College of Southern Nevada Course Syllabus
College Success
ALS 101 Section
Tuesday/Thursday 4:30 to 5:50 Room S226
Instructor: Dr. Renée Gammill
Contact information: renee.gammill@csn.edu or 702-588-3769 (cell)
Course handouts are available at: http://als-101.wikispaces.com/
Course Description (CSN Catalog): This course is designed to assist the student in obtaining skills and knowledge necessary to reach his/her educational objectives. Topics to be covered include memory development, time/priority management, test-taking, communication skills, study techniques, critical thinking, wellness management, understanding diversity, and career issues that face many college students. This course is recommended for all new students, returning students, and others who may benefit.
Course learning outcomes: After successfully completing ALS 101, students will be able to:
Discuss how they are responsible for creating their own successful college experience,
Practice positive behavioral changes,
Locate and utilize campus and community resources,
Identify and employ specific active learning strategies such as:
Setting realistic and attainable goals
Managing priorities effectively
Reducing stress
Discovering and using one’s dominant learning style to best advantage
Reading texts with improved focus, comprehension, and retention
Listening and comprehending lectures
Taking effective, useful notes
Improving memory and recall techniques
Preparing for and taking tests successfully
Presenting clear oral and written reports
Improving creative and critical thinking skills
Locate and utilize a variety of library and technical resources,
Implement plans to effectively manage financial resources,
Understand personal health and wellness issues,
Recognize and understand the value and complexity of a diverse society,
Develop stronger and healthier relationships, and
Develop a personal, unique career development plan.
Required Textbook: Cornerstones for Community College Success by Sherfield and Moody (ISBN-13: 978-0-321-86059-0) http://www.coursesmart.com/cornerstones-for-community-college-success/robert-m-sherfield-patricia-g-moody/dp/9780321860675
Academic Integrity Policy: Students are expected to complete their own assigned work. Directly quoting, summarizing, or paraphrasing the ideas of others without specific identification of the sources, and handing in work that is not the student’s own all constitute plagiarism. Cheating and plagiarism carry serious consequences in the college environment. Students who show evidence of academic dishonesty will receive no credit for the assignment in question. CSN has adopted a college-wide Student Academic Integrity Policy which can be viewed here:
http://www.csn.edu/pages/3342.asp
CSN Disability Resource Center: If a student has a documented disability that may require assistance, he or she should contact the Disability Resource Center (DRC) as soon as possible on any CSN campus:
Cheyenne Campus 651-4045
W. Chas. Campus 651-5644
Henderson Campus 651-3086
Course Attendance/Participation Policy: Regular and prompt attendance is expected in ALS 101.
Attendance will be taken at each class meeting. Students are expected to attend all scheduled class meetings.
This course strongly emphasizes your active involvement. Therefore, a substantial portion of your grade is based on attendance and participation. Come to class prepared, get involved in discussions, and make the most of your learning experience. Each person in the class is an educational resource and can contribute important insights. A key requirement of this course is to be prepared, participate, and complete all assigned work BEFORE the due date, including reading assigned chapters and materials, participating in field experiences and submitting assignments. This course will also include a series of in-class and web-based activities. You will be graded on successful completion of all activities and assignments.
After an absence, it is YOUR responsibility to partner with a classmate to obtain notes and other missed information. I will not provide make-up lectures, information, or explanations made necessary by your absence from scheduled classes.
Course Assignments and Evaluation Methods:
Attendance and Participation (50%)
The activities listed below will be included in your attendance and participation grade. All items are weighted equally, and are worth up to 100 points each.
Class discussions/in-class activities: All students are required to participate in class discussions and in-class activities.
Additional Activities: You will be expected to complete various quizzes, assignments, questionnaires and inventories designed to help you discover your academic strengths and weaknesses, learning styles, and career aptitudes. You may also be required to participate in additional in-class activities and field experiences.
