Edld 7430 Syllabus Fall 2016 Whitesel
Edld 7430 Syllabus Fall 2016 Whitesel
College of Education
Department of Leadership, Technology, and Human Development
Course Syllabus
This course is an introductory examination of the roles, functions, issues, trends, topics and
activities in institutions of higher education and analyzes the evolution and organization of
American higher education. Participants examine the dominant historical, philosophical, and
social constructs which impact American higher education. Consideration will be given to the
roles and missions of vocational/technical institutes, 2-year and 4-year colleges, and
comprehensive universities.
Prerequisite
Admitted to M.Ed. program or permission of instructor.
Course Objectives
At the end of this course a candidate is able to:
The course objectives specifically address the four commitments that form the College of
Education's conceptual framework:
2. Commitment to Diversity:
3. Commitment to Technology:
You will find the complete conceptual framework on the COE website
(http://coe.georgiasouthern.edu/pdfs/cfram.pdf).
During this course, you will encounter a number of learning modules based on the course
objectives. The modules will direct you to resources such as readings in the course text, posted
documents in PDF format, and/or sites on the Internet that are relevant for the course topics.
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Activities will vary from independent work to group discussions using the Folio discussion board
or even the online chat! All assignments should be completed and submitted via the Assignment
TAB of the Folio system unless otherwise directed.
Due dates for assignments will be included in the learning modules and on each assignment.
Assignments are due in the Assignment Tab no later than 11:30 PM of the due date. Assignments
received late may result in a lower grade.
Learning Modules will be posted by Tuesday of each week and assignments will be due the
following Monday unless otherwise noted.
Expectations
Read all assigned material in the timeframe outlined on FOLIO so that you have the background
and understanding to fully contribute to the class discussions and assignments. A key component
of the course is to synthesize and discuss issues, knowledge, and experiences (as is appropriate in
graduate level work). You will have the opportunity to do so online through thoughtful postings,
videos, and discussions based on what you are learning in the course.
It is expected that ALL submitted work be well written and free of grammar and spelling
mistakes. Points will be deducted from an assignment's overall grade if spelling or grammar
errors are present. Use peer review appropriately to polish your written assignments prior to
submission for a grade and make use of electronic tools such as the grammar check tool in your
word processing software. If you would like or need extra help with your writing, please use the
University Writing Center (http://class.georgiasouthern.edu/writingc/).
Another valuable resource is Strunk and White's The Elements of Style. It is a classic
reference for writing, and it is available for free online at http://www.bartleby.com/141/ .
All formal assignments should be submitted in APA format, in accordance with the 6th edition.
Online participation is required and candidates are expected to interact often and contribute
insight into the discussion drawing from source material as well as your own experiences and
opinions.
Required Texts
Bastedo, M.N., Altbach, P.G., & Gumport, P.J. (2016). American higher education in the
twenty-first century: Social, political, and economic challenges (4th ed.). Baltimore,
MD: Johns Hopkins University Press.
Houghton, P.M. & Houghton, T.J. (2009). APA: The easy way! (2nd ed.). Flint, MI: Baker
College.
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Recommended Resources
Harper, S.R., & Jackson, J.F. (1st ed.). (2011). Introduction to American higher
education. Routledge, Taylor, and Francis.
There are two requirements for electronic subscription requirements as a part of being in this
course. It is my hope you will keep your subscriptions active even after you have completed this
course.
Each student in this course must join the Higher Education Administration list-serv
(HIED_L). This will be a way for you to receive information your instructor thinks may
be helpful for you to know. This information includes, but is not limited to job postings,
conference opportunities, campus events and happenings, important dates, etc.
In addition, this list-serv is an open forum so students and alums can also pass on
information of this nature as well. Please make a point to subscribe to the list-serv within
the first week of class.
Note: If you typically use a signature in your email (your name and contact information),
please turn this off or supress it before sending the subscription request.
Any student subscriber is free to post or forward information to the list-serv. Please
be mindful that the list-serv is a professional and networking resource with current
students, staff, faculty, and alumni receiving any information posted. **Please note
any replies to posts go to the ENTIRE LIST!
