1. GSU 1010: New Student Orientation
Fall 2015
Freshman Learning Community: Humanities 10
Wednesday, 3:00-4:15 Location: Aderhold Building; Classroom 107
“Culture Production and Contemporary Events”
“I arise in the morning torn between the desire to improve the world and a desire to enjoy the
world. This makes it hard to plan the day.” --E.B. White
Instructor Information
Instructor’s Name: Hannah Spadafora
Email: Aspadafora1@gsu.edu
Office Hours: By Appointment
Office Location: Saxbys Café Lobby
Please come and visit me! I believe in your ability to be successful! I would be more than happy
to talk to you about how your semester is going, answer your questions about the course and
college, as well as discuss your goals and strategies for success.
Textbook and Materials
Huot, Nikolas and Nia Woods Haydel, eds. GSU 1010: New Student Orientation is available for free
in your Brightspace section.
ONE of the following books is required [based on group number] :
The Assassination of Theo Van Gogh: From Social Drama to Cultural Trauma [Group 1]
The Way We Never Were: American Families and the Nostalgia Trap [Group 2]
Reality is Broken: Why games make us better and how they can change the world [Group 3]
You will also need your Panther ID card, campus ID and password to access additional course
materials posted in Brightspace and your PAWS account.
Introduction to College
Life is the in-motion art of the person. We are all works in progress. We assemble, are assembled,
ourselves, clumsily, at first. Slowly, with patience, we learn the skills necessary, however, and
make the masterpiece we’d like to see, be represented by. We attempt to form ourselves, if we’re
smart, though if we are also humble, we recognize that our parts in the play are somewhat
influenced by the show we’re in.
Being in college prepares you for life, career, ethical awareness and community involvement. By
learning about the dialogue that has been spoken long before you walked upon the stage, you will
be better prepared to make informed decisions and formulate knowledgeable opinions based on
solid fact and theory. More than that, during college you will be given opportunities to learn and
experience growth—growth of self, growth of skill, growth of ambition, growth of resiliency to
stress, ability to overcome obstacles and of capability to create a tomorrow you want to live in.
Your time at Georgia State University is your chance to explore different possibilities of thought,
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2. practice, idea, and goal--as well as to be trained to enter differentiated spaces dedicated to a
variety of goals as well as different work-spheres constructed in our era. It is up to you to take
advantage of the opportunities given by putting in the work necessary to develop the skills you
will need through the journey of life.
Course Description
This course is designed for you, the student, to begin to think about why you are here, where you
are going, and how to make the best use of your time at Georgia State and beyond. This class will
provide you with information and tools that will facilitate your successful transition to college. You
will be asked to think critically and reflect on your opinions and experiences, and to articulate
those opinions through verbal in-class discussions as well as written work. These discussions and
assignments are intended to integrate you successfully into the Georgia State community and give
you the resources to live a meaningful and successful life.
Course Expectation
In order to learn, you will need to be actively involved and engaged with the course content, so you
can expect this semester to be filled with discussions, activities, and assignments. Because we
learn best when engaged with others, you will frequently work with a partner or in small group.
Remember that your success in this course, and in your college career, depends largely on your
commitment and hard work.
Learning Outcomes—What you will be able to do after successfully completing this course:
Academic Life: You will become familiar with the academic resources, procedures, and student
code of conduct policies of Georgia State University. You will exhibit familiarity with the location,
use, and content of official university documents relevant to these issues.
• Students will be able to articulate the purpose of the Student Code of Conduct.
• Students will understand the role of the academic advisor.
• Students will be able to identify resources for academic support on campus.
Community Life: You will have an understanding of the community and environment on and
around the university campus, as well as the general Atlanta community. You will engage in at least
one dimension of the Atlanta-Based Learning Program.
• Students will be able to articulate opportunities for involvement in the campus community.
• Students will identify opportunities for civic engagement.
Personal Life: You will engage in activities designed to improve your study and learning skills and
to enhance your personal growth and development.
• Students will identify personal time management systems that work for them.
• Students will be able to successfully identify stress management techniques.
• Students will be able to identify resources in the community that are available to promote
and enhance their personal growth and development.
