Instructor: Dr. Marianne Goodfellow
Office: A113
Office Hours: Monday and Wednesday 10-11:45 and by appointment
Voice Mail: 385-6074
Home Phone: 385-4271
E-Mail: mxg10@psu.edu
Course Description:
This course, CAP 110S, which is a one-credit course, completes the Penn State Capital College's first year seminar for the School of Behavioral Sciences and Education. The overarching goal of the FYS is to provide students with an introduction to Penn State culture and resources, information literacy and collaboration skills needed for academic success, as well as an introduction to majors and careers relevant to the discipline. These core elements of the FYS will aid students in the professional/academic community both inside and outside Penn State University. The instructor will place emphasis on having students work in collaborative groups on academically themed project(s) deemed relevant to the discipline.
Course Objectives:
There are five major objectives to this course:
- To introduce students to the cultural expectations of the Penn State community as codified in the Penn State Principles.
- To provide students with the requisite information literacy skills required for success within the academic community.
- To provide students with the information needed to choose majors appropriate to their skills and future career interests.
- To provide students with the skills needed to work collaboratively on both in-class and out-of-class assignments.
- To offer opportunities for students to develop necessary technology skills, study skills, an awareness of the relationship between wellness and academic success, and to become introduced to the wealth of academic programs and opportunities available to them as a member of the Penn State community.
Course Requirements:
Modules: You will complete the following assignments to demonstrate your information literacy skills as well as your exploration of majors and careers-a Library Skills Module, Internet Skills Module, and Using Navigator Module.
Team Project: This assignment will enable you to research a topic and to work collaboratively with a team who has an interest in the same topic. Your team will deliver a 20-25 minute group presentation to other class members. More specific details on this assignment will be provided. Presentations will be scheduled at the end of the semester.
Out-of-Class Experience: This assignment requires you to attend 10 campus events during the fall semester. The reason for this assignment stems from college research that strongly suggests that student involvement in out-of-class activities increases their satisfaction and success in college, and enhances their prospects for success after college. You will maintain a ìPassportî that will record your attendance at these events. You will develop a contract that outlines the events you plan to attend.
Attendance Policy: Class attendance is required. I expect to see you in every class and to actively participate. If you are unable to attend class you must contact me via e-mail or voice-mail. Attendance will be taken once at the beginning of class. If you come in late, it is your responsibility to inform me after class.
Grading Policy:
For all students in this course, the final course grade will be based on the following point distribution:
| Modules |
150 points (50 points each) |
| Team Project |
150 points |
| Out-of-class experience |
100 points (10 points each) |
| Attendance |
100 points |
In addition to attendance points, other extra credit points may be added as opportunities arise.
The following grade criteria will be used:
| A |
93 and above |
| A- |
90 to 92 |
| B+ |
87 to 89 |
| B |
83 to 86 |
| B- |
80 to 82 |
| C+ |
76 to 79 |
| C |
70 to 75 |
| D |
60 to 69 |
| F |
59 and below |
Academic Integrity:
Academic integrity is the pursuit of scholarly activity in an open, honest and responsible manner. Academic integrity is a basic guiding principle for all academic activity at The Pennsylvania State University, and all members of the University community are expected to act in accordance with this principle. Consistent with this expectation, the University's Code of Conduct states that all students should act with personal integrity, respect other students' dignity, rights and property, and help create and maintain an environment in which all can succeed through the fruits of their efforts.
Academic integrity includes a commitment not to engage in or tolerate acts of falsification, misrepresentation or deception. Such acts of dishonesty violate the fundamental ethical principles of the University community and compromise the worth of work completed by others. (Also read attached Statement regarding academic integrity)
Note to students with disabilities: It is Penn Stateís policy not to discriminate against qualified students with documented disabilities in educational programs. If you have a disability related need for modifications in this course, contact your instructor and the Disability Service Coordinator in the Student Services Building. Instructors should be notified during the first week of classes.
