Spring 2008 Course Documents
Please note that course documents are provided in Portable Document Format (PDF). Click here to download the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader for free.
• Syllabus & Assignments
• Reader Bibliography
Note: The course reader is available online at http://eres.library.ucsb.edu
• Teaching Team Contact Information
Grading Rubrics & Resources
• Journal Grading Rubric
• Experiential Activity Review Form
• Midterm Paper Grading Rubric
• Final Paper Grading Rubric
• APA Citation Guide
Course Description
In order to assist first year students in becoming successful members of both the university and societal community, UCSB offers a University Success Course, Interdisciplinary Studies 20 (INT 20). INT 20 is a 3.0 unit course designed to introduce students to the role of higher education in society and their role, as students, within the community of scholars. Emphasis is placed on students taking an active role in their own education and in creating the campus and societal community in which they want to live. In the course, students learn about: the structure of higher education in California; the roles faculty and students play in shared governance; the importance of research, the roles and responsibilities the university has to society at large and the local community; the influence of racism, classism, and sexism in higher education; student development theory; and opportunities available for directed personal, academic, and professional development.
Students also gain a broader sense of their civic responsibility to themselves, their peers, and the larger community through participating in a series of experiential activities. Students explore a variety of issues that affect student life such as leadership development, eating disorders, binge drinking, and being an active ally for various underrepresented communities. Students also attend events and programs that explore the history, culture, and experiences of a community of which they are not individually a member of (such as a different ethnicity, class, gender, or sexual orientation). In addition, students also participate in activities that help them develop a variety of academic and career-based skills and goals.
In the past, students who have completed INT 20 have gone on to serve in very active leadership roles including student body president, resident assistants, peer advisors, various student government positions, etc. In addition, research has shown that INT 20 students are more likely to persist to their sophomore year, talk with instructors, feel satisfied with campus services, seek help with homework, view faculty as interested in students, attend study skill and library workshops, attend campus events, attend advising sessions and club meetings, participate in honors programs, and serve in student government.
INT 20 is co-sponsored by both Academic and Student Affairs divisions and Discussion Leaders are staff members from all divisions and levels of the campus community including housing and residential life, student affairs, academic departments, etc. Student Co-leaders help to facilitate discussion and share their perspectives and experiences. Together, the teaching team collaborates with the larger campus community to insure that UCSB students achieve scholastic excellence, learn about important issues, and explore their personal values in order to develop into leaders with a strong sense of personal integrity and commitment to their community. Britt Andreatta, Ph.D., coordinates the course. She is the Assistant Dean of Students and oversees First-Year Programs & Leadership Education at UCSB. She conducted her doctoral research on the freshman year experience and has written an Instructor’s Manual for the Freshman Year Experience as well as Navigating the Research University: A Guide for First-Year Students. She serves as an advisor to the entire freshman class at UCSB.
INT 20 is a 3.0 unit course offered every winter and spring quarters that also satisfies one of the six Writing Requirements. Freshmen can enroll through GOLD and sophomores can request an add code by emailing FroshMentor@sa.ucsb.edu.
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Each year, course evaluations continue to serve as a method of feedback to the Dean and Assistant Dean for making changes to the course. Evaluations indicate that the course is quite successful with an average of 88% of the students stating that they would recommend this class to other freshmen. Past INT 20 students have had the following to say about their experience:
“As a student, I am much more enthusiastic about learning and receiving the highest education possible. This class showed me that education should not be a four-year thing or even an eight-year thing. Education is an all-time thing. Before taking this class, I considered education to be the key to financial rewards but now I know that the rewards of education are priceless.”
“This course also taught me to be aware of society, to look at things from different perspectives, to respect others’ opinions and views, to stand up for my opinions, to say what is on my mind, and it taught me to understand my parents because they are going through tough times too.”
“This course has actually changed the direction of my life more than I thought any class would. I honestly think that Dr. Johnson’s lecture was the most influential thing I have ever heard; I wrote an entire paper on his presentation of how educating the heart is important in creating a more caring and just society.”
“This class has showed me that there are many things at this university to take advantage of such as lectures, performances, workshops, etc. I also feel like more of a part of the university because I know more about it. I think that this class was very valuable and will enhance the rest of my college education and life. In fact, I think it should be mandatory for all freshmen.”
“Because of INT 20, I am more aware of the things that go on at this campus. I understand the role of professors and lecturers. I am more aware of racism. I hope to make a change in this world. This course made me aware of how important it is to get involved. I am really glad and thankful I took this class. It has meant a lot to me.” |