|
Technical Requirements: |
|
Class Meetings:
HUMN 1201.01 -MWF 8:00 p.m. to 8:50 a.m., Payne Hall, Room #205
HUMN 1201.01 -MWF 9:00 a.m. to 9:50 a.m., Payne Hall, Room #205
HUMN 1201.03 –MWF 10:00 p.m. to 10:50 p.m., Payne Hall, Room #205
HUMN 1201.26 –MWF 11:00 p.m. to 11:50 p.m., Payne Hall, Room #205
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is designed to assist in the development of skills in critical reading, critical thinking, and interpersonal communication in the context of contemporary issues. This course focuses not only on improving reading comprehension and analytical skills, but also on identifying problems with logic found in one’s own communication and in that of others. Moreover, this course will focus on developing an awareness of techniques commonly used in advertising and political language, on understanding principles of interpersonal communication and public speaking, and on organizing, developing, and presenting audience-centered material.
COURSE VALUE
Based on the readings/information in the course, include a small word here about the
COURSE STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (CSLOs)
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Identify the essential parts of an argument.
2. Critically evaluate an argument.
3. Recognize fallacies in reasoning.
4. Critically assess information in print and other media to determine its veracity and reliability.
5. Demonstrate critical listening and speaking skills.
6. Present and write well-organized arguments with effective prose.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
To fulfill these learning outcomes, students will:
1. Compose a variety of writing assignments. (SLOs 1, 5, & 6)
2. Study and map the parts of an argument as well as the types of judgments or statements that compose them. (SLOs 1, 2, 3, & 4)
3. Review the different types of fallacies that arise in argumentation, both formal and informal. (SLOs 1, 2, & 3)
4. Research print and other forms of media in order to identify as well as critically evaluate their content (SLOs 1, 2, 3, & 4)
5. Critically listen to their colleagues’ arguments as well as present their own in both small and large- group settings. (SLOs 1, 2, 3, 5, & 6)
INSTITUTIONAL STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (ISLOs)
By fulfilling these CSLOs, the course also contributes to the following ISLOs:
1. Written Communication: The development and clear expression of ideas in writing.
2. Critical Thinking: A habit of mind characterized by the comprehensive exploration of issues, ideas, artifacts, and events before accepting or formulating an opinion or conclusion.
3. Information Literacy: The ability to know when there is a need for information, the ability to be able to identify, locate, evaluate, and effectively and responsibly use and share that information for the problem at hand.
REQUIRED COURSE MATERIALS
All assigned course materials are located within the Desire to Learn Brightspace Course Management System. Additionally, you are expected to come to class daily with note-taking materials and any other items assigned by the instructor.
COURSE POLICIES
See Student Contract (attached) and take D2L Quiz acknowledging that you have read this quiz
Original Work
All work submitted for this course must be your own and written exclusively for this course. The use of sources (ideas, quotations, paraphrases) must be properly documented. Please refer to pages 5-6 in the SSU Code of Student Conduct (https://www.savannahstate.edu/student-affairs/documents/SavannahStateUniversityCodeofStudentConduct.pdf) to become familiar with the university's definition of and policy on plagiarism and cheating. Additionally, feel free to see me if you have any questions about your use of sources. If you are caught plagiarizing or engaging in academic dishonesty in this class, severe penalties will be imposed.
Late Work
No Late work will be accepted.
Incomplete Policy
Students will not be given an incomplete grade in the course without sound reason and documented evidence as described in the SSU Student Handbook. In any case, for a student to receive an incomplete, s/he must be passing the course at the time of request and must have completed a significant portion of the course.
Communication with the Instructor
D2L for all communication
University Activities Attendance Policy
Savannah State University endeavors to provide optimum conditions for the intellectual growth and development of its students. With the exception of University approved activities, it is expected that students should attend and be punctual to their classes, laboratories, and officially scheduled class requirements. Students who are absent because of participation in approved University activities will be permitted to make up work missed during their absences, provided that no more than 15% of class hours per course per term are missed and that work is assigned for completion prior to the University sanctioned activity. (MWF = 7; TR = 4.5)
Disability Accommodations
Savannah State University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to students with documented disabilities, as required under federal law. The purpose of disability accommodation is to provide equal access to the academic material and equal access to demonstrate mastery of the material. Students with disabilities must meet all academic requirements and standards of the class, including the attendance policy. If you have a disability and need accommodations, please contact the Office of Counseling and Disability Services. They are located in King-Frazier 233. Once documentation of the disability is gathered and approved, you will be given an Accommodation Letter, detailing the appropriate, approved accommodations, which you should present to me so we can discus and implement your accommodations.
