San Diego State University
Liberal Studies 300 Course Syllabus
Fall 2016
Professor: Lisa Carney-Farwell
Class Days: Tuesday, Thursday
Class Times: 2:00-3:15
Contact Information: [email protected]
Class Location: E 423B
Office Hours: EBA 207A, by appointment only
Mailing Address: SDSU
School of Teacher Education
5400 Campanile Drive
San Diego CA 92182-1153
Prerequisite: Completion of ED 200
Course Description:
You are on the road toward becoming a teacher! This course is a prerequisite for entering the 5th year Multiple
Subject Program at SDSU. In this class, we read about and discuss ways of thinking or “the habits of mind” in
the disciplines that are typically taught in grades K-8. The goal of our efforts is to enhance understanding of the
nature of these disciplines.
You will explore issues of diversity in contemporary society through directed field experiences, selected
readings, research and participation in class discussions. We will explore the concept of a liberally educated
person and the significance of broad based knowledge in the teaching profession. Additionally, we will address
the importance of clear academic writing including recognizing and using basic writing conventions.
You should arrive in class on time ready to participate in the class. All cell phones need to be turned off and
miscellaneous items such as newspapers, magazines, etc. are to put away. Laptops should be used for notetaking
only.
Course Goals & Objectives:
Student Learning Outcomes:
1.
Recognize the attributes and importance of a liberal arts education,
2.
Demonstrate proficiency in academic discourse, both verbally and in writing,
3.
Compare and contrast the core academic disciplines and the habits of mind they nurture,
4.
Reflect on classroom practices through a culturally responsive lens, and
5.
Apply use of action research in early field experiences.
Required Readings:
1. Selected readings and EFE Guide available on course Blackboard site.
2. Early Field Experience Guide: Multiple Subjects available on Blackboard
3. Raines, Ann. Keys for Writers, Fourth Edition (you should have this from ED 200)
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Points/Grading
You will accumulate 225 points during this semester. At the end of the semester, those points will be assigned a
transcript grade according to the following criteria:
A
AB+
B
B-
100-96%
95-90%
89-88%
87-85%
84-80%
C+
C
CD
F
79-78%
77-75%
74-70%
69-60%
59-0%
The total range of possibilities is provided in order to present a complete picture. There is no expectation that
anyone will fall into the bottom 4/5ths of the scale.
Course Assignments
Each of the following course requirements will be explained and discussed in class. The criteria which
guide grading include the following operational definitions:
Professional Quality: Work is presented in a form that is acceptable to show a parent or colleague in a
professional meeting. Time and attention appears to have been given to this activity (carefully prepared versus
being “thrown together”). All assignments completed out of class must be typed and include spacing using
Times New Roman size 12 font.
Functional Value: The product in its present form serves as a useful tool (has actual teaching application). It
would be useful to other similarly prepared professionals (it has communicative value).
Progressive: The assignment demonstrates growth in the instructional process (objectives, instruction,
assessment). It also relates to the set of best practices discussed in class and in the readings.
Completed on Time: Assignments are due on the assigned day. Problems with the policy should be discussed
and negotiated advance of the due date. Late assignments will be accepted only if such arrangements are
possible and are made before the due date. Late assignments that have not been discussed in advance with the
instructor may result in a letter grade reduction for the assignment for each day past the due date.
Academic Honesty: Academic honesty is of utmost importance. All work submitted must be original and
created specifically for this class. References to the work of others must be appropriately cited in any paper
submitted. Academic dishonesty will be treated within the guidelines established by the University. Students
agree that by taking this course all required papers may be subject to submission for textual similarity review to
Turnitin for the detection of plagiarism.
Students with Special Needs: Students who need instructional accommodations for their disabilities should
contact me privately. We can discuss specific accommodations for which you have received authorization. If
you need accommodations due to a disability, but have not registered with Student Disability Services at 619594-6473 (Calpulli Center, Suite 3101), please do so before making an appointment to see me. You may access
more information about available services for SDSU student by visiting http://www.sa.sdsu.edu/sds/sdsmain/students.html.
Page 2
Activity
Class attendance and
participation
9 Response Papers
Plagiarism Quiz
Literature Review
Habits of Mind Essay
Content Team Lesson
EFE Report and Research
Assignments
Points
Due Date
30 pts.
45 pts.
5 pts.
15 pts.
40 pts.
40 pts.
50 pts.
See due dates on syllabus
Due 9/15/16
Due 9/29/16
Due 10/27/16
TBD
Due 12/6/16
Requirements
1. Class attendance and participation, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 pts.
LS 300 is a participatory class. It is expected that you participate fully and respectfully in class discussions. Your
experiences, background and ideas are critical elements in class discussions. If you are unable to attend a class
session, email the instructor in advance. Please note that being absent is not an excuse for missing important
information given in class. It would benefit you to have the names and phone numbers of several of your classmates.
Each student is expected to display professionalism, which is defined and evaluated using the following criteria:
attendance, preparedness/timeliness, attitude, responsibility, initiative, positive participation, and
collaboration/collegiality. If you miss more than 3 classes, you will lose 20 participation points.
