Embedded Files
Syllabus: “College Learning Integration"
Course Description
Throughout your college career, you have taken a variety of courses, both those for your major and those in the General Education Program. Each had its own unique focus, and it served to check off a box on your transcript. In the whirlwind of the college experience, we don't always have the time to stop and consider why we are in higher education and what we hope to apply from all of these courses and their learning outcomes to the rest of our lives. In College Learning Integration, we have the opportunity to do just that. We will consider what a liberal arts and sciences education means to each of us, what we have learned in our studies, how our chosen careers work together with the goals of the General Education Program, and how to continue our lifelong learning.
From University Catalog:
“IDIS 4200 College Learning Integration is the culminating learning experience in the General Education Program. Students taking this course will engage with questions such as: what does it mean to receive a degree from a liberal arts and sciences university? What do individual careers have in common with General Education learning outcomes and skills as students look ahead to their personal and professional lives post-graduation? In this General Education capstone course, primarily through the development of a portfolio as well as other activities, students will reflect on their progress through the General Education curriculum and probe the significance of what it means to be a college-educated individual.”
What Will We Learn?
At the end of this course, successful students will be able to:
*articulate the value of and the personal reasons for earning a degree at a liberal arts and sciences institution, particularly to potential employers;
*apply General Education learning outcomes and skills to real-world personal and professional situations and simulations;
*demonstrate how General Education learning outcomes and skills can be integrated together, utilizing multiple areas of knowledge and multiple modes of inquiry and benefiting from multiple perspectives;
*assess intellectual progress through reflections on and revisions of previous work within a portfolio;
develop their insights effectively through written and oral communication; and
apply information literacy skills and the steps of the research process in creative and/or independent ways.
* General Education Learning:
This course meets the Integrative High Impact Practice (IHIP) requirement in the General Education curriculum. IHIPs are defined as courses that “integrate and apply knowledge from different disciplines and experiences” through “active academic experiences that engage students in deep and reflective learning.” In this General Education capstone course, we will create a researched, writing-intensive reflective portfolio.
Instructor: Dr. Kisha Tracy
Phone: x4827
Student Hours: Virtual by appointment
Email: ktracy3@fitchburgstate.edu (best way to contact)
*Email Policy: with the exception of weekends, if you do not receive a reply in 24 hours, email again. Also please note: there is an address with "student" in it. If you use that address, I will not receive it.
Pronouns: she/her
About: Dr. Tracy is a Professor of English Studies, specializing in medieval British and early world literatures. Her research specialty is Middle English literature, the time period of Geoffrey Chaucer, especially memory and mental disabilities. Her hobbies include photography, martial arts, classic films, and trips to historical sites. She is also an avid fan of the Boston Bruins.
Credentials:
Ph.D., Medieval Studies, University of Connecticut
Certificate in College Teaching, Higher Education Consortium of Central Massachusetts
Certificate in Mental Health First Aid, National Council for Behavioral Health
Course Requirements:
Course Requirements:
At a Glance
General Education Portfolio: 70%
Why General Education? Video (Part 1 and Part 2): 20%
Three Annotated Pieces of General Education Work (from three different learning outcomes): 15%
Overall Reflection: 20%
Activities: 15%
Professionalism (participation, discussion, Google Classroom, class preparation, etc.): 15%
Details
The General Education Portfolio assignments will be turned in through Google Classroom ONLY unless otherwise specified. The Activities assignments will mainly be turned in via Padlet. Work will NOT be accepted through any other method (this includes email). See "Late/Incomplete Work” section under “Other Course Policies.”
General Education Portfolio: 70%
Requirements, expectations, and details about this project will be introduced and discussed on the separate assignment sheets and on the course site. There will be multiple assignments throughout the semester that will be combined together to create a final portfolio that will be available for personal and professional use beyond the course.
Habits of Mind Reflection: A reflection on progress made with the development of habits of mind (introduced in First-Year Experience or equivalent).
