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UNIV 1000 First Year Cornerstone

Fall, 2014 Spring, 2015
Section 12 10:00 MWF Lang 222
Section 16 11:00 MWF Lang 111
Section 23 1:00 MWF Sabin 133
Please note: Fall 2014-Spring 2015 (6 hours)fulfills categories 1A and 1B of UNIs Liberal Arts Core. Students who fail to
successfully complete BOTH semesters of this course will NOT satisfy either Category 1A or 1B of UNIs Liberal Arts Core.

Instructor: Roxanne Heimann
Office: Lang 354
Email: Roxanne.Heimann@uni.edu
Office Phone: 273-5900
Office Hours: 9-10 and 12-1 MWF
(I typically will not be in my office on Tuesdays/Thursdays. For a quick question, email is probably the best
way to reach me. Calling during office hours is fine as well.)

Peer Mentors:
Maria Breitsprecher Section 12
Email: mbreits3@uni.edu
Phone: 319-504-7237
Office Hours: ___________ in

Kailey Balducki Section 23
Email: balduckk@uni.edu
Phone: (515) 402-1452
Office Hours: ___________ in


Emma Swensen Section 16
Email: swensene@uni.edu
Phone: 515-559-4090
Office Hours: ___________ in

Class Librarian:
Chris Neuhaus
Office: Library 265
Email: Chris.Neuhaus@uni.edu
Phone: (319) 273-3718

UNI First-Year Philosophy Statement:
A positive first-year experience is the cornerstone of students success in college, and by extension, their careers
and lives. The University of Northern Iowa recognizes the importance and value of this positive first-year
experience for students, and the need for the university to facilitate students effective transition in by providing a
variety of experiences, opportunities, and foundational skills to help them become successful students.

In the first year, students learn to take responsibility for their own learning and develop a sense of who they are as
members of a diverse community, both on campus and outside of the university. Students become active
participants in campus and community life, engage in a variety of experiences, learn to listen to and respect diverse
perspectives, and develop foundational skills to help them be successful.

Course Description:
This two semester course is an integrated communication class emphasizing written, oral, visual and electronic
communication. Again, my goal is to have students develop abilities that are vital for their transition to and success
at UNI. Such skills include critical and creative thinking, decision-making, ethics, and working with diverse
perspectives, as well as oral and written communication skills. Students will explore their own identities, discover
their intellectual interests, and learn to do research. As part of the UNI first-year experience, First-Year
Cornerstone is committed to fostering a personal and supportive environment that challenges and inspires
students to actively engage in learning and reflection, develop a broader world view, be engaged citizens, and be
members of pluralistic communities. I am committed to creating a welcoming and safe environment both in and
outside the classroom that is sensitive to individual needs, backgrounds and experiences of all first-year students.




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Course Goals & Outcomes:

Each circle has both an individual and a social dimension. You can think of these dimensions as relating to both self
and other:
1. Communication covers the skills individuals (selves) need to send and receive messages, but also the
language, grammar, concepts and associations to words and images that allow us to interact with each
other socially. You are going to work on this goal by:
a. Composing and presenting effective written and oral messages in a variety of contexts.
b. Documenting your awareness and skillful use of effective writing and speaking processes.
2. Your success in college, at its most basic level, is your responsibility, but you can also develop strategies
that can assist you in being successful throughout your college career. You are going to work on this goal by
focusing on:
a. Demonstrating strategies for succeeding in college and beyond.
b. Working constructively in groups to solve problems and accomplish tasks.
3. Civility is embodied in your ability to interact well with others. Civility requires knowing that ones own
behaviors always take place in relation to the norms, expectations and interpretations of others. You are
going to work on this by focusing on:
a. Recognizing that there are multiple perspectives and world views, and identifying how these
differences affect interactions with others.
b. Examining the impact of your beliefs and values on your interactions with others.

