FS 301: Freshman Seminar -- FS 118: Forum Seminar

The American West/Environmental Legacy
Manifest Destiny: Fur Trade to Globalization

Syllabus -- Fall 2005

Course Overview

This class examines the economic and social dynamics characteristic of the "Westward Expansion" (Westward Ho!) period of US history after the Louisiana Purchase, and opened by the Lewis and Clark Expedition to the Pacific Ocean. Economic forces in Europe (especially fur trade, already well established in Canada) fueled the venture for several decades, until the Gold Rush to California added more impetus to run roughshod over the Native Americans occupying the vast grasslands of the US from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains. This study is part of the ballads and poetic narrative of Bobby Bridger, great nephew of Jim Bridger, who discovered the Great Salt Lake in Utah. While learning of the "Manifest Destiny" mentality of the citizenry of the United States, we will look for parallels today on a global scale. Many of the lessons of the Westward Expansion of the US apply to solutions today. The class will encourage students to "learn from history" and apply the lessons to solutions of the present.

Course Objectives

1. Be entertained by music, poetry and stories while learning fundamental principles for social and environmental perspectives that lead to a sustainable world with abundant resources for all -- humans and other species.

2. Introduce students to college-level reading, writing, listening and discussion in small teams and collegial  settings with fellow students and university faculty.

3. To give entering students an introduction to the resources and opportunities available at The University of Texas.

Course Requirements

Both FS301and FS118 will write summary and synthesis papers throughout the semester. Specific features of class activities are:

1. The writing assignment each week is due by Sunday midnight following date of assignment, so we can respond before class when needed.  Submit them electronically according to the appropriate format. You may work in small groups or individually, but you must credit your classmates as well as other sources of information that you employ in your activities. 

2. Class participation is extremely important, and you are required to attend each class for the full period. Missing a class without an appropriate excuse will reduce your grade by a letter grade. For extreme circumstances an absence or partial miss may be excused.

3. You are expected to complete any reading assignment by the next class period.

For FS301 only, third hour activities will include discussions of the previous presentations, working in small groups and team presentations. These discussions will help you prepare the summary or commentary in (a) above. In addition, not during class time, the Freshman Seminar program requires you to attend at a scheduled time one Time Management Session and one Undergraduate Writing Center session. These sessions occur early in the semester and are finished by the end of October. You are responsible for scheduling which session you will attend. You must supply documentation of your attendance to Drs. Richardson.

Grade
A portion of this course incorporates a unique presentation of history in the form of "speech song" (historical, poetic and musical narration). The remainder of the course introduces you to different professors in different departments at the University of Texas. You cannot "read" any of this in a book Therefore, a high requirement is for you to be present at every class.

FS301:
Your grade will be based on acquiring points. Maximum for the semester is 1000 points. Grade scale in points:
900 to 1000 = A, 800 to 899 = B, 700 to 799 = C, 600 to 699 = D, less than 600 = F.
Points are distributed as follows:
Writing Assignments = 550 points
Class Discussions = 300 points (75 points each)
Class Attendance/Discussion = 150 points
Major point deductions (100 points is equivalent to letter grade drop)
Miss class (unexcused) = -100 points per class
Miss Required outside class Assignments:
Time Management Session = -100 points
Writing Center Session = -100 points
No writing assignment turned in at all = - 50 points plus lose Point Count for that particular assignment
Writing Assignments Point Count:

Grading of Assignments: points deducted -12% if late, -12% if too short, -12% if poorly written (you have option to re-write with aid of Writing Center to recover this 12%)

FS118:
Your grade will be determined by attendance, and by submitting written assignments of appropriate length and content on time. Come to class, write reasonable essays, get them in on time and you will make an A.
Grade for course:
A = perfect attendance, and all assignments submitted (1) on time, (2) satisfy minimum word length, (3) cover major points.
B = miss one class (unexcused absence) or miss one assignment or have a total of one to three (late or not long enough or miss major points).
C = miss one class (unexcused absence) and one assignment, or miss two classes (unexcused absences) or miss two assignments, or have a total of four to six (late or not long enough or missing major points).
D = miss more than two classes or miss more than two assignments or have more than total of six (late or not long enough or missing major points).

Social Rules during Class

1. Cell phones are to be TURNED OFF at all times during class.

2. Arrive on time, be courteous and respectful of others in the class.

3. Scholastic honesty is expected, and deviations will be given full attention according to the University Policies and Procedures.

4. If you are having any problems with the class, immediately consult with your instructors. One of our most important functions is to support your efforts and to facilitate your learning. We want your time in this class to be a rewarding and memorable experience. We hope you will tell your parents and friends about it. You may invite them to attend class.

Course Evaluation

The end of semester evaluation will be given the last class day. However, as you expect from us, we expect from you feedback during the course for any features of the course that need improvement as well as features that you find meeting your needs and expectations.

The University of Texas provides upon request appropriate academic adjustments for any qualified students with disabilities. For more information, contact the Office of the Dean of Students at 471-6259, or 471-4241 TDD or your colleges Director of Students with Disabilities.

 last revised  10/18/2005