2007 - 2008 University Catalog
University Seminar is an academic first-year experience for students entering SOU. This three-term sequence introduces students to key foundational skills that help them develop as researchers, critical thinkers, and communicators. University Seminar provides students with opportunities to examine their motivation and goals with regard to higher education. Students have an opportunity to select a sequence designed around a theme relevant to contemporary issues and events. Usually, students remain with the same instructor and classmates for all three terms. The third term incorporates at least one goal area in civic responsibility, science and technology, or diversity and global awareness.
Through a structured sequence of writing experiences, students progress beyond unsupported assertion to reasoned argumentation and dialogue. Discussion, presentation, and small-group activities are also emphasized. In comparing the University Seminar with traditional communication and writing courses, the following guidelines may be useful: (1) successful completion of USEM 101 with a grade of C- or better is equivalent to 3 credits of introductory writing and 1 credit of communication; (2) successful completion of USEM 102 with a grade of C- or better is equivalent to 3 credits of academic writing and 1 credit of communication; (3) successful completion of USEM 103 with a grade of C- or better is equivalent to 3 credits of academic writing and 1 credit of communication. Only upon completion of the whole sequence do students receive the equivalent of 12 credits in writing and communication.
*The University Seminar administers the lower division WR 121, WR 122, and WR 227 courses. In rare cases, students may need to complete their University Studies written and oral communication requirement through WR 122. Students should contact the University Seminar Office in Central 008 or call 541-552-8160.
University Seminar Courses
See Course Prerequisites PolicyLower Division Courses
| USEM 101, 102, 103 University Seminar |
| 4 credits each |
| Focuses on the skills students need to succeed in college. This yearlong course is a component of the University Studies curriculum in critical reading, writing, speaking, and thinking. Under normal circumstances, students stay with their teacher and classmates in small sections for the entire sequence. General advising and a college success component are also important aspects of the course. Enrollment in the University Seminar is required of all freshmen who have not completed the equivalent of both WR 121 and 122. Successful completion of all three terms of the University Seminar is equivalent to a full year of writing and a course in oral communication. |
| USEM 101H, 102H, 103H University Seminar Honors |
| 4 credits each |
| Each year, a few sections are designated as USEM 101H, 102H, and 103H. These sections often focus on a specific theme and are designed for students who desire an accelerated pace. |
| USEM 185 Introduction to Expository Writing |
| 2 credits |
| Helps the student understand the fundamentals of expository prose through writing, analysis, and revision of short essays. The course surveys the basic conventions, purposes, and strategies of standard written English. Emphasis is on improving students’ fluency in writing expository prose, and building confidence in their own ability to write acceptably and effectively at the university level. Special attention is given to sentence structure, grammar, spelling, punctuation and essay development. |
| USEM 209 Practicum |
| 2 credits |
| Trains students to be one-on-one peer tutors in the Writing Assistance Center, located in the ACCESS Center. Acceptance into this peer mentoring practicum is contingent upon faculty recommendation, an application and interview, and successful completion of USEM 101, 102, 103. |
| USEM 225 University Seminar for Transfers: "Worlds and Writing" |
| 4 credits |
| Reserved for transfer students with 24 credits or more, this class provides transfer students with instruction and practice in meeting goals and proficiencies in the Foundational strands of Communication, Critical Thinking, and Information Literacy. With an emphasis on real-world and professional writing, this course develops advanced writing styles, writing techniques, and audience/readership considerations by providing practice in the kinds of challenging thinking, reading, and writing required by different communities in the business world and in the academy. |
Upper Division Courses
| USEM 409 Advanced Practicum |
| 4 credits |
| Provides opportunities for students to work in partnership with faculty in the University Seminar Program or Writing Assistance Center. Acceptance into this peer mentoring practicum is contingent upon faculty recommendation and successful completion of a training session. Students who have successfully completed USEM 101, 102, 103 are especially invited. Prerequisite: University Seminar Program consent. |
Writing Courses
See Course Prerequisites PolicyLower Division Courses
| WR 122 English Composition |
| 4 credits |
| Focuses on close reading, organization, and effective expression in academic essays, concentrating primarily on argumentation. Prerequisite: WR 121. |
| WR 227 Technical Research Writing |
| 4 credits |
| Covers written composition. Introduces research techniques and writing, with emphasis on technical and scientific writing. Prerequisite: Successful completion of the University Studies writing requirement. |