CSN Services Presentation (25%) Each student will collect information about a student organization or department, [Counseling and Advising, Student Financial Services and Academic Scholarships, Office of Student Retention, Student Tutorial Services, Library Services, e-Learning, CSN Online Campus, Disability Services, Online Textbook Options (rentals, e-texts, online book retailers, etc.)], and present findings to the class using a class handout and PowerPoint® presentation software. In order to collect information, each student will interview a member of the organization or visit the center being researched. Pictures and informational brochures and documents should be included as part of the presentation. The electronic presentation and class handout must be submitted in hard copy format at the beginning of class on the date the presentation is made.
To engage the audience, include an activity to direct their focus. Please be creative and original in selecting your activity. (Examples: For financial aid, a student might bring chocolate coins to share. For psych services, a student might have the audience analyze Rorschach Ink Blots.) For each member of the class, you are expected to provide a one-page handout which summarizes the content of the presentation. On the day of your presentation you are to bring a printed copy of the CSN Services Presentation Evaluation form.
Career Portfolio and Presentation (25%) The career portfolio should be organized in hard copy format in a report cover to research related to three possible careers, including education requirements, working conditions, and salary. You may use the Occupational Outlook Handbook (http://www.bls.gov/oco/ooh_index.htm) as a resource for career information. You will also record your observations about each potential career choice, and then select one career in which you are interested. After choosing the career, you will use Internet resources to locate a job in the field and then prepare a cover letter, resume, and follow-up letter to be used to apply for the job. The ad, the cover letter, the resume, and the follow-up letter will be included in the portfolio. For the portfolio, you will also prepare and include a list of five questions commonly asked in an interview. Answer each question appropriately.
The first item included in the portfolio should be a printed copy of the Career Portfolio Evaluation form. The portfolio must also include a title page in APA format, a table of contents, and dividers with labeled tabs.
The essay portion of the portfolio will include information about THREE jobs in your career field. For the portfolio presentation, you will present an overview of the ONE job that is best suited for you. The presentation should include five slides: Title, Education, Salary, Working Conditions, and Discussion—Why did you choose this career? How is this career suited to your skills, abilities, and interests?
Class decorum: College students are expected to come to class prepared with all necessary materials including their textbook and be prepared to constructively and respectfully participate in class discussions and activities. Disruptive devices such as cell phones should be turned to “silent” mode during class meetings. Students should not bring children or other guests to class with them. The instructor reserves the right to dismiss a student who is sleeping, disruptive, or otherwise a detriment to the learning environment. In the rare instance a student is asked to leave the classroom, he or she will receive no attendance points for that class period.
Students’ Rights and Responsibilities: Information about CSN Student policies can be found in the current catalog and online via the college’s website.
Final Grade Calculation:
Letter
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Point Range
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A
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90-100
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B
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80-89
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C
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70-79
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D
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60-69
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F
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0-59
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Policy on Late Work/Makeup Work:
All papers, assignments, and quizzes are to be submitted in hard copy format and are due at the beginning of class on the date listed in the syllabus or as indicated by the instructor; all times are given in Pacific Time. Please review the schedule carefully and mark due dates on your calendar. DO NOT wait until the last minute to complete assignments. All assignments must include a cover page in APA style. (http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/)
Late assignments will be accepted up to one week after the due date and are subject to a 25-point penalty.
Course Schedule:
Class meeting/Date
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Topic
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Readings
Assigned readings should be completed prior to coming to class on the day they are assigned.
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Assignments/Quizzes
All assignments are due at the BEGINNING of the class period on the specified due date.
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1
8/27
Tues
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About ALS 101 (Syllabus review)
Day One questionnaire
Small group introductions
Adjusting to college culture
CSN Services:
Disability Resource Center
My CSN
Student Tutorial
Services/Honors Program
Computer Lab Resources
CSN Daycare
TRIO
Counseling and Advising Services
e-Learning/CSN Online Campus
Student Financial Services/FAFSA/Learning & Earning Program
CSN Bookstore
CSN Writing Center
Academic Calendar/Catalog
Psychological Services
Jump Start
Technology Services
International Student Services
Career Services Center/Transcript Services/Transfer Services
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Syllabus
Discuss textbook purchase options:
Rentals, e-texts, online booksellers.
Textbooks also on reserve in the library.
Connect on Facebook!
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Bring a printed copy of the course syllabus to class.
