Teaching and Critical Pedagogy

First Year Seminar
Fall 2007

____________________________


Tentative Schedule:

Here is the semester run-down. Again, do note that this is a 'tentative' schedule. Sometimes, things just change. Although I will try to stick to this schedule, just be flexible.

Please note: If a class is canceled (due to snow or other reasons) on a paper/assignment's due date, that paper will be collected at the next class.



WEEK ONE: Introductions

Tues, 9/4 -- Introductions & Syllabus

• Syllabus, discussion, questions, etc.
• Interviews/Personal Introductions.

Homework/Reading for Next Class:

• Take a good look at this syllabus handed out in class. Come to the next class prepared to ask questions.
• Go online and visit the class website. Check out the assignments; print off the assignments; visit some of the resources. You need to do this: I rely heavily on this site for discussion, research, etc. Know what's going on.
• Make sure to have read your two primary texts.
• Get to work on your FOCUS Assignment: this is due on Thursday, September 20 at the end of class.
• Plan ahead: "Major Excitement": Thursday, September 20, 1-5 PM.
• Plan ahead: you have to complete two hours of "Community Service Activity" in Kalamazoo, so be thinking about it now.
• Plan ahead: You must complete a "Diversity Activity" - you must attend or participate in at least one diversity event or activity on campus, so be thinking about this as well.
• Both of the just mentioned are to be done by Tuesday, October 30th.

Thursday, 9/6: Introductions & Syllabus (cont.)

• Continue discussion of syllabus and go over assignments in more detail.
• FOCUS Assignment explanation, etc: due date for PART ONE is Thursday, 9/20.
• Select groups for group assignment, and decide on topics to be covered during the semester.
• Some time for group members to get to know each other.

Homework/Reading for Next Class:

• Coordinate with your groups and begin working on your group assignment for class.
• Make sure to have read your two primary texts.
• Visit Waldo Library on line. Next week: you learn how to use the library!
• Don't forget to attend "Major Excitement": Thursday, September 20, 1-5 PM - two weeks from today!
• Start looking for technical support for your final project: Thematic Webpage/Homepage.
• Do not forget about the FOCUS Assignment: It's due in a couple of weeks.
• Nicenet: It's every week!

WEEK TWO: Waldo Library Visit

Tues, 9/11 - Waldo Library Orientation

• Visit Waldo Library .
• Meet in the atrium at Waldo Library at the start of class.

Homework/Reading for Next Class:

• Continue to think about what you have learned about Waldo Library, and be ready to put that to use next class.
• Remember: We meet at Waldo Library again at the start of the next class, Thursday.
• Your first assignment will be given to you at the library on Thursday.
• Make sure to have Lakota read for next week.
• "Major Excitement": Thursday, September 20, 1-5 PM - attendance is required!
• FOCUS Assignment: It's due soon!

Thurs., 9/13 -- Waldo Library (cont.)

• Finish orientation at Waldo.
• 'Waldo Library Assignment' - due at the end of class today!

Homework/Reading for Next Class:

• Make sure to have 'Lakota' read by next week.
• Take some time to learn more about the Lakota tribe.
• Find out what happened at Wounded Knee by clicking here or here.
• Print off an excerpt from Howard Zinn's book, A People's History of the United States on Native Americans and bring this to the next class.
• "Major Excitement": Thursday, September 20, 1-5 PM - next week!
• Continue to plan/think about your final project: Thematic Webpage/Homepage.
• FOCUS Assignment: It's due next week
• Nicenet: It's every week!

WEEK THREE: 'The Lakota Way '/Cultural Frame of Reference

Tues., 9/18 -- "What's Your Cultural Frame of Reference?"

• Testing your cultural awareness: 'MultiCultural Education' quiz.
• How aware are you?
• Read & Respond: Howard Zinn's article on Native Americans.
• Start 'mapping' stories/themes in The Lakota Way .

Homework/Reading for Next Class:

• Get started on Chapter 1 of the Keys to Effective Learning .
• "Major Excitement": Thursday, September 20, 1-5 PM - it's required!
• Do not forget to find out how to do the technology for your Thematic Webpage/Homepage.
• Nicenet: It's every week!
• FOCUS Assignment: PART ONE is due next class.

Thurs., 9/20: 'The Lakota Way ' & Personal Contracts.

• Finish maps and reflections of The Lakota Way .
• 'Creating a Way': Putting lessons from Way to work.
• "Major Excitement": it's today from 1-5 PM and you are required to attend.
• FOCUS Assignment Part One : It is due today!

Homework/Reading for Next Class:

• Make sure to have read first chapter of Keys to Effective Learning .
• Group #1/'Welcome to College': be planning.
• Do not forget: you have to complete two hours of "Community Service Activity" in Kalamazoo.
• Do not forget: You must complete a "Diversity Activity".
• Both are to be done by Tuesday, October 30th.
• Something to think about: Thematic Webpage/Homepage.
• Nicenet: It's every week!

