Interdisciplinary Studies—College Success Seminar 101
Course Description
The College Success Seminar (CSS) course introduces students to academic skills that support their success in and after college. Students gain expertise in critical thinking, reading and writing as well as study skills, time management and stress management. Using technology for communication and research are also introduced.
Course topics are approached from a variety of perspectives that represent interdisciplinary academic inquiry. A guiding principle is helping students take personal responsibility for their academic and career choices by exploring the relationship between self and community.
Course Objectives
This course aims to develop student skills in three areas:
Academic success and study skills
Self-motivational skills
Reading and critical thinking
Student Learning Outcomes
Successful completion of three areas of objectives will result in students being able to:
Area One: Academic Success and Study Skills
Utilize critical thinking and reading strategies
Develop listening and note taking skills
Incorporate time management into study success strategies
Utilize stress management techniques to balance academic and personal demands
Establish test taking strategies
Utilize technology resources on campus
Be informed of student support resources on campus
Area Two: Self-Motivational Skills
Define himself/herself as a college student within a community of learners
Set realistic short-term and long-term goals
Proactively reflect on learning challenges and utilize student support services such as academic advising, tutoring, TRIO and other available resources
Utilize career and guidance resources on campus
Make academic and career choices through and understanding of informed decision-making
Recognize his/her own attitudes and values and those of others with respect.
Area Three: Reading and Critical Thinking
Through readings in the topic area, students will be able to:
Read actively and critically
Use technology to gather information and explore answers to questions about the content area
Make connections between different ways that the disciplines approach questions and information and apply interdisciplinary approaches to problems
Identify whether or not a particular resources, opinion or argument is valid and useful in approaching questions related to the topic area
Work collaboratively and engage in productive dialogue with other students on key topic questions and issues