Counseling 107 Syllabus

Here you will find the syllabus for this course. 

Word Version of Course Syllabus: 

84400 CNSL-107 Syllabus ADA Accessible 30JUL2020 1.0.pdf

Below is a page version of the syllabus above.

Counseling 107: Freshman Experience Program (84400) Course Syllabus & Overview Fall 2020

 “The unexamined life is not worth living” ~Socrates

 

Class Information:

 Instructor: Mr. David Galazyn

Email: Galazyn_David@sac.edu (E-mail is the best way to reach me)

Class meets on Tuesday and Thrusdays from 8:35 AM - 10:00 AM 

First day of class: August 25/ Last day of class December 10

Room Number: Online, Access Conferzoom through Canvas

Phone: (714) 564-6103 (Counseling Center)

 

Required Text:  Focus on Community College Success, 5^th edition by Constance Staley.

 

Supplemental, not required readings: The Consolations of Philosophy by Alain De Botton.

 

Course Description

 

This course is to help students make a successful transition into higher education. Transition from high school to college and from college to the university can be a difficult process. It is our goal to help each student acquire the necessary skills that are crucial for academic success, while pursing your educational endeavors. As a result, there are critical skills that all students need to acquire for successful transition. This course will expand your knowledge in various study techniques that will allow you to explore and develop strategies to increase your academic success. Topics such as; time-management, test taking strategies, memory technique, and note taking will be covered in this course. In addition, topics such as; exploring transfer requirements, completing educational plans, and looking at barriers that can inhibit your success, will also be addressed as an important aspect in pursuing your educational goals.

 

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO):  Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

 

• The student will become familiar with the expectations and culture of post-secondary education.
• The student will identify and recognize social impediments to success in college and ways to overcome them.
• The student will assess and develop an individual learning style to ensure success in college.
• The student will complete individual and group assignment to learn and demonstrate individual and collaborative learning skills necessary for academic success in the linked classes.
• The student will develop a life-long appreciation of learning and its role in furthering career and personal goals.

 

Course Expectation:
Your class participation is valued, welcomed, and expected, as it is the foundation of this course.  Based on the importance of in-class discussions, group interactions, individual exercises, attendance, and active participation are critical aspects of this class and will be factored into your final grade. In addition, due to the personal nature of this course you are expected to abide by these guidelines:

 

• Attend every class, arrive on time, and stay the entire session.

• Read the assigned textbook chapters and complete any assignments before coming to class.
• Respect the instructor and your peers by actively listening, staying engaged in class and treating the personal issues and feelings of others with the utmost respect.
• Avoid excessive talking during lecture and don’t use group time as free talk time.
• Be open-minded and accept diversity by respecting the ideas, views and beliefs of those who think differently from you.

 

Course Policies and Procedures:

All homework assignments are DUE at the BEGINNING of class on the assigned due date. Please send any written work to me via Canvas in PDF format.  If Canvas is unavailable written work can be emailed to: Galazyn_David@sac.edu in PDF Format (E-mail Heading: CNSL-107 Section 84400). Late assignments will NOT be accepted.  Please allow 24 hours, Monday to Thursday for a response.  Please allow until Monday for communications sent Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

 

• If you are absent, your assignment is still DUE by 8:35 am for each class session.  Submit your assignment to me via Canvas in PDF format.  If Canvas is unavailable written work can be emailed to: Galazyn_David@sac.edu in PDF Format (E-mail Heading: CNSL-107 Section 84400).
• Not having your assignment turned in on time due to technical difficulties is not an excuse for missing and/or for late assignments.
• If you are late to class it is your responsibility to get missed assignments or handouts. If you are absent you can get missed assignments or handouts by seeing me after class.
• You are expected to problem-solve with the instructor if you experience anything outside the class that is hindering or preventing you from doing well in this course.

 

Attendance and Participation:

Many assignments involve in-class activities, group work and other assignments, which cannot be made up; therefore, regular attendance and participation is mandatory. To encourage attendance, I will take roll during class. Absences of 2 class sessions may result in the student being dropped.  If you decide to drop the course OR decide to stop attending, it is your responsibility to officially withdraw from the course to avoid an “F” grade. November 15^th, 2020 is the last day to drop with a “W”. However, the instructor has the right to drop you from the course for excessive absences (See 2020-2021 Catalog pg. 63– www.sac.edu).

 

If you are going to be absent please let me know via email Galazyn_David@sac.edu before class.

