Social Drama to Cultural Trauma [Group 1]

The Way We Never Were: American Families and the Nostalgia Trap [Group 2]

Reality is Broken: Why games make us better and how they can change the world [Group 3]

You will also need your Panther ID card, campus ID and password to access additional course materials posted in Brightspace and your PAWS account.

Introduction to CollegeLife is the in-motion art of the person. We are all works in progress. We assemble, are assembled, ourselves, clumsily, at first. Slowly, with patience, we learn the skills necessary, however, and make the masterpiece we’d like to see, be represented by. We attempt to form ourselves, if we’re smart, though if we are also humble, we recognize that our parts in the play are somewhat influenced by the show we’re in.

Being in college prepares you for life, career, ethical awareness and community involvement. By learning about the dialogue that has been spoken long before you walked upon the stage, you will be better prepared to make informed decisions and formulate knowledgeable opinions based on solid fact and theory. More than that, during college you will be given opportunities to learn and experience growth—growth of self, growth of skill, growth of ambition, growth of resiliency to stress, ability to overcome obstacles and of capability to create a tomorrow you want to live in. Your time at Georgia State University is your chance to explore different possibilities of thought,

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practice, idea, and goal--as well as to be trained to enter differentiated spaces dedicated to a variety of goals as well as different work-spheres constructed in our era. It is up to you to take advantage of the opportunities given by putting in the work necessary to develop the skills you will need through the journey of life.

Course DescriptionThis course is designed for you, the student, to begin to think about why you are here, where you are going, and how to make the best use of your time at Georgia State and beyond. This class will provide you with information and tools that will facilitate your successful transition to college. You will be asked to think critically and reflect on your opinions and experiences, and to articulate those opinions through verbal in-class discussions as well as written work. These discussions and assignments are intended to integrate you successfully into the Georgia State community and give you the resources to live a meaningful and successful life.

Course ExpectationIn order to learn, you will need to be actively involved and engaged with the course content, so you can expect this semester to be filled with discussions, activities, and assignments. Because we learn best when engaged with others, you will frequently work with a partner or in small group. Remember that your success in this course, and in your college career, depends largely on your commitment and hard work.

Learning Outcomes—What you will be able to do after successfully completing this course: Academic Life: You will become familiar with the academic resources, procedures, and student code of conduct policies of Georgia State University. You will exhibit familiarity with the location, use, and content of official university documents relevant to these issues.

Students will be able to articulate the purpose of the Student Code of Conduct. Students will understand the role of the academic advisor. Students will be able to identify resources for academic support on campus.

Community Life: You will have an understanding of the community and environment on and around the university campus, as well as the general Atlanta community. You will engage in at least one dimension of the Atlanta-Based Learning Program.

Students will be able to articulate opportunities for involvement in the campus community. Students will identify opportunities for civic engagement.

Personal Life: You will engage in activities designed to improve your study and learning skills and to enhance your personal growth and development.

Students will identify personal time management systems that work for them. Students will be able to successfully identify stress management techniques. Students will be able to identify resources in the community that are available to promote

and enhance their personal growth and development.

Important Policy InformationAccommodation Statement: If you wish to request accommodation for a disability, you may do so by registering with the Office of Disability Services. You may only be accommodated upon issuance by the Office of Disability Services of a signed Accommodation Plan and are responsible for providing a copy of that plan to instructors of all classes in which an accommodation is sought.

