IND 1003: Critical Inquiry

I. General information:

a. Program affiliation: Core

b. Course number and title: IND 1003 LEC 03: Critical Inquiry

c. Meeting times: MWF 11:00-11:50

d. Room: B-207

e. Prerequisites: New U of O student

f. Professor: Dr. Sean T. Coleman Office: S-222 Phone: 979-1364 Email: scolema@ozarks.edu

g. Office Hrs: MWF: 10:00-11:00 MTWF: 1:00-2:00 R 11:00-12:00

h. Last day to drop: November 4^th

i. Course web-site: http://ozarks.ucompass.com and http://departments.ozarks.edu/msc/Biology/courses.htm

II. Materials:

a. Textbook: Browne, M. Neil and Stuart Keeley.  Asking the Right Questions: A Guide to Critical Thinking.  Sixth Edition.  Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 2001.

b. Assignment: Ehrenreich, Barbara. Nickel and Dimed: On (not) Getting by in America. First Edition. New York, New York: Henry Holt, 2001

c. Assignment: Huxley, Aldous. Brave New World. Perennial Press; Reprint edition (September 1998).

d. 1 sheet of poster board

III. Course Description: The course focuses on developing and strengthening the foundation skills needed for academic success at the college level. It introduces the principles of critical thought and develops the habits of critical thinking through a variety of methods and activities. With emphasis on close reading, careful listening, civil discourse, logical reasoning and application of these skills to real-world situations, this course prepares students for the work they will do in all subsequent courses at the University.

Student social skills are also addressed; a variety of social activities, cultural events and community service outings foster a connection with classmates, the school, and the community. Two or more peer mentors are assigned to each class to assist students in making the transition to college; peer mentors serve as resource/ contact people, role models and facilitators of small-group discussion.  

Note to Students:  This is a course you are expected to take during your freshmen year.  It is a graduation requirement that is designed to benefit new students.   Although the course, like any course, may be dropped, there will be only two sections offered in the spring and first consideration for enrollment in these sections will go to students beginning or transferring to U-of-O in the spring semester.  Those who drop in the Fall will most likely be forced to take the course the following Fall with the new freshmen.  Before you allow yourself to get into the position of having to drop the course, ask yourself how much worse it will be if you have to take it with next year’s class.

IV. Intended Student Outcomes:

1) Students will communicate effectively, learning to clearly and effectively express ideas and actively listen to the ideas of others in discussions

2) Students will think critically, learning to

· read with comprehension

· transfer and apply knowledge and skills to new situations

· solve multi-step and non-routine problems involving a range of reasoning skills

· evaluate and analyze arguments from more than one perspective

3) Students will have knowledge of human culture, learning to use available technologies to gather and process information effectively.

4) Students will be aware of their responsibilities to themselves, to humanity, to their planet and to their creator, learning to

· examine personal lifestyle, ethics, integrity, values and priorities

· respect individuals with beliefs, backgrounds or abilities different from their own

· contribute to the welfare of their community and ecosystem

V. Specific Course Goals:

By the end of the course, students will have improved their skills in

· thinking, listening, reading and writing critically

· communicating information clearly, accurately and concisely

· articulating a personal viewpoint while using supporting statements/examples that adhere to high academic standards of proof

· presenting arguments and engaging in discussion with others in a courteous, professional manner that integrates intellectual rigor with respect for the viewpoints and values of others

· evaluating information from a variety of sources for bias and accuracy, including information from television, film, printed materials, and internet resources

· coping with the difficulties of college life--academic, personal, social--in a manner consistent with their values and priorities and become familiar with the wide variety of resources available for help with individual problems

· establishing a pattern of learning that is self-motivated and fulfilling

· group work and dynamics

· strengthening vocabulary skills

Students will also

· learn how to fulfill the University portfolio requirement

· fulfill the University computer literacy requirement

VI. Attendance: You will be expected to attend every lecture. Three unexcused absences are allowed (you are still responsible for timely work), after 3 absences your course grade may be lowered by one full letter grade per unexcused absence. Missing more than twelve class periods will result in a failing grade for the course, at the professors discretion. You will be expected to be prepared for and participate in class discussions, passive attendance may be considered an absence. Attendance and participation will be the determining factors for assigning the final grade to a student whose total points fall near a borderline.

