ENHANCING THE ACADEMIC EYE, 4cr., Introductory, Liberal

A. PURPOSE
The purpose of this independent study is to sharpen students’ abilities to read, think, and communicate effectively and critically in academic contexts through writing and other formats of presentation (PowerPoint & Public Speaking). The focus of the course will also include academic/information literacy research strategies applied to the content of another academic study or to a topic agreed upon by the instructor and student. Movement from basic to more advanced development of both the mindset and skill set needed to think critically and engage in sophisticated analysis of issues are the key desired learner outcomes of the study.

B. COURSE MATERIALS
All materials for the course will be available via links and downloadable documents send either via e-mail from the instructor and on the website - http://academiceye.pbworks.com/ and follow the INDEPENDENT STUDY LINK.  Students will be asked to actively engage in using these web based resources to expand their understanding of their academic studying strategies, learning styles, goal setting, perspectives on success/failure, organization and research skills. Students will also be asked to apply strategies to their other academic coursework and to engage in academic research.

C. LEARNING ACTIVITIES

Individual appointments – Students will meet with the instructor at least 4 times during the term. The first meeting needs to occur no later than the end of the fourth week of the term and should be at least an hour in length.  Other appointments should last between 30 minutes and an hour. (15% of final course grade)

Learner/Thinker Journal- The student will write between 5 entries in a critical thinking journal.  These entries should be no less than 1 page type written and can be completed in MSWord or other word-processing software as separate documents.  The journal entries should be submitted to the instructor via e-mail.  (15% of final course grade)

Paper - Students will complete 1 self-analysis paper. The paper will be 2-3 pages in length. (25% of final course grade)

Final Project - Students will complete a final research project on a topic of their own choosing or their area of study.  This project will incorporate all of the academic study, critical thinking and information literacy/research skills learned in the study.  (45% of final course grade)

D. METHOD AND CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION
The student will be evaluated on the completion of all assignments and engagement in the learning process.  Evaluation will be based on the student’s ability to demonstrate a clear understanding of the assigned and researched materials.  All verbal and written activities will be evaluated by the instructor for their scope, content, and clarity of ideas.  Both written and verbal ideas must be focused and fully developed in order to achieve credit.  The student must demonstrate an ability to research using web-based and library resources. In order to get timely feedback and to fully engage in the learning process, assignments must be submitted in a timely manner throughout the term and not all at the end of the term.
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Lisa D'Adamo-Weinstein, Ph.D.
Director of Academic Support
SUNY Empire State College - Northeast Center
21 British American Boulevard
Latham, NY 12110
tel. (518) 783-6203 Ext. 5939
fax. (518) 783-6443
http://necacademicsupport.pbworks.com
www.esc.edu/northeast
Lisa.D'Adamo-Weinstein@esc.edu