1. UF300
University Foundations: The Power of Thinking
in the 21st
Century
Fall 2013
Transitional Foundations
3 Semester Credits
COURSE DESCRIPTION
UF 300-1070 Hybrid. August 26 – December 20, 2013
UF 300 TRANSITIONAL FOUNDATIONS Designed to meet the needs of students who have
Academic Associate Degrees or who enter Boise State core certified but do not have UF 100
and UF 200 credits. Ties previous student learning to the Foundations Program and engages
students in discussion of ethics, diversity, and internationalization.
PREREQ: Core Certification or an Academic Associate Degree.
Faculty
Linda L. Vermette, Ph.D.
Adjunct Faculty
University Foundations Program
208-376-7515 (home)
lindavermette@boisestate.edu
Office Hours
Please call or email to make an appointment.
A 48 hour advance notice is needed.
Please provide 2 or 3 day/time options.
The instructor reserve the right to change the syllabus and schedule if warranted and
unexpected situations arise.

2. COURSE OBJECTIVES
University Learning Outcome to Assessments Defined:
ULO Course Outcome 21st
Century Skill Course Activities Assessed
Through Applicable Rubrics
1. Write effectively in
multiple contexts, for
a variety of
audiences.
Evaluate and
implement effective
and respectful
communication
strategies using
written, verbal,
electronic, and
other appropriate
technologies.
Communication
Collaboration
Discussion Boards
ePortfolio
eResume
Global Issues Presentation
21st
Century Skills Multimedia Presentation
Library assignments
2. Communicate
effectively in speech,
both as speaker and
listener.
Evaluate and
implement effective
and respectful
communication
strategies using
written, verbal,
electronic, and
other appropriate
technologies.
Communication
Collaboration
Global Issues Presentation
21st
Century Skills Multimedia Presentation
3. Engage in
effective critical
inquiry by defining
Use critical thought
processes and
sound reasoning to
Critical Thinking Discussion Boards
Global Issues Presentation
Goal Setting Assignment and Reflection
COURSE OVERVIEW
Course Content:
This course ties previous student learning to the Boise State Foundations Program and engages students in
the discussion of ethics, diversity and internationalization. The course has an experiential learning
component. The focus of this course is to develop the skills needed to be successful in today’s workforce
including how to think critically, how to work with others, being creative and communicating that to others in
both written and oral form. Also, we want to think about the current issues and trends in technology, ethics,
and leadership in our increasingly global world. Students in this course are expected to examine their own
skills and abilities, and then develop a plan regarding how they will insure they are ready to be successful in
the ever evolving workforce.
Teaching Philosophy:
We will address the 300 level course objectives through readings, internet resources, and student
discussions. Imbedded in this course are skills that relate to working in the 21st
century that requires higher
level cognitive skills (analysis, synthesis, and evaluation) and affective skills (valuing, organization, and
characterization) for proficient and expert development of critical thinking and communication skills. The goal
of this course is to ensure that each student has these skills as they move on towards a life of learning and
achievement.