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Policy on Academic HonestyAcademic integrity benefits everyone in our community. It not only helps you reach the real goal of this course—learning--, but also allows for the program to be perceived positively by others. When students are dishonest, they lose out on valuable learning that will help them perform well in their career. It can also negatively impact all of the students in the program and at the institution by creating negative mindsets, which may result in fewer outside learning opportunities for students. Academic dishonesty is any attempt by a student to gain academic advantage through dishonest means or to assist another student with gaining an unfair advantage. Academic integrity is important regardless of whether the work is graded or ungraded, group or individual, written or oral. Dishonest acts can result in a failing grade on an assignment, a failing course grade and/or an official code of contact charge being filed. Please review the policy at http://www2.gsu.edu/~wwwfhb/sec409.html

Diversity StatementThe Office of Undergraduate Studies and GSU 1010 values diversity and is committed to fostering and maintain an educational environment which appreciates individual differences in all areas of operation including classroom instruction, texts, and materials. To this end, any actions, practices, or processes by any faculty, staff person, or student that discriminates against or is prejudicial toward any person or group based on race, sex, age, religion, ethnicity, nationality, disability, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status will not be tolerated.

Evaluation Statement: Your constructive assessment of this course plays an indispensable role in shaping education at Georgia State. Upon completing the course, please take time to fill out the online course evaluation.

Attendance PolicyThe primary reason you should attend class is not to miss out on what ultimately will serve as a benefit to you as a student. Successful students attend class on a regular basis and actively participate in the classroom discussions. Students will receive points for attendance and participation for the course; failure to attend and participate will result in forfeiting points towards your final grade. In order to get the most from your GSU 1010 experience and thus be properly prepared for the rest of your college education, your attendance at all class sessions is appreciated.

Responsibility for AssignmentsIt is important to stay on track with your assignments—not only will this help you feel less stresses, but it is also an important skill you will need in your career. Being able to meet deadlines and juggle many tasks is an important career and life skill. This, you will need to complete all assignments and activities according to the schedule. If you have a personal situation that prevents you from doing so, you will need to discuss this with me prior to the due date. Assignments can be submitted to me prior to a class if you will be absent. Extensions are only given in rare situations and at my discretion.

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Course ScheduleDate In-Class Read before class Complete before class

Week 1

08/26/15

Welcome to GSU:Introduction-Icebreaker, University Expectations, Policies, Syllabus, TextbookTechnology in the classroom : EAB, Brightspace, E-mail, Gosolar Assignment Details[Study Skills, Career Presentation, Atlanta Based Learning, Haven, 3rd Millennium]

Download Textbook – print or save

[Check E-mail]

Week 2

09/02/15

Exploring Your Purpose at Georgia State University

Classroom and Correspondence Etiquette

SMART Goals Activities 1-2

Campus Tour Activity Details

Chapters 1-2, 9 Online Quiz [Textbook: Chapters 1

and 2; Chapter 9]

Week 3

09/09/15

Study Skills Effective WritingUtilizing the Library Academic Honesty

Chapter 11 Chapter 11: QuizHaven: first module

Third Millennium: first module

Week 4

09/16/15

CRM-Consciously Resting Meditation – Session 1 [Counselling Center will Facilitate]

Chapter 7 and 8 Chapter 7 and 8: Online QuizSMART Goals Discussion [Plot

Chart] Due

Week 5

09/23/15

CRM-Consciously Resting Meditation – Session 2 [Counselling Center will Facilitate]Time Management Activity Continuation

Chapter 4, 5Read 1/3 of

book!

Time Management AssignmentChapter 4-5 : Online Quiz

Campus Tour Activity Due

09/29 Study Abroad 10:30 am-1:00 pm TBD

Week 6

09/30/15

Academic Advisingwith R. LeBeaux.

Chapter 3Read 2/3 of

book

Chapter 3: Quiz [09/30] Print Academic Progress from PAWS

Week 7 Academic SuccessTransitions, Learning

Chapter 6 Chapter 6: Read and Post Quiz Results as Discussion post

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10/07/15 Styles,

Career Center Session + Elevator Speech Activity

Have finished reading book! [for Study Skills Essay]

10/08 Major Fair 10:30 am-1:00 pm Student Center Ballroom

10/13 Last day to withdraw and possibly receive a W

Week 8

10/14/15Discipline Week

Community Connections[Study Abroad Office will facilitate part of class]