Why General Education? Video (Part 1 and Part 2): A two-part discussion of why General Education is significant and how it complements an individual’s major/career.
General Education Coursework Assessment: An assessment of learning from all General Education courses taken - including Foundation, Exploration, and Integration (or courses transferred in) - and the areas of connection.
Three Annotated Pieces of General Education Work: Sample work selected from three different learning outcomes and introductions to each.
General Education Resume: A resume highlighting skills developed in General Education courses.
Overall Reflection: A comprehensive discussion, after a semester of reflection, on General Education learning throughout entire program at Fitchburg State (or courses transferred in) and potential future application.
Portfolio Works Cited: An organized collection of the sources used throughout the portfolio.
Assignment demonstrates student achievement of learning outcomes: to articulate the value of and the personal reasons for earning a degree at a liberal arts and sciences institution, particularly to potential employers; to apply General Education learning outcomes and skills to real-world situations and simulations; to demonstrate how General Education learning outcomes and skills can be integrated, requiring multiple areas of knowledge and multiple modes of inquiry, and benefiting from multiple perspectives; to intellectual progress through reflections on and revisions of previous work within a portfolio; to develop their insights effectively through written and oral communication; and to apply information literacy skills and the steps of the research process in creative and/or independent ways.
Why?
Activities: 15%
Several Activities will be required throughout the semester. Instructions will be given for each one individually. Much of the work for the Activities will be completed on Activities Padlet or on TED-ED (links from Course Schedule). Many of the Activities will help with the development of Portfolio materials.
Assignment demonstrates student achievement of learning outcomes: to articulate the value of and the personal reasons for earning a degree at a liberal arts and sciences institution, particularly to potential employers and to develop their insights effectively through written communication.
Why? "Active Learning for the College Classroom"
Professionalism (participation, discussion, Google Classroom, class preparation, etc.): 15%
Even (especially) in an online format, participation is necessary in order to gain as much as possible out of the course. Students are expected to participate in assignments and prepare the assigned materials, including readings and written responses. In order to participate in the course and earn the participation grade, you must be fully prepared, engaged (which includes being aware of assignments, turning in assignments on time, demonstrating activity, communication with the instructor, etc.), present a positive attitude, and contribute to class.
Students who have difficulties completing course requirements due to extenuating circumstances should contact the Dean’s Office (Sanders 204; 978-665-3130) and ask them to issue formal notification to all instructors regarding the issue. Students are responsible for all missed work.
Assignment demonstrates student achievement of learning outcome: to develop insights effectively through written and oral communication.
Why? "Blend Online and In-Class Discussions to Give Every Student a Voice"
Notes on Technology:
Notes on Technology:
Class Site, Blackboard, and Google Classroom
There will be a Google site and a Google Classroom for this course, which will include announcements, discussion, links, etc. Many of the major assignments will be turned in through Google Classroom. A Blackboard course has been created for this class, and all of the information, including the syllabus, course schedule, and any changes thereto, will be posted. Links to on-line readings will be posted periodically. Only important Blackboard announcements will be posted; notices of these go to your school email. Students are responsible for accessing and reading all materials, including ANY announcements on Google Classroom and Blackboard. In addition, students will be responsible for checking the Google Classroom discussion and their school email account as both will be the primary methods of communication for the course. This means students are responsible for immediately contacting Dr. T if Google Classroom, Blackboard, and/or email become a problem.
Our class site is a public space. If, at any time, you have issues with any information (i.e. creating accounts, user names, use of legal name, etc.) that you are asked to publish in these spaces, especially if these issues are privacy related, please see the instructor in order to discuss your concerns and potentially make alternate arrangements. If you have any concerns with course responsibilities as related to FERPA rights, please see the instructor in order to discuss alternative options.
Why? "The Benefits of Sharing Student Work in Online Spaces"
Course Policies:
Course Policies:
Due Dates
All due dates are listed on the Course Schedule.