Important Policy Information
Accommodation Statement: If you wish to request accommodation for a disability, you may do
so by registering with the Office of Disability Services. You may only be accommodated upon
issuance by the Office of Disability Services of a signed Accommodation Plan and are responsible
for providing a copy of that plan to instructors of all classes in which an accommodation is sought.
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3. Policy on Academic Honesty
Academic integrity benefits everyone in our community. It not only helps you reach the real goal of
this course—learning--, but also allows for the program to be perceived positively by others. When
students are dishonest, they lose out on valuable learning that will help them perform well in their
career. It can also negatively impact all of the students in the program and at the institution by
creating negative mindsets, which may result in fewer outside learning opportunities for students.
Academic dishonesty is any attempt by a student to gain academic advantage through dishonest
means or to assist another student with gaining an unfair advantage. Academic integrity is
important regardless of whether the work is graded or ungraded, group or individual, written or
oral. Dishonest acts can result in a failing grade on an assignment, a failing course grade and/or an
official code of contact charge being filed. Please review the policy at
http://www2.gsu.edu/~wwwfhb/sec409.html
Diversity Statement
The Office of Undergraduate Studies and GSU 1010 values diversity and is committed to fostering
and maintain an educational environment which appreciates individual differences in all areas of
operation including classroom instruction, texts, and materials. To this end, any actions, practices,
or processes by any faculty, staff person, or student that discriminates against or is prejudicial
toward any person or group based on race, sex, age, religion, ethnicity, nationality, disability,
sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status will not be tolerated.
Evaluation Statement: Your constructive assessment of this course plays an indispensable role in
shaping education at Georgia State. Upon completing the course, please take time to fill out the
online course evaluation.
Attendance Policy
The primary reason you should attend class is not to miss out on what ultimately will serve as a
benefit to you as a student. Successful students attend class on a regular basis and actively
participate in the classroom discussions. Students will receive points for attendance and
participation for the course; failure to attend and participate will result in forfeiting points
towards your final grade. In order to get the most from your GSU 1010 experience and thus be
properly prepared for the rest of your college education, your attendance at all class sessions is
appreciated.
Responsibility for Assignments
It is important to stay on track with your assignments—not only will this help you feel less
stresses, but it is also an important skill you will need in your career. Being able to meet deadlines
and juggle many tasks is an important career and life skill. This, you will need to complete all
assignments and activities according to the schedule. If you have a personal situation that prevents
you from doing so, you will need to discuss this with me prior to the due date. Assignments can be
submitted to me prior to a class if you will be absent. Extensions are only given in rare situations
and at my discretion.
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4. Course Schedule
Date In-Class Read before class Complete before class
Week 1
08/26/15
Welcome to GSU:
Introduction-Icebreaker,
University Expectations,
Policies, Syllabus, Textbook
Technology in the
classroom : EAB,
Brightspace, E-mail,
Gosolar
Assignment Details
[Study Skills, Career
Presentation, Atlanta Based
Learning, Haven, 3rd
Millennium]
Download Textbook – print or save
[Check E-mail]
Week 2
09/02/15
Exploring Your Purpose at
Georgia State University
Classroom and
Correspondence Etiquette
SMART Goals Activities 1-2
Campus Tour Activity
Details
Chapters 1-2, 9 Online Quiz [Textbook: Chapters 1
and 2; Chapter 9]
Week 3
09/09/15
Study Skills
Effective Writing
Utilizing the Library
Academic Honesty
Chapter 11 Chapter 11: Quiz
Haven: first module
Third Millennium: first module
Week 4
09/16/15
CRM-Consciously Resting
Meditation – Session 1
[Counselling Center will
Facilitate]
Chapter 7 and 8 Chapter 7 and 8: Online Quiz
SMART Goals Discussion [Plot
Chart] Due
Week 5
09/23/15
CRM-Consciously Resting
Meditation – Session 2
[Counselling Center will
Facilitate]
Time Management Activity
Continuation
Chapter 4, 5
Read 1/3 of
book!
Time Management Assignment
Chapter 4-5 : Online Quiz
Campus Tour Activity
Due
09/29 Study Abroad 10:30 am-1:00 pm TBD
Week 6
09/30/15
Academic Advising
with R. LeBeaux.
