Required:
Ostrander, R. (2009, 2012 Revised Edition). Why College Matters to God, Abilene Christian Press ISBN 9780891123231
Clifton, Anderson, Schreiner, StrengthsQuest
(2nd Edition), Gallup Press ISBN 9781595620118
OR
Purchase StrengthsQuest Access code and download text
as PDF file at
http://www.strengthsquest.com
You will need readily available and dependable access to the internet
and Microsoft compatible software throughout the duration of this course
and the program. You may also find the availability of a webcam and
headset helpful to you in this course and in other courses.
Location of Course Materials
All materials for the course are available in Blackboard via JBU Eaglenet. The Course Information section includes this syllabus, instructor name and contact information, a course calendar and term dates. The Weekly Assignments section includes all videos, readings, details about assignments, and assignment submission area.
Review the technology requirements for accessing online content for this
course:
Technology Requirements.
Communication with Students
All communication will take place via Blackboard either through the Announcements tool or through JBU e-mail. Please check this frequently.
COURSE DESCRIPTION, OUTCOMES, AND EXPECTATIONS
Course Description
Orientation to Learning prepares students to located and use resources available to learners, and introduces the Christian worldview unique to JBU. The distinctive characteristics of learners are explored, and students identify their individual strengths through the StrengthsQuest assessment instrument
Course Prerequisites
None
Course in Context
This course is an introduction to the unique characteristics of learners,
and how to successfully navigate and access resources. Each student will
also participate in activities designed to help them assess and understand
their own strengths in pursuing their individual educational and career
paths. The purpose and method of Christian higher education and the
distinctive mission of John Brown University will also be addressed, through
exploration of its history and foundational principles. This course must be
taken during the student’s first semester at JBU.
For more information and resources for online courses, visit the “Online
Orientation” page at: http://www.jbu.edu/online/online_orientation
Course Outcomes
Upon successful completion of Orientation to Learning, students will be able to:
Describe the history and mission of John Brown University and JBU’s
place in the modern Christian higher education movement
• Discuss the concept of Christian worldview and its relevance to JBU’s
philosophy of education
• Recognize the Christian doctrines of creation, fall, and redemption in
today’s world.
• Develop an awareness of the wide range of resources available to JBU
students
• Acquire a basic level of proficiency in the technology tools used in
the learning environment
• Discover the characteristics that make up a successful student and
create a personal plan for success
• Discuss the unique attributes of the learner
• Determine what is their individual preferred learning style
• Assess their own personal abilities through Strengths Quest
• Reflect on their results in Strengths Quest and how that knowledge
would assist them in educational, career and business settings
Course Requirements
| Assignments | Points |
| Discussion Board Posts | 310 |
| Assigned Papers (2 @ 45 pts.) | 90 |
| Quizzes (2 @ 20 pts.) | 40 |
| Final Exam | 60 |
| TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE | 495 |
Academic Expectations
Format for Academic Writing The JBU Online program utilizes APA- 6 th edition for academic writing. All writing assignments should conform as closely as practical to APA guidelines. Your instructor will address any questions you have on assignments.
Grading
Grading Scale
| Percentage | Grade | Percentage | Grade | Percentage | Grade |
| 93 - 100 | A | 80 - 82.99 | B- | 67 - 69.99 | D+ |
| 90 - 92.99 | A- | 77 - 79.99 | C+ | 60 - 66.99 | D |
| 87 - 89.99 | B+ | 73 - 76.99 | C | 0 - 59.99 | F |
| 83 - 86.99 | B | 70 - 72.99 | C- |
Grading Policy: Students are required to submit all assignments when due. Homework is designed to prepare students for class collaboration. On a case-by-case basis, instructors may accept late work for partial credit at their own discretion. If late work is accepted it is subject to a 10% reduction per day late. In no event shall homework be accepted for credit if it is not submitted within seven days of the original due date (before the next class meeting).
COURSE PROCEDURES AND POLICIES
"The schedule, policies, procedures, and assignments are subject to change at the instructor's discretion."
University Procedures and Policies
Several policies and procedures are effective for all JBU Online courses. Students are expected to know and adhere to these policies and procedures, which are detailed here: JBU Online Policies
Course Schedule
Refer to the Weekly Assignments’ pages in Blackboard for weekly assignments, due dates. What follows is an overview of the assignments and class schedule. Course Calendar