COR 1203 - Freshman Seminar-Achieving Academic Success

Sample Syllabi Only
Fall 2009

Course Instructor:
Office Phone:
Office Location: Tomás Rivera Center MS 1.02.02
E-mail:
Office Hours:  Tuesday/Thursday 8:30am – 11:30am

COR 1203 COURSE DESCRIPTION

 Freshman Seminar is a three hour college credit course that will satisfy UTSA’s core curriculum requirement for the social and behavioral domain.  The focus of this researched-based class is on society and self with topics including: researched based, college success study strategies, self-assessment/goal clarification, career exploration, diversity awareness, time/task management, as well as other life skills.  This course is designed to help you better transition to UTSA and develop a stronger sense of community.  It is also designed to assist you in becoming a more active learner, and help you define your own educational goals and objectives.

COURSE GOALS & OBJECTIVES

The goal of this course is to provide opportunities to learn and apply knowledge critical to success in college.  Students who master or successfully meet the course objectives will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge and application of research based, college success strategies such as listening and note taking skills, reading strategies, critical thinking skills, and test taking/test preparation strategies.
2. Identify and understand your learning style to maximize learning and comprehension.
3. Demonstrate knowledge and application of life skills such as time management and goal setting.
4. Identify and process personal strengths, values, and interests in order to explore intended majors and careers
5. Locate and demonstrate knowledge of UTSA resources and opportunities that support your academic, career, and personal goals.
6. Develop an increased awareness and respect for the role and responsibility that each individual plays in a diverse community.   
7. Gain knowledge of rules, polices, procedures and computer based systems of the university.

The course goals and objectives listed will be measured throughout the semester in various ways.  Mastery of course topics will be evaluated by one or more of the following: in-class activities, writing assignments, projects, assessments, self-reflections, group work, quizzes, and/or exams.

TEXTBOOK

Carter, C., Bishop, J., & Kravits, S.L. (2006).  "Keys to Success: Building, Analytical, Creative, and Practical Skills (6^th ed.).  

Suskind, R. (1998). "A Hope in the Unseen: An American Odyssey from the Inner City to the Ivy League" (rev. 2005).

*Students are required to bring the text book to each class unless directed otherwise.

UNIVERSITY POLICY ON SCHOLASTIC DISHONESTY

Part I, Chapter VI, section 3.22 of the Rules and Regulation of the Board of Regents of The University of Texas System states the following: “Scholastic dishonesty includes but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, collusion, the submission for credit of any work or materials that are attributable in whole or in part to another person, taking an examination for another person, any act designed to give unfair advantage to a student or the attempt to commit such acts.” Students who violate University rules on scholastic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary penalties, including possibility of failure in the course and dismissal from the University.

ADA Statement

As per Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, if accommodation is needed contact Disability Services, MS 2.03.08, phone: (210) 458-4157.  It is the responsibility of the student to initiate contact with this office and make arrangements for accommodations.  As an instructor, I encourage any student who has questions or concerns about classroom accommodations to schedule an appointment or come by to see me during regular office hours.

CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS

Students are expected to assist in maintaining a classroom environment that is conducive to learning.  To assure all students have the opportunity to gain from time spent in class; students are prohibited from engaging in any form of distraction.  Inappropriate behavior in the classroom shall result, minimally, in a request to leave the class.  Inappropriate behavior can result in a referral to the Office of Student Judicial Affairs for disciplinary action. 

Policy on Use of Electronic Devices: No electronic devices such as recording devices, laptops or cell phones may be used during class.

ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION

It is your responsibility to attend class every day.  Learning takes place as a result of active participation in activities and discussion.  Therefore, participation is a significant part of your grade.  Absences and tardiness are not acceptable unless there are extenuating circumstances that are previously discussed and approved by the Instructor.  Habitual tardiness will not be tolerated. In order to receive full credit for attendance and participation students must attend each class, arrive on time, be prepared, participate in class activities and discussions, treat others with respect, work collaboratively with group members, and demonstrate a commitment to academic success. 

E-MAIL:  You must be able to use your UTSA e-mail account.  For more information, contact Office of Information Technology staff members in the student computing labs in Multidisciplinary Studies Building Room 1.03.07 (Main Campus) .