Late/Incomplete Work
Late assignments without prior permission or without the presence of extenuating circumstances will result in a lowering of the assignment grade. For each class period that an assignment is late, the final will be docked one letter grade. In-class work must be completed at the designated times unless we have made a previous arrangement. PLEASE MAKE SPECIAL NOTE that any incomplete work that does not meet the guidelines provided for that assignment (i.e. page length, font, etc.) will be docked one letter grade.
Plagiarism/Academic Dishonesty
It is assumed that, at this point in your academic career, you are aware of proper citation and citation styles as well as appropriate use of source materials. Plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated and will result in FAILURE of the course. Academic integrity is central to the mission of educational excellence at Fitchburg State University. Each student is expected to turn in work completed independently, except when assignments specifically authorize collaborative effort. Types of misconduct and ways to avoid it are on Blackboard under “Course Documents." Pay attention as ignorance of the policy will not serve as an excuse. If an assignment becomes frustrating or you have questions, please discuss the problem with Dr. T. Read the University’s Student Handbook on the Student Affairs site and the Academic Integrity Policy.
Disabilities
If you have a documented disability for which you are or may be requesting an accommodation, please contact Dr. T and the Disability Services Office in the Hammond Building as soon as possible.
Student Well-Being Resources:
Student Well-Being Resources:
A variety of issues can impede the learning process. If you are having an issue that affects your ability to learn in this course, please talk to me and/or find the help that you need. Some of the resources and information available on or about campus are provided here.
If you have an ongoing issue that prevents you from attending class or completing work, visit the Office of Student Affairs. By doing so, you can potentially receive accommodations.
Safety
(978) 665-3111
Campus Police provides services to promote campus-wide safety and is available to assist the campus community 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Our Student Security Officers assist Police Officers in providing safe, escorts to and from any point on campus and the immediate neighborhood from 9PM-2AM. The Fitchburg State University Police Officers will provide escorts outside of those times and when the MART shuttles are not in service. All students are encouraged to get an escort. Use the emergency call boxes or telephone (978) 665-3111 to request one.
Financial Issues
Books
If you are unable to purchase books for this course in a timely fashion, please see Dr. Tracy as soon as possible.
Financial Aid and Student Accounts
Having trouble with holds? Buying books? Paying bills? Check with Financial Aid and Student Accounts.
Finding a Job
Note: while it is understandable that many need to be employed while in school, please keep in mind that taking a full load of courses is equivalent to a full-time job unto itself.
Physical and Mental Health
The ACTION Community Health Center is located close to our campus in Central Plaza at 130 Water Street (Market Basket plaza), where students can access a broad array of primary care services, behavioral health care services,* and dental care. Medical services are provided 8AM-5PM Monday-Friday, and 9A-1PM Saturday. The cost for accessing care will usually be determined by what type of insurance you have.
The Counseling Services Office offers a range of services including individual, couples and group counseling, crisis intervention, psychoeducational programming, outreach workshops, and community referrals. Counseling services are confidential and are offered at no charge to all enrolled students. Staff at Counseling Services are also available for consultation to faculty, staff and students. Counseling Services is located in the Hammond, 3rd Floor, Room 317.
Fitchburg Anti-Violence Education (FAVE)
FAVE collaborates with a number of community partners (e.g., YWCA Domestic Violence Services, Pathways for Change) to meet our training needs and to link survivors with community based resources. This site also features resources for help or information about dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship or has been a victim of sexual assault, there are many places to go for help. Many can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. On campus, free and confidential support is provided at both Counseling Services and Health Services.
Food Pantries
Food insecurity is a growing issue, and it certainly can affect student learning. The ability to have access to nutritious food is incredibly vital. The Falcon Bazaar, located in Hammond G15, is stocked with food, basic necessities, and can provide meal swipes to support all Fitchburg State students experiencing food insecurity for a day or a semester. The university continues to partner with Our Father's House to support student needs and access to food and services. Note that students do not have to provide proof of residency. You just have to show your Fitchburg State One Card to access the pantry. If you or someone you know is concerned about finding meals, please consider utilizing these services.