In case of illness, emergency or other excusable absence contact the professor as soon as possible. Please leave a message on the answering machine at the phone number listed above. Written verification may be required. If you know you will miss an assignment before hand please contact the professor and/or your group members, you are responsible for turning in your work on time.

VII. Academic Honesty: Cheating will not be tolerated! The minimum penalty for cheating will be a zero (0) for that assignment, exam or quiz. Other penalties can include but are not limited to failing the course, academic probation and/or suspension from the University. Plagiarism is also a form of cheating and will be dealt with accordingly. Verbatim use of words from sources without proper notation will result in a minimum of a single grade deduction and/or see above. Furthermore, when working in groups each person must complete and hand in their own work in their own words. Finally, assignments completed for this class must not be used in another class without the consent of both professors.

VIII. Evaluation: Journals, Article Reviews, PBL and Vocabulary Quizzes.

a. Written assignments: Any written assignment must be typed, double-spaced and are to be turned in immediately following the class period on the date they are due. Late assignments will be penalized 10% per class day they are late. Any assignment turned in more than two weeks late will receive a zero (0).

i. Journals:

Each student will keep a journal, using the entries to reflect on important events, issues, and concerns that arise that week in his/her life. The entries should be written at least once a week (choice of day is up to the student) and are due normally on Monday. The assignment must be typed and each entry at least 100 words in length—although you are, of course, welcome to write more if you wish; the journals will be graded on the following criteria:

· Each entry is neatly written and handed in on-time in your journal binder.

· Each entry is at least 100 words in length.

· Each entry shows evidence of thoughtful reflection (in other words, not just a simple recording of events but a serious examination of what is happening and why):

Poor entry: “Today Joan and I went shopping. It was fun. Then I studied for my Biology test but stopped when some friends stopped by. At 1 a.m. I went to bed.

Acceptable entry: “Today Joan and I went shopping. I like shopping but it worries me that I spent so much money today; I’ve been using my credit card a lot lately and I think I might have to get a part-time job to pay the bills. I tried to study tonight but, like most nights, I had trouble concentrating because someone always comes over to the room and wants to chat. I want to socialize but I also need to get my work done. Maybe I need to find a place other than my room to study at night so I won’t be interrupted.

Note that you will NOT be graded on whether or not I like or approve of the content of what you write; please use proper grammar and spelling, however, this is the only assignment I will give in which I will NOT deduct points for poor grammar.

On occasion you may be assigned a specific topic on which to write, but if no specific topic is given, you may write about whatever you wish. The following list gives suggestions of appropriate topics:

· Anything about which you have strong feelings: angers, frustrations, disappointments, joys, satisfaction, anxiety, depression.

· Relationships with classmates and instructors

· Family concerns

I am imposing only one restriction: Please do not use real names when discussing a classmate or instructor; it would not be appropriate for me to read about other students I may have in class or colleagues with whom I work.

Important Note: Please be assured that I will be the only person reading your journals (see confidentiality notice). These materials will not be shared with any other student in the class.

The journal entries will be worth 10 points per week.

1. Confidentiality Notice:

a. Faculty members may discuss the contents with the mentor program coordinator, the president of the university, and/or the vice president for academic affairs.

b. If a faculty member reasonably believes the contents of a journal reflect a possible danger to the author or any third party, the faculty member may take reasonable steps to prevent harm, including but not limited to disclosure of the journal's contents as the faculty member, in his/her sole discretion, deems appropriate. The university, its officers, trustees, and employees shall have no liability to the student or any third party on account of the disclosure or non-disclosure of information contained in a student journal."

ii. Article Reviews: Critical thinking and reading comprehension will be taught through the reading and reviewing of newspaper, magazine and Internet articles. You will be responsible for reading the article and writing a critical review of the article(s). Each review will be worth at least 10 points. Information on the format for article reviews can be found at the website listed below. http://departments.ozarks.edu/msc/Biology/Report.htm

iii. Nickel and Dimed: One assignment will be reading the book Nickel and Dimed. Discussions of chapters will be used for attendance purposes. There will also be written assignments based off of this book (worth up to 100 points total).