GRADE COMPONENTS
You are expected to complete all required readings and class assignments, respectfully contribute to discussion, and to submit work that is solely the product of your own efforts. In addition to these general requirements, your grade will be determined from the following components:
1. (10%) Digital Speeches
2. (20%) Quizzes
3. (10%) Think Tank Presentation
4. (10%) Think Tank Power Point Slides
5. (10%) Participation
6. (10%) Attendance
7. (10%) Milestones
8. (10%) Milestone # 6 Final Paper (Written Assignment)
9. (10%) Writing Assignments (#8 and #9 equals 20% Written Assignments)
GRADING EXPECTATIONS AND STANDARDS
A – To achieve this grade the student must display superior performance in his/her course work. This includes demonstrating the ability to process, comprehend and recall complex ideas, and to be able to convey those ideas to others in a clear, intelligent manner. An "A" student will go beyond simple requirements and seek to excel in his/her preparation for and presentation of assigned work. He/she will demonstrate excellence in communication skills and the ability to contextualize material.
B – To achieve this grade the student needs to display above average performance in his/her course work, including demonstrating the ability to process, comprehend and recall complex ideas, while being able to convey
those ideas in a clear, intelligent manner. A "B" student will also go beyond minimum requirements in terms of preparation and presentation of assigned work. He/she will demonstrate above average communication skills and ability to contextualize material.
C – For this grade the student must meet the minimum requirements for the course, displaying adequate performance in his/her course work, and adequately demonstrate the ability to comprehend and recall complex ideas, while also being able to convey those ideas in a like manner. A "C" student demonstrates competence in terms of preparation and presentation of assigned work. He/she will demonstrate adequate communication skills and ability to contextualize materials.
D – A student receiving this grade is performing below the minimum requirements for the course. This could include failure to complete or turn in assignments on a timely basis, or failure to adequately demonstrate the ability to comprehend, recall or convey complex ideas. A "D" student performs below the average in terms of preparation and presentation of assigned work. He/she may not be demonstrating adequate communication skills or ability to contextualize materials.
F – A student receiving this grade has failed to meet the requirements of the course, including failure to complete or turn in assignments, or failure to demonstrate the ability to comprehend, recall or convey complex ideas. An "F" student has not performed in a manner satisfactory to the standards of the class.
CAMPUS SUCCESS RESOURCES
Center for Student Success
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
Browser Configuration
If you are not using an SSU computer, it is highly recommended that you make sure your computer is compatible for the D2L environment. To test your compatibility, go to the following link from your computer:
https://ecore.usg.edu/future-students/technical-requirements.php
Having a correctly configured computer will help ensure your success in D2L. Check the information
at http://ecore.usg.edu/prospective/techreqs.php to be sure that your computer meets all the necessary technical requirements for hardware and software. Links to the plug-ins (special free software) that you will need are provided.
Flash Player / QuickTime:
You may need Flash Player to use some of the content contained within this course. The players are free and available from the Web. Visit http://www.adobe.com/. Download the players and install them on your machine during the first few days of class. You may also want to download the QuickTime player
from http://www.apple.com/quicktime/.
Devices
It is highly recommended that you utilize a flash drive to save your work at public computer labs. It is also not recommended to attempt to complete course items from a smart phone.
How to Get Help with Technical Issues
Help is available to you from several areas. From within the D2l course site, start by clicking on the "Bright Space Help" link located in the upper right hand corner of the D2L course home page window.
The "help" link is context sensitive, which means it will take you to the appropriate help topic based in your current location. For example, if you are in Discussions, clicking the "help" link will display information to assist you in that particular tool.
If your question cannot be answered by the information found in this "help" link, go to the following sources for further assistance:
Technology Support at SSU
Computer Services & Information Technology (CSIT) Powell Hall, Building 106 https://simba.savannahstate.edu/students/e-mail.aspx (912-358-HELP / 4357 or 912-358-4315)
Monday–Friday 8:00am–5:00pm
24/7 Assistance
For technical assistance contact the 24/hour helpline at https://D2LHelp.view.usg.edu/ (scroll down to the Student Support area).
