First Year EXperience

LEARNING COMMUNITY COURSES
Welcome
First-Year Students!
Would you like to…
Get to know students and professors in a fun environment?
Learn valuable skills that will help strengthen your academic
performance?
Connect the subjects you study so that they relate to each other?
Have fun discovering the variety of resources that are available
to you at Shepherd University?
Make connections that will ease your transition into the
Shepherd community?
The Shepherd First-Year Experience
has something for you!
Starting a university education is an exciting time. It’s a time
when the social sphere widens, interests deepen, and the challenges of balancing everything become even greater. During this
time, you might find it rewarding (and relaxing) to cultivate supportive friends and activities that will help ease the transition
and promote academic success. With this in mind, Shepherd
has created an innovative program of FYEX courses. These
courses offer creative ways to help you acclimate to university
life, integrate into the campus community and enjoy academic
success.
CLASS TIMES
Interest Groups (1.0 credit) meet every Tuesday
from 3:15-4:30pm (except SCUBA & Friday @ the Movies as noted in the course description) for 13 weeks beginning August 17th and ending with a Celebration Party
on November 9th. In your interest group you may also
address helpful topics including time management,
learning styles and relationships while exploring your
interest. Classes with less than 5 students enrolled may
be cancelled.
Learning Communtiy (5-7 credits) times are listed
below their descriptions on the back of this brochure.
Because two or more linked courses contain highly integrated material, a Learning Community is considered a
single unit. Dropping or withdrawing selectively from
one or more parts of a linked Learning Community is not
allowed.
LEARNING COMMUNITIES (5-7 credits) provide you with an
inter-disciplinary approach to learning. Subject matter is interrelated and reinforced in both courses, deepening your understanding and revealing their interconnectedness. Professors
work collaboratively on the course requirements. In some
cases, they team-teach and are involved in all aspects of the
courses, while other times they work together outside of the
classroom to link course material. Relevant field trips are often
part of the learning community experience. Credits are awarded
based on credits assigned to each course in the learning community. You must enroll in both of the linked classes.
Life is A Melody (English 101 & Music 111)
30044 ENGL 101 13C TR 9:35-10:50am
31096 MUSC 111 02C TR 1:10-2:00pm
We’ll focus on different historical eras & the relationship
between the language, literature and music of certain
time periods. We will also explore what people around the
world have in common and the phenomenon of different
cultures, on opposite ends of the globe, developing similar patterns of thought, language, literature and music.
In Our Own Words: Landscapes of the Self
(English 101 & Psychology 101)
30984 ENGL 101 15C TR 12:25-1:40pm
31064 PSYC 101 01C TR 9:35-10:50am
Enhance reading, writing, and thinking strategies for your
college work and beyond while learning about the fundamental principles of psychology. Learn how to evaluate
relevant information and use it to make effective written
arguments and presentations.
The Power of Pen & Politics
(English 101 & Political Science 100)
30042 ENGL 101-11C TR 8:10 to 9:25
30219 PSCI 101-02C MWF 11:10-12:00
See how the guiding principles of government play out in
literature, reading famous essays about the development
of the rights and responsibilities of citizens, while gaining
a firm understanding of how governments function.
The Afternoon Stretch
(Stretch model English & Philosophy 100)
30641 ENGL 100A-05C, MWF, 2:10-3:00 PM
31192 PHIL 100-01C, MWF, 1:10-2:00 PM
Sharpen your skills to prepare for the rigor of higher ed.
by combining basic ENGL 100A and PHIL 100. Both
courses will help you understand what standards faculty
in the college classroom expect from students and give
you a firm foundation for academic success. Students
must be provisionally admitted and tested into ENGL
100A to enroll in this LC.