Required Materials:
Course Books:
Wysocki, A. & Lynch, D. (2013). Compose, Design, and Advocate. 2/e. Pearson: Longman.
Griffin, C. & Bone, E. (2014). Invitation to Human Communication. Wadsworth: Cengage.
Common Reads:
Cline, E. (2011). Ready player one. New York: Broadway Books.
Pariser, E. (2011). The filter bubble. New York: Penguin Books.
Other
LOTS OF 3X5 note cardscarry a package in your bag for speech days
A notebook and folder You will complete a portfolio in the spring semester showcasing your work
throughout the year. SAVE YOUR WORK THROUGHOUT THE YEAR! I would recommend both a virtual and
a physical folder for class work.
Working eLearning/Blackboard Account


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eLearning
This course will be using eLearning (http://www.uni.edu/elearning/about-uni-elearning), using the Blackboard
(bb) 9 interface. Log into eLearning from the following page, using your catID: https://bb9.uni.edu/. An eLearning
demo can be found here: https://www.uni.edu/elearning/student-resources. We will also be doing a demo in
class.

Course Expectations and Policies

Attendance Policy
Attendance is required! I do not differentiate between excused and unexcused absences. (More on this below.)
However, I understand life happens. Thus, you are allowed three freebie absences (each semester), no questions
asked. Use these absences wisely; once theyre gone, theyre gone. Each additional absence will result in your
final grade being lowered by twenty points. If you miss a quarter of the class (12 class days in one semester) you
will automatically fail. Speech days (noted on the syllabus) count as two absences. Additionally, please note
that if you are in class but clearly not engaged (i.e. texting, reading the newspaper, reviewing other class notes, etc.)
you will be counted absent. Consistent tardiness will also result in a loss of points. Coming to class late is not only
disrespectful to the instructor and to the other students in the class, it is also causes disruption in what is
happening in the classroom. If a speech is in progress, you MUST wait in the hallway until the speech is over
to enter the room.

Please note: Distinctions are not made between excused or unexcused absences unless they are associated
with university-sponsored events. University sponsored events are excused if documentation from professor,
coach, leader, etc. is provided BEFORE the date of absence. Regardless of the reason for the absence, it is your
responsibility to find out what you missed, get assignments, etc. from a peer should you not attend class. I will not
provide lecture notes or power point notes. I DO NOT accept doctors notes or notes from the student health center
EXCEPT for an emergency or surgical situation. If you are ill and miss class, please realize you will have to take an
absence so plan accordingly.

Written Assignments
All written work must be typed and double spaced using a standard 12 point font and standard one inch margins,
and adhere to the APA style of formatting. Use your handbook and online resources I point you to in class, such as
Purdues Owl. I will not accept any handwritten work unless I specify otherwise. I expect all work to be
(mostly) free of spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors. Please staple your work with the grading sheet on
top before turning it in. I reserve the right to deduct 10 points off any assignment coming in without a grading
sheet if one was provided. All assignments are due at the BEGINNING of class on the scheduled due date. Work
received after this deadline (including after class on the same day) will be half off. I do not accept work
more than one class period late. I do not accept work via email unless special permission was given by me. Late
work must be turned in to me at my office or dropped off at the main office (Lang 326) to be placed in my mailbox.

Speaking Assignments
Public speaking is the number one fear of adults in America. Its hard to get up and talk in front of a group of
people! I will do everything possible to make it as easy as possible for you, and will expect the same of your
audience. Audience members need to be good, attentive listeners, with phones on silent and put away. Speakers
need to prepare and rehearse, and look professional the day you are giving your presentation. No gum, hats,
sweats, etc.


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Late Work Policy
You MUST complete both speaking assignments and all major writing assignments in order to pass this class! Late
work (including presentations) will be accepted and/or rescheduled at my discretion with a 20% per class day
deduction on presentations and a 50% point deduction on other assignments. I will not take written work more
than one class period late. If your work is late enough, you may be doing it for a zero, but still must submit it in
order to qualify to pass the class. Speech days are scheduled well in advance and must to be adhered to in order to
keep the class moving. If you are unable to give your speech on your day, you MUST still contact me and let me
know what is going on. IF YOU FAIL TO DO THIS, IT IS HIGHLY UNLIKELY I WILL ALLOW YOU TO MAKE IT UP.