Critical Thinking & Communication
COURSE CALENDAR
All Due Dates will be posting in D2L. Please refer to the drop box for the assignment and dates.
First Week #1 (January 13 - 17):
• Discussion Topic: Overview of Course & Learning to Learn
• Digital Speeches and Technology Discussed (D2L, VT and MTL)
• Basic Introduction to Critical Thinking & Thinking Patterns & Learning about Learning and Thinking about Thinking (Metacognition and Pedagogy) Self-Assessment of Online Learning Readiness
• Think-Tank Groups and partners assigned for the semester
• Assigned Reading: Posted in D2L
• Assigned Writing: Posted in D2L & Quiz 1 (MLA Awareness)
Second Week #2 MLK DAY January 20, 2020 (January 21 - 24):
• Discussion Topic: Critical Thinking Importance & Foundations of Argument
• Voice Thread Digital Speech Guidelines
• Create Personalized Critical Thinking Video, Critical Thinking Statements
• Self-Survey on Critical Thinking, The Study of Bloom’s Taxonomy and Obstacles to Critical Thinking, SQ3R
• Assigned Reading: Posted in D2L
• Assigned Writing: Post in D2L
• Directions on Individual Digital Reports using Voice Thread
Third Week#3 (January 27 - 31):
• Discussion Topic: Understanding Arguments and parts of Arguments
• Understanding Arguments (video), Voice Thread Presentations postings
• Assigned Reading: Posted in D2L
• Assigned Writing: Post in D2L & Individual Digital Reports on Voice Thread
Fourth Week #4 (February 3 – 7):
• Discussion Topic: Value, Ethics and Reality Assumptions
• Think-Tank Assignments
1. Unstated Assumptions (video)
2. Hidden Assumptions (web page + self-assessment exercise)
3. Arguments with Missing Premises and Reading
4. Identify the Hidden Assumptions (quiz tool)
• Assigned Reading: Posted in D2L
• Assigned Writing: Posted in D2L
Fifth Week #5 (February 10 -14):
• Discussion Topic: Inductive & Deductive Arguments
• Think-Tank #1 Assignments
• Assigned Reading: Posted in D2L
• Assigned Writing: Posted in D2L
Sixth Week #6 (February 17 - 21):
• Discussion Topic: Deductive Arguments
• Think-Tank Assignments
1. Truth, Logic and Argument Relationships (Reading)
2. Truth, Logic and Relationship (Quiz Tool)
• Assigned Oral/Video Reports (Partners)
• Assigned Reading: Posted in D2L
• Assigned Writing: Posted in D2L
Seventh Week # 7 (February 24 - 28):
• Discussion Topic: Induction & Value-Based Arguments
a. Facts and Opinion Video (9:13)
b. Three Types of Values (web page)
c. Intrinsic Values (web page)
d. Facts and Moral Values (web page)
e. What are Moral Values? (web page)
f. Descriptive vs. Normative Claims (web page)
g. Types of Normative Claims: Aesthetic Claims (web page)
h. Types of Normative Claims: Rationality Claims (web page)
i. Types of Normative Claims: Moral Claims (web page)
j. What is a Moral Argument? (web page)
k. Relativism and Absolutism (web page)
l. Reflective Equilibrium (web page)
m. Utility, Rights, and Virtue (web page)
• Assigned Reading: Posted in D2L
• Assigned Writing: Posted in D2L
Eighth Week #8 (March 2 - 6):
• Discussion Topic: Fallacies
• Assigned Reading: Posted in D2L
• Assigned Writing: Posted in D2L
Ninth Week #9 (March 9 - 13):
• Discussion Topic: Fallacies
• Think-Tank #5 Assignments
• Oral/Video Partners Speeches posted in D2L
• Assigned Reading: Posted in D2L
• Assigned Writing: Posted in D2L
Tenth Week #10 SPRING BREAK (March 16 - 20):
Eleventh Week #11 (March 30 – April 3):
• Discussion Topic: Prepare Speech Guidelines, Discuss Speech Delivery & Rubrics
• Assigned Writing: Posted in D2L
• Review Sheet for Final Exam
Twelfth Week #12 (April 6 - 10) Digital Prep Week – No F2F Classes
• Post Power Points for review before presentations
Thirteenth Week #13 (April 13 - 17)
• Delivery of Speeches
Fourteenth Week #14 (April 20 – 24)
• Delivery of speeches
Fifteenth Week #15 (April 27 – May 1)
• Delivery of Speeches
Sixteenth Week (May 4 – May 8) FINAL EXAMS
Critical Thinking - Student Contract
Technology & Quizzes
• I understand that I need to use D2L for 50% of this course and will take responsibility to get my log-in codes and/or a computer to start using this program immediately upon the signing of this contract.
