Univ 1301 Experiencing Poverty

CRN 12048, 12056, 12055, 15304

Semester Term and Year: / Fall 2011
Professor: / Instructor: Teri Hibbert Office: Main 313
Office Hrs:by appt.
E-Mail:
Phone:747-5714
Course Description: / Through a collection of readings, we will explore the voice, the presence, and the perspective of the poor who live on the margins of society and are generally invisible to the rest of us. Goals are to bring the realities of the lives of the impoverished as close to the reader as possible and to get the reader to listen carefully to these voices of the poor to enhance their understanding (Eitzen 2003). Students will learn to use their sociological imagination when discussing, analyzing and writing about the readings. In addition, students will gain a deeper understanding of the problem of poverty in the United States. We will also assess and explore academic skills vital to college success.
Required Texts: / Experiencing Poverty. 2nd edition only Eitzen and Smith
Borders: CROSSING INTO YOUR FUTURE 3rd Edition only
Course Objectives: / Students will explore poverty in the U.S. using their critical thinking abilities and review study skills necessary for college.
Grading Breakdown: (exams, papers, etc.) / 10% Class participation/attendance
30% Essays/Study skills activities/ DISCOVER/etc.
15% Final Portfolio
10% Campus resources: Oral presentation and Powerpoint
10% Meetings (2) with instructor and peer leader
10% Library orientation/quizzes
5% Introductory assignment
5% Campus Event Written Report No. 1
5% Professor Interview
Teaching Method: / My approach in teaching any course including Univ 1301 is to allow the student to experience individual responsibility in the college environment. While we are here to teach about a particular topic in Sociology and provide information about UTEP and the academic skills necessary for college level work, it is the students’ personal responsibility to actively participate in the role of college student. The successful student comes to every class prepared, which means all assigned material has been read, any written assignments have been completed, and he/she is ready to engage in discussion of the readings/skills/activities in class. As the instructor, my responsibilities are to provide a positive learning environment, guide students through the semester with timely feedback about progress, and involve the peer leader with the class in an effective way. Students should feel comfortable in asking questions in person or through email
Brief Description of Course Content: / Students will complete all items on grade list including reading articles and completing essays, presenting campus resources, completing a variety of study skills activities.