 
WEEK FOUR: Group #1/Chp. 1 - 'Welcome'

Tues., 9/25 -- Group #1/'Welcome to College'.

• Start review/critical discussions of Chapter One.

Homework/Reading for Next Class:

• Be keeping up with your reading in Keys to Effective Learning.
• Keep it in mind: Thematic Webpage/Homepage.
• Nicenet: It's every week!
• Group #2: be planning!

 
Thurs, 9/27 -- Group #1/'Welcome to College pt. 2'.

• Finish Chapter One/Reflections.

Homework/Reading for Next Class:

• Have Chapter Two of Keys to Effective Learning finished for next time.
• Two hours of "Community Service Activity" in Kalamazoo.
• Gotta complete a "Diversity Activity".
• Both are to be done by Tuesday, October 30th.
• Nicenet: It's every week!

WEEK FIVE: Group #2/Chp. 2 - 'Values, Goals, etc.'

Tues., 10/2: 'Managing Yourself'.

• Start review/critical group presentations/discussions of Chapter Two.

Homework/Reading for Next Class:

• Start working on Chapter Three.
• Do not forget: Thematic Webpage/Homepage.
• Two hours of "Community Service Activity" in Kalamazoo.
• Gotta complete a "Diversity Activity".
• Both are to be done by Tuesday, October 30th.
• Come to class next week with ideas about the final project: the Thematic Webpage/Homepage.
• Nicenet: It's every week!

Thurs., 10/4: 'Managing' (cont.)

• Finish review/critical group presentations/discussions of Chapter Two.

Homework/Reading for Next Class:

• Chapter Three: do your reading.
• Group #3: be planning.
• Two hours of "Community Service Activity" in Kalamazoo.
• Gotta complete a "Diversity Activity".
• Both are to be done by Tuesday, October 30th.
• Come to the next class with the results from PART ONE of the FOCUS assignment.
• We will start PART TWO/'Major Exploration' on Tuesday 10/9.
  
  

WEEK SIX: 'Major Exploration'/'Technology Training'.

Tues., 10/9 -- 'Major Exploration'.

• Today, we work on PART TWO of the FOCUS Assignment: 'Major Exploration'.
• The goal is to narrow down your choices when it comes to selecting a major at WMU.
• You MUST bring PART ONE of the assignment to class today.
  

Homework/Reading for Next Class:

• Do not forget: Thematic Webpage/Homepage.
• Two hours of "Community Service Activity" in Kalamazoo.
• Gotta complete a "Diversity Activity".
• Both are to be done by Tuesday, October 30th.
• Come to class next week with rough ideas for your final project: Thematic Webpage/Homepage.
• Nicenet: It's every week!
• PART TWO of the FOCUS Assignment is due next week: Thursday, 10/18.

Thurs., 10/11 -- 'Instructional Technology' Lab Visitation.

• A little time this week to learn a little about technology.
• Goal is to help with the final project: the Thematic Webpage/Homepage.
• Start laying out basic plans for your final project.

Homework/Reading for Next Class:

• Two hours of "Community Service Activity" in Kalamazoo.
• Gotta complete a "Diversity Activity".
• Both are to be done by Tuesday, October 30th.
• Chapter Three: do your reading and the next group needs to be ready to present next week.
• PART TWO of the FOCUS Assignment: Due next week!

WEEK SEVEN: ‘Group #3/Chp 3 - 'Diversity Matters'

Tues., 10/16: 'How We Learn'.

• Start review/critical group presentations/discussions of Chapter Three.

Homework/Reading for Next Class:

• "WMU Health and Wellness Fair": Wednesday, November 7, 10-4 PM - be planning ahead.
• The semester is running out: Do not forget: you have to complete two hours of "Community Service Activity" in Kalamazoo.
• Also, the "Diversity Activity".
• Both are to be done by Tuesday, October 30th.
• The semester is almost half done: Do not forget the Thematic Webpage/Homepage.
• Nicenet: It's every week!
• Read Chapter 11 of the text.
• Next group: be working on your presentation Group #4.
• PART TWO of the FOCUS Assignment is due next class!

Thurs., 10/18: 'How We Learn' (cont).

• Finish review/critical group presentations/discussions of Chapter Three.

Homework/Reading for Next Class:

• The semester is running out: Do not forget: you have to complete two hours of "Community Service Activity" in Kalamazoo.
• Also, the "Diversity Activity".
• Both are to be done by Tuesday, October 30th.
• Be reading Chapter 11 for next time.
• Group #4: you're next.
• Nicenet: It's every week!
• FOCUS Assignment PART TWO: It is due today!
  
  
  

WEEK EIGHT: Group #4/Chp 11 - 'Creating Your Life'

Tues., 10/23: 'Habits of Mind & Body'

• Start review/critical group presentations/discussions of Chapter Eleven.
  