Study/Life Breaks
We all need a break every so often. Here are some of the options on campus:
Library Reading Nook (for extracurricular reading - first floor)
Academic Support
We use quite a bit of technology in this course. If you are having difficulty with a device, please talk to IT as soon as possible.
Mission: To help students increase academic achievement, enhance their ability to learn, apply knowledge, develop study habits, become more self-directed learners, and build critical thinking skills.
What We Offer:
Free tutoring to all Fitchburg State University Students in over 80 courses
Individual Tutoring
Small Group Tutoring
Walk-in Math Center
Walk-in Writing Center
E-tutoring
MTEL preparation
Location and Hours: Located in room 306 of the Hammond Building. Office Hours: 8AM-5PM Monday to Friday.
If you have research or service related questions, please use our live chat, call the Research Help Desk at (978) 665-3223, or email the Research Help Desk . Staff and librarian contact information can be found on our staff profiles page. You can also schedule a research appointment with a librarian.
Book a Study Room (groups or individuals)
At the library - 9 large study rooms containing a conference table, white board, media viewing equipment, Apple TV, and seating for up to 8 people; 8 small study rooms containing a conference table, computer, and whiteboard.
Useful Information, Offices, and Services
Click here for a map of gender-neutral bathrooms on campus. They are designated with the following sign.
Parents and Parenting
To my knowledge, as of this point, the university does not have an official policy on children in the classroom. There might be disruptions in childcare for a variety of reasons; while it is not an advisable long-term child-care solution, children are welcome in my classes if necessary. I ask that parents and children sit close to the door in case you need to step outside. If you are a parent who is experiencing difficulty in finding time to study, please discuss options with Dr. Tracy to maintain your engagement in the class and your level of work.
The Commuter Affairs Program provides programs, services and facilities that directly address the needs of commuter students. The Commuter Affairs office is located on Ground Level of the Hammond Campus Center. The office is staffed by undergraduate Commuter Assistants who can answer your questions about commuter life, sign out lockers, and assist you in learning about your off-campus housing options. The lounge features comfortable couches and chairs, high-top tables, and a large television.
We are proud to have you at Fitchburg State University and we appreciate your service to our nation. Managing your educational, military and personal responsibilities can be a challenge, and we strive to provide the services and support necessary to achieve your academic goals.
Course "Rules":
Course "Rules":
Thou shalt...
…TAKE CARE of yourself mentally and physically. (This includes making every attempt to eat and sleep properly and to seek help if needed (see resources above). Research and common sense show that physical and mental stress impedes learning.)
…TALK TO THE INSTRUCTOR. (If there is a problem or a question, particularly about ANYTHING that may prevent you from completing readings/assignments, please talk to me either before or after class or by email. There is much I can do to help, but only if I know there is a problem. Unfortunately, I am NOT a mind reader.)
…read and follow “Writing Expectations” document.
…remember to complete your on-going assignments.
…NOT try to complete the work at the last minute. (It will not be manageable. Complete the work a little along so that you do not get behind and so that you can get the full benefit of readings and assignments.)
…prepare questions and thoughts as you read.
…attempt to make connections between readings.
…do all of the readings. (Not completing the readings is always very tempting. However, doing so will make it much more challenging to participate in discussion.)
…create drafts of work. (The importance of working on early drafts and soliciting feedback cannot be stressed enough. Turning in work that has not been reread, revised, and proofread automatically indicates a lack of professionalism.)
…plan ahead. (There is a schedule attached with all of the readings and assignments; take the time to look at this schedule and plan accordingly.)
…do outside reading. (It is perfectly appropriate and is encouraged for students to do readings and research outside of what is assigned; this will help to generate more discussion in class and will make writing essays easier.)
Did you know…
…every three-credit course is allowed and encouraged to require a MINIMUM of six hours of work per week OUTSIDE of the time spent in class? Keep this in mind as you are planning your schedule and thinking about how much effort you are putting into this course.
See the Purdue University Student Guide to Creating a Successful College Experience.
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I HAVE SPOKEN
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