UNIVERSITY SEMINAR -- ACAD 103

Required Materials Course Description Course Objectives Course Evaluation
Classroom Guidelines Syllabus Assignments

 

Required Materials

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Course Description

This course is designed to help students make the transition to the urban university environment by preparing them academically, socially, and behaviorally. It will assist students in reaching their educational objectives through interactive instructional methods that promote the development of critical thinking skills and positive educational values. Students become familiar with the systems involved in the University, their own learning styles, and the skills necessary to succeed in University. Furthermore, they develop an awareness of and appreciation for multiculturalism and the diversity on campus and in the community, as well as acquire coping skills necessary to experience a balanced life.

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Course Objectives

Through participation in the University Seminar, you will be able to develop and demonstrate familiarity with:

1. SYSTEMS: Awareness of the University

 

  • Understand the characteristics of college life

  • Understand the organizational structure of the University

  • Recognize the responsibilities of students to the University

  • Recognize the responsibilities of the University to the students

  • Become familiar with academic support services: e.g., Admission Services, Office of Assessment & Testing, Academic Advising, Library, University Computing, Writing Lab, Math Lab, Learning Center

  • Personal support services (e,g, Bookstore, Cashier, Dean of Students, Counseling Office, Financial Aid Office, Help Office, Food Services, Health Services, Parking, Public Safety)

  • NEIU Publications: e.g., Academic Catalog, Schedule of Classes, the Official NEIU Website

2. DIVERSITY: Sense of academic community and sense of belonging

 

  • Examine own prejudices

  • Learn about own culture and others'

  • Learn to appreciate differences

  • Develop inclusive relationships with others

3. LEARNING STYLES: Strategic planning for personal development and growth

 

  • Recognize and understand personal value system

  • Examine personal learning attitudes, habits, and learning style

  • Recognize the appropriate use of passive, assertive, and aggressive behavior

  • Set personal and professional goals

  • Develop time management skills

 

4. ACADEMIC SKILLS & SELF-ASSESSMENT: Awareness of the learning partnership

 

  • Demonstrate critical thinking skills in the artifacts chosen or in the reflective essay

  • Improve reading, writing, listening, and note taking skills

  • Develop test taking sophistication

  • Develop memory techniques

  • Recognize the importance of textbooks in college classes

  • Develop competence in using the library and technological resources

5. A BALANCED LIFE: Preparation for the future

 

  • Develop stress management techniques

  • Develop a plan for holistic wellness

  • Learn how to make informed career choices

  • Understand interests, skills, aptitudes, and personality traits as related to selecting a career

  • Understand how to use the information available at NEIU to help choose a career

  • Explore career possibilities during the semester

 

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Course Evaluation

Your course grade will be based on the following elements:

You can calculate your final grade as follows:

SCORE GRADE
226-250 Points A
201-225 Points B
176-200 Points C
151-175 Points D
150 Points or fewer F

 

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Classroom Guidelines

  1. Acknowledge that institutionalized forms of oppression (i.e., racism, sexism, etc.) often exist;
  2. Acknowledge that we may be misinformed about our own groups and others;
  3. Agree not to repeat misinformation after we have learned otherwise;
  4. Agree not to "blame victims" for the condition of their lives;
  5. Assume that people generally try to do the best they can;
  6. Actively pursue information about our own and other groups;
  7. Share information about our groups with others, and never devalue anyone for her or his experiences;
  8. Agree to combat myths and stereotypes about all groups; and
  9. Respect the confidentiality of classmates when they request it.
  10. Others that students agree on.

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Syllabus

 Day by Day Breakdown can be Accessed Here.

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Assignments

Core Assignment 1: Systems

Core Assignment 2: Diversity

Core Assignment 3: Learning Styles

Core Assignment 4: Academic Skills

Core Assignment 5: A Balanced Life

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