Int 411 Syllabus
Int 411 Syllabus
Contents
Course Summary.....................................................................................................................
Department of
Interdisciplinary Studies
Syllabus
Prerequisites............................................................................................................................
Instructional Methods and Strategies......................................................................................
Computer Literacy Requirements...........................................................................................
Learning Objectives.................................................................................................................
Instructional Materials.............................................................................................................
Required Texts...................................................................................................................
NSU Policies.............................................................................................................................
Dr.
Aprilfaye
Manalang, Assistant Professor
University
Assessment
Statement....................................................................................
Incomplete Grade Policy...................................................................................................
Statement on Spartan Success Center ...........................................................................
Departmental Policies ............................................................................................................
Late Assignments and Make-up Policy.....................................................................................
Learner Interaction Policy........................................................................................................
Evaluations..............................................................................................................................
Example of a Rubric..........................................................................................................
Written Work Criteria....................................................................................................... 10
Academic Integrity Standards......................................................................................... 10
Attendance Policy.................................................................................................................. 10
Assignments.......................................................................................................................... 10
Grade Scale........................................................................................................................... 10
Course Outline....................................................................................................................... 11
Course Number & Course Name: INT 411: Ideas and Influences
Semester: Fall 2015
Class Meets: NGE: Room 106 Mondays 6:00 pm 9:00 pm
Instructor Name: Dr. Aprilfaye Manalang
Office location and office hours
Norfolk State University
Bowser Hall Room 101
Office Hours: Mondays 11:00 am 12:00 pm; Tuesdays/Thursdays 11:00 am
12:00 pm; 2:30 pm 5:00 pm; 6:30 pm 7:00 pm; and by Appointment
Cyber Office Hours: Wednesdays 9:00 am 10:00 am
Email address: [email protected]
Telephone: (757) 823-9489
Preferred method of communication:
Students may best reach me via email or after class. During the week students
should expect an email within 24 hours. On the weekend and during holidays,
students should expect to hear from the professor between 24-48 hours.
Email Policy
NSU email is the only email system to be used for this course; private email
addresses cannot be used. Always title your messages; be sure the subject line
reflects the topic of discussion. Email messages should always be courteous
and follow etiquette protocols. You should be respectful to those who are
receiving your email; never send SPAM to other classmates. Remember that
these documents are never deleted from the system and nothing is ever
private. Also, always check your spelling before sending a message.
Course Summary
Course Description
Thinking is any mental activity that helps formulate or solve a problem, make a
decision, or fulfill a desire to understand. It is a searching for answers, a reaching
for meaning (Ruggiero, 2007). Therefore, it is the examination of how
characteristic logical constructs are employed in reading, writing, and speech
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acts, modeling and application of modes of analysis that develop critical thinking
skills and flexible orientation towards reading and writing.
What is Interdisciplinary Studies? An area of study that provides students
with a broad background in many disciplines including social sciences, literature,
biology, chemistry, the arts, mathematics and many other subjects. The field of
critical thinking is of necessity to interdisciplinarity because the human mind is far
too complex to understand itself in any one dimensional way.
Course Rationale
Critical thinking is the cornerstone of higher education as well as the
hallmark of an educated person. Therefore, it is rational to say that the
thinking process is such an integral part of who we are as people. The
prospect of expanding students thinking implies that expanding who they
are as human is basis enough for offering the course.
Introducing students to critical thinking is needed in higher education
because it fosters sophisticated intellectual and language abilities.
This course will allow students to apply their evolving thinking abilities to a
variety of life experiences.
Prerequisites
INT 308: Introduction to Interdisciplinary Studies (strongly
recommended)
An understanding of the Web and its resources, such as the library and
online research tools accessed through a Web browser.
Students will be able to think critically and acquire the concept of reading as
a thinking activity.
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Students will explore and discover ideas, both individually and in dialogue
with others.
Students will be able to exhibit their thoughts and critical thinking patterns
in the form of essays.
Students will be able to solve problems and make the best choices in their
academic, professional, and personal lives.
Instructional Materials
Required Texts
Arroyo, Andrew (2011). Ideas and Influences, (2nd Ed.) Kendall Hunt, Dubque, IA.