Chapter 3
Read 2/3 of
book
Chapter 3: Quiz [09/30]
Print Academic Progress from PAWS
Week 7 Academic Success Chapter 6 Chapter 6: Read and Post Quiz
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5. 10/07/15 Transitions, Learning
Styles,
Career Center Session +
Elevator Speech Activity
Have finished
reading book! [for
Study Skills Essay]
Results as Discussion post
10/08 Major Fair 10:30 am-1:00 pm Student Center Ballroom
10/13 Last day to withdraw and possibly receive a W
Week 8
10/14/15
Discipline
Week
Community Connections
[Study Abroad Office will
facilitate part of class]
Week 9
10/21/15
Study Skills: Peer Review
activity; Preparing for Tests
and Papers
Study Skills Discussion Post 1
Week 10
10/28/15
Discipline
Week
Peer Review activity
Dealing with
Disappointment: Not
failure, “Not Yet” [Ted Talk]
Class Success Strategies
Study Skills Discussion Post 2
Week 11
11/04/15
Study Skills: Writing
Improvement Feedback
Academic Jeopardy : Round
2 [GSU 1010 Textbook
Chapters 3, 10-14]
Textbook Chapters
3, 10-14
Study Skills Discussion Post 3
November
9th
, 2015
Mandatory Attendance:
Atlanta Based Learning
Opportunity
3:00PM-5:00PM HHW: Hunger101
Week 12
11/11/15
Study Skills Book
Assignment: Group
Presentations
Study Skills/Library Resources
Assignment : Essay [Synthesized
and edited discussion posts];
+ group presentation
Week 13
11/18/15
Possible guest speaker
Continue Development on
Career Presentation
Assignment
Chapter 12 11/20/15: Atlanta-Based Learning
Experience Reflection Paper due!
11/23-
11/28
Thanksgiving Break, no class
12/2/15 Financial module.
Career Exploration
Presentations
[Group Project]
Quiz from
www.mycollegemoneyplan.org
Proof of completion for Haven and
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6. 3rd
Millennium
Career Exploration Project
Presentation
Syllabus Statement: The course syllabus provides a general plan for the course; deviations
may be necessary.
Available Help and Support
Successful people access support from others as needed. Georgia State University has many
supportive services that can help you as you strive to achieve your goals. I encourage you to reach
out to me or other professionals on campus. Here is some information about the resources
available to you.
Your Professor Email me at ASpadafora1@student.gsu.edu or stop by my office at Library North-
Lobby near Saxbys.
Academic Coach An Academic Coach has been assigned to you to go over academic issues you may
be experiencing or to support you in reaching your goals. Meet with your coach on
a regular basis. Make an appointment at 224 Sparks Hall or (404)413-2692.
Academic Advisor The University Advisement Center offers drop-in advising services. If you have
any questions about your courses, major, or career, make an appointment with
your advisor at 404/413-2300 or stop by the 14th
floor of 25 Park Place.
Supplemental
Instruction
A Supplemental Instruction leader has been assigned to your social science or
humanities course. Sharpen your study skills and improve your understanding of
the course material by regularly attending the weekly sessions.
Writing Studio The Writing Studio is a resource for students of all classifications. Writing is a
craft that takes practice and dedication. Please visit the Writing Studio to have
your papers reviewed and for assistance in strengthening your ability to
effectively communication through written word. It is located on the 24th floor of
25 Park Place. http://www.writingstudio.gsu.edu/
Coordinator of
Program
Success Academy is a large program, but the coordinator would be happy to meet
with you to discuss any issues you may be experiencing. Contact Ms. Jolayna Palm
at jplam@gsu.edu.
Personal Counselor The Testing and Counseling Center offers confidential individual counseling and
offers several workshops throughout the semester. Stop by the 2nd
floor of 75
Piedmont to make an appointment. http://counselingcenter.gsu.edu/
Course Assignments
All out-of-class assignments are due on Brightspace by 5:00pm the day before class. Quizzes are
the exception, which are due by 12pm on the day of class. Late assignments will lose 10% of your
grade per day; unless otherwise stated after 5 days no points are given. All assignments completed
in word documents [discussions excluded] should be typed using 12-point font (Times New
Roman, Calibri, or Arial-or other font equal to this size and legible), be double spaced, and have no
more than one-inch margins. Please use the rubric for each individual assignment as a guidepost to
your success! Also, please keep in mind academic grammar and spelling standards while
submitting your work, as these affect your appearance as a future professional and may be taken
into consideration in your final grade.
