The complete, detailed syllabus can be downloaded here.
What
- Modes of Inquiry (LIB 100): The Tiniest History Makers (Section 17, Fall 2014)
Modes of Inquiry is part of the First Year Experience at Loras and intended to develop understanding of the Loras College dispositions and life-long learning skills critical for success in college. Â While all MOI courses have a set of common assignments and assessments, each section has its own topic for students to explore.
This semester’s MOI topic is “The Tiniest History Makers”. Â We will explore how certain molecules have changed the course of history and discuss how history might have been different without it. Â We will discuss what gives each molecule the important properties that affected history and each student will get a chance to explore a molecule of their own.
Who
- Lecturer – Dr. Adam Moser (adam.moser@loras.edu), Science Hall 213
- Office Hours:Â Tue/Thu 10am-11:30am, 2:00pm-3:30pm
- Peer Assistant -Â Kaitlin Philipsen (Kaitlin.Philipsen@loras.edu)
- Office Hours: TBA
Where & When
Tuesday & Thursday, 12:30pm – 1:50pm, Keane Hall 008
Common time: Monday, 11:00 am -12:20 pm, Specific Dates & Locations TBA
Materials
- An Introduction to the Liberal Arts & Critical Thinking at Loras College. First-Year Summer Reading Packet
- Lammer-Heindel (2013). A Brief Introduction to Critical Reasoning & Effective Argumentation. Â (purchased at bookstore only)
- Swamped Packet (purchased at bookstore only)
- Patel, E. (2010). Acts of faith: The story of an American Muslim, in the struggle for the soul of a generation. Beacon Press.
- Le Couteur & Burreson (2003). Napoleon’s Buttons: 17 Molecules That Changed History. Penguin Group.
Grading
Students will be evaluated through a variety of writing assignments and activities. Â We will discuss specifics of each assignment in class. Â This is a weight each assignment will be given and a brief explanation.
- (10%) Liberal Arts Paper – Final draft of your Launch paper where you discuss your thoughts on freedom and how it relates to a liberal arts eduction.
- (10%) Essay Exam – Take home essay exam where you will respond to questions based on the common MOI readings.
- (3%) Information Literacy – Three activities related to researching and analyzing information. Â This will be done in conjunction with the library staff.
- (10%) Critical Thought Reflections – During the semester you will be asked to respond to our class discussion in writing.
- (20%) Argumentative Essay – A “Toulmin” style essay where you will write an argumentative, position paper.
- (15%) Group Process Reflections – Three reflections on the effectiveness and optimal strategies of working in groups.
- (7%) Discussion Leadership – Leadership of class discussion on reading topics.
- (10%) Molecule Presentation – Engaging oral presentation based on research of an new molecule intended to make a new chapter of the Napoleon’s Buttons book. Â This will be a team project.
- (15%) Molecule Chapter – Final paper that will be a new chapter for the Napoleon’s Buttons book. Â A significant portion of the course will be dedicated to the research and writing of this informative and engaging paper. Â This will be a large project and will be done as a team.
Most assignments above will be turned in as uploads to the course management site elearn.loras.edu. Â Due dates will be discussed in class and are on the Schedule below.
Schedule
Below is the tentative schedule for MOI.
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Please note the required Common Time Events as well as the class times.
- Campus Fest – September 8th
- Keynote Speaker, Eboo Patel – September 15th
- Majors fair – September 29th
- Cultural Fiesta – November 3rd
- Registration – November 10th
Course Policies
Please refer to the complete course syllabus for all course policies.