issue 2.8 | 03.04.2008 | http://www.wesleyan.edu/deans/fym/
The First Year Matters newsletter is published by the Office of the Dean of the College and features information about academic and community life at Wesleyan; news about events and happenings on campus; and profiles of people and their work.
Academics
If you have an interest in the social sciences, we would like to invite you to consider the College of Social Studies. We are now accepting applications to the College, so this is a good time to find out more about the major.
The CSS offers a distinct approach to the social sciences. First, and most obviously, it is a multidisciplinary program of study in government, history, economics, and philosophy. Social reality does not come carved up into neat compartments corresponding to academic disciplines, so we believe that students will develop a better understanding of the subject matter and the nature of each discipline by considering it in relation to the others.
The College also offers a distinctive pedagogy that centers on the weekly tutorial. We place great emphasis on reading, writing and discussion, so our classes are very small. During your sophomore year, your work in the College would consist of three small (no more than 10 students), intensive tutorials in government, history, and economics, and one larger (30 students) colloquium in Modern Social Theory. You probably know how hard it is to find classes of this size in the social sciences at Wesleyan. We keep our classes small to make it possible for you to work closely with each other and with your professors, and in order to develop your writing and analytical skills.
Our pedagogy is also distinctive in its emphasis on the students' responsibility for their own education. In the CSS, you will write papers on a subject before you have heard your professor discuss it, thus you will be given the opportunity to develop your own approach to it, and your own synthesis and analysis of the materials you have read. You will receive ample support in small, informal groups with other students, from the teaching assistants assigned to each class, and from your professors. But the final product will be yours.
Applications can be picked up at the CSS office, 408 PAC, or at http://www.wesleyan.edu/css/Application.doc. Application forms can be filled out on your computer and emailed to Madeleine Howenstine at mhowenstine@wesleyan.edu. Please save as file with your name on it. The applications are due March 28, 2008, at 2:00. You are welcome to come to our Social Hour in the CSS Lounge, on Friday afternoons at 4:00, and chat informally with students and faculty in the College. If you would like to talk with us, feel free to contact us.
The Economics pre-requisite for the CSS is completion of Economics 110, with a minimum grade of C+, or completion of Economics 101 and one other 200 level Economics course, with an average grade of at least C+. The Economics requirement –designed to prepare the student for his or her Sophomore Economics Tutorial—can be completed during the fall of the Sophomore year, but no later.
Students who have taken BOTH AP micro and macro, and have passed both with a grade of 4 or 5, are not required to take Econ 101, and may satisfy the economics requirement by taking any other economics course. Students who have taken only one AP economics course must still take Econ 101 and another economics course, or take Econ 110. Students are well-advised to have this required course-work behind them before entering the College.
For more information consult the Student Handbook.
College of Letters Application Deadline
Applications are due on March 24, 2008, at 3:00.
The College of Letters offers an interdisciplinary major program for the study of literature, history, and philosophy. The core of the program is a series of five colloquia designed to acquaint students with works of predominantly European literature, history, and philosophy in (respectively) the 20th century, the ancient world, the Middle Ages and Renaissance, the early modern period (16th-18th centuries), and the 19th century. In addition to these wide-ranging colloquia, students take more specialized seminars and independent work in tutorials. In all these contexts, much emphasis is put on the development of skills in writing and speaking, but our general goal is cultivation of "the educated imagination."
Interested in going to graduate school, but wondering how you'll manage it?
The Wesleyan McNair Program assists students from underrepresented groups (see below) in preparing for, entering, and progressing successfully through post-graduate education. For frosh and sophomores, the emphasis is on learning more about the PhD option, how and why one might go about earning one, choosing a direction, and preparing for research. A major part of preparing for graduate research is to get involved in research as an undergraduate, so the focus in the last two years is on doing research with a Wesleyan Professor, working toward a thesis or senior paper. Along the way, the McNair staff provide mentoring, workshops, study space, grad school and GRE prep, and academic and (for those who have completed sophomore year and are doing research) financial support.
The Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program, funded by the US Dept. of Education, is for students interested in working towards PhDs who are:
- First generation college students from low-income families, or
- African-American, Hispanic, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, or
- Native American
Are you working with a study group? Study groups can be great ways to learn and practice your coursework. The most effective study groups begin with a plan. If everyone has the same expectation of the purpose of the study group, then it should go smoothly. Have a brief meeting or send out an e-mail to decide on the purpose, content and format for the study group. Reserve a room with a chalk or wipe board. Make a pact to focus only on working while in the study room. Assign a break after a time or task is completed and leave the room to take the break. Once everyone returns to room, the only topic of discussion should be the content matter of the course.
Ideas for study group formats:
- Meet to determine what the main and sub topics for the test are and to share which topics are most troubling;
- Bring summaries of several topics to share with one another and compare;
- Assign classmates certain subjects to teach to the group;
- Create exam questions to share with your classmates or ask for practice exam questions from you professors - answer them, and then critique each other on the answers; and,
- Take a practice test in the room in which you learned the information or will take the exam. Compare answers.
Always remember, that regardless how you split up information for a study group, you must work with all of the information alone. Prove that you know and can apply the information by demonstrating your understanding of the processes involved. Pull the information apart and put it back together. Create graphs, diagrams, charts, and timelines. The Ohio University Study Tips website has many samples demonstrating how to map out and review information. Teach the subject to another person. Act out the information. Draw pictures. For some subjects, mnemonics may help you remember sequences or lists. Analyze, synthesize, compare, apply and describe!