Week 9

10/21/15

Study Skills: Peer Review activity; Preparing for Tests and Papers

Study Skills Discussion Post 1

Week 10

10/28/15

Discipline Week

Peer Review activity

Dealing with Disappointment: Not failure, “Not Yet” [Ted Talk]

Class Success Strategies

Study Skills Discussion Post 2

Week 11

11/04/15

Study Skills: Writing Improvement Feedback

Academic Jeopardy : Round 2 [GSU 1010 Textbook Chapters 3, 10-14]

Textbook Chapters 3, 10-14

Study Skills Discussion Post 3

November 9th, 2015

Mandatory Attendance:Atlanta Based Learning

Opportunity

3:00PM-5:00PM HHW: Hunger101

Week 12

11/11/15

Study Skills Book Assignment: Group Presentations

Study Skills/Library Resources Assignment : Essay [Synthesized and edited discussion posts]; + group presentation

Week 13

11/18/15

Possible guest speaker

Continue Development on Career Presentation Assignment

Chapter 12 11/20/15: Atlanta-Based Learning Experience Reflection Paper due!

11/23-

11/28

Thanksgiving Break, no class

12/2/15 Financial module.Career Exploration Presentations

Quiz from www.mycollegemoneyplan.org

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[Group Project] Proof of completion for Haven and 3rd Millennium

Career Exploration Project Presentation

Syllabus Statement: The course syllabus provides a general plan for the course; deviations may be necessary.

Available Help and SupportSuccessful people access support from others as needed. Georgia State University has many supportive services that can help you as you strive to achieve your goals. I encourage you to reach out to me or other professionals on campus. Here is some information about the resources available to you.

Your Professor Email me at ASpadafora1@student.gsu.edu or stop by my office at Library North-Lobby near Saxbys.

Academic Coach An Academic Coach has been assigned to you to go over academic issues you may be experiencing or to support you in reaching your goals. Meet with your coach on a regular basis. Make an appointment at 224 Sparks Hall or (404)413-2692.

Academic Advisor The University Advisement Center offers drop-in advising services. If you have any questions about your courses, major, or career, make an appointment with your advisor at 404/413-2300 or stop by the 14th floor of 25 Park Place.

Supplemental Instruction

A Supplemental Instruction leader has been assigned to your social science or humanities course. Sharpen your study skills and improve your understanding of the course material by regularly attending the weekly sessions.

Writing Studio The Writing Studio is a resource for students of all classifications. Writing is a craft that takes practice and dedication. Please visit the Writing Studio to have your papers reviewed and for assistance in strengthening your ability to effectively communication through written word. It is located on the 24th floor of 25 Park Place. http://www.writingstudio.gsu.edu/

Coordinator of Program

Success Academy is a large program, but the coordinator would be happy to meet with you to discuss any issues you may be experiencing. Contact Ms. Jolayna Palm at jplam@gsu.edu.

Personal Counselor The Testing and Counseling Center offers confidential individual counseling and offers several workshops throughout the semester. Stop by the 2nd floor of 75 Piedmont to make an appointment. http://counselingcenter.gsu.edu/

Course AssignmentsAll out-of-class assignments are due on Brightspace by 5:00pm the day before class. Quizzes are the exception, which are due by 12pm on the day of class. Late assignments will lose 10% of your grade per day; unless otherwise stated after 5 days no points are given. All assignments completed in word documents [discussions excluded] should be typed using 12-point font (Times New Roman, Calibri, or Arial-or other font equal to this size and legible), be double spaced, and have no more than one-inch margins. Please use the rubric for each individual assignment as a guidepost to your success! Also, please keep in mind academic grammar and spelling standards while

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submitting your work, as these affect your appearance as a future professional and may be taken into consideration in your final grade.

Attendance and Participation (10%)Relevant Learning Outcomes:You will engage in activities designed to improve your study and learning skills and to enhance your personal growth and development.