Quizzes/Exams Policy
If you miss a quiz or an exam, you may NOT make it up unless it was missed due to a University-sponsored event
or with acceptable documentation from the Registrars office. (For example, being in the hospital or attending a
funeral.) In this event, arrangements must be made to take the quiz/exam BEFORE it is given in class (for
University-sponsored events) or ASAP in other cases. Exams are on the syllabus; plan to be in class these days.

Grades
It is your responsibility to keep track of your own grade in the course. It is accessible at any time via eLearning. If
you have any questions or concerns about your grade, feel free to drop by my office during scheduled office hours.
Please note: Federal law prohibits instructors from sending any grades via email.

Grade Disputes
You are always welcome to challenge the grades you receive in the course. For quizzes and tests, turn in a typed
rationale to me describing the issue and specifically justifying why you feel your answer is better than what I
had. These grade challenges are due the following class period after the grade was received. Challenges for speech
or paper grades must also be typed and will be discussed during an appointment with me. Please remember to
bring the item (paper, speech rubric, etc.) you wish to discuss with you to the appointment.

Instructor Communication
Your education here is designed to prepare you for your professional life. Thus, I will expect all communication to
be written in a professional manner. No texting language please! Know that I will respond to all emails within 24
hours (48 on weekends) and phone calls within 2 business days. All assignments and exams will be graded and
feedback provided (well) within two weeks.

The Americans with Disabilities Act
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) provides protection from illegal discrimination for qualified
individuals with disabilities. Students requesting instructional accommodations due to disabilities must arrange
for such accommodation through the Office of Disability Services. The ODS is located at: 103 Student Health Center,
and the phone number is 273-2676. Please feel free to contact me privately if there is something I can do to help
you be successful in the course.

Academic Misconduct
Plagiarism and cheating will not be tolerated. UNIs Academic Ethics Policies are published in the course
catalogue and on the universitys website at http://www.uni.edu/dise/Academic%20Ethics%20Policies.doc.
According to the policy, ignoranceis not a compelling defense againstplagiarism. A college student, by the fact
that s(he) holds that status, is expected to understand the distinction between proper scholarly use of others' work
and plagiarism. In other words, do not attempt to pass off others work/thoughts as your own, and understand
and use proper APA citation of sources. Students found to not be in compliance with this policy will receive a
failing grade on the assignment and possibly in the class. If you are unsure how to document sources and your
questions are not answered in class, see myself during office hours or visit UNIs Writing Center. Cite your
sources! Doing so gives you credibility on the subject AND gives credit to the source, not to mention
ensures that you avoid plagiarism.

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University Resources
I encourage you to utilize the vast resources available to you from the University of Northern Iowa. The Academic
Learning Center has several (free!) programs committed to helping you succeed.

The Writing Center offers one-on-one writing assistance open to all UNI undergraduate and graduate students.
Writing Assistants offer strategies for getting started, citing and documenting, and editing your work. Schedule an
appointment at 008 ITTC or 319-273-2361. The Math Center offers individual and small-group tutorials
especially helpful for students in Liberal Arts Core math courses. No appointment is necessary but contact the Math
Center at 008 ITTC or 319-273-2361 for the hours that tutors are available. The Reading and Learning Center
provides the Ask-a-Tutor program, consultations with the reading specialist, and free, four-week, non-credit
courses in Speed Reading, Effective Study Strategies, PPST-Reading and GRE-Verbal. Visit 008 ITTC or call 319-
273-2361. You also have a peer teaching assistant available to you in the course; use them!

The Rest of the Fine Print
No dictionaries, encyclopedias or other reference materials may be used as sources, but may be used as
supporting material. Do NOT use WIKIPEDIA!! This is a collegiate level course; I expect your sources to be of the
collegiate level.
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Course Assignments
All assignments will be discussed in depth as we progress throughout the semester. Handouts and rubrics will be
posted on the courses eLearning site. Please print and bring to class as assigned.

