Themes for LCOM 1100

The class schedule is provisional, subject to change, and somewhat dynamic. In other words, we will cover everything listed below, but not necessarily in the exact order listed below. Building an experiential classroom is much like growing a garden; you have to see it how it grows.

Getting Started

• Introductions, interpersonal process, group development.
• Course expectations and process.
• Group exercises, details of settling in.
• The experience of being a student.
• Principles of mindfulness, health, and development.

Transitions

• Presentation groups formation and practice.
• How and why to manage it all (time, goals, intentions).
• Goals and accomplishments.
• The culture of university.
• Meanings of success.

Health and Wellness

• Lifestyle and family themes and concerns.
• Psychological health.

Purpose

• Presentation groups practice.
• The history, purpose, (and future?) of higher education.
• Personal purpose (why are you here?).
• Creative group work.
• Building a support network.

Structure

• Presentation groups practice.
• Disciplines and their meanings.
• University resources (scavenger hunts).
• Policies in education (mini-presentations).

Systemizing the Process

• Technology: uses and misuses.
• Creativity and efficiency.
• Building a personal information system.
• Using tools to create a system.

Culture, Diversity, Development

• Group presentations practice.
• Diversity and its many implications.
• The culture of the university.
• Scholarly discourse and what it means.
• Integrating health, wellness, and personal development.

Communications

• Interpersonal abilities.
• Conflict resolution.
• Truth and questioning.
• Personal communications tools and styles.

Writing

• Why writing is the most enduring human act.
• Introduction to essay-writing.
• Topic development and library research.

More Writing

• Academic writing (process).
• Academic writing (structure).
• Writing time.
• Draft reviews and editing.

Development

• Personal and professional development.
• Purposefulness, meaning, and happiness.
• Planned happenstance.
• Why degrees are valued in workplace.
• Visualization exercises.

Other Stuff (that we'll think up as we go along)

• Student-led content.
• Improvised content.