• I understand that not having these codes is not an excuse for not having assignments posted on time.
• I understand that initialing and signing this contract is my first participation grade for this class, and will be recorded and show up as my first grade in D2L.
• I understand that setting up my profile with a photo is the second assignment I have to work on in D2L, and I will have one week to complete this assignment for credit.
• I understand that all e-mail communication for this class will be in D2L.
• I understand that all quizzes and exams will be set-up in D2L.
• I understand that reading of each Chapter is required for scheduled
Chapter quizzes posted in D2L.
• I understand that all quizzes and exams will be opened up 3 or 4 days on
D2L, and it is up to me to keep up with the quiz schedule.
• I understand that once a quiz is closed on D2L it will not be reopened for me to take.
• I understand that if I miss a quiz there is no make-up quizzes provided.
• I understand that having a “computer crash” is not an excuse for an incomplete exam, and I will not get credit for the exam (if not completed).
• I understand that all posting of papers, links and online discussions will be in D2L.
• I understand that saying “I did not know.” Does not excuse any deficiency or delinquency for behavior or products in this class.
• I understand that plagiarism either known or unknown will result in a rejection of the assignment as a zero.
• I understand that an Originality Report in the SSU software program Turn It In must be under 25% and all sources within that 25% must be cited properly in MLA Style.
• I understand that only Microsoft Word documents will be accepted for submission in D2L. (SSU provides both computers and software for free {if qualified}, and if needed).
• I understand that gdocs, jpeg, png, pdf or any other software format will be NOT accepted for any written assignment.
• I understand that a submission from a cell phone will not be considered for a grade, and will be considered only as a zero.
• I understand that posting a blank document or an alternative document does not count as turning in the correct assignment, and will be rejected with no make-ups or redo’s.
• I understand that a Hyperlink Post as final assignments must be double checked by either a classmate or friend to ensure they are “hot” or active for the assignment to be accepted.
• I understand that if a Hyperlink Post that is “dead” or inactive it will not be accepted as an assignment.
• I understand that I will be using Open Source Web 2.0 software that is free to me, and I will register for these free resources, if required.
• I understand that there is no required textbook is needed for this course and that my quiz grades will be directly linked with my familiarity, reading and in depth study with required posted readings.
Reflection Papers & Writing
• I understand that no hardcopy or handwritten papers will be accepted for this class.
• I understanding that all papers will be 1000 words, and will be posted in D2L.
• I understand that MLA 7 Style is required for all papers for Headings, Headers, Citations, Annotations and Works Cited.
• I understand that if I incorrectly use MLA 7 Style, my paper will not be accepted and I will receive a zero on the assignment.
Absences & Class Decorum
• I understand that there are no excused absences that originate from me (the student). Any excused absence will come from SSU only through e-mail or official SSU documentation such as Military or Extra Curricular or Sporting Events.
• I understand that if I miss 7 classes or more MWF and 4.5 for TR within this semester, I will automatically fail this course, regardless of my current grade, for a MWF undergraduate course.
• I understand that signing-in for another classmate is an academic ethical offence, and I will not do this.
• I understand that wearing ear buds, earphones or texting during class is consider rude and distracting to the instructor. I will not practice this during class time.
• I understand that if I come into class tardy and a quiz was posted and turned in, I will not have the opportunity to make this quiz up.
• I understand that if I decide to leave early and a quiz gets posted, I will not have the opportunity to make this quiz up.
• I understand that attending class is of upmost importance for my overall grade and being late to class will have a point deduction on the overall average.
• I understand that some of this class content is video related, and I will make the effort to watch required videos.
• I understand that I am responsible for keeping up with my grades on D2L and constructing my overall grade with 10 extra points of extra credit opportunities that are optional
I have read all these conditions to be successful for this class. I am aware that my participation requires active listening. By signing this contract, I am stating that I understand these qualifications of passing this course. And, my instructor has briefed me on the class syllabus.
Sign Name: _______________________________________________Date ________
Clearly
Print Name
for
Credit: _________________________________________________________
|
