Academic Strategies Syllabus and Addendum

Syllabus
CS101 Academic Strategies
CONTACT HOURS: 40 (40 Lecture 0 Lab)

DELIVERY METHOD DISTRIBUTION: (25 Ground, 15 Digital)

ACADEMIC CREDIT: 4 Quarter Credits
PREREQUISITES: None

INSTRUCTOR NAME: Debbie Kirk

INSTRUCTOR CONTACT INFORMATION: debbie.kirk@brightwood.edu or 615-243-9097
COURSE START DATE: 12/13/17 COURSE END DATE: 01/21/18

Course Information
Course Description

In this course, students are taught the purposes and processes of higher education. Students are
also taught fundamental computer and Internet skills. Emphasis is placed on study, communication,
and thinking skills that support academic achievement. Students have the opportunity to examine the
relationship between learning and motivation. This course is also designed to develop professional
skills and proactive career management. This course includes both classroom and digital activities
such as video, tests/quizzes, simulations, and discussion boards. This course will include out-of-class
work such as reading and writing assignments, practice and practical application assignments, and
projects. A minimum of two and a half hours of out-of-class work will be assigned per week.

Course Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

o Identify and utilize available academic resources

o Develop goals and implement plans for personal and professional success
o Identify talents in order to develop strengths
o Apply strengths developed in the classroom to academic, professional, and personal life
o Utilize effective time management and learning skills for educational success
o Apply interpersonal communication and team-building skills gained through assignments, class
participation, and self-awareness activities
o Develop effective writing skills
o Use the computer and Internet to collect, manage, and share information
o Demonstrate professional skills that enhance success

Textbooks and Resources:

Clifton, D. O., Anderson, E., & Schreiner, L. A. (2006). StrengthsQuest: Discover and Develop your
Strengths in Academics, Career, and Beyond. (2nd ed.). Gallup Press.

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Academic Strategies Syllabus and Addendum
Any resources provided or assigned in previous courses may be required or used in this course.

Topic Outline:
o Strengths approach
o Memory and learning
o Critical thinking
o Research skills
o Study strategies
o Professional communication
o Conflict management
o Time management
o Stress management
o Financial management

Assessment and Requirements

Students will be assessed by a variety of methods including participation, in-class activities,
out-of-class assignments, quizzes, exams, projects, or other appropriate methods.

Measure % of Final Grade

Discussions 20%

Graded Assignments* 40%

Quizzes 20%
Exams 20%

Total 100%

*Out-of-class student homework is required as part of this course. Examples of out-of-class student
homework may include writing assignments, practice and practical application assignments, and
projects. A minimum of two and a half hours of out-of-class work will be assigned per week.

Refer to the campus course catalog for grading scale.

Students must pass this course with a final grade of at least 60%. Some states may require a
different pass rate for this course. Refer to the campus course catalog for specific program
requirements.

Technical Support
Student portal allows password reminders and resets and contains a link to technical support. For
Canvas support, the Help link provides immediate assistance http://help.instructure.com/

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Academic Strategies Syllabus and Addendum
Library Resources
Resources are available in the campus library, as well as the Virtual Library. Research assignments
should include the Virtual Library. Students may access the virtual library through the student portal.

Instructional Methods
Instructional methods may include: lectures, board work, demonstrations, lab activities, classroom
exercises, discussions, practice questions, examinations, reading assignments for homework, field
trips, guest lectures, group projects, and oral presentations. For Texas Only Maximum Instructor:
Student Ratio 30:1

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Academic Strategies Syllabus and Addendum

Addendum
CS101 Academic Strategies
Module Lesson Classroom Activities Out-of-Class Work
Digital Session Points Reading
1 1 o Lesson: Know Your Talents, Grow StrengthsQuest: Chapters
Your Strengths 1, 2, 5, 8, 9
o StrengthsQuest Assessment Strengths Diversity article
o Learning Style Assessment
Assignments Points
#1 Classroom Session Learning Style 100
Wed- o Material Review StrengthsQuest 100
12/13 o Class Overview
o Introductory Class Discussion
o StrengthsQuest Activities
o Learning Styles Activities

Digital Session Points

1 2 o Lesson: Learning Preferences
o Lesson: Memory

#2 Classroom Session
Friday o Material Review
12/15 o Learning Styles Activities

Digital Session Points Reading

1 3 o Lesson: Problem Solving Brainstorming article
o Problem Solving Discussion Board 100

#3 Classroom Session
Monday o Material Review
12/18 o StrengthsQuest Activities
o Learning Styles Activities
o Problem Solving Activities

Digital Session Points

2 1 o Lesson: Study and Test Taking
Skills
o Active Study Strategies Discussion 100
Board
o Test-taking tips website review

#4 Classroom Session
Wed- o Material Review
12/20 o Test Taking Tips Activities

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Academic Strategies Syllabus and Addendum
Module Lesson Classroom Activities Out-of-Class Work

Digital Session Points Reading

2 2 o Lesson: Information Literacy StrengthsQuest: Chapters
o Digital Note Taking Activity 3, 6
o Introduction to Writing Strategies Understanding the
Activity Importance of Information
o Studying for the Test Activity Literacy article
o Quiz 30
Assignments Points
#5 Classroom Session Boolean Operators 100
Wed- 1/3 o Material Review Website Authenticity 100
o Test Taking Tips Activities
o Boolean Operators Activities
o Virtual Library Activities
o Website Authenticity Activities

Digital Session Points Reading

3 1 o Lesson: Effective Communication Click StrengthsQuest: Chapter
o Communication and Teamwork here 4
Activity to Non-Verbal
o Active Listening Website Review enter Communication article
o Assertive Communication text.
Assessment and Article Review Assignments Points
Active listening 100

#6 Classroom Session
Friday o Material Review
1/5 o Clear Communication Activities
o Active Listening Activities
o Assertive Communication Activities
o Conflict Resolution Activities
Digital Session Points Reading
3 2 o Lesson: Conflict Resolution, Teams, StrengthsQuest: Chapter
and Leadership 8
o Teamwork Discussion Board 100
o Teamwork and Diversity video Assignments Points
o Good Phone and Email video Conflict Resolution 100
o Conflict Resolution Article Review
o Handling Difficult People Article
Review
o Quiz 40

#7 Classroom Session
Monday o Material Review
1/8 o Clear Communication Activities
o Active Listening Activities
o Assertive Communication Activities
o Conflict Resolution Activities
o Handling Difficult People Activities

Digital Session Points Reading

4 1

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Academic Strategies Syllabus and Addendum
Module Lesson Classroom Activities Out-of-Class Work
o Lesson: Time and Stress StrengthsQuest: Chapter
Management 100 7
o Stress and Time Management 8 Ways to Control Your
Discussion Board Time article
#8 10 Ways to Work More
Wed- 1/10 Classroom Session Efficiently article
o Material Review
o Time Management

Digital Session Points Reading

4 2 o Lesson: Time and Stress Financial Literacy for
Management Parents and Students
o Lesson: Goal Setting article
o Lesson: Financial Literacy Stress Management
o Financial Stress Discussion Board 100 article
o Stress and Time Management video
o SMART Goals / Tic Tac Toe Assignments Points
Activities Financial Goals 100

#10 Classroom Session

Wed- 1/17 o Material Review
o Budgeting
o Financial Goals
o Prioritized Task List
o Final Exam 100

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