iv. Brave New World: Reading BNW and watching the movie Gattaca will be used for another writing assignment based on comparing the two and looking at social implications (worth up to 100 points total).

v. Asking the Right Questions: Written assignments may be due for each chapter of the text for this class. Weekly quizzes may also be given based on the chapters. Students may take notes on the chapter and use these notes for the quiz (10-20 points each).

b. Group Projects: A portion of your grade will be based on the results of projects involving group problem-solving. The class will work on problems, ordinarily working in groups of 3-5 students and keeping project logs that record the activities of all members in support of solving the problem. Each project requires a written assignment or oral presentation at its completion; this assignment will be graded and that grade assigned to all members of the group—although the instructor reserves the right to lower the grade of any student who, by evidence of project logs and personal observation, has failed to do his/her share of the work. Students will have an opportunity to set ground rules for this type of situation early in the semester. There may also be a number of individual assignments generated during the various phases of the problem-solving process. These assignments will be kept in your binder and graded individually.

c. Vocabulary Quizzes: Each student must come to every class period with one vocabulary word, with definition, from readings done for class or words from class itself. These words and definitions will be read to the class and be proof of attendance (along with participation), also quizzes will be administered over these words every Friday (~10 pts per quiz).

d. Collage: One of your first assignments will be to make and present a collage on your-self that will be worth 50 points.

e. Computer Literacy: In order to pass this class you must pass the computer literacy exam.

f. Extra credit: Will not be given unless it is announced in class and everyone has an opportunity to receive it.

g. Final grades: The final grades will be based on a scale of the total points earned in the class. The most stringent scale will be 90-100% an A, 80-89% a B, 70-79% a C, 60-69% a D and 59% and less an F. Any grade near the borderline may be raised at the professor’s discretion (please see article VI. Attendance). Letter grades announced for individual assignments are purely estimates of your general ranking. Only your final numerical average will be considered in assigning your final grade which will be on a P/D/F scale (P= 100-70%; D= 69-60% and F= less than 60%).

IX. Social, Cultural and Community Service Component:

In order to receive a passing grade with no penalty, students must also complete a total of five activities including:

· Attendance at least One social activity (e.g., movie nights, hiking trips, pizza parties, field trips)

· Attendance at least One University-sponsored cultural event:  concerts, lectures, theater productions and art exhibits (most of these will also earn convocation credit)

· Performing one two-hour community service project (either individually or as part of a group project).

These are MINIMAL requirements.  There will be 3-5 opportunities for social activities, at least eight (8) cultural events from which to choose and at least four possible hours of community service.  Those who do not fulfill the minimum activity requirements will receive:

· Completion of 4 activities results in the students final grade being lowered one full letter grade

· Completion of 3 activities results in the students final grade being lowered two full letter grades

· Completion of 2 or fewer activities results in the student failing the course

X. Etiquette at Cultural Events: Many students may be unfamiliar with what is expected in terms of dress and behavior at public concerts, lectures, plays and other cultural events.  The following rules generally apply:

· It is not necessarily expected that you dress in formal clothes for a concert or play.  People these days often dress casually for such events.  However, many of the audience members will come from the community and it is incumbent on all of us associated with the University to make a good impression on our neighbors from town, so dress neatly and cleanly.  Avoid cut-off, frayed jeans/shorts and tee-shirts; women should eschew unduly revealing clothes.

· Be courteous to those around you.  Many of you may be accustomed to talking, laughing and making jokes during private entertainment like home movie-watching, but such behavior is not acceptable at a public event.  You are certainly free to laugh when the entertainment is meant to be humorous; some performers are more casual than others and welcome audience interaction.  Unless this is clearly the case, however, do not talk excessively or crack jokes during performances—it is distracting to the performer(s) and other audience members.  Be sure also to turn off cell phones before entering the performance hall—your fellow concertgoers are interested in hearing the performance, not your social conversations.