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7. Attendance and Participation (10%)
Relevant Learning Outcomes:
You will engage in activities designed to improve your study and learning skills and to enhance your
personal growth and development.
The primary reason you should attend class is not to miss out on what ultimately will serve as a
benefit to you as a student, as well as that which may fascinate you as a human being. Successful
students attend class on a regular basis and actively participate in the classroom discussions.
Students will receive 10 points per day for attendance and participation in the course. Not
attending class results in a forfeiture of the full 10 points. Further, other classroom etiquette issues
[as defined in the classroom etiquette handout] may result in a deduction of 1-5 points during the
class that it occurs. In order to get the most from your GSU 1010 experience and thus be properly
prepared for the rest of your college education, your attendance at all class sessions is necessary.
Please contact me if you have a genuine emergency arise.
Academic Skills (25%)
Relevant Learning Outcomes: You will engage in activities designed to improve your study and
learning skills and to enhance your personal growth and development.
It should go without saying that college is very different than high school. In order to be successful
in this new environment, you need to learn and master skills that will contribute to an effective
transition. In this section of the course, you will be asked to further develop necessary academic
tools that will contribute to your success in college.
Chapter Quizzes
So as to introduce a topic or round out class discussions, before every class you will be expected to
read a chapter in GSU 1010 New Student Orientation. For every chapter, you will be expected to
take a multiple choice quiz. This will ensure that you have read the chapter and prepare you for
classroom discussion.
Academic Planning Activities:
A. SMART Goals Project : You will be asked to create three (3) SMART goals, identify the steps to
achievement, and set a plan for pursuance.
Why this is important: Every goal achieved was once a plan in someone’s mind. This will teach
you how to be successful in whatever you put your mind to.
B. Time Management Project: You will be expected to complete a time management activity in
which you list out your weekly activities, develop a schedule, and write a discussion about
whether your expectations for the amount of time activities take equals the reality.
Why this is important: Good time management and organization is an important component to
academic success. Most instructors do not accept late work, so you must be on top of your
assignments. This means allocating time to studying and working on larger projects weeks in
advance.
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8. C. Budget/Finance Activities: For this in-class or discussion based assignment, you will prepare
your budget, and to do research related to different financial options for financing your education
(Scholarships, Financial Aid, Etc]. Further, a number of quizzes related to personal finance may be
accessed throughout the semester at www.mycollegemoneyplan.org, and you are highly
encouraged to take advantage of this resource.
Why this is important: The way you manage your finances can negatively or positively impact
your life, especially in college. Therefore, it is important to be knowledgeable of your financial
options and resources, as well as understand how to properly manage your money (whether it be
financial aid, refunds, scholarship, jobs, etc).
Discussion Posts
You will be expected to complete 3 discussion posts that will prepare you for your Study Skills
Essay. These discussion posts will include summary and critical-thinking response to Group Book
Assignments. You will also be expected to complete two to three SMART Goals Activities that may
be posted in the discussion forum.
Study Skills Essay (10 %)
The most important thing you can learn at the beginning of college is how to learn. In order to
teach you methods that will enhance your learning experience, each student will
be expected to discuss studying, test-taking, and note-taking methods in class. Then, each student
will write a two to three page research paper using particular skills we will review as essential to
excelling at the learning process. Before turning in the paper you will receive feedback on your
writing skills through Discussion Post activities which will feed into this essay.
Why this is important: Both the discussion posts and study skills essay will assist you in
developing your writing skills to the standard required for academic success. Further, this will
help you during the many times in life when having polished writing and clear written
communication skills is essential for interactions in your career and personal lives.
Library Resources/Academic Honesty (5%)
Relevant Learning Outcomes:
You will become familiar with the academic resources, procedures, and student code of conduct
policies of Georgia State University. You will exhibit familiarity with the location, use, and content of
official university documents relevant to these issues.
