| Course Title: | Critical Thinking and Problem Solving |
|---|---|
| Course Number: | COLL148 |
| Course Description: | This course focuses on identifying and articulating skills needed for academic and professional success. Coursework provides instruction and practice in critical thinking and problem solving through analysis of critical reading and reasoning, as well as through examination of problem-solving methodologies. Students learn to work in teams, to identify and resolve problems, and to use research effectively to gather and evaluate relevant and useful information. |
| Course Prerequisites: | N/A |
Syllabus
Course Information
Course Specific Requirements
Enter content here, if necessary.
Textbooks and Resources
Required Textbooks
The following books are required for this course:
E-book Details
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Step 2: Register with VitalSource Bookshelf Online
- Click the cover or title of your eBook. A new window will open.
- Enter email address and password. Bookshelf Online will open.
Step 3: Access the Desktop and Mobile Versions
You must complete Step 2 prior to using the desktop or mobile versions.
Already Registered? 3 Ways to Access Your eBooks
Online
Access your eBook by clicking on the book cover or title in the syllabus page. Bookshelf Online will open.
Desktop
Download your eBooks and use them whether you're connected to the Internet or not.
Mobile
Download the app and get your eBooks on your iPhone, iPad, or Android device.
Campus Additional Information
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Terminal Course Objectives
DeVry University course content is constructed from curriculum guides developed for each course that are in alignment with specific Terminal Course Objectives. The Terminal Course Objectives (TCOs) define the learning objectives that the student will be required to comprehend and demonstrate by course completion. The TCOs that will be covered in detail each week can be found in the Objectives section for that particular week. Whenever possible, a reference will be made from a particular assignment or discussion back to the TCO that it emphasizes.
1
Given the need to demonstrate your strengths, skills, and assets, such as for application for academic scholarship or employment, assess your current strengths, skills, and assets and apply an appropriate development strategy to further sharpen these areas.
2
Given the results from a self-assessment instrument, analyze how personal strengths and opportunities for improvement align to one or more career paths.
3
Given a problem, such as one that is personal, interpersonal, ethical, or professional, identify the appropriate critical thinking and problem-solving approach in order to determine an effective solution.
4
Given the need to develop a personal brand, evaluate effective approaches to personal branding that are appropriate for an employment search and applicable across a range of media.
5
Given the concept of a “personal economy,” which includes education costs, employment income, family financial obligations and personal interests, assess available tools and identify the steps to create and implement a successful personal financial plan to achieve educational, career, and financial goals.
Lab Schedule
Week 1
None
Citrix
RKON
Skillsoft
Toolwire
WebServer
ACC COMAT
ACC NonCOMAT
CWP
EDUPE (MySQL)
Week 2
None
Citrix
RKON
Skillsoft
Toolwire
WebServer
ACC COMAT
ACC NonCOMAT
CWP
EDUPE (MySQL)
Week 3
None
Citrix
RKON
Skillsoft
Toolwire
WebServer
ACC COMAT
ACC NonCOMAT
CWP
EDUPE (MySQL)
Week 4
None
Citrix
RKON
Skillsoft
Toolwire
WebServer
ACC COMAT
ACC NonCOMAT
CWP
EDUPE (MySQL)
Week 5
None
Citrix
RKON
Skillsoft
Toolwire
WebServer
ACC COMAT
ACC NonCOMAT
CWP
EDUPE (MySQL)
Week 6
None
Citrix
RKON
Skillsoft
Toolwire
WebServer
ACC COMAT
ACC NonCOMAT
CWP
EDUPE (MySQL)
Week 7
None
Citrix
RKON
Skillsoft
Toolwire
WebServer
ACC COMAT
ACC NonCOMAT
CWP
EDUPE (MySQL)
Week 8
None
Citrix
RKON
Skillsoft
Toolwire
WebServer
ACC COMAT
ACC NonCOMAT
CWP
EDUPE (MySQL)
Course Schedule
| Week, TCOs, and Topics | Readings and Class Preparation | Activities and Assignments |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 TCO 2 Creating a Foundation | Chapter 1: Testing Your Savvy: Get Into Shape Chapter 5: Evaluating Your Skills Week 1 Lesson Live Lesson: Introduction to Course and Tips for Success | Skills Self-Assessment Assignment Graded Discussion Topics
|
| Week 2 TCO 4 Evaluating Resources | Chapter 7: Exploring Career Information: Expand Your Horizons Week 2 Lesson Live Lesson: Career Services | Time Management Assignment Graded Discussion Topics
|
| Week 3 TCO 1 Your Mental Outlook | Chapter 2: Building Your Career Success Profile: Discover Personal Power Week 3 Lesson | Stress Management Assignment Graded Discussion Topics
|
| Week 4 TCOs 3 and 5 Financial Literacy | Chapter 8: Developing Your Decision Making: Strategies for Your Game Plan Week 4 Lesson Live Lesson: Financial Literacy | Life Skills Lesson Assignment Graded Discussion Topics
|
| Week 5 TCO 4 Career-Ready Skills | Chapter 9: Targeting Your Job Search Week 5 Lesson Live Lesson: Library Resources | Informational Interview Assignment Graded Discussion Topics
|
| Week 6 TCO 1 Understanding Your Values | Chapter 3: Confirming Core Values Week 6 Lesson Live Lesson: How to Use the Self-Service Tools and LinkedIn to Expand Your Network | Personal Values Assignment Plan of Study Assignment Graded Discussion Topics
|
| Week 7 TCO 2 Your Personality and Your Interests | Chapter 4: Assessing Your Personality and Interests Week 7 Lesson | Personality and Interests Assignment Graded Discussion Topics
|
| Week 8 All TCOs | Professional Summary Assignment | |
Blended E-Learning
This course is an 8-week, intensive course that includes both classroom-based and e-learning activities. Your participation in both areas is essential to your success in this course. You should expect to spend time each week participating in the prescribed activities both before and after our class meeting.