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2
8/29
Thurs
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Adjusting to college culture
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Guest speaker: Sherry Herington Advisor/Success Coach, Retention Services
Email: sherry.herington@csn.edu
651-4748
Cornerstone, Chapter 1, pp. 1-29
Discuss pp. 68-72, Academic Integrity/Student Services/GPA
Calculating Your GPA, pp. 71-2
Review information about CSN:
About the college:
http://www.csn.edu/about/index.asp
Student life:
http://www.csn.edu/pages/1189.asp
Clubs and organizations:
http://www.csn.edu/pages/2862.asp
Academic calendar:
http://www.csn.edu/pages/4102.asp
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3
9/3
Tues
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Developing motivation
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Cornerstone, Chapter 2, pp. 30-50
Student topic presentations
Discuss personal mission statements using Internet resources and Chapter 2, p. 45.
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Syllabus Quiz
Be prepared to make a two-minute presentation on a topic of your choice from the assigned reading. Be prepared to explain how you will apply this information to your life.
Review examples of personal mission statements:
http://missionstatements.com/personal_mission_statements.html
Choose an example of a personal mission statement that appeals to you.
Review tips for writing personal mission/guiding statements:
http://blacklifecoaches.net/2012/02/21/frame-reference-personal-mission-statement/
Develop a personal mission statement. Use the information on p. 45 under the heading Point 8 to prepare your statement. Answer questions on p. 49.
Be prepared to present your mission statement to the class.
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4
9/5
Thurs
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Developing motivation
Library Tour
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Meet in the classroom, we will go to the library together.
Library Tour
Jack Sawyer, Librarian
651-4444
Office 2100G (C2A)
jack.sawyer@csn.edu
Cornerstone, Chapter 2, pp. 30-50
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Be prepared to make a two-minute presentation on a topic of your choice from the assigned reading. Be prepared to explain how you will apply this information to your life.
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5
9/10
Tues
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Staying in college
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Cornerstone, Chapter 3 pp. 51-79
Student topic presentations
Discuss guidelines for CSN services presentations.
Students will choose presentation topics.
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Be prepared to make a two-minute presentation on a topic of your choice from the assigned reading. Be prepared to explain how you will apply this information to your life.
Bring a printed copy of the CSN Services Presentation Evaluation to class.
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6
9/12
Thurs
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Writing Center Tour
Computer Lab Tour
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Meet in the classroom. We will go together to the Writing Center.
Writing Center Tour
Room 1707 in Morse Arberry Telecommunications Building
651-4101
Computer Lab Tour
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7
9/17
Tues
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Improving communication and conflict resolution skills
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Cornerstone, Chapter 12, pp. 285-308
Discuss pp. 298-307
Student topic presentations
CSN Services Presentation:
Disability Resource Center
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Be prepared to make a two-minute presentation on a topic of your choice from the assigned reading. Be prepared to explain how you will apply this information to your life.
Bring to class:
Completed Conflict Management Assessment, p. 302.
Think about conflicts in which you have been involved that could have been avoided. Examples?
Be prepared to discuss appropriate ways for diffusing conflict.
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8
9/19
Thurs
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Improving communication and conflict resolution skills
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Cornerstone, Chapter 12, pp. 285-308
Student topic presentations
CSN Services Presentation: My CSN
Write solutions for conflict resolution scenarios.
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Be prepared to make a two-minute presentation on a topic of your choice from the assigned reading. Be prepared to explain how you will apply this information to your life.
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9
9/24
Tues
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Critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and information literacy skills
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Cornerstone, Chapter 5, pp. 111-137
The Last Lecture Randy Pausch
Student topic presentations
CSN Services Presentation: Office of Student Retention/Student Success Services
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Be prepared to make a two-minute presentation on a topic of your choice from the assigned reading. Be prepared to explain how you will apply this information to your life.
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10
9/26
Thurs
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Critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and information literacy skills
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Cornerstone, Chapter 5, pp. 111-137
The Last Lecture Randy Pausch
CSN Services Presentation: Student Tutorial Services/Honors Program
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Be prepared to make a two-minute presentation on a topic of your choice from the assigned reading. Be prepared to explain how you will apply this information to your life.