3. ULO Course Outcome 21st
Century Skill Course Activities Assessed
Through Applicable Rubrics
problems, gathering
and evaluating
evidence, and
determining the
adequacy of
argumentative
discourse.
articulate key
aspects of a
problem.
4. Think creatively
about complex
problems in order to
produce, evaluate,
and implement
innovative possible
solutions, often as
one member of a
team.
Use creative
thinking to propose
possible resolutions
to a complex issue.
Creative
Collaboration
Technological
Library Group Work
Global issues Group Work
21st
Century Skills Multimedia Presentation
ePortfolio
5. Analyze ethical
issues in personal,
professional, and
civic life and produce
reasoned evaluations
of competing value
systems and ethical
claims.
Identify and
describe ethical
dilemmas and
articulate questions
to related to the
social, economic,
political and/or
religious issues
relevant to the
dilemma
Critical Thinking
Flexible
Adaptable
Discussion Boards
Ethical Reflection Paper
Global Issues Presentation
6. Apply knowledge
of cultural differences
to matters of local,
regional, national,
and international
importance, including
political, economic,
and environmental
issues.
Identify and
describe cultural
differences relevant
to a local, regional
or beyond issue.
Critical Thinking
Flexible
Adaptable
Discussion Boards
Global Issues Presentation
COURSE LEARNING ACTIVITES
Learning Activities (include but are not limited to):
21st
Century Skills Project: Each student will create a technologically innovative presentation concerning the
professional field of work he or she intends to enter after graduation. The presentation must be narrated which
necessitates the use of a microphone and include several of the most important University Learning Outcomes -
ULO’s/21st
century skills needed to succeed in today’s competitive job environment. A technology presentation tool
should be used to explain what it means to be a professional in this career including the job requirements, general
outlook in today’s market, and other facts relevant to your career. The presentation will be uploaded to the electronic
portfolio and several examples shared with the class via Blackboard.
Global Disparity Presentation: A presentation related to a specific global disparity/inequity/issue will be completed
during this semester. Choose an issue related to the themes in the text, “Half the Sky.” The presentation will use oral
communication which will necessitate the use of a microphone and webcam, and needs to include a brief overview of
the chosen issue and include how the student can help solve this problem. Students might choose a specific topic

4. related to the oppression of women such as prostitution, human rights, or the sex trade industry. Include why this is a
problem and the scope of the issue. Consider including information about national organizations related to the topic
(see appendix in textbook page 255). Students will use a web cam and mic to record their presentation, post it on
YouTube for other group members to view.
Ethics Reflection: This includes activities which entail moral assessment, learning, and reflections related to making
meaning of one’s life. We will be discussing and formulating our own ethical stance based on our findings in class,
and expressing them in a paper which reflects on the topic.
Goal Setting: Students will be asked to evaluate their lifestyle and situation and come up with two well chosen and
specific goals that can be reached before the end of the semester. They will write these goals out, and then evaluate
how well they have kept the goals as the semester comes to a close. This process will hopefully help each student to
critically think about and plan how his or her time and other resources are used.
Electronic Portfolio: Use of Digication is utilized to put all this semester’s and a student’s past work together in an
organized manner to show his/her ability to perform the University Learning Outcomes (ULO’s) and 21st
Century skills.
The information can then be used in the development of an electronic resume. Various “artifacts” will be gathered
together in Google Sites. These need to include sources other than word documents such as video, photos,
PowerPoints, etc. to show a wide variety of technological familiarity and competence.
Discussion Board: Each week students will be expected to participate in a discussion board (DB). Students need to
prepare for each discussion board by reading over and learning about the resources for the week so they are
prepared to participate in the activities. Preparation will include reading the text, watching videos, and doing online
activities. Each student will post one primary (or more substantive post) on the weekly topic as well as respond to at
least three other students’ postings over a three-day period.
Library Learning: These sessions will cover the importance of academic research and becoming familiar with the
library resources. These will focus on skills and abilities students need to be successful in their education and career.
Work will be assigned to help reinforce the learning provided by the librarians.
COURSE EXPECTATIONS-STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Participation:
Group participation assessed by peers; written discussions on Blackboard; reflective and analytic
writing assignments; and other weekly activities.
Homework:
All assignments, such as Blackboard postings, need to be completed by due dates. If the student is
unable to complete the work prior to the deadline this needs to be communicated to the instructor
prior to the due date. Points will be lost when work is late and unexcused. Lateness for any
assignment will then result in a 10% deduction of available points per day for up to three days at
which time the assignment grade will be zero.
Other Responsibilities:
Students are expected to check the Blackboard course website at least three times per week and
read email, announcements, etc. that are posted.
Projects:
Several projects are assigned (see above). More information is posted regarding these on
Blackboard.
Tests/Exams/Quizzes:
A syllabus quiz must be passed with 100% before the end of the first week of the course. Students
may take the quiz as many times as needed in order to pass it with a 100%. Failure to complete the
quiz by the end of the second week will result in failure of the course.