Proctoring Policy
Students must have exams in online courses proctored. A proctored exam is one
that is administered by an impartial individual (called a proctor) who monitors
and supervises a student while that student is taking an exam. The proctor
ensures the security and integrity of the exam process. Students will be required
to submit an Online Course Proctor Identification Approval Form to each
instructor. Once the proctor has been approved by the instructor, the students
will be required to present their Spartan Identification Card and photo
identification to the proctor prior to students receiving the exam. Students are
responsible for arranging a proctor for their exam(s) and all costs incurred for
this service. The University Testing Center in Harrison B. Wilson Hall, 134, 757785-3827, offers Proctoring Services on campus, at no cost for NSU students.
Please contact the NSU Testing Center for more information; students are to prearrange their scheduled proctored times with the NSU Testing Center and the
course professor.
Departmental Policies
Late Assignments and Make-up Policy
All grades are final; there will be no make-up quizzes. Please follow the due
dates provided in each unit because we will cover multiple lessons weekly.
Assignments must be submitted on time. No late work is accepted. Plan to submit
early to avoid last minute distractions, emergencies, or technical glitches.
Microsoft Word
ALL Interdisciplinary Studies papers are to be submitted as Microsoft
Word documents (.doc), unless otherwise noted by the professor. If students
submit papers using other writing programs (i.e., WordPerfect, Microsoft works,
MAC programs, etc.), they may lose points and/or not have their paper
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Let the professor know immediately of any special requirements, services, etc.
within the first two weeks of the course! It is students responsibilities to
notify Dr. Manalang at the beginning of the course.
Success Policy
The best policy for success in any course is preparation, organization, and active
participation, reading completion and comprehension, effective time management
and constant, consistent communication with the instructor. Remember, this is
YOUR educationbe responsible and accountable.
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Excellent (50)
Good (20)
Organization
of material
Use of
resources
Poor (10)
The work was poorly
organized or ideas were
presented randomly
Some of your ideas
were incorrect and
inappropriate
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Points
___/50
___/50
Presentation
of material
Learner
Interaction/
Participation
Participates equally
with other group
members in
researching, writing,
and editing
Outstanding overall
quality. A powerful
and memorable
presentation.
Overall
Quality
___/50
___/50
Total Points
Attendance Policy
Based on the Student Handbook:
A. Not more than 20% of class meetings (excused or unexcused) may be missed
by a student
in a given semester.
B. At the discretion of the instructor a student whose absences exceed 20% of
scheduled
class meetings for the semester may receive an F for the course.
C. Class excuses are issued for legitimate reasons by the Office of Student
Services/Judicial
Affairs. Such incidents include:
i. Medical Reasons
ii. Funerals-Immediate family members only
Weather Policy:
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___/50
___/250
In case of inclement weather, students should listen to major radio and television
stations; visit the NSU website at www.nsu.edu; and/or call the University operator
at 757-823-8600. Additionally, students should sign up for University text alerts. If
the University cancels classes, students should check their NSU email and the
Blackboard course site for additional course information. As an online course, we
still meet regardless of weather.
Grade Scale
Student performance and progress will be evaluated on the basis of homework,
class participation, quizzes and test, debate/group performance (online
discussions), papers, and final examination. Extra credit will be considered, if a
student is borderline-failing.
Grading Scale:
A = 94 100
B- = 78 81
D+ = 62 65
A- = 90 93
C+ = 74 77
D = 58 61
B+ = 86 89
C = 70 73*
D- = 54 57
B = 82 85
C- = 66 69
F = 0 53
Please note: As part of the INT core/major, students must earn a grade
of C or better in order to gain credit towards graduation and receipt of
B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies.
Course Outline (please note the course outline can change at the
Course Description
th
Week 2:
September 1
Week 3:
September 8
Week 4
September 15
Week 5
September 22
Week 6
September 29
Week 7
October 6
Week 8
October 13-14
Fall Break (No
classes)
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October 15
Week 9
October 19
Week 10
October 26
Week 11
November 2
Week 12
November 10
Week 13
November 17
Assignment DUE: Quiz 4 to be completed online on
Blackboard by midnight, November 18th.
Week 14
November 24
November 2730
Thanksgiving
Break
Week 15
December 1
Potluck and Wrap up: What did I learn? How did I learn it? I learned
it best when? Personal Reflections on Interdisciplinary Studies
Assignment DUE: Final Exam to be completed online on
Blackboard by midnight, December 2nd.
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