Your contract for the course

1. Your contract for the course How to Read A Syllabus

2. Understanding and using your class syllabus is key to success in a course at UGA. Think of it as a map for navigating the class. Many syllabi include the course learning objectives and themes that are key to understanding and succeeding in a class. 1st at the First • Syllabi differ by the type of class, but all have common elements such as instructor information, learning objectives, honesty policies and class schedules (including assignment due dates and exam dates). Learning objectives may be processes, practices, techniques, proficiencies, concepts, insights, terms or facts. Each discipline sets its own standards. Icons made by Surang from www.flaticon.com

3. A Few Examples: English 1102 1st at the First Highlighted are the skills and abilities you will need to demonstrate to succeed in the class. • Think critically so that they can recognize the difference between opinion and evidence and so that they can support a complex, challenging thesis. Address projects to a range of audiences. Understand literary principles and use basic terms important to critical writing and reading. Read fiction, drama, and poetry and write analytically about them. • Write projects in and out of class using processes that include discovering ideas and evidence, organizing that material, and revising, editing, and polishing the finished project.

4. 1st at the First A Few Examples: English 1102 Highlighted are the skills and abilities you will need to demonstrate to succeed in the class. • Use electronic environments for drafting, reviewing, revising, editing, and sharing texts. Develop a sense of voice appropriate to the subject, the writer’s purpose, the context, and the reader’s expectations. • Understand and exploit the differences in the rhetorical strategies and in the affordances available for both print and electronic composing processes and texts. Understand the collaborative and social aspects of the writing process and demonstrate an ability to critique the writing of themselves and others. • Follow the conventions of standard edited English and MLA documentation.

5. Spanish 1001 1st at the First A very different set of expectations… • Course Objectives: • By the end of the semester, you should be able to: 1. Understand spoken Spanish in simple conversations and understand ideas presented in the text. 2. Be able to ask and answer questions, locate places, and narrate recurring events. 3. Be able to read and understand the main ideas in announcements, newspaper articles, advertising, and more. 4. Write a short narrative composition. 5. Have a basic knowledge of cultural facts; some knowledge of cities in Spanish-speaking countries. Icons made by Icon Pond from www.flaticon.com

6. Physics 1111 1st at the First Conceptual but also procedural and technical

7. History 2111 1st at the First Facts and Insights Concepts Proficiencies

8. 1st at the First Learning objectives provide a frame of reference for your studying. Ask yourself: THINK CRITICALLY How does what I’m studying fit into the objectives for the course? Why is what I’m studying important? Not:What will be on the test?

9. The syllabus is your contract for the course. Don’t forget to: 1st at the First Analytically read over it several times Return to it often Keep it with your notes and textbooks

10. In summary 1st at the First Stated learning objectives of the course. These may be processes, practices, techniques, proficiencies, concepts, insights, terms or facts. Each discipline sets its own standards. Pay attention to: Key words and phrases that signal the professor’s priorities. Skills the professor wants you to develop, such as critical thinking, writing or oral communication.

11. In summary 1st at the First • Academic Honesty policy • Attendance policy and other policies with respect to cell phones, computers, class participation, lateness etc. • Calendar of assignments and tests Keep in mind:

12. About 1st at the First 1st at the First • 1st at the First students will have the opportunity to demonstrate their leadership skills by mentoring the next cohort of leaders. • The 1st at the First Leaders’ Institute meets once a month for two hours in the evening. • In the second semester, you have the opportunity to practice leadership by working in a group on a special project pertaining to the experiences of first-generation students. Each meeting begins with a time for sharing experiences and questions with your fellow students, followed by activities to help you develop your confidence on campus and identify your leadership abilities. Icon made by Freepik from www.flaticon.com

13. More about 1st at the First The Institute is designed to help you develop: 1st at the First Confidence in your ability to successfully navigate the campus and life at a research university. A community of friends who are sharing the unique experiences of first in the family students. Understanding of majors and graduation, relevance of the curriculum and campus resources for student support. Comfort with college protocol and customs. Communication skills and academic relationship building. Leadership skills, academic goals and success strategies.

14. For more information about Contact Judy Iakovou jiakovou@uga.edu Thank you! advising.uga.edu