5. COURSE EXPECTATIONS-REQUIRED READINGS
Course Readings:
• Kristof, N. and WuDunn S. (2009). Half the Sky. Vintage Books: New York. ISBN: 978-0-307-38709-7.
• Sherfield, R., & Moody, P. (2013) Cornerstones for Professionalism (2nd Ed.). Pearson Education.
ISBN: 13:978-0-13-278934-9
• Other required readings are also posted on the Blackboard site and/or the BSU Library.
• Students need to read and understand the information about 21st
century skills provided at this website:
Foundation Skills
• Suggested readings are offered with each project. If a student finds an interesting article or website,
please share it with others via the discussion board.
COURSE EXPECTATIONS-PARTICIPATION
Course Participation:
• Course faculty believes teamwork to be a critical skill for developing a career in the 21st
Century.
Learning together helps to foster this teamwork. The skills of collaboration and cooperation must be
learned and practiced.
• You are expected to participate in all activities including the discussions. All written assignments
must be in a Word document and completed by the due date.
• Attendance and participation in online groups is essential for success in the course. If you do miss an
activity, you must stay current and knowledgeable in the class. With few exceptions, activities cannot
be made up.
• Only e-mail that contains the following URL format will be accepted: username@u.boisestate.edu. To
learn more about using your student e-mail account, refer to the following site:
http://helpdesk.boisestate.edu/email/broncomail/. If necessary, forward BSU e-mail to the account you
use most regularly. Check e-mail and Blackboard regularly.
COURSE EXPECTATIONS-COMPUTER SKILLS
The student must understand basic computer usage, including use of the keyboard, mouse, CD player, printer and
modem. To participate successfully, the student will need to:
Use the computer operating system (Windows/Mac OS) to do the following:
1. Create folders/directories
2. Find, copy, move, rename, and delete files
3. Run and switch between multiple programs
Use a word-processing program to do the following:
1. Create, format, edit, spell check, save, print, and retrieve a document
2. Cut, copy, and paste information within and between documents
Configure and use a Web browser to do the following:
1. Access the Internet via dial-up modem, DSL, cable modem, or a network interface
2. Open, print and/or save Web pages to a local disk drive
3. Open and save Adobe Acrobat files (PDF files)
4. Use a search engine’s basic features to find information on the Web

6. 5. Navigate through Blackboard, a course-management system
Use an e-mail program to do the following:
1. Send, receive, store and retrieve messages
2. Send, receive, and open file attachments
COURSE EXPECTATIONS-TECHNOLOGIES REQUIRED
To view certain materials in this course site, you will need to download and install Flash Player and Real Player if you
do not have them already. You will also need a program capable of viewing PDF documents, such as Adobe Reader.
These programs are free, and can be downloaded by clicking on their names here. Finally, you will need Microsoft
Office or another program capable of working with MS Word documents. You probably have Microsoft Office, but if
not, you can buy it for the academic price at the Boise State bookstore or download OpenOffice or LibreOffice for free.
In addition, you must have access to a computer equipped with a webcam and a microphone in order to complete
your portion of the oral group presentation. If you don’t have a personal computer with such equipment, you may use
the computers at the BSU Zone sites on campus, or check out laptops from the BSU Library that are so equipped.
Alternately, you may wish to purchase the webcam and microphone for this assignment. They are readily available
and cost around $30.
Boise State University offers support to students who need additional instruction on the use of Blackboard. Students
may learn tips for successful completion of online courses through this resources:
http://ecampus.boisestate.edu/students/support/
http://oit.boisestate.edu/zone/
Additional resources for help with online courses can be found at http://www.ecampus.boisestate.edu
COURSE POLICIES AND GUIDELINES
Grading Policy:
All grades, including final grades, are not rounded up. A final grade of 74.9% will NOT be rounded up to 75%.
A = 93-100
A- = 90-92
B+ = 88-89
B = 83-87
B- = 80-82
C+ = 78-79
C = 75-77
C- = 70-74.999
D+ = 68-69
D = 63-67
D- = 60-62
F = < 60