The primary reason you should attend class is not to miss out on what ultimately will serve as a benefit to you as a student, as well as that which may fascinate you as a human being. Successful students attend class on a regular basis and actively participate in the classroom discussions. Students will receive 10 points per day for attendance and participation in the course. Not attending class results in a forfeiture of the full 10 points. Further, other classroom etiquette issues [as defined in the classroom etiquette handout] may result in a deduction of 1-5 points during the class that it occurs. In order to get the most from your GSU 1010 experience and thus be properly prepared for the rest of your college education, your attendance at all class sessions is necessary. Please contact me if you have a genuine emergency arise.

Academic Skills (25%)Relevant Learning Outcomes: You will engage in activities designed to improve your study and learning skills and to enhance your personal growth and development.

It should go without saying that college is very different than high school. In order to be successful in this new environment, you need to learn and master skills that will contribute to an effective transition. In this section of the course, you will be asked to further develop necessary academic tools that will contribute to your success in college.

Chapter Quizzes So as to introduce a topic or round out class discussions, before every class you will be expected to read a chapter in GSU 1010 New Student Orientation. For every chapter, you will be expected to take a multiple choice quiz. This will ensure that you have read the chapter and prepare you for classroom discussion.

Academic Planning Activities: A. SMART Goals Project : You will be asked to create three (3) SMART goals, identify the steps to achievement, and set a plan for pursuance.

Why this is important: Every goal achieved was once a plan in someone’s mind. This will teach you how to be successful in whatever you put your mind to.

B. Time Management Project: You will be expected to complete a time management activity in which you list out your weekly activities, develop a schedule, and write a discussion about whether your expectations for the amount of time activities take equals the reality.

Why this is important: Good time management and organization is an important component to academic success. Most instructors do not accept late work, so you must be on top of your assignments. This means allocating time to studying and working on larger projects weeks in

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advance.

C. Budget/Finance Activities: For this in-class or discussion based assignment, you will prepare your budget, and to do research related to different financial options for financing your education (Scholarships, Financial Aid, Etc]. Further, a number of quizzes related to personal finance may be accessed throughout the semester at www.mycollegemoneyplan.org, and you are highly encouraged to take advantage of this resource.

Why this is important: The way you manage your finances can negatively or positively impact your life, especially in college. Therefore, it is important to be knowledgeable of your financial options and resources, as well as understand how to properly manage your money (whether it be financial aid, refunds, scholarship, jobs, etc).

Discussion Posts You will be expected to complete 3 discussion posts that will prepare you for your Study Skills Essay. These discussion posts will include summary and critical-thinking response to Group Book Assignments. You will also be expected to complete two to three SMART Goals Activities that may be posted in the discussion forum.

Study Skills Essay (10 %) The most important thing you can learn at the beginning of college is how to learn. In order to teach you methods that will enhance your learning experience, each student will be expected to discuss studying, test-taking, and note-taking methods in class. Then, each student will write a two to three page research paper using particular skills we will review as essential to excelling at the learning process. Before turning in the paper you will receive feedback on your writing skills through Discussion Post activities which will feed into this essay.

Why this is important: Both the discussion posts and study skills essay will assist you in developing your writing skills to the standard required for academic success. Further, this will help you during the many times in life when having polished writing and clear written communication skills is essential for interactions in your career and personal lives.

Library Resources/Academic Honesty (5%) Relevant Learning Outcomes:You will become familiar with the academic resources, procedures, and student code of conduct policies of Georgia State University. You will exhibit familiarity with the location, use, and content of official university documents relevant to these issues.

As a college student, you will be asked to do research and present secondary research in your own work. As such, it is important to you start familiarizing yourself with the library (how to research relevant material, how to differentiate peer-reviewed journals from popular magazines, and how to actually locate the books you need), as well as understand the rules to properly use the material you are summarizing, paraphrasing, and/or quoting. More information will be provided concerning an assignment which deals with library research and academic honesty.

