University Seminar
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2009 - 2010 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—the foundation strands of University Studies. 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 sequence incorporates at least one goal area in civic responsibility, science and technology, or diversity and global awareness.
Enrollment in University Seminar is required of all freshmen who have not completed the equivalent of both WR 121 and WR 122. Successful completion of all three terms of University Seminar is equivalent to a full year of writing and a course in oral communication.
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 122, 225, 226, and 227. In rare cases, students may need to complete their University Studies written and oral communication requirement through one or more of those courses. 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 University Seminar |
| 4 credits each |
| Introduces students to writing, speaking, critical thinking, and research at the college level. Students read challenging texts; discuss and present various positions on complex issues; write organized persuasive and argumentative essays with focused claim and well-developed support; evaluate, integrate, and document outside sources; learn rhetorical strategies for various audiences; and demonstrate control of standard academic English. |
| USEM 102 University Seminar |
| 4 credits each |
| Continues the sequenced three-term academic course in writing, speaking, critical thinking, and research. Students choose appropriate topics and issues to research; use various research strategies to find, evaluate, and integrate authoritative information and data, including academic databases; write and revise extended researched and argumentative essays; hone citation and documentation skills (MLA, APA, or Chicago); design and deliver a formal presentation of research; extend rhetorical knowledge of context, purpose, and audience; demonstrate control of standard academic English. Prerequisite: Completion of USEM 101 with a C- or better or transfer credit of WR 121 or equivalent. |
| USEM 103 University Seminar |
| 4 credits each |
| Completes the sequenced three-term academic course in writing, speaking, critical thinking, and research. Students demonstrate and apply knowledge of topic/content area through formal writing and speaking opportunities; use appropriate rhetorical strategies to support an argumentative or position-based thesis; extend analytical and reasoned argumentation to ethical, social, cultural, and/or global issues; demonstrate capabilities of extensive writing and revision strategies; demonstrate control of standard academic English with added fluency and style. Prerequisite: Completion of USEM 102 with a C- or better. |
| 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 and have been designated as honors students. |
| 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. May be taken for credit three times. |
| USEM 199 Special Studies |
| Credits to be arranged. May be repeated for credit. |
| USEM 209 Practicum |
| 1 to 4 credits |
Upper Division Courses
| USEM 409 Advanced Practicum |
| 1 to 4 credits |
| Provides opportunities for students to work in partnership with faculty in the University Seminar Program or Writing 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 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 Foundation strands of Communication, 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. Counts as 4 of the required credits of University Studies writing. |
| WR 226 Research Writing for Academic Success |
| 4 credits |
| Focuses on the types of writing needed for academic success, with a strong emphasis on research, close reading, and writing for a variety of disciplines. Reserved for transfer students with 24 credits or more. Designed for online delivery and provides students with instruction and practice in meeting goals and proficiencies in the Foundational strands of Communication, Thinking, and Information Literacy. Develops advanced writing styles, writing techniques, and audience/readership considerations by providing practice in the kinds of challenging thinking, reading, and writing required in the discourse communities that make up the academy. Counts as 4 of the required credits of University Studies writing. Prerequisite: WR 121 or equivalent. |
| 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. |