In addition to joining the HIED-L list-serv, each student should make a point to subscribe
to a regular online news source for higher education. These services are free of charge
and greatly inform your practice by providing you up to date information on current
events in higher education. Examples include, but are not limited to:
*free email subscriptions can usually be found in upper right of the respective
webpage
*The Chronicle is not free but you can view it free through GSU library
The intent of the coursework is to link issues presented in the readings with the practical aspects
of higher education finance in todays milieu. To facilitate linkages among the issues presented
during the course and learners own experiences, I expect students to
read the weekly assignments,
engage in dialogue with peers regarding questions and topics generated,
discuss topics related to the study of American Higher Education,
actively engage in large and small group discussions, problem-solving activities, and
inquiry exercises,
complete assignments, and
integrate the use of technology into learning and research efforts.
As this is an online course, participation can be difficult to measure. It is important that you are
an ACTIVE learner in this course. Participation will be measured through a variety of methods.
Most weeks, you will be expected to engage in discussion board posts and/or video reflections.
For each module the discussion expectations will be described to you, but typically they will
include you posting or recording your thoughts and then replying to at least two-three of your
classmates. If you find a comment pertinent to your situation, or something you can respond to
through experience or current concern or strong opinion, please post a reply.
Your active and thoughtful participation in discussion board activities is very important.
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You are expected to engage in a discussion through replies and failure to do so will lower your
grade. The assigned readings should be done so you can contribute insightful ideas and
questions and be prepared to respond knowledgeably and insightfully to the ideas and questions
of others. It is your responsibility to actively contribute to the discussion.
In an effort to vary our learning methods, there will also be occasions where different
assignments will be incorporated into the weekly learning modules in lieu of discussion posts.
These assignments could include short papers, mock quizzes, reflections, or other ways that
students can demonstrate an understanding of the modules content. Please note that for the
video reflections youll need to use a webcam and upload a link to reflection video into the
discussion board. Instructions will be included should you need help.
_38- 40 Points: Superior participation shows initiative and excellence in work. The student
helps to create more effective discussions and activities through his or her verbal and/or written
contributions. Readings, videos, and writing assignments are completed on time and with
attention to detail. In discussions and activities, comments to peers are tactful, thorough, specific,
and often provide other students with a new perspective or insight.
_36-38 Points: Strong participation demonstrates active engagement. The student plays an
active role in the class but does not always add new insight to the discussion at hand. Readings,
videos, and writing assignments are completed on time and with attention. In discussions and
activities, comments to peers are tactful, specific, and helpful.
_32-34 Points: Weak participation demonstrates inconsistent work. The student may be
unprepared for class, and may contribute infrequently or unproductively to discussions or small
group activities. Readings, videos, and writing assignments are not turned in or are insufficient.
In discussions and activities, comments to peers may be missing, disrespectful, or far too brief
and general to be of help or to be insightful.
_32 or less Points: Unacceptable participation shows ineffectual work. The student may be
completely unprepared, and not able to contribute to classroom discussions or small group
activities. This student may be disruptive in class. Readings, videos, and writing assignments are
not turned in or are insufficient. In discussions and activities, the student is completely
unprepared, disruptive, and otherwise not participating. Or, the student is absent from class.
Points going toward your participation portion are ongoing and account for 40% of the final
grade.
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Identify a higher education administration topic that you may want to examine for a paper in the
program (note: this is just an exercise, so you do not have to actually write/research the entire
paper; however, it should be original work, not resubmitting a version of something you have
used in another course). Do a preliminary library search and web search on your topic and
identify the following sources related to your topic:
A book
A chapter from an edited book
A peer-reviewed journal article
A website
Dont worry too much about if these are the best sources or if they all work well together- this is
an exercise in APA format and scholarly writing, not a heavily content-based assignment.
Write about a 2-3 page (double spaced) paper using these sources (meaning that each of the
sources need to cited at least once within the paper). Think of this assignment as a topic
overview paper.
In the paper you must include at least one correct example of ALL of the following:
You must also include a properly formatted title page AND reference page (not included in
the page count). You do not need to include an abstract.
Instructor feedback will be provided in order for students to get a clear understanding of proper
APA style and format. The instructor may allow an opportunity to resubmit this assignment, but
students should submit their best effort in their initial submission.