 

Academic Honesty

Academic dishonesty is seen as intentional act of fraud, in which a student seeks to claim credit for the work or efforts of another without authorization, or uses unauthorized materials or fabricated information in any academic exercise. Academic dishonesty includes falsifying the results of one’s research; steal the words or ideas of another, or to cheat on an examination (See 2020-2021 Catalog pg. 63– www.sac.edu). 

 

Academic Freedom Policy

This professor works to comply with the SAC Academic Freedom policy, meaning they should be free to think and to express ideas, free to select and employ materials and methods of instruction, free from undue pressures of authority, and free to act within their professional group. Such freedom should be used judiciously and prudently to the end that it promotes the free exercise of intelligence and student learning (See 2020-2021 Catalog pg. 14– www.sac.edu). 

 

As a member of this class you are encouraged to speak, write, listen, challenge and learn, without fear of censorship.  Civility and mutual respect are vital to all of us, and freedom of expression does not mean the freedom to harass or threaten others.  In this class you have the freedom to espouse and explore a wide range of ideas, because the freedom of speech is meaningless unless it means the freedom of the person who thinks differently.

 

Cell Phone/Electronic Devices Policy:
All cell phones and other electronic devices must be turned off and put away during class time. If you need to use your phone at any time, please step outside.

 

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities:
Students with verifiable disabilities who would like to request academic accommodations are responsible for notifying their instructor and Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSPS) in room VL-204, call at 715-564-6295.

 

Canvas:  Your course syllabus, course overview, and any additional information will be listed on Canvas.  All written assignments are to submitted on Canvas before they are due.  In order to login to Canvas, your must have your SAC WebAdvisor username and password. To log on to your Canvas account use the following link: https://rsccd.instructure.com.

 

Grading:  Your grade can be found on Canvas, in the grade book.  I update all grades previously turned in assignments on the following weekend.  If at any time you feel there is a mistake with a grade, or have any questions, please let me know via email: Galazyn_David@sac.edu.  You have control over your final grade. Your assignments and attendance/participation will ultimately impact what your final grade will be. Please look at the assignments sections and grading scales sections below for a breakdown of points possible and how grades are decided during the semester.

 

Course Credit: Attendance is required for all sessions. Absences will impact your overall grade and could result in the student being dropped from the course for more than 2 absences.  It is your responsibility to drop the course.  The last day to drop the course and NOT receive a “W” with enrollment fee refund is on September 6^th, 2020.  THE LAST DAY TO DROP the course and receive a “W” is on November 15^th, 2020.

 

Respect and Confidentiality: Respect and confidentiality are very important in my class.  I ask that you grant me your respect, and I hope to earn it throughout the semester.  I strictly require that you demonstrate respect for one another especially for other’s lifestyles, viewpoints, and ideas.  Students are asked to listen, disagree and contribute in a respectful manner.  Confidentiality is also mandatory due to the topics shared in class.

 

Individual Responsibility:  It is your responsibility to assess course materials, get answers to your questions, and make regular progress checks without reminders.  Active participation in the form of asking questions and contributing to class discussions and activities is expected.  Your involvement in the classroom will help you to succeed in this course and in college.  Please keep side conversations for after class.  If you have something to say or ask, please speak up or raise your hand.

 

No late work accepted. All assignments are due in class on the due date. Make sure you e-mail me if you are going to be late or absent. Incomplete work will receive zero points.

 

 Financial Aid: Important Note:  Financial Aid Can Help You Get Books NOW If you are receiving federal financial aid (the Pell Grant) and have already accepted your financial aid on WebAdvisor, you may use your financial aid to purchase your books through the SAC Don Bookstore before you actually receive your disbursement IF YOU ACT DURING THE FIRST TWO WEEKS OF THE SEMESTER by going to the Don Bookstore in VL -209, be prepared with a valid identification card and student number. After the second week you can no longer use this option because your check is being processed. If you have additional questions please come to the Financial Aid Office in VL-105.

Assignments (Points Possible):  Attendance (32), Weekly Homework (5 pts each/60 Total), Weekly Quizzes (5 pts each/ 60 total), Video Reflection Papers (10 pts each/ 50 total), Time Management Activity  (20), Mid-term Grade Report (25), Midterm (50), Note-taking Assignment (20), Transfer School/Career Assessment (20),  Challenges/Barriers Paper(20),  Final(50),  Extra credit will be offered at instructor’s discretion.