7. COURSE POLICIES AND GUIDELINES
Grading Method and Scale
Points Course Grade Course Requirements
10
50
10
150
70
30
50
20
10
40
100
20
255
100
50
15
20
Syllabus Quiz
Goal Setting Activity
Critical Thinking Quiz
21st
Century Skills Multimedia Presentation
Library Group Work
Library Individual Assignment
Ethical Reflection Paper
Campus Read Quiz Part I
ePortfolio About Me Page
ePortfolio First Look
ePortfolio Final including eResume
Campus Read Quiz Part II
Discussion Boards (17 @ 15 points each)
Global Issues Presentation
Global Issues Group Work
Goal Setting Reflection
Course Evaluation
Total Points = 1000
COURSE POLICIES AND GUIDELINES

8. Statement on Academic Integrity and Conduct
Students must abide by the BSU Student Code of Conduct regarding Academic Dishonesty. The Boise State
University Student Code of Conduct and policies on Academic Dishonesty are located at the following website. We
encourage you to read these carefully. Students will be held to these standards in all areas of academic performance.
http://osrr.boisestate.edu/scp-codeofconduct-article6/
Plagiarism is a serious issue that will not be allowed. Students are responsible for knowing how to cite (reference)
material. To find out more about what is acceptable go to the Writing Center or talk with your faculty member.
Academic dishonesty may result in course failure or dismissal from the University.
Academic dishonesty, including plagiarism which is presenting others’ words or ideas as your own, will
not be tolerated. I expect you to submit YOUR best work and discuss with me any unforeseen circumstances
which may cause you to do less than your best work. Please refer to the following link for more information on
Boise State’s policy from the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities: http://www.boisestate.edu/osrr/
Students with Disabilities Statement:
Boise State University’s Disability Resource Center (DRC) coordinates services to meet the educational
needs of students with documented disabilities. The DRC works with students and faculty to arrange reasonable
accommodations and promote an environment that is free of both physical and attitudinal barriers. If you feel you
need accommodations based on the impact of a disability contact me privately to discuss your specific needs. You
will also need to contact the Disability Resource Center (208-426-1583, Administration Building, Room 114) to
meet with a specialist and coordinate reasonable accommodations for any documented disability.
For more information on BSU Disability Resource Center (DRC) see the web site at
http://drc.boisestate.edu
To schedule an appointment, contact Elyse Taylor at (208) 426-1583 or drcinfo@boisestate.edu
Shared Values Statement:
Please check out Boise State University’s statement of Shared Values at
http://osrr.boisestate.edu/sharedvalues/
Boise State Online Privacy Notice:
This policy contains information for students about e-mail, personal disclosures, data retained about
students, acceptable use, online behavior, academic dishonesty, and publication and distribution of student
work. http://past-at.boisestate.edu/elearning/blackboard/orient/privacy.asp
Net Etiquette
Discussion via Blackboard is closed to anyone not enrolled in this course. All communication between students and
faculty should remain professional, civil, and courteous. This is true of both Blackboard and email communications.
Language and grammar matters so be careful how you phrase your communication. Simplicity and directness are
helpful in getting your message across (directness does not mean rudeness or angry responses to either students or
faculty). It is possible to receive a failing grade ('F') for the Class Participation portion of the course if rude and
unseemly communications via Blackboard and email become an issue and are not corrected. The following is a link
on Net Etiquette: http://www.albion.com/netiquette/corerules.html
Copyright Statement
Some of the materials in this course may be copyrighted. They are intended for use only by students registered and
enrolled in this course and only for instructional activities associated with and for the duration of the course. They
may not be retained in another medium or disseminated further. They are provided in compliance with the provisions

9. SYLLABUS AS CONTRACT
Be aware that this syllabus contains the basic information you need to do well in this course. Read it carefully
and ask me if you have any questions about it. This syllabus is the contract that you and I agree to as you
enroll in this course though it may be changed at my discretion if the needs of the class change. It is your
responsibility to thoroughly understand and implement the syllabus.

10. SYLLABUS AS CONTRACT
Be aware that this syllabus contains the basic information you need to do well in this course. Read it carefully
and ask me if you have any questions about it. This syllabus is the contract that you and I agree to as you
enroll in this course though it may be changed at my discretion if the needs of the class change. It is your
responsibility to thoroughly understand and implement the syllabus.