Assignment Points I earned
Starting off *dates are TBD 165
Interviewing a Professor/Reflection 10 points
*Proficiency Profile 10 points
*Map Works Survey/Reflection/Meeting 20 points
*Student Success Speakers 30 points
Literature Circle Presentation 25 points
Attendance/Reflection: Love & Information Play 20 points
Student Developed Civility Assignment 50 points

Narrative Essay and Speech 150
Paper Draft/Peer Review 10 points
Final Paper 50 points
Reflection 10 points
Speech Outline Draft 10 points
Speech 50 points
Peer Review 10 points
Speech Reflection 10 points
Rhetorical Analysis 115
Topic Justification 10 points
Draft/Peer Review 10 points
External Review 10 points
Paper 75 points
Reflection 10 points

Annotated Bibliography and Informative Speech 210
Top Three Topics/Justification 10 points
Librarian Conference 10 points
Annotated Bibliography Draft One Entry 10 points
Annotated Bibliography 50 points
Informative Speech Outline Workshop with Me 10 points
Informative Speech 100 points
Peer Review 10 points
Speech Reflection 10 points

Quizzes and Exams 110
Quizzes 3 @ 10 points apiece 30 points
Mini Exams 2 @ 40 points apiece 80 points

Ten Campus Engagement Activities 100
(at least) 6 completed before Monday, October 6th 60 points
4 completed before Friday, December 8th 40 points

Free Writes
Multiple times, graded on a + or system.

Total 850


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Grading Scale
A 100-94% A- 93-90% B+ 89-87%
B 86-83% B- 82-80% C+ 79-77%
C 76-73% C- 72-70% D+ 69-67%
D 66-63% D- 62-60% F 59% & below

Assignment Descriptions
Each assignment will be discussed fully in class, and full descriptions and rubrics will be available on eLearning.
Below is a brief description of what to expect during the fall semester.

Starting off
These mini-assignments are to help you get off on the right foot at UNI and include discussions of the common
read, watching a theatrical interpretation of the text, interviewing a professor, completing and reflecting on a
couple of surveys (which will be announced in class and via email), and meeting with your peer mentor. You will
also create and complete an assignment exploring what it means to be civil.

Additionally, students will be presented with a wide variety of speakers to attend on topics that college students
deal with, from financial aid sessions to choosing a major to dealing with depression. While not all sessions will be
applicable to you, some absolutely will be. Thus, you will choose three sessions that interest and appeal to you, and
write a brief summary and reflection on what you learned. These reflections will be submitted to and graded by
your peer mentor. A list of these student success speakers will be provided in class.

Narrative Essay and Speech
Everyone has a history of some sort with social media. This assignment will ask you reflect on who you are based
on your online presence.

Rhetorical Analysis
This assignment will require you to do an in depth analysis of a piece related to the common read. You will
conduct both a textual and visual analysis and draw conclusions about the piece that arent immediately obvious.

Annotated Bibliography/Informative Speech
You will select then research a topic related to subjects located in the book and create an annotated bibliography
using the sources you locate. Then, you will write and deliver an informative speech on that topic using said
sources.

University Engagement
Studies show students who are engaged on campus have both higher GPAs and graduation rates. Thus, you are
required to attend ten activities and write a brief summary/reflection on your experiences. (At least) six of these
are due by Monday, October 6
th
; the rest by December 8
th
. These reflections will be submitted to and graded by
your peer mentor, who will also be sending you potential events to go to.

Quizzes and Exams
You will take three quizzes and two exams over the course of the semester. Exams on the syllabus; quizzes are not.
They will be both announced and unannounced. You are not allowed to make either up unless your absence on
that day was due to an emergency. (See the attendance policy for more information.)