As a college student, you will be asked to do research and present secondary research in your own
work. As such, it is important to you start familiarizing yourself with the library (how to research
relevant material, how to differentiate peer-reviewed journals from popular magazines, and how
to actually locate the books you need), as well as understand the rules to properly use the material
you are summarizing, paraphrasing, and/or quoting. More information will be provided
concerning an assignment which deals with library research and academic honesty.
Career Exploration Project (25%)
Relevant Learning Outcomes: You will engage in activities designed to improve your study and
learning skills and to enhance your personal growth and development.
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9. The capstone project for the GSU 1010 course is the Career Exploration Project. For this
assignment you will explore your anticipated or potential career path by preparing a short
presentation on either a person or topic related to your major or profession of interest. The details
for this assignment are as follows:
Option 1:
Prepare a presentation about a person who you admire in your major or intended career.
Summarize what you learn about them [their life trajectory, important works, where they fit in the
history of your field], what you find inspiring, and anything else you think is important or which
connects back to your own journey. Consult at least 3 sources: at least one biography [book], 1
academic article, and one other source of your choosing. If you cannot find an academic article,
consult another biography [book].
Idea A: What is the person's background? What are the major/significant accomplishments,
productions or actions that they have completed that is particularly admiring to you? Talk about
the context of their achievement. What obstacles did they overcome? What were the results, for
their own life, for the profession, for a group or identity, for the change of a practice, for the
advancement of a field, or for the world at large? [you may answer each of these questions or pick
one or two that you find most significant /relevant to the paper to narrowly focus on].
Idea B: provide a multi-perspective view of a historical or contemporary individual in your major
or chosen field. Often times autobiographies, biographies, recovered diaries and histories do not
always match up. Summarize at least two different views on an accomplished person or topic
related to your major/profession. Use empathy and/or critical thinking to connect this to and/or
reflect upon your career goals.
OR
Option 2:
Prepare a presentation on the history of the academic field you are majoring in or the profession
you are currently interested in. Consult at least 3 sources: At least two must be academic [book or
article] and one other source of your choosing. Summarize what you learn [important
people/works that influenced the field], what you find inspiring, and anything else you think is
important or which connects back to your own journey.
Idea A: Trace the history of your scholarly field or profession. Write about its beginnings—when,
who, where, why, how—and /or about major events or critiques that have resulted in a reshaping
of the field.
Idea B: Discuss underrepresentation or unfair representation in a field [gender, race, ethnicity,
sexual orientation, etc] OR discuss how a field is adjusting to include diverse voices.
OR
Option 3:
Prepare a presentation on current research or work being done in your major or intended career.
Consult at least 3 sources: At least two must be academic [book or article], and one other source of
your choosing. Summarize what you learn [important people/what methods they are using or
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10. work they are doing], what you find inspiring, and anything else you think is important or which
connects back to your own journey.
Presentation
Presentations may be powerpoint, film, multimedia, or written work prepared to be read
aloud. Please tell me your plan and get approval from me at least three weeks before the
deadline [sooner is better]. You may be creative with your medium (storytelling is allowed)
but you must include solid reference-able facts to one of the above listed topics. They
should not exceed 5 minutes per group member (presentations will be timed).
Campus Resources (5%)
Relevant Learning Outcomes: You will become familiar with the academic resources, procedures, and
student code of conduct policies of Georgia State University. You will exhibit familiarity with the
location, use, and content of official university documents relevant to these issues.
In order to be a successful student at Georgia State University, it is important that you familiarize
yourself with the campus, as well as become knowledgeable of the resources and opportunities
available to you. To help you learn more about valuable offices and services, you will need to
undergo an initiation rite of touring the campus. During this tour, you will learn more about our
recreation center, student center, library, bookstore, cinefest, digital aquarium, career center, and
other great campus locations that make Georgia State an awesome place to be a student at.
Haven: Sexual Assault, Relationship Violence, and Stalking online module (5%)
Relevant Learning Outcomes:
You will become familiar with the academic resources, procedures, and student code of conduct
policies of Georgia State University. You will exhibit familiarity with the location, use, and content of
official university documents relevant to these issues.