2. Response Papers (5 points each) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 pts.
After reading each article, type a response attending to the prompt in the syllabus and on Blackboard. Submit
responses through Blackboard on the due date indicated on the syllabus.
3. Plagiarism Quiz (Due 9/15/16). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . 5 pts.
Go to: http://library.sdsu.edu/guides/tutorial.php?id=28 Copy and paste this link to take the tutorial and the
quiz. After completing the quiz, print the final page with your score and turn it in to the instructor.
4. Literature Review (Due 9/29/16) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 15 pts.
Part of your EFE Research Paper includes writing a literature review on your research topic. You will research 3-4
studies that examine your topic. The structure of this assignment will be reviewed in class and is explained further
in the EFE Guide. This literature review will be turned in two times, one time as a single assignment and the
second time as part of the EFE Research Paper.
5. Habits of Mind Essay (Due 10/27/16). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 pts.
You will write a 2-3 page essay, (double spaced, New Times Roman, 12” font), showing your depth of
understanding of one curricular discipline typically taught in primary education, linking it to Costa’s 16 Habits
of Mind. More information is posted in Habits of Mind Assignment Overview on Bb.
6. Content Team Lesson (20 pts. pres. + 10 pts. ref. paper + 10 pts. part). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 pts.
PRESENTATION: In groups of 3 or 4, you will be teaching a 25-minute lesson to the class in a particular
discipline. You must include a lesson plan indicating the appropriate grade level, content standard, and
sequence of events. You must demonstrate your understanding of goals, processes, and product indicating that
you understand the habits of mind of that discipline. Every member must take an active role in planning and
teaching this lesson. You will earn up to 10 points for participating in other groups’ lessons.
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REFLECTION PAPER: Your reflection paper must answer the following questions: (1) What is the most
interesting thing you learned about your discipline (or perhaps saw this point from a new/different perspective)
(2) What was your experience in working with your particular group – what were the dynamics, who was
leader, how did you distribute tasks (3) What was your thinking about the way to present your lesson –
engagement, sequence of activities (4) If you were to present this lesson again next semester to a new audience,
what might you want to do differently?
7. Early Field Experience (EFE) Report and Research
Due 12/6/16 NO LATE PAPERS WILL BE ACCEPTED……………………………………………………………………..50
pts.
You will spend 30 hours in public school settings this semester. You will turn in a detailed report of your
experiences. Specific details and forms are available in the Early Field Experiences (EFE) Guide that you will
obtain from the course Blackboard site. The EFE with 30 hours of observations must be completed to
receive a passing grade in LS 300. Part of this report includes a 4-6 page classroom observation research paper
(MLA format, typed, double spaced, 12” Times New Roman font). You will choose a focus question in which
to ground your research. Possible topics and questions will be shared and discussed in class. Data will be
collected and analyzed from classroom observations. A literature review of 3-4 sources that aligns with your
research topic needs to be included in your paper. The Classroom Research Paper must be included in the
final EFE Report. The following is a list of links to nearby school districts. It is your responsibility to contact
the school districts and secure your placement as soon as possible.
San Diego Unified School District:
La Mesa/Spring Valley:
National School District
Chula Vista Elementary School District
Sweetwater Union High School District (grades 7-12)
www.sandiegounified.org
www.lmavsd.k12.ca.us
www.national.k12.ca.us
www.cvesd.org
www.sweetwaterschools.org
Professionalism
1. Dress appropriately. You are a role model for the students and want to leave a positive, professional
impression with the staff.
2. Act professionally on the school site.
● Check in and out at the front office every time you are at your school site.
3. Demonstrate commitment to scheduling agreement.
● Communicate changes in schedule to teacher.
● Be punctual. (Arrive at least 10 minutes early!)
4. Establish and maintain effective rapport with teacher
● Respect and conform to the established classroom environment.
● Have constant communication with the teacher and ask for feedback on your experience
5. Consistently relate to students in a professional manner. YOU SHOULD NEVER BE LEFT ALONE in the
classroom or with students.
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COURSE OVERVIEW
Anticipated Class and Assignment Schedule
Meeting
Week #1
8/30 and
9/1
Topics
Overview and expectations
What is a liberally educated
person?
Make calls to set up your EFE
Week #2
9/6 and
9/8
The Purpose of a Liberal Arts
Education
9/6 Guest Speaker: Lisa
McCully, Student Services
Make calls to set up your EFE
Week #3
9/13 and
9/15
Habits of Mind Overview
Habits of mind in Literacy
Early Field Experience (EFE)
review
Have you set up your EFE yet? If
not, make calls now! You should
have your initial 20-Hour
placement set by the end of this
week.
Week #4
9/20 and
9/22
Habits of Mind in Mathematics
9/22 Guest Speaker:
SHARON BENDALL Liberal
Studies Coordinator
Research topics and questions
Week #5
9/27 and
9/29
Habits of Mind in Science
Field Research Question and
Literature review
Readings & Assignments
Getting to Know You!
Emergency Procedures
Print out the class syllabus and bring it
with you to class.