Participation before, during, and after class meetings is critical to your success in this intensive environment.
To get the most out of our weekly class meetings, it is essential that you come to class prepared. The weekly readings listed in the Course Schedule will prepare you for class. Our class meetings, in turn, will prepare you for upcoming exams and assignments.
Through the DeVry e-learning platform, you will be able to
- review the Syllabus and weekly assignment information;
- submit completed work for grading;
- take quizzes and exams;
- obtain copies of class handouts and notes;
- e-mail the instructor and other students; and
- participate in online discussion of class material.
Due Dates for Assignments & Exams
Unless otherwise specified, the following applies.
- Access to most weeks begins on Sunday at 12:01 a.m. mountain time (MT).
- All assignments are to be submitted on or before Sunday at the end of the specified week that they are due, by 11:59 p.m. (MT).
- All quizzes and exams are to be completed on or before Sunday at the end of the specified week that they open, by 11:59 p.m. (MT).
Week 8 opens at 12:01 a.m. (MT) on the ending Sunday of Week 7. Any assignments or exams must be completed by 11:59 p.m. (MT) Saturday of the eighth week.
Due Dates for Assignments & Exams
All assignments, quizzes, and exams are to be completed per the schedule indicated by your instructor.
Assignment Values and Letter Grades
The maximum score in this class is 1,000 points. The categories, which contribute to your final grade, are weighted as follows.
| Assignment | Points | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Discussions (40 points, Weeks 1–7) | 280 | 28% |
| Quizzes Week 2: Career Services Quiz (60 points) Week 4: My Financial Future and Managing My Loans Quiz (60 points) Week 5: Library Resources and Academic Integrity Quiz (60 points) | 180 | 18% |
| Skills Self-Assessment (Week 1) | 40 | 4% |
| Time Management Assignment (Week 2) | 50 | 5% |
| Stress Management Assignment (Week 3) | 50 | 5% |
| Life Skills Lesson Assignment (Week 4) | 50 | 5% |
| Informational Interview Assignment (Week 5) | 100 | 10% |
| Plan of Study Assignment (Week 6) | 50 | 5% |
| Personal Values Assignment (Week 6) | 50 | 5% |
| Personality and Interests Assignment (Week 7) | 50 | 5% |
| Professional Summary Assignment (Week 8) | 100 | 10% |
| Total Points | 1,000 | 100% |
All of your course requirements are graded using points. At the end of the course, the points are converted to a letter grade using the scale in the table below.
Final grades are based on the percentage equivalent in the chart below and are not rounded to the next higher letter grade.
| Letter Grade | Points | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| A | 900–1,000 | 90% to 100% |
| B | 800–899 | 80% to 89.9% |
| C | 700–799 | 70% to 79.9% |
| D | 600–699 | 60% to 69.9% |
| F | 599 and below | Below 60% |
DeVry Graduate Academic Policy and Relevant Resources
DeVry Undergraduate Academic Policy and Relevant Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
When are grades calculated, and how can I view my grades?
- You must complete any quizzes and post your written assignments (if necessary) to the weekly Dropbox by Sunday 11:59 p.m. (MT) each week, except Week 8 which closes at 11:59 p.m. (MT) Saturday.
- Once your work is reviewed, you should see comments and total points for each assignment in the Gradebook. Instructors should have Discussion work graded by the following Tuesday and all other assignments by the following Friday.
- You may check your progress at any time by going to the Gradebook, selecting the week and then your name.
- Click on the points earned for each assignment in the Gradebook to see any instructor comments.
What should I do if a discrepancy is found with my grade?
- Double-check the error and try to determine what caused it.
- Send your instructor an email explaining your findings.
- Trust that any error in grading will be corrected quickly
What if I cannot get my work submitted on time?
- If you have an emergency that will cause your work to be late, please contact your instructor in advance of the due date so that arrangements can be made. Your instructor may reserve the right to deduct points for work turned in late based on the reason and the timeliness of notice.
- If a technical problem prevents you from meeting the scheduled due date, please contact the Help Desk at 1-800-594-2402 and immediately email your instructor about the situation.
How can I get extra credit?
Extra credit is not an option.
Questions and Concerns
Please feel free to contact me for help with coursework or other areas that may impact your progress. Here are some examples.
- Do you have general questions about attendance, deadlines regarding your courses, student financial aid, or other areas?
- Are you a member of the military service? Do you need to adjust your schedule due to active duty, or do you have questions about your GI Bill® benefits or have other unforeseen military and veteran-related issues that have developed?
- Do you need supplementary student assistance? Please let me know if you are having academic difficulty and would like an ADA accommodation. Although I can talk with you about getting assistance, an excellent point of contact is the Office of Student Disability Services. You can reach the Office by calling 877-496-9050, option 3, or by e-mailing adaofficer@devry.edu or adaofficer@keller.edu.
Regardless of your situation, please feel free to contact me for assistance in whatever area of concern you might have. I will do everything I can to assist you or put you in contact with University colleagues who are trained to assist you in whatever area of concern you might have.
"GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by the VA is available at the official U.S. government website: www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.”