Career Exploration Project (25%)

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Relevant Learning Outcomes: You will engage in activities designed to improve your study and learning skills and to enhance your personal growth and development.

The capstone project for the GSU 1010 course is the Career Exploration Project. For this assignment you will explore your anticipated or potential career path by preparing a short presentation on either a person or topic related to your major or profession of interest. The details for this assignment are as follows:

Option 1: Prepare a presentation about a person who you admire in your major or intended career. Summarize what you learn about them [their life trajectory, important works, where they fit in the history of your field], what you find inspiring, and anything else you think is important or which connects back to your own journey. Consult at least 3 sources: at least one biography [book], 1 academic article, and one other source of your choosing. If you cannot find an academic article, consult another biography [book].

Idea A: What is the person's background? What are the major/significant accomplishments, productions or actions that they have completed that is particularly admiring to you? Talk about the context of their achievement. What obstacles did they overcome? What were the results, for their own life, for the profession, for a group or identity, for the change of a practice, for the advancement of a field, or for the world at large? [you may answer each of these questions or pick one or two that you find most significant /relevant to the paper to narrowly focus on].

Idea B: provide a multi-perspective view of a historical or contemporary individual in your major or chosen field. Often times autobiographies, biographies, recovered diaries and histories do not always match up. Summarize at least two different views on an accomplished person or topic related to your major/profession. Use empathy and/or critical thinking to connect this to and/or reflect upon your career goals.

OR

Option 2: Prepare a presentation on the history of the academic field you are majoring in or the profession you are currently interested in. Consult at least 3 sources: At least two must be academic [book or article] and one other source of your choosing. Summarize what you learn [important people/works that influenced the field], what you find inspiring, and anything else you think is important or which connects back to your own journey.

Idea A: Trace the history of your scholarly field or profession. Write about its beginnings—when, who, where, why, how—and /or about major events or critiques that have resulted in a reshaping of the field.

Idea B: Discuss underrepresentation or unfair representation in a field [gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, etc] OR discuss how a field is adjusting to include diverse voices.

OR

Option 3:

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Prepare a presentation on current research or work being done in your major or intended career. Consult at least 3 sources: At least two must be academic [book or article], and one other source of your choosing. Summarize what you learn [important people/what methods they are using or work they are doing], what you find inspiring, and anything else you think is important or which connects back to your own journey.

PresentationPresentations may be powerpoint, film, multimedia, or written work prepared to be read aloud. Please tell me your plan and get approval from me at least three weeks before the deadline [sooner is better]. You may be creative with your medium (storytelling is allowed) but you must include solid reference-able facts to one of the above listed topics. They should not exceed 5 minutes per group member (presentations will be timed).

Campus Resources (5%)

Relevant Learning Outcomes: You will become familiar with the academic resources, procedures, and student code of conduct policies of Georgia State University. You will exhibit familiarity with the location, use, and content of official university documents relevant to these issues.

In order to be a successful student at Georgia State University, it is important that you familiarize yourself with the campus, as well as become knowledgeable of the resources and opportunities available to you. To help you learn more about valuable offices and services, you will need to undergo an initiation rite of touring the campus. During this tour, you will learn more about our recreation center, student center, library, bookstore, cinefest, digital aquarium, career center, and other great campus locations that make Georgia State an awesome place to be a student at.

Haven: Sexual Assault, Relationship Violence, and Stalking online module (5%)Relevant Learning Outcomes:You will become familiar with the academic resources, procedures, and student code of conduct policies of Georgia State University. You will exhibit familiarity with the location, use, and content of official university documents relevant to these issues.

In compliance with Campus SaVE Act, you are required to complete Haven, an online learning module. This module will take you approximately 45 minutes to complete and will provide you with information about sexual assault, relationship violence, and stalking. In addition, you will gain a definition of consent, bystander intervention techniques, information about healthy relationships, and resources available related to these topics. Following the completion of the module, you will be asked to complete a follow-up survey, which is available 45 days following completion of the module. In order to receive credit for this module, you need to provide proof of completion of the follow-up survey.