The
First Year EXperience
Fall 2010 Course Offerings
The First Year Experience Program
Judi McIntyre, Director
Scarborough Library Room 156
P: (304) 876-5396 E: [email protected]
FIRSTYEAR EXPERIENCE
INTEREST GROUPS Fall 2010
1 Credit Each
GRILLIN’ N’ CHILLIN’ - Learn creative ways to cook
using a grill. Research outdoor cooking techniques, plan a menu,
experience unique grilled recipes, and overcome unforeseen hurdles so that you can master the art of grillin’ while maintaining
your cool. Our final exercise will be to prepare and host a special
cookout event.
30595 FYEX 102 01
ON THE BEAT: SU Student Police Academy Explore the many aspects of law enforcement training, including
but not limited to: self defense tactics, firearms, traffic stops, and
keeping a positive mindset in stressful situations. Become more
sensitive to your surroundings and hone your observation skills by
learning to be an accurate witness.
30591 FYEX 102 02
COOKING 101: Eating Well On A Budget - Living
away from home can be challenging, especially when it comes to
creating nutritious meals; this course will give you the tools you
need, including nutrition tips and cooking techniques. You’ll help
determine the recipes we’ll try! Last year, popular dishes included
beef stew, chicken parmesan, and sopapilla cheesecake. Come
join us in the kitchen!
30670 FYEX 102 03
FRIDAY AT THE MOVIES* (*note: this group meets
at a different time than other IGs: alternating FRIDAYS 4:30
-7:30pm for the movie dates, & 4:00-5:00pm for the discussion
dates) Every other week students will go to a movie at a local
theater and the following week will be a discussion regarding the
movie. We will see 5 movies and students are expected to pay
their movie admission ($4.00/movie, $20.00 total). Transportation will be provided.
30587 FYEX 102 04
YOGA: It’s Not Just for Pretzels Anymore–Tapping
into a 2,000 year old art, yoga helps you relax and recharge when
life seems to be swirling around you in a tempest of to-do lists.
Explore and unwind in a laid-back environment where the main
assignment will be to relax and let go. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing in which you can move freely.
30673 FYEX 102 05
TREASURE THE MEMORIES- Your first year of
college is filled with many memories you won’t want to forget.
Why not preserve them in a scrapbook? See how this crafty trend
can help make your first year at college more relaxing and memorable. No experience necessary!
30588 FYEX 102 06
HIKING - Do you love the great outdoors? This class will tap
into the joy of hiking and challenges of backpacking. Discover
great hikes in and around the Shepherdstown area, including the
Appalachian Trail. Learn more about gear, “leave no trace ethics”,
and how to have a safe and unforgettable hiking experience. Beginner and experienced hikers welcome! 30589 FYEX 102 07
PARANORMAL U. - Shepherd University has many legends
FOLK CUSTOMS of MERRY OLDE ENGLAND
and ghost stories. Is there any truth to them? Become legitimate
ghost hunters and paranormal researchers by learning basic scientific
ghost hunting techniques and doing historical research that could
validate or refute these legends. Take a chance and step into the
unknown.
30590 FYEX 102 08
DECORATE YOUR WORLD - Learn sewing survival
skills like the hemstitch, running stitch, satin stitch, French knots
and more! Stitch on cloth to decorate everything from placemats to
clothing. We’ll chat as we stitch and along the way learn a little
about one another and the embroidery of the world. Some supplies
will be needed.
30596 FYEX 102 09
THE ZEN OF KNITTING - Learn the basics of knitting as
well as how to balance academic, social and personal agendas.
*Participants should bring their own knitting needles & some yarn.
Class size is limited to 5 people.
30674 FYEX 102 10
BICYCLING IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS - Learn
basic bicycle maintenance practices and rider safety strategies. Students will need their own bike and helmet and can expect to ride on
the road and C&O Canal. Open to recreational as well as competitive cyclers.
30675 FYEX 102 11
WEIGHT TRAINING 101 -Learn proper safety lifting exercises & about the muscles focused upon in exercises. Weightlifting
is an important part of being physically fit and can help you look
and feel great. Learn the proper approach to this physical activity
that can be enjoyed for a lifetime.