 

Total Points Possible/Grading Scale: 407-366: A, 364-325: B, 324-284: C, 283-244: D, 243 and Below F.

 

Course Schedule:

 Week 1 (8/25 + 8/27)

Topics Covered:   Syllabus & Course Requirements, Class Introductions, Video: The Missing Scarf, My T-Shirt Activity

 

Week 2 (9/01 + 9/03)

Topics Covered:   Review Chapter 1, Chapter 1 Quiz, Video: Socrates on Self Confidence

Homework due:   Buy Class Materials, Read Chapter 1, Focus Exercises 1.1 (pg. 7) & 1.3 (pg. 24)

 

Week 3 (9/8 + 9/10)

Topics Covered:   Review Chapter 2, Chapter 2 Quiz, Video: Epicurus on Happiness

Homework due:  Read Chapter 2, Focus Exercises 2.2 (pg. 39) & 2.5 (pg. 49), Reflection Paper #1: Self-Confidence (2 pages)

 

Week 4 (9/15 + 9/17)

Topics Covered:   Review Chapter 3, Chapter 3 Quiz

Homework due:   Read Chapter 3, Focus Exercises 3.2 (pg. 63) & 3.4 (pg. 75), Reflection Paper #2: Happiness (2 pages)

 

Week 5 (9/22 + 9/24)

Topics Covered:  Review Chapter 4, Chapter 4 Quiz, Video: Seneca on Anger

Homework due:   Reflection paper #3: Challenges/Barriers that could inhibit my success (3 pages), Time Management Exercise Handout, Read Chapter 4, Focus Exercises 4.6, (pg. 106) 4.7 (pg. 110), 4.8 (pg. 111)

 

Week 6 (9/29 + 10/1)

Topics Covered:   Review Chapter 5, Chapter 5 Quiz

Homework due:  Reflection Paper #4: Anger (2 pages), Time Management Pie Chart Worksheet, Read Chapter 5, Focus Exercises 5.1 (pg. 129) & 5.2 (pg. 130)

 

Week 7 (10/6 + 10/8)

Topics Covered:  Review Chapter 6, Chapter 6 Quiz

Homework due:   Read Chapter 6, Focus Exercises 6.2 (pg. 156) & 6.3 (pg. 162)

 

Week 8 (10/13 + 10/15)

Topics Covered:  Review Chapter 7, Chapter 7 Quiz

Homework due:   Read Chapter 7, Focus Exercise 7.1 (pg. 176), Review Study Guide for Midterm, Midterm Progress Reports Handout, Prepare for mid-term

 

Week 9 (10/20 + 10/22)

Topics Covered:   Midterm

Homework due:   Follow-Up with Midterm Progress Reports, Note Taking Assignment

 

Week 10 (10/27 + 10/29)

Topics Covered:   Midterm Progress Reports Due, Review Chapter 8, Chapter 8 Quiz

Homework due:   Midterm Progress Reports reminder, Read Chapter 8, Focus Exercises 8.4 (pg. 209)

 

Week 11 (11/3 + 11/5)

Topics Covered:   Review Chapter 9, Chapter 9 Quiz

Homework due:   Read Chapter 9, Focus Exercises 9.1 (pg. 228) & 9.3 (pg. 239)

 

Week 12 (11/10 + 11/12)

Topics Covered:   Review Chapter 10, Chapter 10 Quiz

Homework due:   Chapter 10, Focus Exercises 10.1 (pg. 262) & 10.4 (pg. 275)

 

Week 13 (11/17 + 11/19)

Topics Covered:   Review Chapter 11, Video: Montaigne on Self-Esteem

Homework due:   Reflection Paper #5: Self-Esteem (2 pages)

 

Week 14 (11/24) *11/26-11/28: Thanksgiving (No Class)

Topics Covered:  Chapter 11 Quiz

Homework due:   Read Chapter 11, Focus Exercises: 11.2 (pg. 297)

 

Week 15 12/1 + 12/3)

Topics Covered:   Review Chapter 12, Chapter 12 Quiz, Video: Nietzsche on Hardship

Homework due:   Read Chapter 12, Focus Exercises: 12.1 (pg. 313), Transfer School/Career Assignment (3 pages), Review for Final

 

Week 16 (12/8 + 12/10)

Topics Covered:   Review for Final, Final

Homework due:  Reflection Paper #6: Hardship (2 pages)