The size, scope, and organization of colleges and universities vary widely from state to state. To
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help illustrate and understand the differences, each student in this course will select a college or
university (other than Georgia Southern University) to study. It is suggested that you select an
institution with a comprehensive and informative website.
Your adopted institution will provide information relating to the higher education concepts
presented in this course. You will prepare an executive summary (must fit on ONE page) and
accompanying PowerPoint presentation that includes information on:
the type of institution (public/private), brief history, purpose or mission, curricula and degrees
offered, demographics (faculty/students), student services provided, organizational and
administrative structure, and governance employed. In addition, an analysis of how the
institution employs the four sides of the institution Academic Affairs, Student Affairs,
Administrative, Governance -- must be included.
The assignments will be made following the initial class sessions so that students can begin their
research. The research report will consist of a ONE page executive summary report and a
PowerPoint presentation with accompanying notes (using the note function of PowerPoint, not a
separate sheet) for each slide. In addition to clarifying and amplifying the content of the slide,
use the note function of PowerPoint to provide the references for the data and information the
slide contains.
You are required to designate your institution via google doc no later than 11:30pm on
August 29th.
Institutions can only be used once, so if you see an institution listed already, you must select
another one.
Your project will be evaluated based on several criteria. These include the depth and breadth of
understanding you demonstrate about the institution; the appropriateness, effectiveness and
insightfulness of your notes, models and diagrams; the content, clarity, and quality of your
analysis and your writing, as well as the use of appropriate English composition (spelling,
grammar, punctuation, syntax).
Interview Report/Assignment:
Each student is required to interview a student affairs (or student affairs/higher education related)
professional; i.e., each student is responsible for identifying an appropriate professional (the
selected individual should be at the assistant director level or above (assistant director,
associate director, director, dean, vice president, etc.) and have been in the field for a minimum
of five years.
Each student is to develop a presentation documenting the experience AND his/her reaction to
the information provided by the interviewed professional. Presentations can be done via
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powerpoint and then narrated and converted to youtube video by using Screen Cast Recording
such as http://www.screencast-o-matic.com/ or some other method.
An outline for this Interview is provided toward in the Course Information section of FOLIO.
Students are expected to comment on other students presentations.
This report constitutes 15% of your final grade and is due on November 14 by 11:30pm
The goal of this paper is for you to articulate your higher education career aspirations and
trajectory. The paper should outline your reasons for choosing your particular field/graduate
program, your personal/professional strengths and weaknesses, your career aspirations, and your
personal philosophy on student affairs (or the area in which they are concentrating). The
paper should be relatively in-depth in nature and reflect both research (what do I know from
outside sources?) and individual introspection (what do I know about myself?).
Identify critical points or incidents that occurred in your own development and/or describe
educational experiences that influenced your decision. Discuss your short and long-range career
goals. Be sure to review sources such as The Chronicle of Higher Education, Diverse Issues in
Higher Education, and www.higheredjobs.com (job advertisement sections) to discover required
and preferred job qualifications for your future job. Also look over the professional competencies
and related articles to assess your strengths and areas to improve upon. These qualifications may
help you formulate your career trajectory.
This assignment will be graded using the following criteria (these 5 components MUST be
specifically included in the paper):
Your reasons for choosing your particular field/graduate program including any critical
points/incidents that influenced your career decision
Your career aspirations and formulate a career trajectory
Your short and long-range goals
Identify required and preferred job qualifications for future job
Identify your personal/professional strengths and weaknesses
Discuss what you believe you will need to do to realize your career goal
Develop your personal philosophy on student affairs (or the area in which you are
concentrating).
You must also include a properly formatted title page AND reference page (not included in the
page count). You do not need to include an abstract.
In addition to content, grammatical issues and APA format and style will factor into the grade.
Evaluation/student assessment
Submit all written assignments as email attachments through the course website.
Proofread your paper and/or ask someone familiar with APA style to proofread your
paper to double check for all of the items on which you will be evaluated.
Written assignments submitted late will have points deducted.
Paper format and style should be consistent with the Publications Manual of the
American Psychological Association (APA), 6th edition. NOTE: Some class activities /
readings will be devoted to the key features of APA style. You are expected to familiarize
yourself with APA style, as it is required throughout the program. For an excellent web
resource for APA information visit the APA web site (http://www.apastyle.org).