30586 FYEX 102 12
Explore a variety of traditions ranging from gurning to cheese
rolling, ancient Mummers Plays, and lively song & dance. Actors,
singers, musicians and dancers will all appreciate this class as we
sing, dance, act and share our favorite customs from merry, olde
England.
30594 FYEX 102 17
THE ART & FUN OF BOARD GAMES -Throughout
history, people of all ages have entertained themselves with
games. Grasp the historical perspective on this important pastime,
exploring the cultures in which the games were first played and
how they’ve changed or stayed the same over time. Best of all,
we’ll play the games each week! For a final project, you’ll come
up with the idea for a new game.
30760 FYEX 102 18
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT: Questions for Authority Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis once said, "The most important office in a democracy is the office of Citizen." Explore methods
of civic engagement through discussions, readings, guest speakers,
videos and field trips. Students will be required to present questions
to guest lecturers and participate in a final project.
30592 FYEX 102 13
THE LABYRINTH: Finding your Path– Study the
history and significance of labyrinths in various cultures. We will
visit local examples of constructed mazes and labyrinths, exploring
the difference between the two forms and their application as a
metaphor for the college experience. We will also attempt to construct a labyrinth on campus!
30672 FYEX 102 14
NATIVE AMERICAN HISTORY & LORE– Did you
know that American Indians have been world famous athletes, vice
presidents, ballerinas and more? If you would like to learn about
American Indians and their place in history, this course is for you!
30593 FYEX 102 15
MIDDLE EASTERN HAND PERCUSSION - Learn to
play various hand drums and specific rhythms. We'll have the opportunity to play with other drummers from the region and for the Belly
Dance IG that is also being offered this fall. Experience the meditative and fun aspects of playing drums.
30671 FYEX 102 16
INTRAREC - An interactive introduction to Shepherd University Intramurals and campus recreation. Each week we will do an
interactive sport or recreation event.
31462 FYEX 102 25
TRANSFER STUDENTS: The “Shepherd Way” Transfer students have unique informational needs. Learn about
the services Shepherd provides to give you a boost into social and
academic success on campus! Examples include: Scarborough
Library Essentials, Campus Life, Career Decisions and Services,
Financial Aid, Academic Advisement and Advisor Relations.
*open only to transfer students.
30761 FYEX 102 19
ROBOTS: Bots & Bits - These days, robots are everywhere: building cars, aiding humans, warzones, movies, etc.
Learn the basic principles including mechanical design, control
concepts, sensor inputs, programming, and microcontroller implementation. Hands on projects will allow you to practice what you
have learned. Basic programming knowledge and mathematical
skills are required.
2 SECTIONS OFFERED -Use either CRN #
31154 FYEX 102 20
31463 FYEX 102 26
BELLY DANCE BASICS- Learn the basics of Middle
Eastern Belly Dancing, from history to technique. Belly dancing can improve posture, flexibility, grace, and stamina and is a
great way to keep in shape.
31459 FYEX 102 22
THE BOOK OR THE MOVIE? Novels have been the
catapult for many a movie since the beginning of film, leading to
that inevitable question - was the book better than the movie? In
this class we will read selections of novels and then explore their
cinematic presentation. Discover how reflecting on books and
their subsequent films can create greater meaning for both!
31460 FYEX 102 23
INTRO TO SCUBA DIVING* (*note: this group meets
at alternate times from other IGs: every other WEDNESDAY
8:00-9:45pm) Take the plunge in training for official scuba certification. Provide your own equipment or rent for $90 from instructor. If you choose to complete official scuba certification,
final certification dives, which are not part of this class, are required at additional cost. The first class will meet in the Wellness
Center Lobby; bring a swimming suit, towel and swim goggles. Do not purchase or bring diving equipment such as mask/
fins/snorkel until receiving information from the instructor.
31461 FYEX 102 24