Write two paragraphs on this question: What wisdom would you impart to the world if you knew you had only 30 days to live. Be prepared to discuss in class.
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11
10/1
Tues
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Planning your time and reducing stress
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Cornerstone, Chapter 6, pp. 138-163
CSN Services Presentation: Computer Lab Resources
Student topic presentations
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Be prepared to make a two-minute presentation on a topic of choice from the assigned reading. Be prepared to explain how you will apply this information to your life.
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12
10/3
Thurs
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Planning your time and reducing stress
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Cornerstone, Chapter 6, pp. 138-163
Student topic presentations
CSN Services Presentation: CSN Daycare
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Be prepared to make a two-minute presentation on a topic of choice from the assigned reading. Be prepared to explain how you will apply this information to your life.
Create a plan for completing assignments in all of your classes for the next two weeks. Be prepared to present your plan in class.
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13
10/8
Tues
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Learning styles and intelligences
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Cornerstone, Chapter 7, pp. 164-188
Student topic presentations
CSN Services Presentation: TRIO
Discuss p. 176-77, The Eight Intelligences
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Be prepared to make a two-minute presentation on a topic of choice from the assigned reading. Be prepared to explain how you will apply this information to your life.
Complete the following assessments from Cornerstone and bring results to class:
Multiple Intelligences Survey, pp. 174-5
Learning Evaluation and Assessment, p. 178
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14
10/10
Thurs
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Learning styles and intelligences
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Cornerstone, Chapter 7, pp. 164-188
Student topic presentations
CSN Services Presentation: Counseling and Advising Services
Discuss p. 175-8, Understanding Personality Types
Discuss: https://www.personality page.html/careers.html
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Be prepared to make a two-minute presentation on a topic of choice from the assigned reading. Be prepared to explain how you will apply this information to your life.
Complete the
Personality Assessment Profile, pp. 181-2. Bring results to class.
Review this link: https://www.personality page.html/careers.html
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15
10/15
Tues
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Reading and comprehension skills
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Cornerstone, Chapter 8, pp. 190-211
Student topic presentations
CSN Services Presentation: e-Learning/CSN Online Campus
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Be prepared to make a two-minute presentation on a topic of choice from the assigned reading. Be prepared to explain how you will apply this information to your life.
Determine your reading style, using the test on pp. 192-3. Bring the results to class.
Calculate your reading rate, using the test on pp. 194-5. Bring the results to class.
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16
10/17
Thurs
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Cultural diversity
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Cornerstone, Chapter 12, pp. 287-299
Student topic presentations
Discuss p. 293.
CCN Services Presentation: CSN Bookstore
Diversity Activities: http://pubs.cas.psu.edu/freepubs/pdfs/ui378.pdf
Unequal Resources
Is That a Fact?
Walk Apart—Walk Together
Cultural Diversity Activity: Who would you save?
Discuss research assignment.
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Complete p. 321. Be prepared to discuss your answers in class.
Be prepared to make a two-minute presentation on a topic of choice from the assigned reading. Be prepared to explain how you will apply this information to your life.
Complete questionnaire, p. 297-8. Be prepared to discuss your answers in class.
Research a country of your choice. Discuss customs, language, business practices, population, climate, religious practices, and common symbols and gestures and their meanings.
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17
10/22
Tues
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Listening and note-taking skills
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Cornerstone, Chapter 9, pp. 212-234
Student topic presentations
CSN Services Presentation: CSN Writing Center
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Be prepared to make a two-minute presentation on a topic of choice from the assigned reading. Be prepared to explain how you will apply this information to your life.
Consider the four listening styles on p. 218. What is your listening style? Be prepared to discuss your listening style in class.
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18
10/24
Thurs
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Studying effectively
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Cornerstone, Chapter 10, pp. 235-258
Student topic presentations
CSN Services Presentation: Academic Calendar/Catalog
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Be prepared to make a two-minute presentation on a topic of choice from the assigned reading. Be prepared to explain how you will apply this information to your life.
Answer these questions in 2-3 paragraphs: Which study skill from this chapter is new to you? How could you apply this skill in your studies?