· It is considered rude to do homework, balance your checkbook, or conduct other types of personal business during a public performance.   This is not the venue in which to dazzle people with your multi-tasking skills; you are expected to give your full attention to the performance or lecture.   It is, however, acceptable to take notes about the lecture or performance if you can do so discreetly.

· It is illegal in most cases to film or record a concert, play or lecture without direct, written permission from the performer(s) and those who hold the copyright to its contents.

· The above guidelines also apply to attendance at chapel convocations.

XI. Electronic Devices: You are welcome to use laptop computers and tape recorders in class to assist with note taking.  However, all cell phones and pagers must be turned off or left in your room/home.   The classroom is not a place for conducting your personal social activities.

XII. ADA Statement: If any member of the class has a documented disability and needs special accommodations, the instructor will work with the student and the office of Student Support Services or the Jones Learning Center to provide reasonable accommodation to ensure the student a fair opportunity to perform in this class. In order to plan for optimum success, please advise the instructor of the disability and the desired accommodations as soon as possible. Students are strongly encouraged to notify the instructor during the first week of classes. Without ample planning / preparation time, we cannot assure the availability of needed accommodations in a timely manner.

XIII. This Syllabus is Subject to Change at the Discretion of the Professor.

XIV. Most Importantly Ask Questions: If you have any questions about this syllabus, the material, exams or assignments ask the professor.

XV. Important Dates and Readings:

Week	In Class Activities/Assignments	Outside Activities
Aug 25^thMon. Wed. Fri.	Computer Training 8:45-9:30 AM J; V; ARQ 1 Collage; Start ND	Pizza 6:00 S-129
Sept 1^st Mon. Wed. Fri.	No Class J; V; ARQ 2 VQ; ND Fl
Sept 8^th Mon. Wed. Fri.	J; V; Learning Inventory V; ARQ 3 VQ; ND ME
Sept 15^th Mon. Wed. Fri.	J; V; Time Management V; ARQ 4 Library Tour	Sept 18^th Dinner at the President’s Vocal Recital 21^st
Sept 22^ndMon. Wed. Fri.	J; V; Time Management V; ARQ 5 J; VQ; ND MN+ Assignment
Sept 29^thMon. Wed. Fri.	J; V; Stress Management (?) V; ARQ 6 VQ
Oct 6^th Mon. Wed. Fri.	J; V; Academic Honesty V; ARQ 7 Computer Literacy Test	Theater Prod. Children 10^th and 11^th
Oct 13^thMon. Wed. Fri.	J; V V; ARQ 8 VQ; ND Assignment due	WAIS:  Medieval Storyteller (14^th) Service of Vespers (16^th)
Oct 20^thMon. Wed. Fri.	J; V; Advising/Portfolio V; ARQ 9 No Class
Oct 27^thMon. Wed. Fri.	J; V; Start BNW; Advising/Portfolio V; ARQ 10 VQ;	Halloween Organ Concert (30^th)
Nov 3^rdMon. Wed. Fri.	J; V; Advising/Portfolio V; ARQ 11 VQ; BNW Ch. 1-4
Nov 10^thMon. Wed. Fri.	J; V V; ARQ 12 VQ; BNW Ch. 5-8	WAIS:  Baroque Music Group (11^th)
Nov 17^thMon. Wed. Fri.	J; V V; ARQ 13 VQ; BNW Ch. 9-12
Nov 24^thMon. Wed. Fri.	J; V No Class No Class
Dec 1^stMon. Wed. Fri.	J; V; BNW Ch. 13-16 V; ARQ 14 VQ;	Movie Gattaca WAIS: Musical Comedy Group (5^th)
Dec 8^thMon. Wed. Fri.	J; V V VQ	Lessons and Carols (7^th and 9^th) Winter Gallery Gig (9^th)
Dec 15^th	Final Exam Tuesday December 16^th 2:00-4:30

KEY: Journal, J; Vocabulary, V; Vocabulary Quiz, VQ; Asking The Right Questions, ARQ; Brave New World, BNW; Nickel and Dimed, ND.