Homework/Reading for Next Class:

• "WMU Health and Wellness Fair": Wednesday, November 7, 10-4 PM - it's coming soon and it is required!
• The semester is running out: Do not forget: you have to complete two hours of "Community Service Activity" in Kalamazoo.
• Also, the "Diversity Activity".
• Both are to be done by next week: Tuesday, October 30th.
• Be reading Chapter 5.

Thurs., 10/25: 'Mind & Body' (cont).

• Finish review/critical group presentations/discussions of Chapter Eleven.

Homework/Reading for Next Class:

• Do not forget: Thematic Webpage/Homepage.
• The semester is running out: Do not forget: you have to complete two hours of "Community Service Activity" in Kalamazoo.
• Also, the "Diversity Activity".
• Both are to be done by next week: Tuesday, October 30th.
• Read Chapter Five.
• Group #5: be planning and working on presentation.
• Nicenet: It's every week!
• Meet at Sindecuse Health Center on Tuesday!

WEEK NINE: 'A Week of Health'

Tues., 10/30: 'Mock Visit to Sindecuse Health Center.'

• Class meets at Sindecuse Health Center at WMU.
• Proof of "Community Service Activity" in Kalamazoo & the "Diversity Activity": both due today, 10/30!

Homework/Reading for Next Class:

• "WMU Health and Wellness Fair": Wednesday, November 7, 10-4 PM - it's required!
• Thematic Webpage/Homepage!
• Be reading Chapter Five.
• Nicenet: It's every week!
• Next class: Meet at Sindecuse Health Center!
  

Thurs.11/1: 'Healthy' (cont).

• Class meets at Sindecuse Health Center at WMU.
• Guest Speaker.

Homework/Reading for Next Class:

• "WMU Health and Wellness Fair": Wednesday, November 7, 10-4 PM - it's required!
• Thematic Webpage/Homepage!
• Nicenet: It's every week!
• Read Chapter Five for next class.
• Next group presentation: Group #5 up next.
  
  

WEEK TEN: Group #5/Chp 5 - 'Reading & Studying'

Tues., 11/6: 'Getting Focused'.

• Start review/critical group presentations/discussions of Chapter Five.

Homework/Reading for Next Class:

• Do not forget: Thematic Webpage/Homepage.
• Nicenet: still out there.
• "WMU Health and Wellness Fair": tomorrow, Wednesday, November 7, 10-4 PM - it's required!
• Start reading Chapter Seven.
  

Thurs., 11/8: 'Focused' (cont).

• Finish review/critical group presentations/discussions of Chapter Five.

Homework/Reading for Next Class:

• Do not forget: Thematic Webpage/Homepage.
• Keep up with Nicenet.
• Read Chapter Seven.
• Group presentations: Group #6 up next time.
  

WEEK ELEVEN: Group #6/Chp 7 - 'Taking Notes'

Tues., 11/13: 'Take Note'.

• Start review/critical group presentations/discussions of Chapter Seven.

Homework/Reading for Next Class:

• NICENET Portfolio: due soon.
• Do not forget: Thematic Webpage/Homepage.
• Be reading Chapter 10.
• Group#7: be working on planning/organizing, etc. .

Thurs., 11/15: 'Take' (cont).

• Finish review/critical group presentations/discussions of Chapter Seven.

Homework/Reading for Next Class:

• NICENET Portfolio: due soon.
• Do not forget: Thematic Webpage/Homepage.
• Finish reading Chapter Ten.

WEEK TWELVE: Guest Speaker.

Tues., 11/20: Guest Speaker (TBA)

Homework/Reading for Next Class:

• NICENET Portfolio: due next week.

Thurs., 11/22: No Class: Thanksgiving Break.

Homework/Reading for Next Class:

• NICENET Portfolio: due next week.
• Have Chapter 10 finished.

WEEK THIRTEEN: Group #7/Chp 10 - 'Effective Writing'

Tues., 11/27: 'Written Communication'.

• Start review/critical group presentations/discussions of Chapter Ten.

Homework/Reading for Next Class:

• NICENET Portfolio: due next class.
• It's getting closer: Thematic Webpage/Homepage is due very soon.
• Read Chapter Four.
  
  
  

Thurs., 11/29: 'Writing' (cont).

• NICENET Portfolio: Due today 11/29.

Homework/Reading for Next Class:

• Do not forget it's due next class: Thematic Webpage/Homepage.
• Read Chapter Four for next time.
  
  

WEEK FOURTEEN: 'Wrapping up'/Chp 4 - 'Critical & Creative'

Tues., 12/4: 'Problem-Solving'.

• Review/critical presentations/discussions of Chapter Four.
• Thematic Webpage/Homepage: Due Today 12/4!
  

Thurs., 12/6: 'Problem' etc. (cont).

• Finish review/critical discussions of Chapter Four.
  

WEEK FIFTEEN: Final Exam Week.

• Final Exam week.
• Hand back Nicenet portfolio.
• Date and Time: TBA.

Back to the FYS Syllabus
Back to homepage