jeanne.hamming
english.dept.
centenary.college
jhamming@centenary.edu
313.JAC
318.869.5082
www.edmodo.com

fye.101: first year experience
mwf |11-11:50am|113 JAC
office.hours: mwf 10-11, mw 1-2
(or by appointment)

schedule (click here to view)

course.description

As scholars and as citizens, we are often confronted by complex problems and divergent views about what constitutes the causes, consequences, and solutions for these problems. Understanding and negotiating these kinds of problems--that is, being able to draw valid conclusions and perhaps generate solutions--requires engaging in a process of investigation in which we discover and synthesize what is known, evaluate evidence, assess diverse perspectives, and invent new ideas. This process forms the foundation for the accumulation and creation of knowledge, and learning to utilize this process effectively is therefore essential in higher education.

This course introduces students to the liberal arts and to the processes of inquiry by which scholarly, professional, and public communities formulate knowledge and forge solutions to complex problems. Drawing on research, guest speakers, and cultural events from diverse academic disciplines and from contemporary public discourse, students and faculty examine ideas and analyze the arguments and evidence that are used to make and defend conclusions.  We build on this examination to collaboratively engage in research projects that enable students to learn the research, analysis, writing and speaking skills essential to their academic and professional lives.

This course is basically a skills oriented course; that is, we are not concerned with any one topic or subject area per se. Instead, the course is designed to teach a research process that will enable exploration and analysis of almost any topic. Specifically, students learn how to: 1) document research and evidence in accord with MLA, APA, or Chicago Style; 2) generate focused research questions from a broader topic; 3) identify key claims, assumptions, and support; 4) evaluate evidence; 5) critique an argument; 6) convey written and oral arguments coherently.

To enable students to learn and practice these skills, the course is divided into two parts. In the first, we use a case study of our system of production, consumption, and disposal of goods to introduce the skills that enable research, such as: critical reading, summary, basic investigation and documentation, analysis of evidence and arguments, and defense of a position. In the second part of the course, students practice using these skills by developing and completing a full research project. At the end of the course, students will present their conclusions in both written and oral form.

course.goals

This course promises to:

• model a multidisciplinary process of inquiry from the development of a research question, through the processes of discovery and construction of arguments, both written and oral.

• enhance students' ability to read critically.

• develop students' analytical and communication skills.

learning.objectives

In this course students will learn to:

• Document research and evidence in accord with MLA.

• Generate focused research questions from a broader topic.

• Identify key claims, assumptions, and support.

• Evaluate evidence.

• Critique an argument.

• Construct and support arguments.

• Convey arguments, written and oral, coherently.

attendance

PLEASE NOTE: YOU CANNOT WITHDRAW FROM OR CHANGE SECTIONS OF FYE. Missing any classes will adversely affect your performance in the course and may adversely affect your participation grade, regardless of the reasons for your absence. You are responsible for keeping up with the reading and assignments even if you miss class.

In accordance with the FYE program's general policy on attendance, you will not pass the course if you miss more than nine class meetings throughout the semester. Students will not be penalized for officially-sanctioned absences (including absences for athletics, musical performances, or other school events), provided that 1) they make *prior* arrangements to complete all in-class and out-of-class work, 2) they participate fully in the class overall, and 3) they do not miss any other classes except in the case of an emergency. These absences DO COUNT toward the allotted nine absences as stated above.

cellphones.laptops.iWhatevers

Cellphone use is not permitted or tolerated in this class, including during convocations and the FYE conference. All cellphones are to be turned off (not on vibrate) and stowed (ie. not on your person). The penalty for being caught using your cellphone in class is the loss of 1/2 of your participation grade. This policy extends to convocations and the FYE conference.

Bags or purses containing cellphones should be placed beside you on the floor. Laptops and iPads are permitted for the purpose of looking at online course materials (the syllabus, readings, assignments). There is a two-strike policy regarding inappropriate laptop/iPad use. The FIRST time I catch you surfing the web, playing games or otherwise using your laptop/iPad inappropriately I will ask you to put it away and out of sight. The SECOND time I catch you, you will no longer be permitted to use your laptop/iPad during class. This policy extends to convocations and the FYE conference.

grade.breakdown

• Critical Response to TSOS 5%
• Analysis of Appeals in TSOS 5%
• Analysis/Critique of TSOS 10%
• Article Summary and Response 10%
• Research Question/Proposal10%
• Annotated Bibliography 10%
• Research Paper 20%
• In-class Presentation 10%
• Final Exam 10%
• Preparation and Participation 10%
  

papers

Papers are due in class on the dates indicated in the schedule. Late papers will receive substantial penalties and may receive no comments. All writing assignments must be completed in order to pass this course. Every essay you submit should include a title and a list of works cited in MLA form. Several copies of the MLA Handbook are on reserve in the library. Also, MLA format guides can be found in abundance on the internet.

Keep one electronic and one paper copy of all written assignments, originals and revisions, especially ones that have received grades or comments. You may be asked to re-submit material at any time during the semester. If you volunteer to revise a paper, please turn in the original, graded draft with the revised draft.

texts

• Leonard, Annie. 2010. The Story of Stuff: How Our Obsessions with Stuff is Trashing the Planet, Our Communities, and Our Health--and a Vision for Change. Free Press.
• Lunsford, Andrea. The St. Martin’s Handbook. 6th edition. New York: Bedford/St. Martin’s.
• Occasional readings from periodicals, from handouts, or from pdfs.

in-class.presentations

On several occasions throughout the semester you will be asked, either by yourself or in collaboration with others, to present material from your out-of-class reading and/or research. While particular criteria for presentation assignments will be provided in class, keep in mind that for all presentations you will be evaluated on your preparedness and organization, argument and evidence, and professionalism.

events

Throughout the semester you will be required to attend FYE and other campus-sponsored events. Please plan ahead for these dates.

conference

At the end of the semester, students in FYE will participate in an end-of-the-semester conference. As more information on this event becomes available, I will pass it on to you. You must participate in all aspects of the FYE conference. Your FULL participation in the conference is required in order for you to pass FYE.

revision

You will have ample time and opportunity to rethink and rewrite essays, and in some cases immediate revisions will be required. Revision is not merely correcting grammatical or mechanical errors. Rather, it is a comprehensive "re-seeing" of the writing project. In other words, it is the opportunity to think again about how best to accomplish your rhetorical goals. I may ask you to submit a revision plan to me prior to permitting you to revise your paper. It's best, however, to follow the assignment and do your best the first time.

disability

Please let me know if you have any disability that requires accommodation. I will work with you to ensure your needs are met. Students with disabilities should also contact Disability Services (a division of Counseling Services), which is located in the ground floor of Rotary Hall to obtain services. Telephone 318-869-5466/5424.

schedule (click here to view)