STUDENT SUCCESS AND RETENTION CENTER (SSRC) Freshman Seminar 101 COURSE DESCRIPTION The Freshman Seminar course is an important component of the holistic freshman experience at Bowie State University (BSU).  It is designed to ensure students' successful social and academic transition into and pursuit of academic excellence within the BSU community.  The students will study BSU's history and legacy, successful alumni, and Bowie's contribution to the state of Maryland.  They will also strengthen foundations of academic and social success in college. In addition, students will critically analyze a set of interdisciplinary readings designed to introduce them to the essence of the liberal arts. These readings will enhance students" global awareness, critical thinking, and oral and written communication skills. The course will also emphasize students’ participation in experiential and cultural activities.  The goal is for students to become academically, personally, and socially successful within and beyond this intellectual community.  REQUIRED MATERIAL Pocket Folder Pens & Highlighters  Loose-leaf paper Mini Stapler & Staples                            STUDENT OUTCOMES At the completion of the course, the students will have: demonstrated critical thinking skills through the completion of written assignments and class discussions;         developed an interdisciplinary mode of thinking and appreciation for the rich history of Bowie State University; learned and used skills which provide a foundation for academic and personal excellence (e.g. time management, note taking), and will have knowledge of campus resources as demonstrated through the completion of related assignments; researched, outlined, and composed an essay which examines the historical evolution of their discipline (major); completed a college success portfolio, which will include an appraisal of their personal aptitude and career goals, reports on community service projects and cultural/experiential activities. INSTRUCTIONAL MODES Instruction and learning will take place through the students’ exposure to traditional, clinical, and field experiences. Traditional experiences will focus on in-class lectures/discussions, drills, guest speakers, and videos. Clinical experiences will require students to participate in cooperative groups/teams, presentations, peer consultations, workshops, role playing, guided discovery/values clarification, and computer based activities.  On a typical class day, the students will have prepared assignments and will be tested on their basic understanding of a unit reading and its significance to their experience. They will also be engaged in a discussion of relevant themes from the readings so that the class will achieve a deeper understanding of the significance of the course to their experience. In all, students are expected to be active participants in the learning process through the use of critical thinking skills.  STUDENT REQUIREMENTS Reading Assignments: Students are expected to complete designated reading assignments for each course unit so as to have meaningful class discussions about the readings.  The general goal is to enhance students critical reading and comprehension skills so that they may acquire the habits of successful learning.  Students may be quizzed or tested on the text.   Writing Assignments, Projects, and Activities: Students will demonstrate learning through the completion of various projects, assignments, and writings based upon the question generation strategy and successful note‑taking skills. Assignments will be graded for grammar and mechanics as well as ideas and must be typed and double‑spaced. All papers must be completed in APA format and stapled prior to submission.  (Handwritten assignments will not be accepted.) Freshman College Success Portfolio: Students will develop a portfolio of their freshman experiences.  The Success Portfolio will allow the students to thoroughly analyze their first year experiences and integrate them into their academic, career, and personal development.  Exams and Quizzes: Students should come to each class session prepared to be quizzed on previous lectures, assigned readings, and homework assignments.  The format of questions will include, but will not be limited to, multiple choice, true‑false, completion, and essay.  Exam dates will be specified; quiz dates need not be announced. All missed quizzes must be made up during the instructor’s office hours. Attendance: Attendance will be taken during the first five minutes of each class. Written documentation such as doctor’s notes, obituary programs, or legal documents will be required in order for an absence/late arrival to be excused. Students are responsible for obtaining all information missed during their absence. Students who have five or more unexcused absences will receive an F in the course. Two late arrivals will count as one absence.  BSU rules state, most importantly, that:  "Freshmen and probationary students are permitted no more than three (3) absences in a given course during a given semester."  However, in order to excel, students should plan to be in class and participate in the scheduled activities at all times. Participation: Students are expected to express their ideas freely and appropriately, respect the rights of their peers, be inquisitive, and be involved during all lectures and/or activities. Finally, they should embrace and demonstrate high standards of professionalism and conduct within the classroom environment. Students are also required to meet with their peer mentors. Late Assignment Submission Policy: Late assignments will not be credited toward the student’s final grade.  Additional Information: Students must submit their assignments, project, or portfolio to the instructor during class. Assignments, projects, or portfolios will not be accepted from classmates or peers. However, students may submit assignments in early to the instructor before the due date. EVALUATION PROCEDURES   Mentoring Program 10  Quizzes, Attendance, & Class Participation  20  Assignments  15  Midterm Exam 25  Final Exam 20   Portfolio 10                                                                    GRADING METHOD Final grades will not be changed unless there is an error in computation.  The numerical equivalents of the letter grades are as follows:                                     A = 90 - 100     B = 80 – 89        C = 70 – 79        D = 60 – 69        F = 59 & below STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES Students with documented learning, emotional, or physical disabilities are encouraged to meet with the instructor to discuss and arrange accommodations that support academic success.       BIBLIOGRAPHY Carson, B.  (1990).  Gifted hands.  Michigan: Review & Herald Publishing Association. Cose, E. (2003, March 3). The black gender gap. Newsweek, 46-51. Davis, S., Jenkins, G., & Hunt, R.  (2002).  The Pact. New York: Penguin Putnam, Inc. Fabrikant, G.  (2003).  From Wall Street to Mean Street. The New York Times Company. Rozhon, T. (2003).  Can urban fashion be def in des moines? The New York Times Company. Shabazz, I. (2002).  Growing up x. New York: The Ballantine Publishing Group. Taylor, S.  (1995).  Lessons in living.  New York: Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group, Inc. IMPORTANT INFORMATION Students should refer to the Schedule of Classes and the University Catalog for additional information pertaining to BSU policies and procedures.  The Bowie State University English Proficiency Examination (EPE) is required for graduation, and students must take it upon completion of English 102.  Transfer students who completed their English composition requirements at another university should take the English Proficiency Examination during their first semester at Bowie State. Freshman Seminar Instructors N. Baker, CLT  348 B S. Beckham, CLT  330 Dr. Briscoe,  CLT  314 Dr. M. Gross, MLK   230 M. Hughes, CLT  311 J. Johnson, MLK 330 Dr. Taylor, CLT  313 F. Toliver, CLT 330 P. Toney, CSB 315H A. Valentine, TH J. Wise, WC A. Williams, CLT  310 Dr. E.. Williams, CLT  330 Copyright © 2004 SSRC, Bowie State University SSRC Homepage    Placement Testing   Freshman Seminar    Mentoring Program    Disability Support Services      KEAP Program    Tutorial Services   Undeclared Majors