Read: The Purpose of a Liberal Arts
Education, Robert Harris (available on Bb)
9/6 DUE: DEFINING LIBERAL
STUDIES Response Paper
Read: Habits of Mind in Literacy (available
on Bb)
9/13 DUE: HABITS OF MIND –
LITERACY Response Paper
Effective lessons
Content & Common Core
Standards
3-2-1: Write about 3 main points, 2
controversial ideas (or two things you
disagree with), and 1 question you
have.
9/13 DUE: Print out and bring EFE guide
to class
DUE 9/15: Plagiarism quiz
Read: Habits of Mind in Mathematics
(available on Bb)
9/20 DUE: HABITS OF MIND –
MATHEMATICS Response Paper
In class activity: Listen and Compare
math lesson
Read: Habits of Mind in Science (available
on Bb)
DUE: HABITS OF MIND – SCIENCE
Come to class prepared for a Socratic
discussion. You must have two questions,
ideas, and or something new you have
learned about Habits of Mind in Science.
Straw Tower Science Activity
Habits of Mind in Social
Studies/History
Define Liberal Studies and the
characteristics of a liberally educated
person.
Guess who’s coming to dinner activity.
In class activity: Socratic discussion
Habits of Mind in Science
Week #6
10/4 and
10/6
Response Paper Prompts
DUE 9/29: Literature Review
Read: Habits of Mind in Social
Studies/History (available on Bb)
10/6 DUE: HABITS OF MIND –
SOCIAL STUDIES/HISTORY Response
Paper
In class activity: In grade level groups,
choose a standard to “unpack”. Create a
triangle poster.
Page 5
Important Ideas: Three important
ideas/things from the reading are ---, --, and ---, but the
most important thing I read is ---.
Explain.
NO READING RESPONSE DUE
Literature Review: State your field
work research question. Find 3-4
relevant articles related to your topic.
Write a synopsis and link for those
articles along with your research topic.
For example: “My topic is how
teachers differentiate instruction for
ELD students. One article I found by
(author’s name) outlines the
characteristics of ELD instruction….
You will need to write a short
paragraph for each resource.
Sample Test Questions:
Write several possible test questions
related to the reading. Consider T/F,
multiple choice, short answer, and
matching. Be sure to include the
answer key.
Week #7
10/11 and
10/13
Habits of Mind in VAPA
Week #8
10/18 and
10/20
Culturally Responsive Teaching
Review Habits of Mind essay
Read: Habits of Mind in VAPA (available on
Bb)
10/13 DUE: HABITS OF MIND – VAPA
Response Paper
Sketch It:
Illustrate the main points of the article
using a visual representation. (This
should be handed in to instructor
rather than submitted through
Blackboard).
1.
Post a Synopsis:
What does it mean to be a culturally
responsive teacher? Cite each of the 3
articles you read. Identify a specific
classroom activity/experience you
have observed in your EFE that may
reflect cultural responsiveness in the
classroom. (no more than 3
paragraphs)
Data Collection
2.
Read “Beyond the Tip of the
Iceberg” AND “Pedagogy of the
Oppressed”. Look in the “Culturally
Responsive Pedagogy” folder in
Course Documents.
Read any 3 of the other articles
(selected from the Culturally
Responsive Teaching Folder).
10/20 DUE: Culturally Responsive
Teaching Response Paper
Week #9
10/25 and
10/27
Review Content Area Team
Presentation
Group work: Content Team
Presentations Planning
Week #10
11/1 and
11/3
Week #11
11/8 and
11/10
Week #12
11/15 and
11/17
First Year Expectations
Group Work: Content Team
Presentations planning
DUE 10/27: Habits of Mind Essay
Draft your lesson plan map with your
team. Use the template provided on Bb
and in class.
Read: What to Expect Your First Year of
Teaching, Amy DePaul (available on Bb)
11/3 DUE: DEPAUL Response Paper
Culturally Responsive Teaching
11/8 Guest Speaker: Jason
Greeno from the SDSU
American Language Institute
11/10 DUE: Classroom Diversity
Response Paper
Content Team Lesson
Presentations
11/15 DUE: Controversial Topic in
Education response paper
Draft your EFE report, peer editing, in
class writing support.
DUE: Content Team Presentations for
some
Week #13
11/22 and
11/24
NO READING RESPONSE DUE
Perspective Writing: From the
perspective of a principal, write a
letter to your staff about what to
expect their first year of teaching.
News Report: Assume the role of a
news reporter writing about what you
have learned about different cultural
customs in the classroom.
Dear Abby: Research a current
controversial topic in education.
Write to an expert (Abby) about it. Be
sure to write Abby’s response.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
NO CLASS**
Work on EFE Research Paper
Week #14
11/29 and
12/1
Content Team Lesson
Presentations
DUE: Content Team Presentations for
some
Week #15
12/6 and
12/8
Share EFEs and Research
Week #16
12/13
Share EFEs and Research
DUE 12/6/16: EFE Report
NO LATE PAPERS WILL BE
ACCEPTED
DUE: Content Team Reflection Paper
Last Class!
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Work on EFE Research Paper
Page 7