Lastly, practice the information in the way you will be tested on it. Write out an essay or short answers. Re-do problem sets (even if you have already done them!). Write out IDs. Draw diagrams. Make comparisons.
Write to the SARN Peer Advisors who are available during this midterm season to help you draw up a study plan; manage your time; and give you tips to study more effectively. You can set up an appointment with them or visit their drop in hours. They are also offering workshops on time management and working with professors to give exam preparation workshops.
Upcoming important dates:
March 7, 2008 is the last day to withdraw from 3rd quarter classes. Fourth quarter classes begin on March 24, 2008.
The last day to withdraw from full semester and 4th quarter classes is April 16, 2008.
Events
Earth Day - Tuesday, April 22. 2008
The Robert Schumann Lecture Series in the Environmental Studies Program at Wesleyan is pleased to have Commissioner Gina McCarthy from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) as their 2008 Earth Day Keynote Address Speaker on Tuesday, April 22nd.
The state agency¹s primary responsibilities are protecting Connecticut¹s environment, natural resources and wildlife and for maintaining Connecticut¹s state parks and forests. Commissioner McCarthy will discuss ³Meeting the Environmental Challenges of the 21st Century.² This free event will be held in The Memorial Chapel on campus and will begin at 8p.m. Immediately following will be a reception in the Zelnick Pavilion for all to attend.
Governor M. Jodi Rell appointed Commissioner McCarthy to this position on December 10, 2004. Commissioner McCarthy came to the Connecticut DEP from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, where she worked on environmental issues at the state and local level for 25 years in a variety of high-ranking positions. Just prior to joining the Connecticut DEP, she served as the Deputy Secretary of Operations for the Massachusetts Office of Commonwealth Development, a "super Secretariat" that coordinates policies and programs of that state¹s environmental, transportation, energy and housing agencies. In Connecticut, Commissioner McCarthy is working on important environmental priorities, such as continuing to improve the health of Long Island Sound and the state¹s air quality; reinvigorating the state park system; implementing strategies and recommendations included in Connecticut¹s innovative Climate Change Action Plan; completing a new solid waste master plan; and developing new strategies to protect the state¹s natural resources.
Commissioner McCarthy received a Bachelor of Arts in Social Anthropology from the University of Massachusetts, Boston and a joint Master of Science in Environmental Health Engineering and Planning and Policy from Tufts University. She is married with three children.
For further information, please contact Valerie Marinelli, Administrative Assistant,
Environmental Studies Certificate Program at 685-3733 or email
vmarinelli@wesleyan.edu.
Community
Securing Your Space Over Break
Spring Break is coming and the Office of Residential Life and Public Safety want to remind you to be safe! Although residential units are open, there will not be a lot of people around. If you plan to stay on campus during the break period, please follow appropriate safety protocol. Make sure you lock your doors and windows when you aren’t home, walk in well lit areas, preferably with a friend, and report emergencies and suspicious activities to Public Safety immediately. RAs will also be on duty through the break and are a great resource if you have any questions.
If you are traveling over Spring Break, please remember the following:
- Unplug electrical outlets
- Close blind/window treatments
- Lock windows/doors
- Take valuables with you
- Empty trash
Health Center Hours Over Break
The Health Center will be open limited hours over spring break for medical care and will have
a Doc on-call the entire break. Please see
www.wesleyan.edu/healthservices/ofnote/spring04.html
for more information.
"Be Courteous and Clean...Practice Simple Hygiene"
Did you know computer keyboards are one of the most common sources of germs in our daily lives? And did you know that all the computer labs on campus have Purell hand sanitizer dispensers? Using simple hygiene practices like using hand sanitizer, washing your hands when you are near water and covering your cough greatly reduces your chance of passing along (or picking up) viruses and bacteria that cause illness. Watch for a hand sanitizer sample in your mailbox courtesy of the Student Health Advisory Committee. For details on reducing your risk for getting sick, visit our web pages on Infection Control or Cold & Flu Prevention.
What are your travel plans for Spring Break? It may be simply a trip home for many, but for others, it could involve travel to domestic or international locations for alternative spring break activities, or some fun in the sun (or snow!). Here are suggestions for keeping your travel safe:
- The Transportation Security Administration offers many recommendations for getting through airport security more easily. The 3-1-1 rule (of placing three ounce containers in a one quart clear zip-top bag, one per person) is just the start.
- If you are crossing the U.S. border, carry your passport. According to the Department of State, "all persons traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States".
- If you are driving, especially a longer distance, be sure your car is checked out by qualified mechanic before leaving, prepare an emergency road kit and/or maintain a roadside assistance membership (such as AAA). Use defensive driving techniques to avoid an accident. Avoid driving while too tired or under the influence of any substances, including over the counter medications which may make you sleepy.
- 45 countries have banned cell phone usage while driving; many US states, including Connecticut, require the use of hands-free devices, but cell phone usage while driving can be very distracting. Limit your talking while driving to a minimum or wait until you've stopped to make a call.
- Be careful when carrying money and travel documents. Consider purchasing a neck or shoulder security pouch, a fanny pack or other type of security belt or pouch, especially if travelling in unfamiliar locations. And then be modest in showing your money and documents to avoid attracting the attention of would-be thieves.
- Getting sick when travelling can make a great trip miserable. Plan ahead by getting required vaccinations, if needed (available from Health Services) and packing medications you might need. Check to see if there are any travel notices for your destination
- Laws restricting alchol and drug use can vary greatly from country to country. Also, standards for safety and security may not reach the levels we have come to expect in the US.
Using common sense to protect yourself is your best tool. If it's something you wouldn't do at home, avoid doing it in an unfamiliar location!