In compliance with Campus SaVE Act, you are required to complete Haven, an online learning
module. This module will take you approximately 45 minutes to complete and will provide you
with information about sexual assault, relationship violence, and stalking. In addition, you will gain
a definition of consent, bystander intervention techniques, information about healthy
relationships, and resources available related to these topics. Following the completion of the
module, you will be asked to complete a follow-up survey, which is available 45 days following
completion of the module. In order to receive credit for this module, you need to provide proof of
completion of the follow-up survey.
Haven can be accessed at https://platform.everfi.net/registration/signup.
GSU Registration Code: 95f4d4e1
Make sure that the registration information you enter matches the information on your Panther ID
card.
3rd
Millennium: Alcohol online module (5%)
Relevant Learning Outcomes:
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11. You will become familiar with the academic resources, procedures, and student code of conduct
policies of Georgia State University. You will exhibit familiarity with the location, use, and content of
official university documents relevant to these issues.
Alcohol-Wise is an online alcohol abuse prevention program designed to help college students
clarify their thinking about alcohol and make healthy decisions. As part of Georgia State’s
comprehensive substance use risk reduction program (SURRP), each incoming freshman and
transfer student is required to complete Alcohol-Wise as part of your GSU orientation. Whether
you drink or not, Alcohol-Wise will empower you to make well-informed decisions and will help
you cope with the drinking behavior of peers.
To complete the course, you will need access to an internet-connected computer. The course has
an audio component, so if you are accessing a computer in a public space, you may wish to use a
headset.
Most incoming students have been pre-registered for the course and have already received an
email from info@3rdmilclassrooms.com with a subject line that reads something like – Georgia
State University Required – Online Alcohol Course. The email contains your username, password
and a link to the program site.
The course takes about one hour to complete. After you complete the one-hour portion of the
course, you will receive an email 30 days later reminding you to complete the 15-minute follow-up
portion. Once you complete the course, including the 30-day follow up, the system will send
notification of completion via email.
Make sure to plan ahead because of the 30-day period between the two portions of the course.
In order to receive credit for this module, you need to provide proof of completion of the follow-up
survey.
Atlanta-Based Learning Opportunity (10%)
Relevant Learning Outcomes:
You will have an understanding of the community and environment on and around the university
campus, as well as the general Atlanta community.
Your Atlanta Based Learning Opportunity will be on November 9th
, 2015 from 3:00PM-5:00PM at
HHW: Hunger101
Atlanta-Based Learning promotes academic and civic engagement within the greater Atlanta
community. As an urban research institution in Atlanta, Georgia State offers an opportunity for you
to understand the context in which you are developing as learners. Engaging in Atlanta-Based
Learning activities provides you with an opportunity to generate connections between the
academic curriculum and the urban Atlanta environment.
Upon completion of your experience, you are expected to write a two-page paper reflecting on
your experience. Your reflection will be graded following the rubric that will be provided to you.
Please use the prescribed questions to frame the reflection.
1. Introduce your service site, describe the purpose the organization serves in the community,
and provide an overview of what you did during your time with the agency.
2. Thinking big picture, how did your work help the organization meet its purpose and serve
others better?
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12. 3. What skills did you use during your service, and how can those skills be used in your
anticipated career?
4. How are you able to use your time as a Georgia State University student to be involved in
meeting the needs of others within the Atlanta community (be specific; name at least one
need that you would be able to work toward addressing and identify how you would be
able to work toward addressing)? How might you engage political leaders to address the
issue(s) addressed?
5. Provide your overall thoughts on the experience.
6. How might this service opportunity be improved?
Extra Credit
Over the semester, I will announce extra credit opportunities.
Grading Policy
Final grades will be calculated based on a weighted percentage system, with points corresponding
to the total of each graded assignment weight [i.e. 10 points for assignment corresponding to
100% of module worth 10% of overall class grade, means every point you score on a 10 percent
assignment is a point for your overall grade]. Please keep in mind that completion of an
assignment does not guarantee receiving maximum points for the assignments. Points are
awarded based on the quality of the work submitted. Grades will be distributed as follows:
A+ =95-100% A = 92-94% A- = 90-91%
B+ = 85-89% B = 82-84% B- = 80-81%
C+ = 75-79% C = 72-74% C- = 70-71%
D= 60-69% F= 59 and below
Syllabus Statement: The course syllabus provides a general plan for the course; deviations may
be necessary.
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