FRESHMAN SEMINAR (IS 1100, Section 807)
Fall 1999
Holden Hall 004
Meets 9:00-11:00 on Monday through Thursday Aug 23-26;
9:00-10:00 on Friday August 27; 1:00-2:00 Wednesdays in
HH004, Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22; and 1:00 -2:00 Wednesday, Dec. 1
TEACHER
John Howe, 143 Holden Hall
Telephone: 742-2573; e-mail: john.howe@ttu.edu;
web: http://www2.tltc.ttu.edu/howe/
Office Hours: MWF 10-11:15, TuTh 8:15-8:45, M 9:30-10:00 pm, and
by appointment
PURPOSES OF THE SEMINAR
To help freshmen discover how to succeed at Texas Tech
University. To introduce university life in general: its history,
goals, and pitfalls. To introduce specific study and living
skills that make university life easier.
REQUIREMENTS
Required Text
Tech Transition: Freshman Seminar, IS-1100, 1999-2000.
Available at local bookstores.
Required Reading
Specific reading assignments for each class--taken from
the textbook or handouts--are listed in the Meeting and
Reading Schedule, just ahead and to the right of the lecture
date by which they should be completed. Each assignment will be
the subject of the following discussion. Read so that you arrive
in the seminar prepared to explain, praise, criticize, and
question. Much of your grade will be based upon your ability to
do this in an informed manner.
Class Attendance
Class attendance is required. Attendance will be recorded. There
will be penalties for excessive unexcused absences (more than
two, only one of which may be during the "corridor
week"). Failure to attend a scheduled individual meeting
with the class leader will count as an absence.
Essays
Students in IS 1100 write three short essays of ca. 1000-1500
words (that is, including three to four, double-spaced pages of
typescript). In section 807 the three essays will be:
1. Photo Essay:
"My First Days at Texas Tech."
Use a camera you own or buy a disposable camera (price range
$8-16, available at the TTU Bookstore in both outside and flash
disposables, but $2-5 cheaper at the local United Supermarket on
112 No. University Avenue). Prepare a typed photo essay about
your first days on campus. This must feature and explain at least
six relevant photographs, a collection that should include one
image of your TTU place of residence; one representing your
academic major (a professor or advisor in your major field, the
bulding that houses your major department or college, or
whatever); and one of a library, laboratory, or study hall, in
which you will work. At least one of the six or more photos
should include yourself, either alone or in a student group. [An
optional photo swap will be held after class on September 1.] Due
September 8.
2. Student Organization Essay. Join a
student organization. Write an essay that explains why you chose
to join that particular organization, what its first meeting was
like, and what you hope to accomplish as a member. Due September
22.
3. Goals Essay: "I will [or will not] be able to
achieve my higher education goals at Texas Tech University."
Write an essay on this theme. Due December 1.
Other Assignments
Six "Tasks" are assigned in the Meeting and Reading
Schedule.
Necessary Accomodations
Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require
some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements
should contact the instructor as soon as possible so that
necessary accomodations can be made.
GRADING:
The grade will be computed as follows: 30% from the six
"tasks" indicated in the Meeting and Reading
Schedule (5% from each); 10% from class participation; and
60% from the required essays (20% from each). The class
participation grade will be determined on the basis of informed
contributions to class discussion. A penalty of one letter grade
will be deducted from the total grade for excessive absences.
MEETING AND READING SCHEDULE
M Aug 23 Introductions / What is a University?
Read Tech Transition 1-34, 223-29. Task 1:
Meet with Professor Howe at the appointment time you have
scheduled.
Tu Aug 24 Student Health and Well-Being / Cultural
Diversity
[This replaces the regularly scheduled class meeting, so see
Professor Howe at the entrance to Allan Theatre before 9:00 in
order to sign the attendance sheet and/or get an attendance
certificate from the organizers.]
Read Tech Transition 39-59. Task 2: Do
the learning styles inventory, pp. 43-51.
W Aug 25 Diversity & Health Discussion / Learning
Styles
Read Tech Transition 63-81. Task 3:
Bring your time management system for "show and tell."
Th Aug 26 Time Management / Money Management
Read Tech Transition 85-105. Start Task 4:
Library Assignment.
F Aug 27 Library Tour starting in the "New
Book" area, right past the Croslin Room 9-10 am (the big
room at the TTU Library entrance).
Finish Task 4. Read Tech Transition
107-17. Bring photos you want to trade.
W Sept 1 Critical Thinking / Reading Textbooks
[Optional Photo Swap after Class]
Read Tech Transition 119-51. Task 5:
Bring a set of notes you took in any one of your classes. Essay
1 (Photo Essay) due Sept. 8.
W Sept 8 Note Taking and Writing
Read Tech Transition 153-78.
W Sept 15 Taking Tests
Read Tech Transition 179-221. Essay 2
(Joining an Organization) due Sept. 22
W Sept 22 Stress Management / Personal Management
Reread Tech Transition 1-5, 30-32, 35-37, 57-59, 61-65.
Use these ideas to help brainstorm for Essay 3
(Goals), which is due Dec. 1 (If you want this essay returned,
attach a stamped self-addressed envelop to it). Task 6:
Attend at least one university sponsored cultural event (e.g.
Night Life Series or a speaker) and bring some evidence of this
(e.g. a ticket stub or
program) to the meeting on Dec 3
W Dec 1 Your Educational Goals at TTU.
ENJOY YOUR TIME AT TEXAS TECH!