University Colloquium

University Colloquium

Central 008
541-552-8160
Tonette Long, Interim Director

The University Colloquium is required for entering students who do not have the equivalent of Wr 121 and 122. The Colloquium (Core 101, 102, 103) is a yearlong course. This component of the general education curriculum combines speaking, writing, and critical thinking and is designed for all newly admitted first-year students.

Students and faculty form a cohort and remain together for the entire year. The instructor serves as the first-year faculty advisor for students who have not chosen a major. Students are asked to register for a time slot that, under normal circumstances, will remain their meeting time for the entire year. All Colloquium students read many of the same materials across sections, attend events with other student cohorts, and are encouraged to carry on class discussions and activities outside of the individual cohorts. Students, however, experience the course in a variety of ways due to inevitable differences among sections.

In Colloquium, students build the academic skills required for successful performance in college. Through a structured sequence of experiences, students progress beyond unsupported assertion to reasoned argumentation and dialogue. Critical writing and speaking and small group communication also are emphasized.

In comparing the SOU Colloquium experience with traditional communication and writing courses, the following guidelines may be useful: (1) successful completion of Core 101 with a C- or better is equivalent to 3 credits of introductory writing and 1 credit of communication; (2) successful completion of Core 102 with a C- or better is equivalent to 3 credits of introductory writing and 1 credit communication; (3) successful completion of Core 103 with a C- or better is equivalent to 3 credits of introductory 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 communication credit is equivalent to Comm 210 at SOU.

The Colloquium does not divide the academic instruction in speaking and writing into modes. Instead, students focus on speaking and writing in terms of rhetorical purpose, with attention to audience, assertions, and reasons. Traditional modes, such as narration, exposition, and argument, are presented as means of achieving the overall purpose of writing or speaking. Students focus on claim and support and audience during term one, complete a substantive research project in term two, and practice argumentation in writing and speaking in term three.

College Colloquium Core Courses

See Course Prerequisites Policy

Lower Division Courses

Core 101 University Colloquium

Focuses on the skills students need to succeed in college. This yearlong course is a component of the general education 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 Colloquium 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 Colloquium is equivalent to a full year of writing and a course in oral communication.

Core 101H University Colloquium: Honors

Each year, a few sections are designated as Core 101H, 102H, and 103H. These sections often focus on a specific theme and are designed for students who desire an accelerated pace.

Core 101W Colloquium Assistance Program (CAP)

1 to 2

Designed for students who need further development of fundamental thinking and writing skills, this program is to be taken concurrently with the Colloquium. Students work closely with a peer tutor to improve specific skills needed for successful writing at the college level. P/NP only.

Core 102 University Colloquium

Prerequisite: Prerequisite: Core 101 or Core 101H

Core 102H University Colloquium: Honors

Each year, a few sections are designated as Core 101H, 102H, and 103H. These sections often focus on a specific theme and are designed for students who desire an accelerated pace.

Prerequisite: Prerequisite: Core 101 or Core 101H

Core 102W Colloquium Assistance Program (CAP)

1 to 2

Core 103 University Colloquium

Prerequisite: Prerequisite: Core 102 or Core 102H

Core 103H University Colloquium: Honors

Each year, a few sections are designated as Core 101H, 102H, and 103H. These sections often focus on a specific theme and are designed for students who desire an accelerated pace.

Prerequisite: Prerequisite: Core 102 or Core 102H

Core 103W Colloquium Assistance Program (CAP)

1 to 2

Core 209 Practicum

Trains students to be one-on-one peer tutors in the Colloquium Assistance Program (CAP), located in the ACCESS Center. Acceptance into this peer mentoring practicum is contingent upon faculty recommendation, an application and interview, and successful completion of Core 101, 102, 103.

Upper Division Courses

Core 409 Advanced Practicum

Provides opportunities for students to work in partnership with faculty in the Colloquium or Colloquium Assistance Program (CAP). Acceptance into this peer mentoring practicum is contingent upon faculty recommendation and successful completion of a training session. Students who have successfully completed Core 101, 102, 103 are especially invited. Prerequisite: Colloquium director consent.