Free Writes
You will be provided with a prompt in class and will write a response for roughly ten minutes. These are graded on
a plus or minus system and will affect my rounding of final grades.
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Daily Course Schedule
*Subject to change, with notice
Readings Key: IHC-Invitation to Human Communication, CDA-Compose, Design and Advocate

Date Content Readings/Work Due
Week
One
Getting Started
August 25 Course & Instructor Introductions
27 Peer Introductions
29 Prepping Lit Circles
Writing Process Essay


Week
Two
Setting the Stage
September 1 No School/Labor Day
3 Communication Models IHC-Chapter One
5 The Rhetorical Situation and Defining Civility
Assignment Development
CDA-Chapter Two

Week
Three
Literature Circles
September 8 Group #1 Literature Circles
(on your day)
10 Group #2
12 Group #3 Professor Interview
Reflection

Week
Four
Introduction to Writing/Assign Major Project #1
Narratives

September 15 Introduction to the Writing Process CDA-Chapter Two
17 Drafts CDA-Chapter Five
19 Revising & PM Demos
Week
Five
Introduction to Speaking
September 22 Narratives Workshop Narrative Essay Draft
24 Public Speaking Basics IHC-Chapters 10 and 11
26 Public Speaking Contd. Narrative Essays, 3
Questions
Week
Six
Strategies for Success in College


September 29 Former Student Panel Reflection on Narrative
Essay
1 Speeches Workshop Narrative Speech Draft
Outline
3 Fast Forward Workshop
Week
Seven
Finalizing and Giving Speeches
October 6 Delivery and Stage Fright Six University Success
Activities Due, Narrative
Speeches (on your day) IHC-
Chapter 12
8 Speeches
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10 Speeches

Week
Eight
Narrative Speeches
October 13 Speeches
15 Speeches
17 Midterm Exam
Week
Nine
Midterm Exam/Assign Major Project #2
Rhetorical Analysis

October 20 Rhetorical Analysis, Rhetorical Triangle Peer Review, Speech
Reflection, CDA-Chapter 9
22 Author visit
24 Critical Reading, Critical Viewing (PM) Rhetorical Analysis Topic
Justification, CDA-Chapter
TBD
Week
Ten
Student Success Continued
October 27 Rhetorical Analysis Workshop Draft of Rhetorical Analysis
29 Beginning the Research Process (In class - Chris N.) External Review Worksheet
31 Learning the Library (In the library Chris N.) Rhetorical Analysis Final
You must attend one of the following performances of
Love and Information: Thursday, October 30
th
or
Sunday, November 2
nd
(matinee)

Week
Eleven
Library and Research Skills/Assign Major Project #3
Annotated Bibliography and Informative Speech

November 3 Sharing Rhetorical Analysis
5 Evaluating Sources Rhetorical Analysis
Reflection, Play reflection,
CDA-Page 102, IHC-Page 265-
267
7 Library Day (In the library Chris N.) Top 3 Topics
Week
Twelve
Library and Research Skills Continued
November 10 Quoting, Summarizing, and Paraphrasing (and not
plagiarizing!)/Documentation Styles
Bring Writing Handbook
12 Workshop/Catch Up Day Library Worksheet,
Annotated Bib Draft (One
Entry)
14 Critical thinking (PM)
Week
Thirteen

November 17 Informative Speaking IHC-Chapter 13
19 Continued. Final Annotated
Bibliography
21 Informative Presentations Workshop

Week
Fourteen
No Class Happy Thanksgiving Break!
November 24-28
Week
Fifteen
Informative Presentations
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December 1 Individual Meetings - Arranged Draft Outline/Meet with me
3 Speeches Speech (on your day),
Reflection and Review (the
day after)
5 Speeches
Week
Sixteen
Informative Presentations Continued
December 8 Speeches Four University Success
Activities Due
10 Speeches
12 Speeches
Finals
Week
Semester Wrap Up
December 15-19 Final Meeting Time
10:00 10:00-11:50 on Monday
11:00 10:00-11:50 on Tuesday
1:00 1:00-2:50 on Tuesday

Civility Assignment Due,
Final Exam



LOOKING AHEAD TO SPRING, 2015:
Integrated Communication Topics Covered:
Communicating in Close Relationships
Interpersonal Skills & Conflict Management
Working together in Groups
Becoming Effective Group Members & Leaders
Designing, Delivering, & Evaluating Multiple Persuasive Messages
Audience Analysis & Adaptation
Writing & Speaking for Different Audiences: Using Different Genres

Major Assignments:
Group Video Project
Persuasive Paper & Speech
Portfolio