Class Notes and Schedule Overview

Class Schedule Updates

  • Class schedules for the upcoming weeks:
    • Both classes in-person this week.
    • Next week:
    • Tuesday: In-person (tentative)
    • Thursday: Online
    • Following week: Both classes in-person.
    • Week after that (Thanksgiving week):
    • Thanksgiving: Wednesday to Friday (No classes)
    • Monday and Tuesday classes will likely be online (approx. 90% of professors will conduct classes online).
    • Labs: More likely to remain in person on Monday/Tuesday.
    • Post-Thanksgiving:
    • Both classes in-person for the last week of classes.
    • Exam week:
      • No exam for this class.
      • Homework due: Unit Four Journal and Capstone will be submitted during exam week.

Homework Assignments

  • Homework Structure:
    • Unit Three assignments:
    • Access via D2L (Desire2Learn):
    • First assignment: "Reading and Journal Notes" on "Meaning in Life"
    • Reading assignment: Three-page essay titled "Meaning in Life."
    • Students to outline 12 bullet points summarizing the reading in their journals under the heading "Meaning in Life Notes."
    • Additional task:
    • Conduct a reflection for the class.
    • Unit Three Journal:
    • Must download the provided Word Document attachment for organizing journal entries.

Professionalism in Academia

  • Topics Discussed:
    • Self-assessment of professionalism in class setting.
    • Key areas of assessment:
      • Attendance: Regular class attendance is crucial for professionalism.
        • Students are encouraged to evaluate their attendance to assess commitment.
      • Presentness: Being mentally and physically present in class.
        • Watching unrelated videos or engaging in off-topic conversations is unprofessional.
      • Preparation: Completing assigned homework and being ready for class.
      • Honesty: Importance of integrity in academics, particularly concerning the use of AI in assignments.
        • Encouragement to manage time effectively to avoid reliance on AI for tasks.

Critical Thinking Exercises

  • Logic Questions:
    • 1st Question: Five machines produce five widgets in five minutes; how long for 100 machines?
      • Correct Answer: 5 minutes (number of machines does not change the time it takes to produce the widgets).
    • 2nd Question: A patch of a lake doubles in size daily; if it covers the entire lake on day 48, when does it cover half?
      • Correct Answer: Day 47 (as it would be half the lake the day before it doubles to full coverage).
    • 3rd Statement: "Therefore, roses fade quickly."
      • Determining the logical correctness of statements based on premises and conclusions.
      • Conclusion drawn: The statement is false as it cannot be assumed universally true.

Vocabulary Review

  • Review of vocabulary with definitions:
    • Terms introduced in-class to be quizzed among peers.
    • Accumulate at least 16 vocabulary words outside of class for better understanding.
  • Essential Vocabulary:
    • Composure: The state of feeling calm or in control of oneself.
    • Imperturbable: Unable to be upset or excited; calm.

Reflection Writing Assignment

  • Prompt: Write at least eight sentences on what makes a meaningful, fulfilling, or good life.
  • Share reflections with partners, noting any unique insights or comments.
  • Select one key point from shared reflections and explore it in-depth together.

Conclusion and Personal Story

  • Instructor shares a personal story regarding past English teacher Mrs. Ellis, highlighting the importance of positive recommendations in life decisions.