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19
10/29
Tues
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Managing your money
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Cornerstone, Chapter 11, pp. 259-284
CSN Services Presentation: Student Financial Services/FAFSA/Learning and Earning Program
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Be prepared to make a two-minute presentation on a topic of choice from the assigned reading. Be prepared to explain how you will apply this information to your life.
Track your expenditures for three days, as outlined on p. 283.
Calculate your “Latte Factor,” p. 277.
After reading the chapter, write a personal financial plan. Set 3 personal financial goals, such as paying off a debt, eliminating unnecessary expenses, eliminating the use of credit, or saving money. (You may have other ideas.) Create a plan for meeting each goal. Be prepared to discuss your goals in class and how you will meet the goals.
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20
10/31
Thurs
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Research, writing, and speaking skills
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Cornerstone, Chapter 4, pp. 80-110
Student topic presentations
Discuss p. 101.
Discuss: Is the library important in the digital age? Is writing a speech like writing a paper?
CSN Services Presentation:
Psychological Services.
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Be prepared to make a two-minute presentation on a topic of choice from the assigned reading. Be prepared to explain how you will apply this information to your life.
Complete Distance Education Readiness Assessment, p. 96.
Complete Building Your Information Literacy Skills, pp. 108-9. Read instructions carefully. You are to choose an article and write an essay as directed. Be prepared to discuss your article.
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21
11/5
Tues
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Research, writing, and speaking skills
Evaluating web-based resources for academic use
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Cornerstone, Chapter 4, pp. 80-110
Student topic presentations
Student Presentation: Counseling and Advising
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Be prepared to make a two-minute presentation on a topic of your choice from the assigned reading. Be prepared to explain how you will apply this information to your life.
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22
11/7
Thurs
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Discuss career portfolios and presentations
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Cornerstone, Chapter 4, pp. 80-110
Student topic presentations
Discuss Career Portfolio Checklist.
Each student will create a plan for completing the career portfolio. The plan should include dates for the following: 1. Completion of rough draft of essay, cover letter, and resume 2. Date to visit writing center with your rough drafts in hand 3. Date for completion of final drafts of each document 4. Date for compilation of portfolio, including title page, table of contents, and dividers with tabs.
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Be prepared to make a two-minute presentation on a topic of your choice from the assigned reading. Be prepared to explain how you will apply this information to your life.
Bring to class: Printed copy of the Career Portfolio Checklist
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23
11/12
Tues
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Focusing on your career
Researching career information (Occupational Outlook Handbook)
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Cornerstone, Chapter 15, pp. 356-380
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Be prepared to make a two-minute presentation on a topic of your choice from the assigned reading. Be prepared to explain how you will apply this information to your life.
Develop a career self-study plan by answering all questions on pp. 316-18.
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24
11/14
Thurs
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Resumes
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Cornerstone, Chapter 15, pp. 356-380
Sample Resume, p. 374
Share and discuss Goodwin resume. Explain how the resume was designed to play to her strengths.
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Be prepared to make a two-minute presentation on a topic of your choice from the assigned reading. Be prepared to explain how you will apply this information to your life.
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25
11/19
Tues
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Cover letters
Follow-up letters
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Sample Cover Letter, p. 371
Sample Follow-up Letters, p. 376
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Be prepared to make a two-minute presentation on a topic of your choice from the assigned reading. Be prepared to explain how you will apply this information to your life.
Bring chronological resume drafts to class for peer review.
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26
11/21
Thurs
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Job Interview Skills
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Student presentation:
Job interview skills
Bring cover letters to class for peer review.
Bring follow-up letters to class for peer review.
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27
11/26
Tues
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Job Interview Skits
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28
12/3
Tues
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Students will finalize presentations.
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29
12/5
Thurs
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Students will finalize presentations.
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|
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30
12/10
Tues
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CAREER PORTFOLIO PRESENTATIONS
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Career portfolios due
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31
12/12
Thurs
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CAREER PORTFOLIO PRESENTATIONS
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12/18
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Final Grades Due
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Grades will be available after this date.
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Disclaimer: The course syllabus/schedule is subject to change with notification by the instructor.
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