Note: Bonus points may be awarded for exceptional work and extraordinary contributions of
learning opportunities for all class members.
Letter Grade
A 91 100% of possible points
B 81 90%
C 71 80%
D 60 70%
University policies
Academic dishonesty
Candidates at Georgia Southern University are an essential part of the academic community, and
enjoy substantial freedom within the framework of the educational objectives of the institution.
The freedom necessary for learning in a community so rich in diversity and achieving success
toward our educational objectives requires high standards of academic integrity. Academic
dishonesty has no place in an institution of advanced learning. Georgia Southern University
considers academic integrity as essential part of each candidate's personal and intellectual
growth. Instances of academic dishonesty are addressed consistently. All members of the
community contribute actively to building a strong reputation of academic excellence and
integrity at Georgia Southern University.
It is each candidate's responsibility to know what constitutes academic dishonesty and to seek
clarification directly from the instructor if necessary. The Office of Judicial Affairs is located in
Russell Union room 2023 (912 486-7301). Examples of academic dishonesty include, but are not
limited to
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Submission of an assignment as the student's original work that is entirely or partly the
work of another person.
Failure to appropriately cite references from published or unpublished works or
print/non-print materials.
Unauthorized copying of an assignment in computer programming, or the unauthorized
examination or view of the computer, specifically during examinations.
Possession and/or unauthorized use of tests, notes, books, calculators or formulas stored
in calculators not authorized by the instructor during an examination.
Providing and/or receiving information from another student other than the instructor, by
any verbal or written means.
Observing or assisting another student's work.
Violation of the procedures prescribed by the professor to protect the integrity of the
examination.
Cooperation with a person involved in academic misconduct.
A candidate who has been accused of academic dishonesty will be asked to meet with the course
instructor. The matter can be resolved informally at the College level and/or an academic
sanction can be imposed. If the student opposes the decision, he/she may appeal to the College
Dean.
ADA statement
Any candidate who has a disability that substantially limits learning in a higher education setting
may contact the Student Disability Resource Center) for information regarding their eligibility
for reasonable accommodations. The Center is Building 805 and the office telephone number is
478-0666.
Diversity
Together, we maintain an intellectual culture that is accessible, disciplined, free, safe, and
committed to excellence. By our behavior with one another, we endorse a cultural of diversity,
celebrating the uniqueness of the individual and developing our understanding and tolerance of
differences in gender, ethnicity, age, spiritual belief, sexual orientation, and physical and mental
potential. We take responsibilities for sustaining a caring culture, nurturing growth and
fulfillment in one another and in the larger communities of which we are a part. We insist on a
culture of civility, united in our rejections of violence, coercion, deceit, or terrorism. We work to
increase collaboration, cooperation, and consensus within rational dialogue characterized by
mutual respect and consideration.
This is a responsible culture. We expect each member of our community to carry out responsibly
his or her duties for preserving the integrity, quality, and decency of our environment and our
discourse.
Students are expected to be responsible for their own learning and, in return, can expect
responsible teaching from the faculty member.
Course Policies
Student email
Georgia Southern University created an email account for you when you registered for classes.
Please log into WINGS and look under personal information to find your email account, name
and password. Your GSU email is your official email for the university, the department, and
for this course.
Responsible attendance, even for an online course, means that you will plan your schedule so
that you can manage your time and complete your assignments and assessments on or before the
date on which they are due.
I will provide written notification of the change with a rationale for the change. ALL module
sessions are mandatory even though they are online class sessions.
Deadlines
It is your responsibility to meet all of the deadlines for every learning module and course
assignment. Assignments will be given due dates. Assignments not turned in on the designated
due dates and times will be considered late and will have points deducted. I will accept late
assignments up to one week after the original due date, barring serious extenuating
circumstances.
Class modifications
Check the entry page of Folio for notices concerning changes / modifications to class made by
your instructor. I will inform you of any changes via email. If there is a need to make
adjustments in the schedule, I will provide written notification of the change with a rationale for
the change.
Course concerns
If you have any concerns, whatsoever, about any of the assignments or your performance, please
contact me via campus email ([email protected]). Early questions result in better
learning (for student as well as instructor).
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