Haven can be accessed at https://platform.everfi.net/registration/signup.GSU Registration Code: 95f4d4e1Make sure that the registration information you enter matches the information on your Panther ID card.

3 rd Millennium: Alcohol online module (5%)

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Relevant Learning Outcomes:You will become familiar with the academic resources, procedures, and student code of conduct policies of Georgia State University. You will exhibit familiarity with the location, use, and content of official university documents relevant to these issues.

Alcohol-Wise is an online alcohol abuse prevention program designed to help college students clarify their thinking about alcohol and make healthy decisions. As part of Georgia State’s comprehensive substance use risk reduction program (SURRP), each incoming freshman and transfer student is required to complete Alcohol-Wise as part of your GSU orientation. Whether you drink or not, Alcohol-Wise will empower you to make well-informed decisions and will help you cope with the drinking behavior of peers.To complete the course, you will need access to an internet-connected computer. The course has an audio component, so if you are accessing a computer in a public space, you may wish to use a headset. Most incoming students have been pre-registered for the course and have already received an email from info@3rdmilclassrooms.com with a subject line that reads something like – Georgia State University Required – Online Alcohol Course. The email contains your username, password and a link to the program site.

The course takes about one hour to complete. After you complete the one-hour portion of the course, you will receive an email 30 days later reminding you to complete the 15-minute follow-up portion. Once you complete the course, including the 30-day follow up, the system will send notification of completion via email. Make sure to plan ahead because of the 30-day period between the two portions of the course. In order to receive credit for this module, you need to provide proof of completion of the follow-up survey.

Atlanta-Based Learning Opportunity (10%) Relevant Learning Outcomes:You will have an understanding of the community and environment on and around the university campus, as well as the general Atlanta community.

Your Atlanta Based Learning Opportunity will be on November 9th, 2015 from 3:00PM-5:00PM at HHW: Hunger101

Atlanta-Based Learning promotes academic and civic engagement within the greater Atlanta community. As an urban research institution in Atlanta, Georgia State offers an opportunity for you to understand the context in which you are developing as learners. Engaging in Atlanta-Based Learning activities provides you with an opportunity to generate connections between the academic curriculum and the urban Atlanta environment.Upon completion of your experience, you are expected to write a two-page paper reflecting on your experience. Your reflection will be graded following the rubric that will be provided to you. Please use the prescribed questions to frame the reflection.

1. Introduce your service site, describe the purpose the organization serves in the community, and provide an overview of what you did during your time with the agency.

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2. Thinking big picture, how did your work help the organization meet its purpose and serve others better?

3. What skills did you use during your service, and how can those skills be used in your anticipated career?

4. How are you able to use your time as a Georgia State University student to be involved in meeting the needs of others within the Atlanta community (be specific; name at least one need that you would be able to work toward addressing and identify how you would be able to work toward addressing)? How might you engage political leaders to address the issue(s) addressed?

5. Provide your overall thoughts on the experience.

6. How might this service opportunity be improved?

Extra CreditOver the semester, I will announce extra credit opportunities.

Grading PolicyFinal grades will be calculated based on a weighted percentage system, with points corresponding to the total of each graded assignment weight [i.e. 10 points for assignment corresponding to 100% of module worth 10% of overall class grade, means every point you score on a 10 percent assignment is a point for your overall grade]. Please keep in mind that completion of an assignment does not guarantee receiving maximum points for the assignments. Points are awarded based on the quality of the work submitted. Grades will be distributed as follows:

A+ =95-100% A = 92-94% A- = 90-91%B+ = 85-89% B = 82-84% B- = 80-81%C+ = 75-79% C = 72-74% C- = 70-71%

D= 60-69% F= 59 and below

Syllabus Statement: The course syllabus provides a general plan for the course; deviations may be necessary.

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